1.Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota Influencing Reproductive Function via The Gut-Gonadal Axis
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG ; Xu-Qi HU ; Meng-Ting WANG ; Hai-Guang MAO ; Qiu-Zhen SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1152-1164
Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.
2.Clinical trial of halperidol combined with ondansetron in postoperative controlled intravenous analgesia
Zhen-Yong CHENG ; Er-Wei GU ; Hong XIE ; Xiao-Yan WANG ; Bo HU ; Long-Ni CHENG ; Fei YANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(5):649-653
Objective To investigate the efficacy of flupentixol combined with ondansetron in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)in patients receiving sufentanil and dezocine patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA).Methods Surgical patients receiving sufentanil and dezocine PCIA were randomly divided into treatment and control groups using a random number table.The control group received sufentanil 150 μg,dezocine 20 mg,and ondansetron 8 mg for PCIA,while the treatment group received sufentanil 150 μg,dezocine 20 mg,flupentixol 5 mg,and ondansetron 8 mg for PCIA.The incidence of PONV,severity of PONV,heart rate(HR),mean arterial pressure(MAP),blood oxygen saturation(SPO2)levels at different time points after surgery,surgery-related indicators,visual analogue scale(VAS)scores,Ramsay scores,PCIA pressing times,and incidence of adverse drug reactions were compared between the two groups.Results The incidence of PONV in the treatment group and the control group at 2,12,24,36 and 48 hours after surgery were 1.64%,4.84%,6.56%,3.28%,0 and 14.75%,18.03%,19.67%,16.39%,9.84%,respectively.The HR at 24 hours after surgery in the treatment group and the control group were(91.42±8.75)and(98.13±9.62)beat·min-1,respectively;the MAP were(91.98±4.56)and(99.05±4.17)mmHg;SPO2 were(98.13±1.65)%and(98.95±1.82)%;VAS scores were 2.68±0.49 and 2.97±0.63;Ramsay scores were 2.27±0.65 and 2.05±0.32;PCIA pressing times were(2.14±0.37)and(4.36±0.78)times,respectively.The differences in the above indicators between the treatment group and the control group were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The incidence of total adverse drug reactions after surgery in the treatment group and the control group were 13.12%and 8.20%,respectively,with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).Conclusion Flupentixol combined with ondansetron can reduce the risk of PONV caused by sufentanil combined with dezocine PCIA after surgery,ensuring good analgesic effects and safety.
3.Method development and validation for testing the concentration of anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody in serum based on ELISA
Zhen-Xiang HU ; Li-Xiu HE ; Bo WANG ; Xi CHEN ; Gui-Li LIU ; Yu-Min QIN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1642-1645
Objective To establish an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method for testing the concentration of a monoclonal antibody target tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in animal serum.Methods The critical parameters of the method including coating concentration of human TNF-α,source,concentration and stability of HRP-labeled goat anti-human immunoglobulin G(IgG)were investigated.The specificity,accuracy,precision,linearity and Limited of Determination of the method were investigated.Results The critical parameters of the method were confirmed as below:TNF-α was coated at 400 ng·mL-1;HRP labeled goat anti-human IgG antibody was diluted at 1:3.0 ×105;the diluted horseradish peroxidase labeled goat anti-human IgG antibody is well stored at 4 ℃ for 3 days.Meanwhile the method was confirmed to have good specificity,the recovery rate ranged from 84.00%to 106.82%,the coefficient of variation of different antibody concentration levels were no more than 10%;the method had a good linearity and the standard curve was y=(-8.37×103-2.37 × 106)/[1+(x/29.80)106]+2.37 × 106(R2=0.999);the limit of quantification was 1 ng·mL-1,all of which met the requirements.Conclusion A accurate and robust ELISA method was developed to test the concentration of anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody in serum.
4.Expressions of zinc homeostasis proteins,GPR39 and ANO1 mRNA in the sperm of asthenozoospermia patients and their clinical significance
Chun HE ; Fang-Fang DAI ; Jun-Sheng LIU ; Ya-Song GENG ; Jun-Xia ZHOU ; Yi-Zhen HU ; Bo ZHENG ; Shu-Song WANG
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(1):18-25
Objective:To explore the expressions of zinc homeostasis-related proteins,G protein-coupled receptor 39(GPR39)and ANO1 mRNA in the sperm of patients with asthenozoospermia(AS),and analyze their correlation with sperm motility.Methods:We collected semen samples from 82 male subjects with PR+NP<40%,PR<32%and sperm concentration>15 × 106/ml(the AS group,n=40)or PR+NP≥40%,PR≥32%and sperm concentration>15 × 106/ml(the normal control group,n=42).We analyzed the routine semen parameters and measured the zinc content in the seminal plasma using the computer-assisted sperm analysis system,detected the expressions of zinc transporters(ZIP13,ZIP8 and ZNT10),metallothioneins(MT1G,MT1 and MTF),GPR39,and calcium-dependent chloride channel protein(ANO1)in the sperm by real-time quantitative PCR(RT qPCR),examined free zinc distribution in the sperm by laser confocal microscopy,and determined the expressions of GPR39 and MT1 proteins in the sperm by immunofluorescence staining,followed by Spearman rank correlation analysis of their correlation with semen parameters.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the zinc concentration in the seminal plasma between the AS and normal control groups(P>0.05).Compared with the controls,the AS patients showed a significantly reduced free zinc level(P<0.05),relative expressions of MT1G,MTF,ZIP13,GPR39 and ANO1 mRNA(P<0.05),and that of the GPR39 protein in the AS group(P<0.05).No statistically significant differences were observed in the relative expression levels of ZIP8,ZNT10 and MT1 mRNA between the two groups(P>0.05).The relative expression levels of GPR39,ANO1,MT1G and MTF mRNA were positively correlated with sperm motility and the percentage of progressively motile sperm(P<0.05).Conclusion:The expressions of zinc homeostasis proteins(MT1G,MTF and ZIP13),GPR39 and ANO1 mRNA are downregulated in the sperm of asthenozoospermia pa-tients,and positively correlated with sperm motility.
5.A multi-center epidemiological study on pneumococcal meningitis in children from 2019 to 2020
Cai-Yun WANG ; Hong-Mei XU ; Gang LIU ; Jing LIU ; Hui YU ; Bi-Quan CHEN ; Guo ZHENG ; Min SHU ; Li-Jun DU ; Zhi-Wei XU ; Li-Su HUANG ; Hai-Bo LI ; Dong WANG ; Song-Ting BAI ; Qing-Wen SHAN ; Chun-Hui ZHU ; Jian-Mei TIAN ; Jian-Hua HAO ; Ai-Wei LIN ; Dao-Jiong LIN ; Jin-Zhun WU ; Xin-Hua ZHANG ; Qing CAO ; Zhong-Bin TAO ; Yuan CHEN ; Guo-Long ZHU ; Ping XUE ; Zheng-Zhen TANG ; Xue-Wen SU ; Zheng-Hai QU ; Shi-Yong ZHAO ; Lin PANG ; Hui-Ling DENG ; Sai-Nan SHU ; Ying-Hu CHEN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(2):131-138
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]
6.Association between MTHFR c.677C>T variant and erectile dysfunction among males attending fertility clinic.
Shun BAI ; Ming-Zhen LI ; Yang-Yang WAN ; Xue-Chun HU ; Yi-Xun LIU ; Xian-Hong TONG ; Tong-Hang GUO ; Lu ZONG ; Ran LIU ; Yuan-Qi ZHAO ; Ping XIANG ; Bo XU ; Xiao-Hua JIANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2023;26(1):41-45
Genetic risk factors have been shown to contribute to the development of sexual dysfunction. However, the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variants in the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) remains unclear. In this study, we recruited 1254 participants who underwent ED assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5. The MTHFR c.677C>T variant was also measured by fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No significant difference in the genotypic frequency of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism (CC, CT, and TT) was observed between men from the ED and non-ED groups. In addition, on binary logistic regression analysis, both crude and adjusted models showed that the risk of ED was not significantly associated with the C677T polymorphism. Interestingly, a significantly higher frequency of the 677TT polymorphism was found in severe and moderate ED (P = 0.02). The positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and severe ED was confirmed by logistic regression analysis, even after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-5.50, P = 0.02). These findings suggest a positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and the risk of severe ED. Identification of MTHFR gene polymorphisms may provide complementary information for ED patients during routine clinical diagnosis.
7. Study on protective effect of Shenqi Fuzheng injection on immune myocarditis injury induced by anti-PD-1 antibody
Qian LIU ; Wen-Cong GAO ; Xin MA ; Chang-Bo ZHENG ; Jia-Ming YANG ; Hai-Bin HUANG ; Zhen-Xiang HU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2023;39(10):1980-1987
Aim To investigate the effeot of Shenqi Fuzheng injection on the prevention of immune myocarditis induced by anti-PD-1 antibody by reducing the production of inflammatory factors and the expression of myocardial injury markers. Methods Thirty-two maie PD-1 humanized mice with C57BL/6 genetic background were randomly divided into control group, myocarditis model group, anti-PD-1 antibody group and Shenqi Fuzheng injection group (n = 8). Except the control group, mice in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with myocardial myosin heavy chain peptide (5 mg • kg
8.Impact of COVID-19 epidemic on inventory of red blood cells in local and municipal blood stations in China
Weina CHEN ; Jianling ZHONG ; Yueping DING ; Weizhen LYU ; Jian ZHANG ; Lin BAO ; Feng YAN ; Li LI ; Dexu CHU ; Guanlin HU ; Ruijuan YANG ; Bo LI ; Xiaofeng ZHEN ; Youhua SHEN ; Wen ZHANG ; Jie YANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yunfei LI ; Liang BAI ; Ning LI ; Yian LIANG ; Lili ZHU ; Qingsong YUAN ; Qingjie MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2023;36(10):903-906
【Objective】 To evaluate and analyze the impact of COVID-19 epidemic on inventory of red blood cells (RBCs)in local and municipal blood stations in China, and to provide reference for the management of public health emergencies. 【Methods】 Relevant data from 2018 to 2021 were collected, and the differences in the volume of qualified RBCs, the usage efficiency of inventory RBCs, the average daily distribution of RBCs,the blood distribution rate of RBCs prepared by 400 mL whole blood, the difference in the average storage days of RBCs at the time of distribution, the average daily inventory of RBCs and the time of the average daily inventory of RBCs to maintain the distribution in 24 local and municipal blood stations in China during the COVID-19 epidemic and non-epidemic periods were retrospectively analyzed. 【Results】 Compared with non-epidemic periods, the volume of qualified RBCs [(117 525.979 ±52 203.175)U] and the average daily distribution of RBCs [( 156. 468 ± 70. 186) U ] increased significantly, but the usage efficiency of inventory RBCs decreased(97.24%±0.51%) significantly (P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the blood distribution rate of RBCs prepared by 400 mL whole blood(73.88%±20.30%), the average storage days of RBCs distribution(13.040 ±3.486), the average daily stock quantity of RBCs[(2 280.542 ±1 446.538) U ] and the time of the average daily inventory of RBCs to maintain the distribution[(15.062 ±7.453) d] (P>0.5). 【Conclusion】 During the COVID-19 epidemic, the inventory management of RBCs operated well, the overall inventory remained relatively stable, the stock composition and storage period showed no significant change.
9.Clinical Features and Outcomes of the Patients with B-Cell Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disease in the New Drug Era.
Cheng-Bo XU ; Min HU ; Jian-Zhen SHEN ; Hua-Qin XU ; Rui-Ji ZHENG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2023;31(3):722-729
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the clinical characteristics of the patients with B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disease(B-CLPD) in the new drug era and the effect of new drug treatment on efficacy and survival.
METHODS:
The clinical and laboratory data of 200 cases B-CLPD patients diagnosed between April 2015 and August 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical efficacy and survival of the patients under different treatments including Bruton tyrosine kinase(BTK) inhibitors, rituximab, and chemotherapy alone were analyzed. The prognostic factors affecting the survival of patients were analyzed by univarite analysis and multivariate analysis.
RESULTS:
There were 119 male(59.5%) and 81 female(40.5%) in 200 cases B-CLPD patients, the sex ratio(male/female) was 1.5∶1 with median age of 61(30- 91) years old. The distribution of subtypes were as fallows: 51 cases (25.5%) of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma(CLL/SLL), 64(32.0%) cases of follicular lymphoma(FL), 40(20.0%) cases mantle cell lymphoma(MCL), 30(15.0%) cases of marginal zone lymphoma(MZL), 10(5%) cases of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/waldenstrom macroglobulinemia(LPL/WM), 5(2.5%) cases of B cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders unclassified(B-CLPD-U) . The main clinical manifestation of 102 patients was lymph node enlargement, 32 cases were complicated with B symptoms. Among CLL/SLL patients, there were 12(23.5%) cases in Binet A and 39(76.5%) cases in Binet B/C. There were 29 patients(20.9%) in Ann Arbor or Lugano stage I-II and 110 cases(79.1%) in stage III-IV of other subtypes. The complete remission(CR) rate was 43.1%(25/58), 40.2%(39/97), 7.1%(1/14), and overaIl response rate(ORR) was 87.9%(51/58), 62.9%(61/97), 28.6%(4/14) in the groups of BTK inhibitors, rituximab-based therapy, and chemotherapy alone. The 3-year OS rate and PFS rate in all patients was 79.2% and 72.4% respectively. The 3-year OS rate of patient with MZL, CLL/SLL, FL,WM was 94.7%, 87.7%, 86.8% and 83.3% respectively, while the 3-year OS rate of MCL was only 40.6%, which was significantly lower than other subtypes. The median OS of patients treated with BTK inhibitors and rituximab-based therapy was 20.5 and 18.5 months respectively, and the 3-year OS rate was 97.4% and 90.7%. However, the median PFS of patients receiving chemotherapy alone was 4 months, and the 1-year OS rate was 52.7%, which was statistically significant compared with the other two groups(P<0.05). Univarite analysis showed that anemia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, elevated β2-microglobulin, and splenomegaly were the poor prognostic factors for OS(P<0.05), elevated lactate dehydrogenase was also poor prognostic factors for PFS(P<0.05). Multifactor analysis showed that anemia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase were the independent poor prognostic factors for survival(P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The clinical features of B-CLPD was various, anemia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase are the prognostic factors for poor survival. BTK inhibitors and new immunotherapy can improve the survival and prognosis of patients in the new drug era.
Humans
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Adult
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Female
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Rituximab/therapeutic use*
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Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy*
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Retrospective Studies
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Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell
;
Prognosis
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Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone
;
Lactate Dehydrogenases
10.Drug resistance and genomic characteristics of a strain of O139 Vibrio cholerae isolated from human bloodstream infection.
Yang LI ; Bo PANG ; Xiao Li DU ; Jin Rui HU ; Zhen Peng LI ; Yan Ying CHEN ; Yao WANG ; Zhi Gang CUI ; Hai Jian ZHOU ; Biao KAN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;57():93-100
Objective: To analyze the drug resistance and genomic characteristics of a strain of serogroup O139 Vibrio cholerae producing cholera toxin isolated from the bloodstream of a person with bacteremia. Methods: The broth dilution method and automatic drug sensitivity analyzer were used to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of the strain. The complete genome sequence of the strain was obtained by using second-generation gene sequencing and nanopore sequencing. BLAST software was used for comparison and analysis with CARD, Resfinder, ISfinder, VFDB, and other databases. The drug-resistant genes, insertion sequences and virulence genes carried by the strain were identified. MEGA 5.1 software was used to construct a genetic phylogenetic tree based on the core genomic single nucleotide polymorphisms. Results: V. cholerae SH400, as the toxigenic strain, carried multiple virulence-related genes and four virulence islands. The strain was resistant to streptomycin, tetracycline and cotrimoxazole, carrying corresponding drug-resistant genes. The strain also carried IncA/C plasmid with the size of 172914 bp and contained 10 drug-resistant genes. Combined with the genomic evolutionary relationship, this study found that the drug-resistant genes and drug-resistant plasmids carried among strains showed certain aggregation. The traditional ST type of strain SH400 was ST69, and the cgMLST type was a new type highly similar to cgST-252. Conclusion: This strain of serogroup O139 V. cholerae carries the ctxAB gene, multiple drug-resistant genes and IncA/C plasmid, and there are multiple drug-resistant islands.

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