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Researchers Develop Miniature Functional Liver Models with Unprecedented Growth Rates
- Scientists at Keio University have developed miniature human adult hepatocyte organoids with advanced metabolic functions, representing a significant breakthrough in liver disease research and regenerative medicine.
- The liver's complexity has posed challenges in replicating its functions in vitro, with hepatocytes typically losing metabolic capabilities after a few weeks of culture.
- Using cryopreserved human hepatocytes and oncostatin M, the research team achieved unprecedented organoid proliferation and maintained viability for over three months.
- The organoids exhibited key liver functions such as glucose synthesis, urea secretion, and bile acid production, demonstrating metabolic activity comparable to in vivo hepatocytes.
- They also formed bile canaliculi-like structures, essential for modeling hepatobiliary diseases, and surpassed albumin secretion levels seen in existing culture systems.
- Oncostatin M was identified as a crucial factor in hepatocyte proliferation, offering new insights into liver biology and providing a pathway for creating functional liver tissue models.
- Transplanted into mice with liver impairment, the organoids successfully engrafted and restored liver functions, showing promise for regenerative therapies and overcoming donor organ scarcity.
- In drug testing, the organoids offered a consistent, renewable source of metabolically active liver cells, improving reliability in drug screening and disease modeling compared to traditional methods.
- The research also involved gene editing to replicate genetic liver disorders, highlighting the organoids' potential for studying rare inherited diseases with high fidelity.
- Further developments aim to enhance organoid complexity by incorporating additional cell types and increasing proliferative capacity for clinical applications.
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Bioengineer
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Early Rise of Blood Marker Signals Defective Neuronal Connections in Hereditary Alzheimer’s
- A recent study highlights beta-synuclein as a potential blood biomarker for detecting neuronal damage in hereditary Alzheimer’s disease up to eleven years before dementia symptoms appear.
- Beta-synuclein, released from deteriorating synapses, signifies early neuropathology, offering a pre-symptomatic diagnostic approach distinct from conventional methods.
- Detection of beta-synuclein levels, preceding dementia onset by approximately 11 years, presents an opportunity for early intervention in autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s cases.
- The protein’s association with synaptic vesicles makes it an ideal biomarker to reflect synaptic health and monitor neurodegeneration progression in real time.
- Beta-synuclein's role may extend to sporadic Alzheimer’s cases, providing a scalable diagnostic solution pending further validation in broader populations.
- Incorporating beta-synuclein into a multiplex biomarker panel could enhance diagnostic accuracy and enable personalized care in Alzheimer’s management.
- The non-invasive nature of blood-based biomarkers could revolutionize Alzheimer’s diagnostics, advancing routine screening and monitoring in diverse healthcare settings.
- This research signifies a shift towards interdisciplinary approaches, leveraging advanced proteomics, neuroimaging, and genetics for precision medicine in Alzheimer’s.
- Early detection through beta-synuclein measurement promises to transform Alzheimer’s management, potentially altering disease trajectories and improving outcomes.
- By introducing a novel diagnostic tool, this study holds promise for alleviating the burdens associated with Alzheimer’s disease on individuals and society at large.
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Bioengineer
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Study Finds Nature-Based Activities Effective in Treating Anxiety and Depression
- A study conducted in Humber and North Yorkshire, England, revealed the effectiveness of nature-based interventions in improving mental health conditions like anxiety and depression within 12 weeks.
- Green social prescribing involves recommending nature-based activities as supplementary treatments for mental health issues, encompassing horticulture, care farming, outdoor mindfulness, and more.
- The study assessed over 220 participants with mild to moderate mental health symptoms using evaluation metrics and found that longer engagements led to greater improvements in mood and anxiety levels.
- Nature-based activities showed comparable therapeutic benefits to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) within a similar or shorter timeframe, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and accessibility.
- Meaningful engagement with nature through activities like gardening and care farming enhances the psychological impact and fosters social bonds among participants.
- The study's diverse demographic representation across age groups and genders validates the universal applicability of green social prescribing, particularly benefiting low socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Increased investment in green social prescribing is advocated to bridge gaps in mental health resources, calling for the integration of green social prescribers within healthcare systems.
- Collaboration among academic, healthcare, and community organizations was pivotal in this research, showcasing the necessity of multi-sector partnerships for effective implementation.
- Green social prescribing not only improves individual mental health but also contributes to community environmental health, promoting a holistic approach to wellbeing and preventive care.
- Recognizing community organizations as essential stakeholders and providing them with adequate support is crucial for the sustainability and scalability of nature-based interventions in mental health care.
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Bioengineer
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SNMMI LBCA Fellowship for Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Research Awarded to Dr. Randy Ye by Mars Shot Fund
- Dr. Randy Yeh has been awarded a $100,000 research fellowship by the SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund and the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance for pioneering work in imaging invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).
- ILC is a challenging subtype of breast cancer, comprising 15% of diagnoses in the US with unique characteristics that evade easy detection through conventional methods.
- Current imaging techniques like CT scans and standard FDG PET scans often struggle to visualize ILC's dispersed, single-file growth pattern effectively.
- Dr. Yeh's research focuses on utilizing FAPI PET imaging, which targets fibroblast activation protein specific to cancer-associated fibroblasts in ILC.
- The study aims to compare FAPI PET with FDG PET in detecting metastatic ILC lesions to improve visualization and potentially impact treatment decisions.
- Beyond diagnosis, FAPI PET holds promise for targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy by selectively irradiating tumor-supporting fibroblasts.
- The collaboration between SNMMI, LBCA, and Mars Shot Fund showcases a patient-centered research approach to address the critical need for ILC-specific imaging tools.
- Dr. Yeh's expertise in cancer biology and molecular imaging positions him well to bridge translational research for improved patient outcomes.
- The research funded by SNMMI Mars Shot Research Fund seeks to revolutionize breast cancer care by advancing personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- If successful, FAPI PET imaging could set a new standard in ILC imaging, potentially influencing screening protocols and treatment customization globally.
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Bioengineer
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Chirality Drives Massive Charge Rectification in Superconductors
- Researchers have uncovered insights into electron behavior in chiral organic superconductors, revealing a nonreciprocal transport phenomenon linked to the Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity effect.
- The chiral organic superconductor κ-(BEDT-TTF)₂Cu(NCS)₂ exhibits a large nonreciprocal transport magnitude despite its composition of light elements, challenging existing theories.
- Chirality induces a coupling between an electron's spin and momentum, contributing to the CISS effect, which had previously posed challenges for measurement in bulk materials.
- Experiments on thin-film devices of κ-NCS showed a significant nonreciprocal signal surpassing that of inorganic superconductors, indicating a unique mechanism rooted in chirality.
- Theoretical advancements propose that chirality influences a mixing between spin-singlet and spin-triplet Cooper pairs, enhancing spin-orbit coupling interactions beyond standard predictions.
- The chiral organic material κ-NCS demonstrated a superconducting diode effect with an efficiency comparable to inorganic superconductors, hinting at practical applications in low-energy superconducting components.
- The study underscores the role of symmetry and molecular structure in manipulating spin-related quantum phenomena, opening avenues for advanced spintronic applications and quantum devices.
- The research provides a robust framework for understanding the CISS effect in organic molecules and offers new possibilities for dissipationless spin current channels and scalable quantum bits.
- The integration of chirality-inspired mechanisms in devices could lead to energy-efficient circuits, signal rectifiers, and spintronic components for quantum computing and electronic engineering.
- Published in PhysRev Research, this study challenges conventional limits of spin-charge interactions, highlighting the potential of chiral superconductors in reshaping electron transport in organic materials.
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Bioengineer
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Video Microscopy: Bright Future in Biology
- Video microscopy, an ancient technique, is making a comeback in modern biology by reshaping our understanding of cellular-level biological processes.
- This technology captures sequential live cell or organism images over time, offering real-time observation of dynamic biological phenomena.
- Early applications in embryology paved the way for observing living systems to decode molecular mechanisms in health and disease.
- Caenorhabditis elegans has been a celebrated model for video microscopy, revolutionizing developmental biology by visualizing cellular processes.
- Challenges include managing vast data volumes, leading to innovation in data compression and interpretation through computational pipelines.
- Integration of machine learning and AI automates cell tracking, benefiting high-throughput analyses and enhancing objectivity in studies.
- Advancements in camera technology mitigate phototoxicity risks during imaging, improving image quality and reducing damage to biological specimens.
- Multimodal video microscopy allows for simultaneous visualization of structural, functional, and molecular data, offering a comprehensive view of cellular behavior.
- In biomedical research, video microscopy aids in understanding diseases at the cellular level to guide precision medicine and optimize treatments.
- Ethical considerations regarding data privacy and responsible sharing are crucial as video microscopy generates extensive personal cellular data.
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AI Predicts Lung Nodule Infiltration Pre-Surgery
- A study published in BMC Cancer introduces a novel method that combines CT-based radiomics and neural networks to predict pulmonary ground-glass nodule infiltration pre-surgery.
- This approach aids in surgical planning and personalized treatment strategies, potentially improving outcomes for lung cancer patients.
- Pulmonary ground-glass nodules present challenges due to their diverse nature, making preoperative assessment crucial for guiding surgical decisions.
- The study utilized radiomics to analyze CT images and employed a neural network model to predict infiltration status.
- The model, incorporating 3D CNN and data augmentation, demonstrated strong predictive capabilities with high AUC values during evaluation.
- Implementation of this technology reduced surgical mismatch rates, benefiting patients by aligning treatment with GGN aggressiveness.
- This approach leverages widely available CT imaging, bypassing invasive procedures, and could democratize predictive analytics in healthcare.
- Model interpretability and integration into clinical workflows are areas for improvement to enhance clinician trust and adoption.
- The study's design enhances external validity, but further trials are needed to validate efficacy and safety in real-world settings.
- The integration of radiomics and neural networks holds promise for personalized oncologic surgery, enhancing patient outcomes.
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Novel Genomics Tool Speeds Up Biomedical Discoveries
- Dr. Nathan Sheffield and a global team have developed refget Sequence Collections, a data standard for organizing and sharing genomic data, aiming to enhance medical discoveries.
- The standard tackles the inconsistency in naming and referencing reference sequences, crucial for genomic research, and promises to streamline data interpretation.
- Refget Sequence Collections assigns unique identifiers to groups of reference sequences, eliminating manual verification and facilitating comparison across studies.
- The tool automates tracking of reference sequences, freeing researchers to focus on data interpretation, supported by stable identifiers for sequence collections.
- International collaboration played a key role in developing the standard, which not only enhances computational convenience but also improves clinical research outcomes.
- The standard aligns with GA4GH's principles of ethical genomic data expansion, ensuring privacy and security in data sharing.
- It offers cryptographic hashing techniques for unique and immutable identifiers, promoting widespread adoption and integration into analytic frameworks.
- The standard's impact extends to epigenomic research, enabling better integration of genomic and epigenomic datasets for comprehensive biological insights.
- It is expected to benefit large-scale genome sequencing projects, population genetics, and comparative genomics by reducing bottlenecks in data tagging and fostering scientific communication and innovation.
- Overall, refget Sequence Collections marks a significant step in genomic informatics, promising accelerated discoveries and improved understanding of human health and disease.
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Bioengineer
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Trial Combines Binimetinib and Crizotinib in RAS-Driven Colorectal Cancer
- A Phase Ia/b trial called MErCuRIC evaluated combined MEK1/2 and MET pathway inhibition in patients with RAS mutant colorectal cancer, highlighting challenges in targeting RAS mutations.
- RAS mutations, especially in KRAS, play a crucial role in colorectal cancer progression, with limited effective therapies due to feedback mechanisms supporting tumor growth.
- The trial focused on the RAS/MEK pathway and MET signaling as potential survival pathways, aiming to overcome MEK inhibition by targeting both pathways simultaneously.
- Binimetinib and crizotinib were used in the trial, with dose escalation establishing the maximum tolerated dose and dose expansion focusing on patients with RAS mutant metastatic colorectal cancer.
- Toxicities, including hepatotoxicity and fatigue, were prominent, indicating challenges in tolerability with the binimetinib and crizotinib combination.
- Despite effective target pathway engagement, adverse events like rash, fatigue, and diarrhea were common, and objective tumor responses were limited, with only stable disease observed in some patients.
- Notable findings included the subgroup of patients with MET 'super-expression,' raising questions about the predictive value of MET overexpression in guiding MET inhibitor use.
- Circulating tumor DNA analyses showed a correlation between high baseline RAS mutant allele frequencies and shorter overall survival, emphasizing the impact of tumor burden on outcomes.
- The study highlights the complexities of RAS mutant colorectal cancer therapy, the need for biomarker-driven patient selection, and the importance of unraveling resistance mechanisms.
- While facing challenges in toxicity and limited efficacy, the trial underscores the ongoing efforts to develop innovative therapies for RAS mutant colorectal cancer.
- In conclusion, the MErCuRIC trial contributes to advancing treatment strategies for RAS mutant colorectal cancer, emphasizing the critical role of precise molecular characterization in guiding therapeutic decisions.
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Bioengineer
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Advancing Clean Energy: Capturing Power from Falling Rainwater
- Scientists have developed a groundbreaking method to generate electricity from falling rainwater using plug flow dynamics in a polymer tube, overcoming traditional efficiency limitations in water-based energy harvesting systems.
- This technique leverages triboelectricity, where electrical charge is produced when water interacts with certain surfaces, to convert the mechanical energy of raindrops into usable electrical power.
- By utilizing a vertical polymer-coated tube with discrete water plugs separated by air pockets, the system creates intensified charge separations, allowing for significant electrical potential accumulation beyond the Debye length.
- In experiments, the setup demonstrated a conversion efficiency of over 10% of the water's gravitational potential energy into electrical energy, outperforming traditional continuous flow devices by almost 100,000 times.
- Scaling the mechanism with multiple tubes showed multiplicative effects in energy generation, enabling the continuous powering of LEDs for practical applications, hinting at decentralized energy solutions.
- The plug flow system presents a sustainable alternative to traditional hydroelectric power plants, offering simplicity, scalability, and ease of integration with existing water collection systems at a lower cost.
- This innovation challenges prior efficiency constraints in electrokinetic energy harvesting by engineering hydrodynamics and interfacial properties, opening possibilities for applications beyond rainwater energy generation.
- By tapping into freely available rainwater as a constant resource, this technology aligns with global sustainability goals and contributes to the shift towards renewable energy sources, marking a significant milestone in environmental impact.
- The collaboration between fundamental science and applied engineering showcased in this study exemplifies how interdisciplinary efforts can drive advancements in renewable energy innovation and address the urgency to reduce carbon emissions.
- In conclusion, the breakthrough in generating electricity from falling rainwater through plug flow signifies a key achievement, blending physical chemistry insights with practical engineering to deliver a renewable energy solution with profound societal and environmental implications.
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Modeling Protein Structures Key to Memory Formation
- The intricate mechanisms underlying memory formation at the synaptic level involve proteins like CaMKII, studied through computational modeling of protein structures.
- Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays a crucial role in the formation of protein condensates governing memory consolidation through multilayered structures.
- Computational studies by Dr. Vikas Pandey's team reveal the significance of CaMKII's structural traits in forming stable protein droplets essential for synaptic function.
- The architecture of CaMKII enables persistent activation of signaling pathways crucial for synaptic plasticity, influencing learning and memory processes.
- Understanding the molecular underpinnings of memory formation opens avenues for pharmacological interventions targeting synaptic proteins like CaMKII.
- Computational modeling aids in exploring how mutations in synaptic proteins affect condensate stability, offering insights into neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Multiphase condensates' role extends beyond neuroscience, impacting diverse biological processes and offering potential applications in biotechnology and medicine.
- Integration of computational modeling with experimental biology accelerates discovery in understanding complex biological phenomena like protein condensation at synapses.
- The research on synaptic condensates provides a blueprint for enhancing memory and combating cognitive decline by manipulating protein assemblies.
- By elucidating CaMKII's role in protein condensation, this study advances the comprehension of memory's molecular infrastructure and brain function.
- The interdisciplinary approach combining biophysics, computational science, and molecular biology signifies the future of neuroscience research in unraveling brain mysteries.
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Ultrafast Multivalley Optical Switching in Germanium Advances High-Speed Computing and Communications
- Researchers have achieved ultrafast multivalley optical switching in germanium using a single-color pulsed laser, allowing dynamic control over material transparency across multiple wavelengths simultaneously.
- This breakthrough addresses limitations in traditional optical switching materials, offering transformative applications in high-speed data transmission and photonic devices.
- The study explores germanium's electronic band structure, leveraging its multivalley characteristics to enable ultrafast optical modulation across different spectral regions.
- By using femtosecond laser excitation, the researchers induced sub-picosecond switching transitions in germanium's optical transparency through intravalley and intervalley scattering mechanisms.
- The research integrates theoretical modeling to understand the complex carrier dynamics responsible for transient optical properties in germanium, revealing critical energy splits that govern intervalley scattering efficiency.
- The multicolor switching capability through a single excitation wavelength simplifies optical modulation, promising advancements in photonic integrated circuits and optical communication speed and efficiency.
- The implications span optical communications and computing, offering higher data throughput, lower latency, enhanced security, and reduced energy consumption compared to electronic processes.
- Integrating ultrafast optical switches on-chip with germanium aligns with trends in silicon-compatible materials, facilitating the development of efficient photonic computing platforms.
- The research exemplifies successful international collaboration, combining experimental and theoretical expertise to address challenges in multivalley optical phenomena and advance optical material science.
- This milestone in achieving multicolor, ultrafast optical switching in germanium signifies progress towards responsive, energy-efficient optical components crucial for future information society infrastructure.
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Key Genes Linked to Breast Cancer Brain Spread
- A recent study published in BMC Cancer has revealed key genetic factors influencing breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM), shedding light on the role of the gene CASP8.
- By leveraging comprehensive genomic datasets and clinical cohorts, researchers identified CASP8 as a critical player in breast cancer dissemination to the brain, a complication associated with poor patient outcomes.
- Metastasis of breast cancer to the brain is a significant challenge that decreases survival rates, and the genetic mechanisms behind this process have been elusive.
- The study utilized data from the FinnGen R11 cohort and the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project, employing Transcriptome-Wide Association Study (TWAS) approaches to identify novel gene candidates linked to breast cancer progression.
- Analytical tools like UTMOST, MAGMA, and FUSION were used to detect genes associated with breast cancer and brain metastasis, with CASP8 emerging as a noteworthy candidate.
- The study revealed CASP8's distinct expression profile in brain tissues and its potential causal relationship with breast cancer brain metastasis, highlighting its role in tumor progression.
- Cross-validation in external clinical cohorts confirmed CASP8's relevance, paving the way for potential therapeutic strategies targeting BCBM.
- The integration of multi-omics data and sophisticated analytical frameworks showcased the power of understanding the genetic basis of cancer metastasis.
- Tissue-specific analyses were crucial in identifying actionable biomarkers and molecular targets, offering potential for personalized treatment approaches.
- The study underscores the importance of further research on CASP8 regulation and its impact on tumor-microenvironment dynamics for therapeutic advancements.
- This research marks a significant step towards understanding and combating breast cancer brain metastasis, with implications extending to the broader field of precision oncology.
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Innovative Approach for Administering Cell Therapies to Critically Ill Patients on External Lung Support
- A team in Spain has developed the Consecutive Intrabronchial Administration (CIBA) method for administering stem cell therapies to ECMO-supported critically ill patients with lung issues.
- ECMO, an advanced life support system, makes traditional intravenous cell infusions difficult, but CIBA delivers stem cells directly to the lungs without hindering ECMO function.
- The method uses bronchoscopy to target pulmonary alveoli with Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells that possess regenerative and immunomodulatory properties.
- In a first case application on a critically ill child, the CIBA method was well-tolerated and led to extubation within 72 hours, showcasing its potential clinical benefits.
- The research aims to explore repeated dosing and long-term efficacy, providing a promising avenue for future clinical trials and expanded use.
- CIBA represents a fusion of pulmonology, bioengineering, and cell therapy, requiring precise control over cell delivery to avoid complications.
- By avoiding patent protection, the team intends to promote rapid adoption of CIBA in public healthcare systems globally, emphasizing equitable access to innovative treatments.
- The application of MSCs directly in the lungs postulates localized effects that can aid in mitigating lung damage and promoting tissue repair, especially in end-stage lung diseases.
- Clinical trials will be crucial to validate CIBA's effectiveness, optimize dosing, and assess safety for potential future use in adult patients and various lung conditions.
- The CIBA technique signals a shift towards integrating regenerative medicine into critical care settings, offering hope for improved outcomes in individuals facing respiratory failure.
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Bioengineer
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Your cells can listen to this news headline.
- A study from Kyoto University reveals that human cells can perceive sound, challenging traditional beliefs and expanding understanding of cellular sensory perception.
- Researchers exposed cultured cells to controlled acoustic waves, finding approximately 190 genes sensitive to sound modulation and uncovering various cellular activities affected by sound stimulation.
- Sound was shown to suppress adipocyte differentiation, offering potential implications for biomedical research by suggesting sound as a non-invasive method to influence cellular processes.
- The study elucidated how acoustic stimulation alters cell adhesion properties and signal transduction pathways, outlining a new mechanistic framework for understanding cellular responses to sound waves.
- This research indicates a paradigm shift in perceiving sound, extending into cellular realms and proposing sound as a safe and effective tool in influencing cellular behavior for therapeutic purposes.
- By linking acoustic waves to gene expression modulation, the study enriches the field of mechanobiology and demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry bridging physics, biology, and medicine.
- Future explorations aim to understand how diverse cell types respond to acoustic stimulation and how tailored acoustic signals could impact regeneration, pathological cell differentiation, and immune responses.
- The implications of cellular acoustics extend beyond human health, potentially influencing developmental biology, neurobiology, and ecological interactions, unveiling an intriguing frontier in scientific research.
- Published in Communications Biology, this research, supported by Japanese funding bodies, highlights that cells actively engage with their acoustic environments, paving the way for innovative applications in health and science.
- This groundbreaking study suggests a transformative perspective where cells translate sound stimuli into biological processes, hinting at a future where sound waves can be utilized to enhance cellular function and promote health.
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