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Gut Microbiome’s Role in Cancer and Therapy
- The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in cancer development and treatment outcomes, influencing tumorigenesis and therapeutic responses.
- Microbial dysbiosis, disruptions in gut flora composition, can drive chronic inflammation, alter metabolic pathways, and modulate immune surveillance, promoting malignant transformation.
- The gut microbiome influences drug metabolism, toxicity, and efficacy in cancer therapy, impacting chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted agents.
- Specific bacteria in the gut correlate with patient responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors, suggesting a potential for microbial profiling as predictive biomarkers.
- Microbial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids influence host immunity and tumor biology, shaping oncological outcomes.
- Certain bacterial species, such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, are linked to improved treatment responses, while pathogenic species can dampen efficacy.
- Microbiome-targeted strategies through dietary interventions, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation show promise in modulating gut flora for better clinical outcomes.
- Challenges remain in understanding the microbiome's impact on cancer treatment, requiring standardized frameworks and integrative approaches for personalized therapeutics.
- Technological advances like metagenomic sequencing and single-cell analysis offer insights into how microbes interact with the tumor microenvironment, aiding in microbiome-based interventions.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced analytics are crucial in unraveling complex microbiome-cancer interactions and revolutionizing precision oncology.
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Bioengineer
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Demand-Side Policies Slash Emissions in Buildings, Transport
- A new study emphasizes the effectiveness of demand-side policies in reducing emissions from buildings and transport, complementing traditional supply-side interventions.
- By influencing consumer behavior, urban planning, and technologies, demand-side measures offer significant opportunities for emissions reduction in energy-intensive sectors.
- The integration of behavioral economics with energy modeling enhances the predictive accuracy of emission trajectories under different policy scenarios.
- Demand-side interventions in buildings include adjusting temperature settings, improving insulation, and implementing demand response programs for energy efficiency.
- In transport, strategies like promoting public transport electrification and active travel infrastructure help reduce emissions and optimize energy consumption.
- Early deployment of demand-side policies is crucial to avoid locking in high-carbon infrastructure and facilitate smoother transitions towards net-zero emissions.
- Challenges such as behavioral inertia and socioeconomic disparities need to be addressed to ensure the effectiveness and inclusivity of demand-side policies.
- Scenario analysis indicates that ambitious demand reduction strategies can lead to substantial emission cuts of 30-40% in buildings and transport combined by mid-century.
- Demand-side policies also enhance resilience in energy systems by reducing overall demand and mitigating price volatility and supply constraints.
- The study advocates for a balanced approach combining supply- and demand-side measures and stresses the importance of coordination across governance levels for effective action.
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Bioengineer
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Biotechnology Breakthroughs in Plastic Depolymerization Process
- The urgent global concern over plastic pollution has necessitated sustainable solutions for plastic waste management, leading to advancements in biotechnology and enzyme engineering for plastic depolymerization.
- Biotechnological approaches involve enzymatic breakdown of plastic polymers into monomers for repurposing, offering a more efficient and sustainable recycling method compared to mechanical processes.
- PET, a commonly used polyester, has been a focal point for enzymatic recycling advancements, with ester hydrolases enabling the recovery of pristine monomers for manufacturing high-quality PET.
- Challenges exist for recalcitrant plastics like polyolefins and polystyrene, necessitating hybrid chemical and biological strategies for effective recycling.
- Chemo-biotechnological approaches combine initial chemical deconstruction with microbial systems to metabolize plastic intermediates into valuable products, promoting circular economy principles.
- Designing microbial cell factories using synthetic biology tools enhances plastic waste conversion efficiencies and product yields, facilitating a transition to high-value biochemicals.
- Enzyme engineering efforts, including the discovery of novel enzymes, expand the capability for depolymerizing a wide range of plastic types beyond polyesters.
- Biotechnological plastic depolymerization not only mitigates waste but also reduces carbon footprints, offering renewable sources of chemical building blocks and operating under environmentally friendly conditions.
- Scaling up biotechnological processes for industrial use faces challenges such as enzyme cost and integration with existing infrastructure, but ongoing research and collaborations show promise for commercial deployment.
- The societal acceptance and regulatory landscape will play a crucial role in determining the success of biotechnological plastic recycling, requiring transparent communication and collaborative efforts.
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Mapping Human and Mouse Fat Tissue at Single-Cell Level
- Scientists from the Human Cell Atlas Adipose Bionetwork have created a single-cell atlas of adipose tissue in both humans and mice, shedding light on its complexity and cellular diversity.
- The atlas provides a detailed landscape of adipose tissue, highlighting various cell types, dynamic states, and functional aspects at a single-cell resolution.
- This groundbreaking work published in Nature Metabolism sets a new standard for the interpretation of adipose tissue data and taxonomy.
- The atlas reveals the heterogeneity of adipocytes and the distinct functions of adipose tissue depots, aiding in the understanding of metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
- By comparing human and mouse adipose biology, the atlas bridges species differences, facilitating translational research and better mouse models.
- A collaborative effort from experts in various fields, the atlas establishes guidelines for best practices in single-cell data production, ensuring data consistency and reproducibility.
- The resource also lays a foundation for personalized therapies targeting adipose tissue, offering insights into adipose progenitor dynamics and molecular signatures for precision medicine approaches.
- The integration of multi-omics and single-cell technologies in this atlas showcases the complexity of adipose cellular phenotypes and emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to studying adipose tissue biology.
- Overall, this consensus-driven atlas transforms the view of adipose tissue from a mere fat storage depot to a crucial organ influencing metabolic homeostasis, inflammation, and energy balance.
- It opens avenues for future research to explore the impact of lifestyle, genetics, and the environment on adipose tissue function, with the goal of developing innovative diagnostics and targeted therapies for metabolic diseases.
- The initiative stands as a pivotal advancement in understanding metabolic disease, offering a roadmap for ongoing research that may revolutionize how fat and its role in human health are perceived.
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Bioengineer
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How Structure and Coverage Shape Catalyst Reactivity
- Adsorbate coverage on catalyst surfaces induces dynamic structural transformations, impacting catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability under realistic conditions.
- Inaccurate static models are being replaced by computational methodologies integrating machine learning to capture the complexities of surface chemistry and reactivity.
- Machine learning accelerates catalyst modeling by exploring atomic configurations at practical scales and predicting adsorbate behaviors.
- Adsorbate coverage triggers local and global structural changes in nanoparticles, altering active site availability and electronic properties.
- Hybrid approaches combining quantum mechanics and machine learning offer insights into structural motifs favoring reactivity.
- The future requires AI-integrated catalytic models, robust informatics infrastructure, and synergistic collaborations between computational and experimental approaches.
- Advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques provide crucial validation for computational predictions of catalyst behavior.
- Achieving predictive control over adsorbate coverage effects remains a challenge, necessitating innovation and interdisciplinary cooperation.
- The integration of diverse expertise in surface science, computational chemistry, and materials characterization is vital for catalytic advancements.
- Mastering adsorbate-induced phenomena holds promise for revolutionizing industrial processes and achieving sustainable chemical manufacturing.
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Bioengineer
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Rapid Renewable Deployment Stabilizes European Electricity Prices
- The rapid deployment of renewable energy technologies in Europe is stabilizing electricity prices, as highlighted in a study by Navia Simon and Diaz Anadon published in Nature Energy.
- Renewables' near-zero marginal costs once installed lead to shifts in electricity price formation mechanisms, reducing price volatility.
- The study shows that regions with faster renewable deployment experience significant reductions in price volatility across various timescales.
- Renewables help dampen fossil fuel price shocks on the market, enhancing price stability by displacing traditional fuel sources.
- Daily predictability of renewable supply, seasonal complementarity, and long-term investments in renewable infrastructure contribute to price stabilization.
- Faster deployment of renewables encourages investments in storage, grid modernization, and demand-response technologies, improving grid balance and reducing price volatility.
- Enhanced cross-border interconnections in European electricity markets allow surplus renewable generation to be shared, mitigating localized price spikes.
- Stable electricity prices offer economic benefits, lowering operational risks and uncertainties for industrial actors and stimulating investment in green technologies.
- The study advocates for policies that accelerate renewables deployment, remove barriers, and promote innovation in energy storage and grid enhancements.
- Rapid renewable deployment enhances Europe's energy security, reduces import dependencies, and enables stable energy transitions with minimized disruptions.
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Bioengineer
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Bacterial Microcompartments Boost Bilophila Gut Colonization
- A recent study published in Nature Communications delves into the metabolic and molecular strategies employed by Bilophila wadsworthia for gut colonization, shedding light on bacterial microcompartments and energy metabolism's crucial role.
- The research focuses on how bacterial microcompartments aid in optimizing biochemical reactions essential for energy generation, facilitating B. wadsworthia's survival in the competitive gut environment.
- Despite being a minor gut microbiota member, B. wadsworthia's influence on intestinal inflammation makes it a target for therapeutic interventions, with advanced tools revealing its adaptive metabolic processes.
- Specific metabolic pathways within microcompartments enable B. wadsworthia to metabolize sulfur-containing compounds efficiently, giving it a competitive edge in sulfur-rich gut environments during dysbiosis.
- The study highlights how B. wadsworthia harnesses electron acceptors for ATP production, sustains cellular functions in nutrient-limited conditions, and underscores the significance of microcompartment integrity for bacterial colonization.
- Insights into bacterial microcompartment formation and function through advanced imaging techniques showcase the complexity of microbial organization and its impact on metabolic efficiency in the gut.
- B. wadsworthia's sulfur metabolism produces hydrogen sulfide, exhibiting dual roles in gut homeostasis maintenance and potential inflammation exacerbation, emphasizing the bacterium's contextual influence on host health.
- The study's findings not only broaden understanding of microbial colonization mechanisms but also offer targets for therapeutic interventions aiming to modulate dysbiosis and combat gut-related diseases with precise approaches.
- By disrupting microbial microcompartments or inhibiting key enzymatic steps in B. wadsworthia, tailored therapies could selectively target pathogenic colonization while preserving symbiotic relationships in the gut microbiota.
- This research extends beyond B. wadsworthia, prompting exploration of bacterial microcompartments across the microbiome to uncover universal principles governing microbial ecology, potentially revolutionizing microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
- The study's multidisciplinary methodology exemplifies the future of microbiome research, where comprehensive approaches reveal hidden facets of microbial life, setting a standard for uncovering complex host-microbe interactions.
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Bioengineer
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Scaling Up High-Capacity Battery Electrodes
- Researchers are focusing on upscaling high-areal-capacity electrode sheets to achieve cost competitiveness and improve battery performance beyond active materials chemistry.
- The study by Kim et al. emphasizes the importance of electrode design, manufacturing processes, and cell-level performance in high-capacity battery electrodes.
- Historically, battery research concentrated on active materials, neglecting cell architecture and manufacturability, hindering practical applications of high-energy batteries.
- Thicker electrodes offer higher energy density per area but pose challenges in fabrication such as uniform coating maintenance and energy consumption.
- Kim et al.'s study integrates roll-to-roll manufacturing with material chemistry to optimize slurry casting and dry coating methods for thick electrodes.
- Reengineering materials like binders and active powders is crucial to support thicker architectures and maintain electrode integrity and performance.
- Increasing electrode thickness enhances energy density, as demonstrated in the study through prototype cell trials with optimized thick electrodes.
- Energy consumption during electrode fabrication is a critical consideration, and strategies to mitigate processing energy and costs are explored.
- Scalability considerations highlight the importance of quality control parameters in electrode production and addressing environmental sustainability in manufacturing processes.
- The study underscores the need for holistic approaches that combine materials innovation and scalable fabrication techniques to reduce battery production costs and improve energy storage efficiency.
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Bioengineer
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Reviving Acetylene as a Key Chemical Building Block
- Acetylene, once a cornerstone of the chemical industry, faded with the rise of petroleum-derived alternatives but now shows signs of resurgence.
- Global economic pressures and environmental concerns are prompting a reevaluation of acetylene's potential as a competitive feedstock.
- Recent studies explore sustainable acetylene production using biochar and highlight reduced environmental impacts and enhanced economic feasibility.
- Acetylene plays a significant role in vinyl chloride monomer production, accounting for a third of global output, despite its carbon-intensive nature.
- The unique reactivity of acetylene opens doors for synthesizing polymers, specialty chemicals, and pharmaceuticals beyond PVC production.
- Challenges like its flammability and explosive properties have hindered acetylene research, but efforts are underway to modernize its utilization and safety protocols.
- Techno-economic assessments, considering carbon pricing mechanisms, position acetylene as a valuable chemical asset balancing profitability and sustainability.
- The resurgence of acetylene aligns with shifting economic conditions and technological progress, emphasizing the importance of innovation and sustainability in chemical manufacturing.
- Collaborative efforts involving academia, industry, and policymakers are crucial for accelerating technology development and deployment in the acetylene sector.
- This resurgence of acetylene signifies a shift towards sustainable chemical production aligned with modern environmental imperatives, expanding its applications across industries.
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Bioengineer
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UC Davis Clinical Trial Identifies Biomarkers Key to Treating Aggressive Prostate Cancer
- A Phase 2 clinical trial at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center explores new strategies for treating aggressive prostate cancer using the PARP inhibitor niraparib.
- The trial focused on men with high-risk prostate cancer and genetic mutations in DNA repair pathways, aiming to personalize treatment and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Despite limited tumor shrinkage, the study highlighted the complex nature of aggressive prostate cancer and the potential of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis as a biomarker.
- Through ctDNA profiling, researchers hope to identify patients who would benefit from targeted neoadjuvant therapies like PARP inhibition.
- The variability in patient responses underscores the need for tailored interventions in prostate cancer management, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
- The trial's data provides insights into treatment resistance mechanisms and tumor adaptation, paving the way for novel therapeutic targets and strategies.
- The integration of genomic sequencing and ctDNA monitoring offers a blueprint for precision medicine in managing solid tumors with DNA repair deficiencies.
- Future studies will focus on refining PARP inhibitor use in early-stage prostate cancer, optimal dosing, combination therapies, and incorporating ctDNA dynamics into clinical decision-making.
- The collaboration between UC Davis scientists and industry partners like Janssen Pharmaceuticals highlights the importance of industry support in advancing oncologic research.
- These advancements in precision medicine offer hope for improved outcomes in aggressive prostate cancer and set a precedent for personalized care based on tumor biology.
- The study's findings herald a new era in understanding prostate cancer's complexity, showcasing the potential of translational research to overcome treatment resistance and provide tailored care.
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Bioengineer
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CircSLC22A3 Blocks ESCC Spread via m6A Pathway
- Researchers discover the critical role of circSLC22A3, a circular RNA, in inhibiting the invasive and metastatic behavior of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). ESCC is challenging to treat due to its aggressive nature and early metastasis, leading to poor clinical outcomes globally.
- The study elucidates how circSLC22A3 modulates ESCC progression through dual pathways, offering potential therapeutic targets for intervention. Non-coding RNAs, specifically circRNAs, play significant roles in cancer biology, with circSLC22A3 emerging as a crucial regulator in ESCC malignancy.
- Transcriptome sequencing and quantitative PCR reveal decreased circSLC22A3 expression in ESCC tissues, validating its circular nature and subcellular localization. Functional assays demonstrate that restoring circSLC22A3 expression suppresses ESCC cell migration and invasion, highlighting its tumor suppressor capabilities.
- circSLC22A3 acts as a molecular sponge for miR-19b-3p, inhibiting TRAK2 expression and limiting cancer cell dissemination. Moreover, through interactions with IGF2BP1, circSLC22A3 destabilizes ACSBG1 mRNA, affecting lipid metabolic pathways relevant to cancer cell proliferation.
- The study delineates a dual-axis tumor suppressive mechanism of circSLC22A3, involving intracellular trafficking constraints and disruption of pro-metastatic lipid metabolic signaling. Low circSLC22A3 levels correlate with aggressive ESCC phenotypes and poor patient prognosis, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
- The research emphasizes the importance of circSLC22A3 in suppressing ESCC invasion and metastasis through miRNA sponging and m^6A-mediated mRNA regulation. Insights from this study offer novel avenues for anti-cancer strategies and highlight the significance of non-coding RNAs in tumor control.
- Clinical relevance is underscored by tissue microarray analyses linking low circSLC22A3 levels to aggressive tumors and poor prognosis. The study sets a benchmark for investigating circRNAs in cancer and demonstrates the power of epigenetic and post-transcriptional networks in malignancy.
- The comprehensive methodology employed in the study integrates transcriptomics, molecular biology, and clinical correlations, advancing understanding of circRNAs in cancer biology. CircSLC22A3 emerges as a potent inhibitor of ESCC progression, offering promise for precision medicine approaches in treating this challenging cancer.
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Bioengineer
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Ultrapotent Single-Domain Antibodies Clamp SARS Spike
- Researchers have developed ultrapotent single-domain antibodies that neutralize the SARS coronavirus by targeting a vulnerable region on the viral spike protein, preventing infection and overcoming mutation-driven escape mechanisms.
- These antibodies focus on a conserved locus at the spike's base, clamping it to impede viral fusion with host cells, offering potential therapeutics for current and future coronavirus outbreaks.
- Derived from camelids, single-domain antibodies have unique structural stability, enabling them to access hidden epitopes and bind tightly to the spike protein at low concentrations.
- By targeting a more conserved region at the spike's base, these antibodies exhibit broad-spectrum efficacy against different SARS coronavirus strains, showing promise for pan-coronavirus therapeutics.
- Structural biology techniques reveal how the antibodies bind to the spike, preventing the transition to a fusion-active conformation and neutralizing viral infectivity at a molecular level.
- Preclinical models demonstrate the antibodies' efficacy in prophylactic and therapeutic settings, reducing viral loads and disease progression, offering dual functionality in pandemic scenarios.
- These antibodies may also have diagnostic potential, aiding in sensitive detection of coronaviruses in clinical samples to enhance surveillance efforts.
- Challenges remain in humanizing the antibodies, safety profiling, and exploring combination therapies, but their potential as powerful antiviral agents is significant for future pandemic responses.
- This research highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing innovative therapeutics that target viral entry mechanisms to combat pandemic threats effectively.
- The groundbreaking antibodies not only offer a potent tool in neutralizing coronaviruses but also pave the way for transformative solutions with profound health impacts in the ongoing battle against viral pathogens.
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Mechanically Sensitive MAPK Drives Muscle Growth After Resistance
- Recent research highlights the crucial role of mechanically sensitive MAPK signaling in driving muscle growth in response to resistance exercise.
- MAPK cascade plays a pivotal role in converting mechanical stimuli into molecular signals that induce muscle hypertrophy.
- The study by Bodine and Goodman showcases how mechanical load activates MAPK pathway components during resistance training, leading to gene expression changes essential for muscle enlargement.
- Activation of classical MAPKs (ERK1/2, JNK, p38) is both rapid and sustained in response to mechanical loading, showing sensitivity to strain intensity.
- Mechanically sensitive MAPKs integrate signals from various mechanotransducers, allowing precise modulation of muscle growth based on mechanical stimuli quality.
- MAPK signaling enhances expression of genes involved in protein synthesis pathways and structural proteins, facilitating muscle hypertrophy.
- Transient, cyclical activation of MAPKs post-resistance training is crucial for sustained muscle growth, while chronic activation may lead to maladaptive changes.
- The study explores the interplay between MAPK signaling and anabolic pathways, emphasizing the need for balanced cross-talk for efficient muscle hypertrophy.
- Identification of mechanically sensitive MAPK signaling opens doors for potential therapeutic interventions targeting muscle atrophy and customized resistance training protocols.
- Understanding MAPK signaling's role not only enhances muscle health but also provides insights into evolutionary muscle plasticity and implications for age-related muscle conditions.
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Mastering Catalyst Shifts to Enhance Reactor Performance
- Metal nanoparticle catalysts exhibit dynamic structural transformations in response to varying chemical environments, influencing catalytic performance and reactor design.
- A recent Perspective in Nature Chemical Engineering by Wang et al. explores the relationship between catalyst dynamics and reactor optimization in industrial chemistry.
- Dynamic rearrangements in metal nanoparticles, including alterations in shape, size, and composition, can impact catalytic activity either positively or negatively.
- Changes in reaction conditions trigger structural fluxes in metal nanoparticles, affecting active site distributions and catalytic performance.
- Support materials play a crucial role in modulating catalyst dynamics by participating in electronic coupling and morphology stabilization.
- Real-time catalyst monitoring and adaptation of process parameters are essential for reactor design, moving away from static approaches to dynamic catalyst management.
- In situ and operando characterization techniques like ETEM and AP-XPS provide insights into nanoparticle restructuring during catalysis, aiding in reactor upgrades.
- Mastering catalyst dynamics can lead to self-regenerating systems, countering catalyst deactivation and reducing operational costs in industrial catalysis.
- Advanced control strategies and sensor technologies are crucial for integrating dynamic catalyst management in industrial reactors for optimal performance.
- The study emphasizes the role of theoretical modeling and computational simulations in predicting and designing catalysts and reactor conditions for desired transformations.
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Central Banks Tackling Climate and Transition Risks
- Climate change poses challenges to global financial stability, impacting central banks' traditional roles.
- Central banks face two main dimensions of climate risk: physical risks and transition risks.
- Managing climate risks requires adapting regulatory frameworks and stress testing methodologies.
- Quantifying and integrating climate risks into financial models presents a significant challenge for central banks.
- Collaboration among central banks is crucial to address climate risks consistently across jurisdictions.
- Monetary policy can drive the transition to sustainable finance by favoring green investments.
- Regulatory roles of central banks influence corporate behavior through climate risk disclosure expectations.
- Central banks must navigate macroeconomic impacts of the green transition while ensuring inclusive growth.
- Capacity building and knowledge exchange are vital for central banks to tackle climate risks effectively.
- Enhancing data quality and availability is essential for accurate climate risk assessment by central banks.
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