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Ragon Institute Study Reveals How Specific Antibodies Combat Tuberculosis
- A study by the Ragon Institute delves into the role of antibodies in combating Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), offering new insights for therapeutic interventions and vaccine development against tuberculosis (TB).
- The research challenges the conventional understanding by demonstrating that specific antibodies can directly influence bacterial growth within infected tissues, even targeting internal Mtb components.
- Utilizing a vast monoclonal antibody library, the study revealed that certain antibodies effectively reduce bacterial burden, emphasizing the crucial role of functional antibody responses in controlling TB infection.
- In particular, antibodies against lipoarabinomannan (LAM) showed promise in recruiting innate immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages to suppress bacterial proliferation within pulmonary tissue.
- The study highlighted the interplay between antibody Fab and Fc domains, emphasizing the importance of optimizing both for enhanced efficacy against intracellular pathogens like Mtb.
- These findings have significant implications for future TB vaccine design, suggesting the potential for next-generation vaccines that harness robust humoral responses to engage innate immunity effectively.
- Moreover, the strategy of engineering monoclonal antibodies to modulate innate immune functions could be extended to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections beyond TB.
- The scalability of the antibody discovery platform used in the study provides a powerful framework for rapid identification and optimization of antibody candidates, expediting countermeasure development against emergent bacterial threats.
- The research sheds light on how antibody engagement reshapes immune cell phenotypes during infection, offering a nuanced understanding of host-pathogen interactions and potential biomarkers for evaluating immune responses in clinical settings.
- In conclusion, this groundbreaking research from the Ragon Institute underscores the pivotal role of antibodies in innate immunity modulation against Mtb, paving the way for novel treatments and vaccines addressing TB and other resistant bacterial infections.
- Key Points: Antibodies directly modulate bacterial growth in TB, specific antibodies influence internal Mtb components, enhancing antibody efficacy against Mtb, potential for next-gen vaccines targeting TB, monoclonal antibody strategy for tackling antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Bioengineer
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Regular Breast Cancer Screening Significantly Improves Patient Outcomes
- A study in Radiology: Imaging Cancer reveals the impact of breast cancer detection methods on patient outcomes.
- Routine screening mammography shows significantly improved clinical prognoses compared to symptom-based detection.
- Early breast cancer detection is crucial for successful treatment, as demonstrated by the retrospective analysis of 821 cases in 2016.
- Screening-detected cancers are often diagnosed at earlier stages, leading to better treatment options and improved survival rates.
- Symptom-detected cases, on the other hand, tend to be more advanced at diagnosis, necessitating aggressive treatments.
- Women aged 40-49 and those over 75 had higher rates of symptom-detected cases, indicating gaps in screening coverage.
- Routine mammography reduces advanced-stage disease, lessens mastectomy needs, and lowers mortality risk compared to symptom detection.
- Screening provides earlier interventions, reducing mortality risk by 63% compared to symptom-detected cases.
- Authors suggest lowering screening age thresholds to 40 and individualized strategies for older age groups to enhance outcomes.
- The study highlights the importance of early detection and optimizing screening protocols for improved breast cancer survival globally.
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Bioengineer
1w
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How Can We Combat Burnout Among Primary Care Physicians?
- Primary care physicians are facing increasing burnout due to a surge in digital communications, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Research from the University of Michigan highlights strategies to address the digital overload and its impact on healthcare providers.
- Female physicians experience a higher burden from managing digital messages, leading to increased burnout rates.
- Innovation like 'Portal Asynchronous Care Effort' scheduling slots shows promising results in reducing burnout and improving well-being.
- Team-based communication frameworks have led to a significant decrease in message volume per physician, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- These interventions aim to optimize workflow, reduce burnout, and improve the quality of patient care in primary care settings.
- By addressing gender-specific experiences and implementing structured scheduling, healthcare systems can protect their primary care workforce from burnout.
- Interventions like protected messaging time and team-based message management can enhance staff morale while maintaining high patient care standards.
- The University of Michigan's research provides a blueprint for healthcare institutions to combat burnout and improve digital communication practices.
- Implementing evidence-based strategies can help primary care providers remain engaged, effective, and resilient in delivering compassionate care.
- These findings signify the importance of addressing digital communication challenges to sustain the future of healthcare delivery and support clinician well-being.
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Bioengineer
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Decoding Human Tuberculosis Lesion Transcriptome Insights
- Researchers have conducted a groundbreaking study to analyze the transcriptome of human tuberculosis lesions, providing crucial insights into the disease.
- The study, published in Nature Communications, employed advanced technologies to map the molecular dialogues within granulomatous lesions in human lungs.
- By analyzing the complete set of RNA transcripts within these lesions, researchers uncovered dynamic molecular patterns that influence disease progression and host-pathogen interactions.
- The research differentiated gene expression signatures between infected and bystander cells, offering potential biomarkers for disease states and therapeutic targets for disrupting TB pathophysiology.
- Host immune pathways identified in the study showed a balance between protective and pathological responses, highlighting the complexities of immune regulation in tuberculosis lesions.
- Insights into Mycobacterium tuberculosis gene expression within lesions revealed adaptive strategies that could be targeted to disrupt bacterial dormancy and enhance antibiotic efficacy.
- The study also unveiled molecular signatures indicating lesion heterogeneity, suggesting the need for personalized therapeutic approaches to address individual variations in lesion composition.
- The detailed molecular atlas of TB lesions provides a resource for biomarker discovery, improving diagnostics, treatment monitoring, and outcome prediction.
- The research paves the way for identifying novel drug targets to combat TB, potentially shortening therapy durations and reducing the risk of drug resistance.
- By integrating laser microdissection, RNA sequencing, and advanced bioinformatics, this study exemplifies a transformative approach in infectious disease research.
- The collaborative effort of multidisciplinary teams highlights the importance of merging cutting-edge technology with clinical expertise to advance our understanding of tuberculosis and improve patient care.
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Bioengineer
1w
406
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S-Ketamine Eases Post-Chemo Pain in Children
- Groundbreaking study reveals efficacy of S-ketamine in managing post-chemo pain in children undergoing surgery.
- Chemotherapy alters neurophysiological pathways, leading to heightened pain sensitivity post-surgery in pediatric patients.
- S-ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, modulates pain perception in children with prior chemotherapy exposure.
- Clinical trial shows S-ketamine reduces postoperative pain scores and opioid-related adverse effects in children.
- S-ketamine counteracts neuroinflammatory cascades and rebalances neurotransmission disrupted by chemotherapy.
- Research indicates S-ketamine's potential in neuroprotection and modulation of pain pathways in pediatric oncology patients.
- Study emphasizes personalized anesthesia for pediatric patients based on individual neurochemistry and pain phenotypes.
- S-ketamine's targeted modulation of pain amplification mechanisms offers a paradigm shift in analgesic drug development.
- Investigation underscores the significance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in advancing pediatric pain management.
- Emphasis on cautious optimism, long-term safety data, and larger trials to validate S-ketamine's efficacy and dosing in diverse populations.
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Bioengineer
1w
352
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Triple Therapy Significantly Enhances Survival in BRAF V600E-Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer, ASCO Reports
- The Phase III BREAKWATER trial introduces a groundbreaking triplet regimen for treating BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer, significantly enhancing survival outcomes.
- Combining encorafenib, cetuximab, and mFOLFOX6, the innovative therapy showed a median overall survival of 30.3 months, doubling that of standard chemotherapy.
- Patients on the triplet combination had a noticeable improvement in progression-free survival, living without disease progression for a median of 12.8 months.
- The regimen demonstrated a 47% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death, heralding a paradigm shift in first-line therapeutic strategies for this aggressive cancer subtype.
- While more than half of patients experienced manageable Grade 3 or higher adverse events, the therapy's balance of efficacy and tolerability offers renewed hope for patients.
- The results underscore the importance of molecular profiling in colorectal cancer management, guiding targeted therapy selection for improved outcomes.
- The trial's success points to a transformative potential in precision oncology, emphasizing the role of targeted therapeutics in enhancing survival and quality of life.
- Future directions aim to optimize adverse event management, explore combination strategies with immunotherapeutics, and advance understanding of tumor biology through molecular analyses.
- The collaboration between academia and industry, with Pfizer Inc. sponsoring the study, highlights the synergy driving clinical advancements in oncology.
- The breakthrough triplet therapy sets a new standard for treating BRAF V600E-mutated colorectal cancer, offering unprecedented clinical benefits and paving the way for further advancements in precision medicine.
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Bioengineer
1w
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Adiponectin, Leptin’s Impact on Colorectal Cancer
- A recent meta-analysis explores the roles of adiponectin and leptin in colorectal cancer, shedding light on their impact on tumor development and progression.
- The study, published in BMC Cancer, analyzed data from 30 studies to elucidate the correlation between circulating levels of these adipokines and colorectal malignancies.
- Elevated adiponectin levels were inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk, showing a 15% reduction in CRC incidence, particularly pronounced in males.
- In contrast, leptin did not show a significant link to colorectal cancer risk overall, but higher levels were associated with increased risk of colorectal adenomas.
- The study suggests that adiponectin may play a more protective role in established colorectal cancers rather than in the initiation phase.
- Adjusting for factors like BMI and insulin levels strengthened the inverse relationship between adiponectin and CRC risk.
- The findings propose measuring serum adiponectin levels as a biomarker for personalized colorectal cancer risk assessment and potential therapeutic interventions targeting adipokine signaling.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the biological mechanisms of adiponectin and leptin in colorectal carcinogenesis and explore sex-specific and inflammatory influences.
- Understanding the interplay of adipokines with inflammatory networks could offer insights into interrupting pro-tumorigenic cycles and advancing personalized medicine approaches in colorectal cancer.
- The study underscores the complexity of colorectal cancer and highlights the importance of considering adipokine profiles in comprehensive patient evaluations for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
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Bioengineer
1w
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Ordovician Charophyceae Reveal Land Plant Origins
- Recent research has unveiled marine Charophyceae fossils from the Late Ordovician period, challenging previous beliefs about the environments in which these algae evolved.
- The discovery of Tarimochara miraclensis in northwestern China dates back to 453-449 million years ago, providing early evidence of Charophyceae in marine settings.
- These fossils exhibit morphological traits aligning closely with modern Charophyceae, offering insights into the evolutionary pathways to terrestrial plant life.
- The existence of Tarimochara suggests that crucial features for land plant origins may have evolved in marine environments before transitioning to terrestrial habitats.
- The adaptive traits honed by Charophyceae in marine settings may have facilitated the colonization of terrestrial ecosystems.
- The study challenges traditional views by proposing marine influences on early plant evolution rather than solely freshwater environments.
- The findings prompt a reevaluation of how plant terrestrialization processes unfolded, emphasizing the role of marine habitats in preadaptive evolution.
- The integration of fossil evidence and molecular phylogenetics enriches our understanding of plant evolutionary history and divergence times between lineages.
- This discovery reshapes paradigms around land plant origins and highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in deciphering Earth's biological history.
- Tarimochara miraclensis represents a crucial advancement in our knowledge of early plant evolution, inviting further exploration of ancient life forms.
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Bioengineer
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Punctate White Matter Lesions Predict Cerebral Palsy
- A recent study published in Pediatric Research explores the severity of punctate white matter lesions (PWMLs) in preterm infants and their association with cerebral palsy prediction, shedding light on vital insights for clinical practice and early intervention.
- Preterm birth poses significant challenges in neonatal care, with white matter injury, including PWMLs, being a critical concern due to its impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- The study meticulously analyzed PWML severity in preterm infants using advanced neuroimaging techniques, correlating the findings with prenatal and perinatal factors to predict the development of cerebral palsy.
- Identification of antecedent factors, such as intrauterine infections and cerebral blood flow fluctuations, highlighted the complex pathways that contribute to the vulnerability of white matter in preterm infants.
- Infants with extensive or numerous PWMLs showed a significant correlation with an increased risk of cerebral palsy, underscoring the importance of early MRI screening for improved prognostic accuracy.
- The study emphasized the significance of using high-resolution MRI for precise lesion mapping, facilitating tailored care strategies based on individual lesion burden and characteristics.
- This research challenges previous notions by revealing the heterogeneity in PWML pathology, emphasizing the need for refined diagnostic criteria and personalized intervention strategies.
- By identifying high-risk infants through lesion severity assessments, medical professionals can optimize neuroprotective therapies and early interventions to enhance long-term outcomes for affected children.
- The study also delves into the biological mechanisms underlying white matter vulnerability, suggesting potential future therapeutic targets for neonatal neuroprotection.
- Despite acknowledging limitations in generalizability, the findings advocate for further validation through larger trials, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and holistic risk stratification models.
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Bioengineer
1w
352
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Diverse OPA1 Mutation Effects in Dominant Optic Atrophy
- A recent study has unveiled diverse pathophysiological mechanisms of OPA1 mutations in autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA), shedding light on the complexities underlying retinal ganglion cell degeneration.
- OPA1 gene mutations are known to cause optic nerve atrophy in ADOA by impacting mitochondrial fusion, cristae integrity, and energy metabolism.
- The study differentiates between loss-of-function mutations impairing fusion and gain-of-function mutations inducing mitochondrial fragmentation and bioenergetic disruptions.
- Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to visualize mitochondrial dynamics and quantify changes in morphology caused by specific OPA1 mutations.
- Mutant OPA1 proteins lead to either fragmented mitochondria or compromised fusion, impacting cellular functions like respiration and ATP production.
- Distinct alterations in stress response and apoptotic signaling were found depending on the type of OPA1 mutation, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
- Insights from this study could guide tailored therapeutic interventions, such as enhancing fusion in loss-of-function cases and inhibiting fission in gain-of-function mutations.
- The implications of this research extend beyond ADOA, providing key insights into mitochondrial biology relevant to a range of neurodegenerative conditions.
- The study emphasizes the importance of identifying mutation-specific biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy in ADOA patients.
- Targeting mitochondrial dynamics could offer promising therapeutic avenues for mitigating cellular stress and preventing retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in optic neuropathies.
- While the study contributes significantly to understanding OPA1 mutation mechanisms, validations in animal models and further clinical trials are essential for translating these findings into tangible treatments.
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Bioengineer
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Scientists Discover New Factor Influencing Plant Leaf Aging
- A discovery from Osaka Metropolitan University reveals that a mutation enhancing disease resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana accelerates its leaf aging.
- The study focused on the ADF protein family and found mutant ADF plants exhibited earlier leaf senescence, notably in dark conditions.
- Leaf senescence involves chlorophyll degradation leading to yellowing and abscission, with mutant ADF plants displaying premature chlorosis.
- ADF proteins act as promoters of disease resistance and regulators of leaf aging, highlighting a delicate balance in plant survival strategies.
- These proteins modulate actin filaments, influencing immune responses and senescence pathways that impact leaf yellowing and cell death.
- Understanding ADF function could aid in breeding crop varieties with enhanced disease resistance and longevity, benefiting agriculture.
- The study elucidates resource allocation trade-offs in plants, where immune responses can expedite senescence via hormonal alterations.
- By studying ADFs in Arabidopsis thaliana, insights can be extrapolated to improve crop resilience and sustainability in agriculture.
- Mutant ADF mutations advancing disease resistance while accelerating leaf aging prompt further exploration into immune-senescence pathways.
- The research highlights the intricate roles of proteins like ACTIN DEPOLYMERIZING FACTORS in plant immunity, development, and aging processes.
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Bioengineer
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Chemotherapy Targets Neck Lymph Nodes in Ovarian Cancer
- A retrospective study published in BMC Cancer highlights the role of chemotherapy in managing isolated neck lymphatic metastasis in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.
- The study analyzed clinical outcomes of patients with stage IV EOC and isolated NLNM, shedding light on treatment responses and survival rates.
- Patients received various treatments, with the majority undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) plus interval debulking surgery (IDS).
- Surgical outcomes showed that over half of the patients achieved optimal abdominal cytoreduction through R0 resection.
- Chemotherapy exhibited efficacy in controlling neck lymph node metastases, with partial or complete remission in the majority of cases.
- Recurrence patterns revealed rare cervical lymph node relapse post-chemotherapy, supporting systemic treatment's sufficiency in managing neck nodal disease.
- Survival analysis indicated a median progression-free survival of 35 months and overall survival of 48 months for the cohort.
- Patients with R0 abdominal debulking had prolonged survival compared to those with residual disease, emphasizing the role of cytoreduction in treatment.
- The study challenges conventional approaches by suggesting that chemotherapy alone can effectively manage isolated NLNM, potentially reshaping clinical guidelines.
- The research advocates for tailored, less invasive approaches in managing advanced stage EOC with atypical metastatic patterns, emphasizing the synergy between chemotherapy and surgical cytoreduction.
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Bioengineer
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Cognitive Growth in Children After Neonatal Encephalopathy Cooling
- A study led by Rapuc, Jary, Vanderwert, and colleagues examines the cognitive growth in children post-therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal encephalopathy.
- Therapeutic hypothermia is used to reduce neuronal injury after hypoxic-ischemic events in infants with neonatal encephalopathy.
- The study tracked cognitive development from infancy to school age, offering insights into long-term outcomes beyond the immediate recovery phase.
- Heterogeneity in cognitive outcomes was observed, with some children showing normal skills while others displayed persistent deficits.
- While therapeutic hypothermia reduces motor disabilities significantly, cognitive domains like executive functioning require ongoing monitoring and support.
- The study emphasizes the need for adjunct therapies tailored to individual risk profiles to address cognitive deficits despite cooling.
- Long-term surveillance protocols post-therapeutic hypothermia are recommended to assess cognitive and behavioral development in affected infants.
- Neuroimaging techniques revealed correlations between brain alterations and cognitive outcomes, supporting the role of imaging in prognostics and decision-making.
- The research advocates for integrated care models and family-centered interventions to support children affected by neonatal encephalopathy.
- Future research may explore neuroprotective agents, genetic analyses, and neurorehabilitation strategies to optimize outcomes for these children.
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Bioengineer
1w
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Innovative Diagnostic Tool Employs Bioluminescence to Identify Viruses
- A revolutionary diagnostic tool called LUCAS utilizes amplified bioluminescence to detect viruses rapidly and accurately within complex biological samples, addressing long-standing challenges in viral diagnostics.
- Traditional bioluminescence assays using luciferase have been limited by the weak and transient nature of emitted light signals, hindering their application in sensitive viral detection.
- The LUCAS technology integrates beta-galactosidase into the luciferase reaction system to create a biochemical feedback loop, resulting in a 500 times stronger and eight times longer-lasting bioluminescent signal.
- In testing with over 300 viral-infected samples, including SARS-CoV-2 and HIV, LUCAS showed remarkable diagnostic performance, with results available in under 23 minutes and accuracy exceeding 94%.
- Designed for portability and user accessibility, LUCAS can be deployed in various healthcare settings, offering rapid, reliable diagnostics at the point of care to enhance clinical decision-making.
- The LUCAS platform's modular approach holds potential for multiplexed pathogen detection and expansion beyond viruses to include biomarkers for various diseases, enhancing its clinical utility.
- This innovative technology exemplifies the forefront of personalized medicine diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of early detection in managing infectious diseases and improving patient outcomes.
- Backed by a multidisciplinary team, LUCAS's capabilities have been validated in a peer-reviewed publication, showcasing its potential commercial impact following a patent filing.
- Supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, this research demonstrates the transformative impact of strategic investment in biomedical engineering on viral diagnostics.
- Looking ahead, further development and clinical testing of LUCAS aim to evaluate its performance in detecting viral pathogens across a wider range of bodily fluids and patient populations.
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Bioengineer
1w
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Compact On-Chip Fourier Transform Spectrometer Advances Raman Spectroscopy
- Researchers have introduced a miniaturized on-chip Fourier transform spectrometer for Raman spectroscopy, offering enhanced spectroscopic analysis capabilities in a compact, cost-effective form.
- The device integrates Fourier transform spectroscopy onto a microchip, overcoming limitations of traditional spectrometers by employing waveguides and interferometric components fabricated through advanced lithographic techniques.
- By enabling high-resolution Raman measurements within a reduced footprint, the on-chip FTS maintains sensitivity and spectral resolution through innovative optical design and signal processing algorithms.
- Key features include a novel interferometric scheme for high spectral resolution, wafer-scale production for commercial viability, and compatibility with existing photonics platforms for seamless integration.
- The chip's operational speed is enhanced through parallel detection schemes and rapid Fourier transform algorithms, facilitating dynamic measurements and real-time applications in various fields.
- Applications span from medical diagnostics to environmental sensing, with potential for on-site pollutant detection and integration into drones or wearable devices for continuous monitoring.
- User accessibility is improved by streamlining data extraction processes, democratizing access to high-performance Raman analysis and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
- The spectrometer meets rigorous performance benchmarks, demonstrating spectral resolutions comparable to traditional benchtop instruments, repeatability, and resilience to environmental conditions.
- Integration with complementary technologies like microfluidic systems and machine learning enhances analytical capabilities, enabling automated chemical assays and rapid identification of complex molecular mixtures.
- Overall, this innovation promises to revolutionize spectroscopic analyses by making high-performance Raman spectrometry more affordable, accessible, and versatile, with transformative impacts across scientific and industrial sectors.
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