Restoration of hepatorenal dysfunction and injury by zinc and folic acid combination in bisphenol A-intoxicated mice | Author : Afrina Mustari , Mahabub Alam , Mohammad Alam Miah , Khaled Mahmud Sujan , A.G.M.Sofi Uddin Mahamud , Emdadul Haque Chowdhury | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Bisphenol A (BPA) is a potentially hazardous substance and is extensively used in manufacturing industries as a plasticizing agent. The current research intended to determine the revival actions of zinc (Zn) and folic acid (FA) on hematological parameters and hepatorenal function in BPA-exposed male albino mice. A total of 75 adult male mice, aged 25 to 28 days, were split into 5 groups. Group A (control group) received a normal diet, while a daily dosage of 50 mg BPA/kg body weight (BW) in the diet was provided to groups B–E. Groups C, D, and E received daily supplementation of 10 mg Zn/kg BW, 3 mg FA/kg BW, or both in the feed. After 12 weeks of treatment, serum was prepared by collecting blood, and the kidney and liver were taken for a histotexture study. The results demonstrated that hematological values dropped significantly (p< 0.05) in the BPA-treated group and increased following Zn and FA supplementations, while no significant alterations in erythrocyte indices were observed among control and treated groups. The BPA group used to have significantly (p< 0.05) higher liver and kidney biomarkers levels, which were restored by Zn and FA. The effects of BPA administration included severe hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis, as well as renal tubule epithelium loss, all of which were improved by Zn and FA. Hence, the findings suggest that combination of Zn and FA could be potential preventative agents against BPA-induced toxicity. |
| Effect of white tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf extract on cigarette smoke and high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis in Wistar rats | Author : Jennifer Faustin , Md. Bahrudin , Neni Susilaningsih , Muflihatul Muniroh , Endang Mahati , Hermawan Istiadi | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Atherosclerosis is a complex pathological process begins with endothelial dysfunction, one of which is triggered by an inflammatory process due to increased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and exposure to cigarette smoke. White tea leaf (Camellia sinensis) shows an anti-inflammatory effect which has not been known for its effect on the atherosclerotic process. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of Camellia sinensis leaf extract on IL-6 levels, foam cell count, and the ratio of intima-media thickness of cigarette smoke and high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis in Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups namely HC (healthy control), NC (negative control), WT100, WT200, and WT400 (treated with white tea leaf extract 100, 200, and 400 mg/kgBW/day, respectively). IL-6 levels were measured by the ELISA method. At 400x microscope magnification, foam cell count and intima-media thickness ratio were seen in aortic tissue. Administration of graded doses of white tea leaf extract in groups WT100, WT200, WT400 significantly reduced IL-6 levels, foam cell count, and intima-media thickness ratio of abdominal aorta compared to the NC group. These results suggest that white tea leaf extract may decrease levels of IL-6, foam cell count, and intima-media thickness ratio in atherosclerosis-induced Wistar rats. |
| Association of serum level of interleukin-33 and insulin resistance in overt and subclinical hypothyroidism patients | Author : Zainab Abdul Hussein Jabbar , Hanaa Addai Ali , Rawaa Adday Ali , Mohauman Mohammed Majeed AlRufaie | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce an adequate amount of the hormone thyroid, as a result of various factors such as hypothalamic or pituitary gland disease, common tissue resistance to thyroid hormones, and thyroid gland diseases. Hypothyroidism is the most prevalent thyroid disorder. Interleukin (IL)-33 is a nuclear cytokine of the IL-1 family members that is abundantly expressed during homeostasis and inflammation in endothelial, epithelial, and fibroblast-like cells. It is worth noting that higher IL-33 levels have been associated with insulin resistance. The purpose of the study was to examine the correlation between insulin resistance and IL-33 in patients with hypothyroidism. In this case-control study, 180 people were recruited and split into three categories: those with overt hypothyroidism (60), those with subclinical hypothyroidism (60), and those who were otherwise healthy control (60). There were of a similar age range to the patient, with 55.5% female participants and 44.5% male participants. Standard ELISA kits assess insulin, IL-33, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3). The healthy control group showed lower serum IL-33 levels than individuals with both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism. Compared to the healthy control group, all hypothyroidism groups had higher BMI, serum TSH, fasting glycemic glucose (FSG), insulin, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol levels (Chol), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), bad cholesterol (LDL), IL-33, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In hypothyroid patients, IL-33 levels were negatively correlated with HOMA-IR and HDL-C and positively correlated with body mass index, TSH, FSG, insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, LDL, and total cholesterol. Increased levels of circulating IL-33 in the serum of patients with hypothyroidism are linked to alterations in lipid profiles and HOMA-IR. Hypothyroid patients, especially those with obvious symptoms showed elevated levels of IL-33, suggesting a possible role for this cytokine in detecting the metabolic shifts that precede these complications. |
| Association of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome and possible pharmacotherapy by sphingosine-1-phosphate | Author : Tasbir Amin , Fahd Bin Zahed | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the major heterogeneous clinical manifestations of severe respiratory failure developing in response to pathogenetic mechanisms and several inflammatory insults. The translocation of gut microbiota has a crucial impact on the pathogenesis of ARDS. Hence, a deeper understanding of the interplay of the gut microbiota would allow shedding valuable insights into both the pathogenesis of ARDS and the development of effective therapeutic interventions. Moreover, the modulation of gut-lung axis could also play a pivotal role in minimizing the lung dysbiosis with gut microbiota. There is little question that greater study of the gut-lung axis in critically ill patients is required to establish causal links between the shifted microbiota, infections, inflammation, and acute lung damage. It is worth mentioning that the lack of effective preventative measures is one of the main reasons for the increased mortality rate of 30-40% in ARDS patients. Some antibiotics and nanosized drugs showed positive results in ARDS management to some extent in pre-clinical or even first stages of clinical trials but large-scale results had been controversial. However, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) showed hopeful results in ARDS patients by facilitating both systemic and endothelial integrity. Numerous investigations have shown the immunological connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system. As the SphKs /S1P /S1PL metabolic pathway is associated with a wide variety of human illnesses (including respiratory diseases), it should come as no surprise that influencing intracellular S1P levels would have therapeutic promise in reducing the severity of lung diseases like ARDS. |
| Proniosomes: A provesicular system in ocular drug delivery | Author : Neha Kandpal , Yogita Ale , Yamini Chandola Semwal , Neha Padiyar , Vikash Jakhmola , Arvind Singh Farswan , Nidhi Nainwal | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The eyes are the only sense organ required for vision. Diseases like glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy etc. affect the proper functioning of the eyes and sometimes lead to blindness. The treatment of eye disorders is very challenging because of the unique structure of this organ. The traditional treatment approaches are not effective in providing good ocular bioavailability. The provesicular systems are new-generation delivery systems that can improve drug bioavailability and provide therapeutic responses in a controlled manner for desired time. Among all, liposomes are the first such delivery vehicle but due to the lack of stability and the high cost, niosomes were formulated. Niosomes are nanosized vesicles composed of non-ionic surfactants that can encapsulate both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. The drawbacks associated with niosomes, like fusion, aggregation, sedimentation, difficulty in sterilization, leaking, etc., gave birth to proniosomes. Proniosomes are more stable and bioavailable than niosomes and liposomes. Proniosomes are dry formulations of hydrophilic carrier particles coated with a water-soluble non-ionic surfactant that, when hydrated, instantly transforms into niosomes. Proniosomes can be used as stable, non-toxic carrier carriers to improve the ocular residence and bioavailability of many drugs. This paper reviewed proniosomes, their biomedical applications and their toxicity in ocular drug delivery. |
| Next generation sequencing for the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of ovarian cancer in Vietnam | Author : Dinh-Toi Chu† , Ngoc Quang Nguyen† , Nhat-Le Bui , Thuy-Duong Vu | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Ovarian cancer is one of the most common causes of mortality among women, and the prevalence of ovarian cancer increases. Early diagnosis of this disease via genetic variant testing is one potential strategy for enhancing treatment and disease outcome. Our aim was to establish a standard procedure of next generation sequencing (NGS) for the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) forms of ovarian tumor tissue to detect genetic mutation in our laboratory. Here, we used the FFPE samples of ovarian tumor tissues from Vietnamese patients to detect pathogenic variants in BRCA1/BRCA2 via the NGS. DNA was extracted using the QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue Kit, and then its quality was assessed by the BioDrop and Qubit. The BRCAaccuTestTM PLUS kit and Illumina MiSeqDx instrument were used for both library preparation and sequencing. All samples had passed the A260/280 ratio cut-off for DNA purity and the requirement of DNA concentration. Excepted for the 1st time, the percentage of = Q30 was more than 80%, while the density was approximately 1,200 K/mm2, while the phasing and prephasing (%) metrics were satisfied to be less than 0.1%. Five pathogenic variants in BRCA1/BRCA2, including both single nucleotide polymorphisms and indels were successfully detected using NgeneAnalySysTM software. In conclusion, DNA extraction from the FFPE sample was qualified for sequencing and the sequencing results met all the required metrics for variant analysis. |
| Assessing newborn screening practices in Bangladesh: Perspectives of healthcare professionals and implications for improved infant health | Author : Sayedatun Nesa Sumai, Riyan Al Islam Reshad, Fawzia Tabassum, Sabrina Khan Mim, Mohammad Golam Rob Mahmud, Chowdhury Muhammad Omar Faruque, Gokul Chandra Biswas, Md. Faruque Miah | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Newborn screening (NBS) plays a crucial role in identifying and managing congenital disorders, ultimately leading to improved infant health outcomes. This study aims to assess the current practices of newborn screening in Bangladesh, focusing on the perspectives of healthcare professionals, and identifying potential implications for enhancing infant health. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with healthcare professionals involved in newborn care across various healthcare settings. Findings indicate that newborn screening practices in Bangladesh face several challenges, including limited awareness among healthcare professionals, inadequate infrastructure and resources, and the absence of a comprehensive national screening program. Furthermore, financial constraints, cultural beliefs, and social barriers contribute to the low utilization of screening services by families. The perspectives of healthcare professionals shed light on potential strategies to address these challenges and improve newborn screening practices in Bangladesh. These strategies include enhancing healthcare professionals knowledge and skills through training programs, increasing public awareness about the importance of newborn screening, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and accessibility, and implementing a comprehensive national screening program. The implications of improving newborn screening practices are significant. Early detection of congenital disorders through NBS enables timely interventions, leading to reduced morbidity, mortality, and long-term disabilities in infants. Enhanced screening practices can also contribute to reducing the burden on healthcare systems by preventing complications associated with undiagnosed conditions and enabling more cost-effective management. This study highlights the need for comprehensive efforts to address the challenges faced in newborn screening practices in Bangladesh. By incorporating the perspectives of healthcare professionals, policymakers can develop targeted interventions to enhance newborn screening programs, thereby improving infant health outcomes and ensuring a healthier future for Bangladesh newborn population. |
| Molecular characterization of multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from the external and internal parts of the housefly | Author : Fatema Tuz Zuhora , Md. Aoulad Hosen , Nazmi Ara Rumi , Md. Shajedur Rahman , Jahangir Alam , Md. Hasibul Hasan | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :House flies are mechanical vectors of food borne enteric pathogenic bacteria which may transfer isolates to human and produce diseases. In Bangladesh, there is very limited data on molecular characterization of drug-resistant bacteria from isolated house flies. The research was conducted to determine the pathogenic bacteria isolated from houseflies and their antibiogram. A total of 140 houseflies were randomly collected for microbiological analysis. A group of cultural tests, biochemical tests were used to isolation and identification of isolates and further confirmed through molecular characterization by the presence of 16S rRNA gene E1, E2 and invA. Additionally, 14 commercially available antibiotics were used by karby-bauer disk diffusion technique for antibiogram study. Results showed that the most isolated bacteria from houseflies external surfaces were Escherichia coli 19.04%, Salmonella typhimurium 15.87%, and Pseudomonas spp. 7.93% from 63 isolates, while 42 isolates found 35.71%, 28.57%, and 14.28% respectively. PCR amplification bands of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas spp. were 584bp, 284bp, and 1497bp, respectively. Almost all of the isolates were highly resistant to erythromycin, gentamycin, bacitracin (100%), followed by kanamycin, methicillin (80%) whereas highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, azithromycin (100%), followed by tetracycline, amoxicillin (85.71%). These pathogenic microorganisms at distinct sampling sites indicate that house flies may transmit vector-borne pathogens to humans. Based on these findings, we recommend vector-borne disease-fighting medications and a sustainable house fly-control approach. We also suggest promoting hygiene and food safety protocol to distance food ingredient from flies in local markets. |
| No evidence of relationship between colorectal cancer susceptibility and ERCC2 gene polymorphisms | Author : Rand Farhad , Eman Saadi Saleh , Ahmed Zuhair Alsammarraie | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Excision repair cross-complementing group 2 gene (ERCC2) polymorphisms have been linked as being a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC) emergence. However, data from several studies are contradictory. To validate genetic biomarkers of the CRC, the impact of the following ERCC2 polymorphism (rs1799793 and rs238406) was examined on CRC susceptibility among sample of Iraqi population. A total of 126 subjects were enrolled in this case control study; 78 CRC patients and 48 apparently healthy individuals who are matched for age, gender, smoking status, and BMI. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for genotyping, followed by sequencing then the association between genetic polymorphisms and CRC risk was investigated. No associations were detected between ERCC2 genotypes or haplotypes and CRC susceptibility. Even though there was strong linkage disequilibrium (D'=0.82). After stratification according to demographics of the participants, no effects were observed for age, gender, smoking status, and body mass index (BMI). Taken together, the results suggest that ERCC2 polymorphisms do not influence CRC development. |
| Ocimum basilicum extract modulates Tau aggregation and improves memory function in a neurodegenerative rat model | Author : Marwa Amer Shalan , Layla Alhasan | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurological condition that worsens with time. Ocimum basilicum is a well-known plant that has been used for centuries in many different cultures throughout the world as a treatment for lung disorders, anti-diarrhea medication, painkiller for the abdomen, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The main objective of this study was evaluation of the neuroprotective potential effect of Ocimum basilicum on oxidative stress status in rat induced AD. Fifty rats were divided into five groups (10 rats/group) such as i) Control, ii) AlCl3-induced AD, iii) AlCl3 rats treated with rivastigmine (3 mg/kg/day), iv) AlCl3 rats treated with Ocimum basilicum (250 mg/kg/day), and v) AlCl3 rats treated with Ocimum basilicum (500 mg/kg/day). The results showed that the Ocimum basilicum plant leaves extract increased serum superoxide dismutase with a significant decrease of a serum MDA while the aggregation of tau protein expression was decreased. Histological changes were observed in brain tissues of AD rats. However, the high dosing of the plant leaves extract (500 mg/kg) was more powerful than the low treatment with low dose (250 mg/kg) by decreasing tau protein expression. The results suggest that Ocimum basilicum can relieve symptoms and prevent the progression of AD severity by improving memory function. It can be concluded that Ocimum basilicum leaves alleviated the memory impairment and learning abilities due to antioxidants activity of flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids. |
| Genomic identification and characterization of prophages associated with Citrobacter freundii strains | Author : Ishrat Jabeen , S. M. Iqbal Mahamud , Sohidul Islam , Anika Bushra Lamisa , Afia Anjum , Sumaiya Hossain Oishy , Sabbir R. Shuvo | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Citrobacter freundii is a Gram-negative opportunistic bacterium that can cause infections, sepsis, and meningitis, predominantly in infants and immunocompromised adults. This study is aimed at investigating the distribution of prophages in C. freundii strains and their potential effects on the host strains using genomic characterization. In-silico analysis of 144 complete chromosomal sequences of C. freundii strains was performed, and 574 intact prophages were identified from 1178 prophages in the host. The genome sizes of the intact prophages were 6.74-115.15 kb; on average, the host chromosomes were predicted to have around 3.98% of intact prophage genomes. At least three intact prophages were most frequently predicted, while only three host chromosomes were found to have the highest number of nine intact prophages. The GC content of prophages is 50.75%, slightly lower than the average GC content (51.85%) of C. freundii. Most of the prophages in C. freundii strains were classified into four families, Myoviridae (48.16%), Siphoviridae (42%), Podoviridae (4.67%), Inoviridae (0.17%), and 5% of the intact prophages could not be assigned into any family. Phylogenomic analysis of intact prophages divided the genomes into three distinct clades. Virulence gene analysis revealed the variable distribution of 7 virulence genes (hcp, higB, hipA, msgA, rtx, yeeV, and ykfI) among the intact prophages. Overall, this study provides insights into the diversity and characteristics of prophages associated with C. freundii strains, which will help in understanding the genetic evolution and pathogenesis of the bacteria. |
| Effects of glycyrrhizin, stevioside, and sucralose on the growth and metabolism of the omnipresent gut commensal Escherichia coli | Author : Tuli Samayeta Sarkar , Shehreen Saadlee , Khan Abira , Akhteruzzaman Sharif , Sajib Abu Ashfaqur | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The rise in popularity of non-caloric sweeteners (NCS) among obese and diabetic patients is due to their ability to provide a sweet taste without any caloric input. However, NCS consumption may be linked to metabolic disorders. The mechanisms behind these adverse effects are still unclear, which suggests that NCS may alter the metabolic activity of the gut microbiome, leading to enteric environmental perturbation and resulting in physiological anomalies in the host. This study investigates how Escherichia coli, a common gut microbe, reacts to three NCS, two of which come from nature (glycyrrhizin and stevioside) and one that is made artificially (sucralose). To assess the impact of these NCS, this study investigated the growth, gene expression, and metabolic pathways of E. coli under different sweetener loads. Compared to the untreated control, low amounts of glycyrrhizin made E. coli grow faster, while similar amounts of sucralose and stevioside had no or a less noticeable effect. At higher concentrations, these sweeteners slowed down or inhibited the growth of the bacteria. Thus, NCS may have dose-dependent impacts on gut microbes. After treatment with amounts that corresponded to the acceptable daily intake, the expression of key metabolic genes showed altered expression, which may potentially affect their metabolism. At different concentrations of the NCS, there were clear differences in the global metabolomic profile between the control and the different NCS treatments. Under in vitro conditions, glycyrrhizin and sucralose appeared to have a less divergent impact on E. coli growth, gene expression, and metabolism, which may suggest that these are relatively safer sugar substitutes for humans. |
| Kidney injury molecule-1 and cystatin C as early biomarkers for renal dysfunction in Iraqi type 2 diabetes mellitus patients | Author : Ansam Abdulameer Yahya , Dheyaa Jabbar Kadhim , Nassar Abdalaema Abdalhadi | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is caused by a variety of processes. As a result, one biomarker is insufficient to represent the complete process. This study evaluated the diagnostic value of serum kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1) and cystatin C (CysC) as early biochemical markers of DKD and predicted their sensitivities and specificities as biomarkers of nephropathy in Iraqi type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients. This cross-sectional study includes 161 T2DM patients. Patients were divided according to urinary albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) such as group1: ACR= 30mg/g and group2: ACR> 30mg/g. Random spot urine and fasting blood samples were taken from each patient. Urinary ACR, blood glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and serum glucose, creatinine (SCr), lipid profile, CysC, and KIM-1 were assayed, and the estimated glomerular filtration rat (eGFR) was calculated. When compared to the normoalbuminuric group, the DKD group had significantly greater prevalence of retinopathy, and significantly elevated HbA1c and total cholesterol values. Also, DKD group had significantly greater serum levels of KIM-1 and CysC, and there was a significant positive correlation between them. In contrast, GFR was significantly higher in normoalbuminuric group and was significantly negatively correlated with both CysC and KIM-1. Multiple linear regression analysis found that there were a significant positive association among CysC and ACR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that eGFR had the highest area under the curve (AUC=0.717), while SCr had the lowest AUC (0.556). In conclusion, serum KIM-1 and CysC levels could be considered as early biomarker for DKD along with eGFR. Additionally, there was a strong correlation between serum CysC and KIM-1 as well as other renal measures that indicate deteriorating kidney function. |
| Phenotypic screening of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Salmonella in retail shrimp | Author : Dilruba Afrin , Milad Ahmed , Anik Banik , Md. Nazmul Islam Bappy , Md. Salman Sayem , Md. Masudur Rahman , Shamsunnahar Mukta , Kazi Md. Ali Zinnah , Mohammad Mehedi Hasan Khan , Sudeb Saha | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria is concerning the scientific community since it confers multiple drug resistance (MDR). The study investigated the prevalence of MDR-ESBL-producing Salmonella strains from shrimp in, Bangladesh. A total of 165 shrimp samples were processed from 55 shrimp specimens from different retail shops. The presence of Salmonella was confirmed by standard methods followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing. Isolates exhibiting resistance to third-generation cephalosporin were considered as Salmonella positive isolates which was later proven by the double disc synergy test. Out of the total of 39 isolates tested, 18 were found to be Salmonella positive and originated from 7 departmental stores. The remaining 21 positive isolates were obtained from the local market. The body had the highest rate of positive samples (30.91%), followed by the head (23.63%), and the tail (16.36%). Additionally, isolated Salmonella were resistant to rifampicin and cefixime but 100% susceptible to co-trimoxazole, ofloxacin, streptomycin, nalidixic acid, and chloramphenicol, while ciprofloxacin showed intermediate resistance. Among the drugs tested, vancomycin, cephalexin, ampicillin, and colistin exhibited extreme resistance. Finally, while 6 of the tested isolates demonstrated resistance against the recommended cephalosporin, three of them (7.69%) were Salmonella ESBL positive in the double disc synergy test. In conclusion, the rising incidence of MDR and the developing prevalence of ESBL-positive Salmonella may put a burden on the healthcare system by limiting access to effective antibacterial drugs. |
| Artificial intelligence, a powerful tool to combat antimicrobial resistance: An update | Author : Rony Ibne Masud , Naeem Ahammed Ibrahim Fahim , Md. Liton Rana , Md. Saiful Islam , Md. Tanvir Rahman | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), also known as antibiotic resistance, is a global health crisis. Many people die from diseases caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Artificial intelligence (AI) involves creating computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. AI has been successfully used in various fields, from single-cell study to space science. There is huge potential for using AI in medical science, including fighting against MDR to combat AMR. In this review, we have highlighted some of AI’s successful uses and potentiality to combat AMR for the betterment of the human race, including the basic principles of AI, available AI resources, use and scope, advantages and limitations. In addition, in this review, we also have highlighted new research areas such as AMR detection, new drug development etc. to control of AMR. |
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