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Inflammation

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Anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies attenuate the monocyte response to LPS and shape macrophage development
Reena J. Popat, … , Claudia Kemper, Michael G. Robson
Reena J. Popat, … , Claudia Kemper, Michael G. Robson
Published January 26, 2017
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2017;2(2):e87379. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.87379.
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Anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies attenuate the monocyte response to LPS and shape macrophage development

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Abstract

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies to myeloperoxidase and proteinase-3, which bind monocytes in addition to neutrophils. While a pathological effect on neutrophils is acknowledged, the impact of ANCA on monocyte function is less well understood. Using IgG from patients we investigated the effect of these autoantibodies on monocytes and found that anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies (MPO-ANCA) reduced both IL-10 and IL-6 secretion in response to LPS. This reduction in IL-10 and IL-6 depended on Fc receptors and enzymatic myeloperoxidase and was accompanied by a significant reduction in TLR-driven signaling pathways. Aligning with changes in TLR signals, oxidized phospholipids, which function as TLR4 antagonists, were increased in monocytes in the presence of MPO-ANCA. We further observed that MPO-ANCA increased monocyte survival and differentiation to macrophages by stimulating CSF-1 production. However, this was independent of myeloperoxidase enzymatic activity and TLR signaling. Macrophages differentiated in the presence of MPO-ANCA secreted more TGF-β and further promoted the development of IL-10– and TGF-β–secreting CD4+ T cells. Thus, MPO-ANCA may promote inflammation by reducing the secretion of antiinflammatory IL-10 from monocytes, and MPO-ANCA can alter the development of macrophages and T cells to potentially promote fibrosis.

Authors

Reena J. Popat, Seran Hakki, Alpesh Thakker, Alice M. Coughlan, Julie Watson, Mark A. Little, Corinne M. Spickett, Paul Lavender, Behdad Afzali, Claudia Kemper, Michael G. Robson

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Lung vaso-occlusion in sickle cell disease mediated by arteriolar neutrophil-platelet microemboli
Margaret F. Bennewitz, … , Mark T. Gladwin, Prithu Sundd
Margaret F. Bennewitz, … , Mark T. Gladwin, Prithu Sundd
Published January 12, 2017
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2017;2(1):e89761. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.89761.
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Lung vaso-occlusion in sickle cell disease mediated by arteriolar neutrophil-platelet microemboli

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Abstract

In patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), the polymerization of intraerythrocytic hemoglobin S promotes downstream vaso-occlusive events in the microvasculature. While vaso-occlusion is known to occur in the lung, often in the context of systemic vaso-occlusive crisis and the acute chest syndrome, the pathophysiological mechanisms that incite lung injury are unknown. We used intravital microscopy of the lung in transgenic humanized SCD mice to monitor acute vaso-occlusive events following an acute dose of systemic lipopolysaccharide sufficient to trigger events in SCD but not control mice. We observed cellular microembolism of precapillary pulmonary arteriolar bottlenecks by neutrophil-platelet aggregates. Blood from SCD patients was next studied under flow in an in vitro microfluidic system. Similar to the pulmonary circulation, circulating platelets nucleated around arrested neutrophils, translating to a greater number and duration of neutrophil-platelet interactions compared with normal human blood. Inhibition of platelet P-selectin with function-blocking antibody attenuated the neutrophil-platelet interactions in SCD patient blood in vitro and resolved pulmonary arteriole microembolism in SCD mice in vivo. These results establish the relevance of neutrophil-platelet aggregate formation in lung arterioles in promoting lung vaso-occlusion in SCD and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting platelet adhesion molecules to prevent acute chest syndrome.

Authors

Margaret F. Bennewitz, Maritza A. Jimenez, Ravi Vats, Egemen Tutuncuoglu, Jude Jonassaint, Gregory J. Kato, Mark T. Gladwin, Prithu Sundd

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Disease-modifying effects of orally bioavailable NF-κB inhibitors in dystrophin-deficient muscle
David W. Hammers, … , Glenn A. Walter, H. Lee Sweeney
David W. Hammers, … , Glenn A. Walter, H. Lee Sweeney
Published December 22, 2016
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2016;1(21):e90341. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.90341.
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Disease-modifying effects of orally bioavailable NF-κB inhibitors in dystrophin-deficient muscle

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Abstract

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating muscle disease characterized by progressive muscle deterioration and replacement with an aberrant fatty, fibrous matrix. Chronic upregulation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is implicated as a driver of the dystrophic pathogenesis. Herein, 2 members of a novel class of NF-κB inhibitors, edasalonexent (formerly CAT-1004) and CAT-1041, were evaluated in both mdx mouse and golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog models of DMD. These orally bioavailable compounds consist of a polyunsaturated fatty acid conjugated to salicylic acid and potently suppress the pathogenic NF-κB subunit p65/RelA in vitro. In vivo, CAT-1041 effectively improved the phenotype of mdx mice undergoing voluntary wheel running, in terms of activity, muscle mass and function, damage, inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiac pathology. We identified significant increases in dysferlin as a possible contributor to the protective effect of CAT-1041 to sarcolemmal damage. Furthermore, CAT-1041 improved the more severe GRMD phenotype in a canine case study, where muscle mass and diaphragm function were maintained in a treated GRMD dog. These results demonstrate that NF-κB modulation by edasalonexent and CAT-1041 is effective in ameliorating the dystrophic process and these compounds are candidates for new treatments for DMD patients.

Authors

David W. Hammers, Margaret M. Sleeper, Sean C. Forbes, Cora C. Coker, Michael R. Jirousek, Michael Zimmer, Glenn A. Walter, H. Lee Sweeney

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Pentraxin-2 suppresses c-Jun/AP-1 signaling to inhibit progressive fibrotic disease
Naoki Nakagawa, … , Sina A. Gharib, Jeremy S. Duffield
Naoki Nakagawa, … , Sina A. Gharib, Jeremy S. Duffield
Published December 8, 2016
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2016;1(20):e87446. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.87446.
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Pentraxin-2 suppresses c-Jun/AP-1 signaling to inhibit progressive fibrotic disease

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Abstract

Pentraxin-2 (PTX-2), also known as serum amyloid P component (SAP/APCS), is a constitutive, antiinflammatory, innate immune plasma protein whose circulating level is decreased in chronic human fibrotic diseases. Here we show that recombinant human PTX-2 (rhPTX-2) retards progression of chronic kidney disease in Col4a3 mutant mice with Alport syndrome, reducing blood markers of kidney failure, enhancing lifespan by 20%, and improving histological signs of disease. Exogenously delivered rhPTX-2 was detected in macrophages but also in tubular epithelial cells, where it counteracted macrophage activation and was cytoprotective for the epithelium. Computational analysis of genes regulated by rhPTX-2 identified the transcriptional regulator c-Jun along with its activator protein–1 (AP-1) binding partners as a central target for the function of rhPTX-2. Accordingly, PTX-2 attenuates c-Jun and AP-1 activity, and reduces expression of AP-1–dependent inflammatory genes in both monocytes and epithelium. Our studies therefore identify rhPTX-2 as a potential therapy for chronic fibrotic disease of the kidney and an important inhibitor of pathological c-Jun signaling in this setting.

Authors

Naoki Nakagawa, Luke Barron, Ivan G. Gomez, Bryce G. Johnson, Allie M. Roach, Sei Kameoka, Richard M. Jack, Mark L. Lupher Jr., Sina A. Gharib, Jeremy S. Duffield

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IRF5 governs liver macrophage activation that promotes hepatic fibrosis in mice and humans
Fawaz Alzaid, … , Fabienne Foufelle, Nicolas Venteclef
Fawaz Alzaid, … , Fabienne Foufelle, Nicolas Venteclef
Published December 8, 2016
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2016;1(20):e88689. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.88689.
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IRF5 governs liver macrophage activation that promotes hepatic fibrosis in mice and humans

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Abstract

Hepatic fibrosis arises from inflammation in the liver initiated by resident macrophage activation and massive leukocyte accumulation. Hepatic macrophages hold a central position in maintaining homeostasis in the liver and in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic liver injury linked to fibrogenesis. Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) has recently emerged as an important proinflammatory transcription factor involved in macrophage activation under acute and chronic inflammation. Here, we revealed that IRF5 is significantly induced in liver macrophages from human subjects developing liver fibrosis from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or hepatitis C virus infection. Furthermore, IRF5 expression positively correlated with clinical markers of liver damage, such as plasma transaminase and bilirubin levels. Interestingly, mice lacking IRF5 in myeloid cells (MKO) were protected from hepatic fibrosis induced by metabolic or toxic stresses. Transcriptional reprogramming of macrophages lacking IRF5 was characterized by immunosuppressive and antiapoptotic properties. Consequently, IRF5 MKO mice respond to hepatocellular stress by promoting hepatocyte survival, leading to complete protection from hepatic fibrogenesis. Our findings reveal a regulatory network, governed by IRF5, that mediates hepatocyte death and liver fibrosis in mice and humans. Therefore, modulating IRF5 function may be an attractive approach to experimental therapeutics in fibroinflammatory liver disease.

Authors

Fawaz Alzaid, Floriane Lagadec, Miguel Albuquerque, Raphaëlle Ballaire, Lucie Orliaguet, Isabelle Hainault, Corinne Blugeon, Sophie Lemoine, Agnès Lehuen, David G. Saliba, Irina A. Udalova, Valérie Paradis, Fabienne Foufelle, Nicolas Venteclef

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Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies diverse roles of epithelial cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Yan Xu, … , Barry R. Stripp, Jeffrey A. Whitsett
Yan Xu, … , Barry R. Stripp, Jeffrey A. Whitsett
Published December 8, 2016
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2016;1(20):e90558. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.90558.
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Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies diverse roles of epithelial cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

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Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal interstitial lung disease characterized by airway remodeling, inflammation, alveolar destruction, and fibrosis. We utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to identify epithelial cell types and associated biological processes involved in the pathogenesis of IPF. Transcriptomic analysis of normal human lung epithelial cells defined gene expression patterns associated with highly differentiated alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, indicated by enrichment of RNAs critical for surfactant homeostasis. In contrast, scRNA-seq of IPF cells identified 3 distinct subsets of epithelial cell types with characteristics of conducting airway basal and goblet cells and an additional atypical transitional cell that contributes to pathological processes in IPF. Individual IPF cells frequently coexpressed alveolar type 1 (AT1), AT2, and conducting airway selective markers, demonstrating “indeterminate” states of differentiation not seen in normal lung development. Pathway analysis predicted aberrant activation of canonical signaling via TGF-β, HIPPO/YAP, P53, WNT, and AKT/PI3K. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy identified the disruption of alveolar structure and loss of the normal proximal-peripheral differentiation of pulmonary epithelial cells. scRNA-seq analyses identified loss of normal epithelial cell identities and unique contributions of epithelial cells to the pathogenesis of IPF. The present study provides a rich data source to further explore lung health and disease.

Authors

Yan Xu, Takako Mizuno, Anusha Sridharan, Yina Du, Minzhe Guo, Jie Tang, Kathryn A. Wikenheiser-Brokamp, Anne-Karina T. Perl, Vincent A. Funari, Jason J. Gokey, Barry R. Stripp, Jeffrey A. Whitsett

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mTOR inhibition and BMP signaling act synergistically to reduce muscle fibrosis and improve myofiber regeneration
Shailesh Agarwal, … , Yuji Mishina, Benjamin Levi
Shailesh Agarwal, … , Yuji Mishina, Benjamin Levi
Published December 8, 2016
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2016;1(20):e89805. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.89805.
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mTOR inhibition and BMP signaling act synergistically to reduce muscle fibrosis and improve myofiber regeneration

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Abstract

Muscle trauma is highly morbid due to intramuscular scarring, or fibrosis, and muscle atrophy. Studies have shown that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) reduce muscle atrophy. However, increased BMP signaling at muscle injury sites causes heterotopic ossification, as seen in patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), or patients with surgically placed BMP implants for bone healing. We use a genetic mouse model of hyperactive BMP signaling to show the development of intramuscular fibrosis surrounding areas of ectopic bone following muscle injury. Rapamycin, which we have previously shown to eliminate ectopic ossification in this model, also eliminates fibrosis without reducing osteogenic differentiation, suggesting clinical value for patients with FOP and with BMP implants. Finally, we use reporter mice to show that BMP signaling is positively associated with myofiber cross-sectional area. These findings underscore an approach in which 2 therapeutics (rapamycin and BMP ligand) can offset each other, leading to an improved outcome.

Authors

Shailesh Agarwal, David Cholok, Shawn Loder, John Li, Christopher Breuler, Michael T. Chung, Hsiao Hsin Sung, Kavitha Ranganathan, Joe Habbouche, James Drake, Joshua Peterson, Caitlin Priest, Shuli Li, Yuji Mishina, Benjamin Levi

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Epigenetic regulation of macrophage polarization and inflammation by DNA methylation in obesity
Xianfeng Wang, … , Bingzhong Xue, Hang Shi
Xianfeng Wang, … , Bingzhong Xue, Hang Shi
Published November 17, 2016
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2016;1(19):e87748. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.87748.
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Epigenetic regulation of macrophage polarization and inflammation by DNA methylation in obesity

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Abstract

Obesity is associated with increased classically activated M1 adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) and decreased alternatively activated M2 ATMs, both of which contribute to obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We find that inhibiting DNA methylation pharmacologically using 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine or genetically by DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) deletion promotes alternative activation and suppresses inflammation in macrophages. Consistently, mice with myeloid DNMT1 deficiency exhibit enhanced macrophage alternative activation, suppressed macrophage inflammation, and are protected from obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. The promoter and 5′-untranslated region of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ1 (PPARγ1) are enriched with CpGs and are epigenetically regulated. The saturated fatty acids stearate and palmitate and the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α significantly increase, whereas the TH2 cytokine IL-4 significantly decreases PPARγ1 promoter DNA methylation. Accordingly, inhibiting PPARγ1 promoter DNA methylation pharmacologically using 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine or genetically by DNMT1 deletion promotes macrophage alternative activation. Our data therefore establish DNA hypermethylation at the PPARγ1 promoter induced by obesity-related factors as a critical determinant of ATM proinflammatory activation and inflammation, which contributes to insulin resistance in obesity.

Authors

Xianfeng Wang, Qiang Cao, Liqing Yu, Huidong Shi, Bingzhong Xue, Hang Shi

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DUOX1 mediates persistent epithelial EGFR activation, mucous cell metaplasia, and airway remodeling during allergic asthma
Aida Habibovic, … , Miklos Geiszt, Albert van der Vliet
Aida Habibovic, … , Miklos Geiszt, Albert van der Vliet
Published November 3, 2016
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2016;1(18):e88811. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.88811.
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DUOX1 mediates persistent epithelial EGFR activation, mucous cell metaplasia, and airway remodeling during allergic asthma

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Abstract

Chronic inflammation with mucous metaplasia and airway remodeling are hallmarks of allergic asthma, and these outcomes have been associated with enhanced expression and activation of EGFR signaling. Here, we demonstrate enhanced expression of EGFR ligands such as amphiregulin as well as constitutive EGFR activation in cultured nasal epithelial cells from asthmatic subjects compared with nonasthmatic controls and in lung tissues of mice during house dust mite–induced (HDM-induced) allergic inflammation. EGFR activation was associated with cysteine oxidation within EGFR and the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Src, and both amphiregulin production and oxidative EGFR activation were diminished by pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of the epithelial NADPH oxidase dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1). DUOX1 deficiency also attenuated several EGFR-dependent features of HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation, including neutrophilic inflammation, type 2 cytokine production (IL-33, IL-13), mucous metaplasia, subepithelial fibrosis, and central airway resistance. Moreover, targeted inhibition of airway DUOX1 in mice with previously established HDM-induced allergic inflammation, by intratracheal administration of DUOX1-targeted siRNA or pharmacological NADPH oxidase inhibitors, reversed most of these outcomes. Our findings indicate an important function for DUOX1 in allergic inflammation related to persistent EGFR activation and suggest that DUOX1 targeting may represent an attractive strategy in asthma management.

Authors

Aida Habibovic, Milena Hristova, David E. Heppner, Karamatullah Danyal, Jennifer L. Ather, Yvonne M.W. Janssen-Heininger, Charles G. Irvin, Matthew E. Poynter, Lennart K. Lundblad, Anne E. Dixon, Miklos Geiszt, Albert van der Vliet

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Lymphocyte activation gene 3 and coronary artery disease
Diana Golden, … , Stephen S. Rich, Annabelle Rodriguez
Diana Golden, … , Stephen S. Rich, Annabelle Rodriguez
Published October 20, 2016
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2016;1(17):e88628. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.88628.
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Lymphocyte activation gene 3 and coronary artery disease

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The lipoprotein scavenger receptor BI (SCARB1) rs10846744 noncoding variant is significantly associated with atherosclerotic disease independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We identified a potentially novel connection between rs10846744, the immune checkpoint inhibitor lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), and atherosclerosis.

METHODS: In vitro approaches included flow cytometry, lipid raft isolation, phosphosignaling, cytokine measurements, and overexpressing and silencing LAG3 protein. Fasting plasma LAG3 protein was measured in hyperalphalipoproteinemic (HALP) and Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants.

RESULTS: In comparison with rs10846744 reference (GG homozygous) cells, LAG3 protein levels by flow cytometry (P < 0.001), in lipid rafts stimulated and unstimulated (P = 0.03), and phosphosignaling downstream of B cell receptor engagement of CD79A (P = 0.04), CD19 (P = 0.04), and LYN (P = 0.001) were lower in rs10846744 risk (CC homozygous) cells. Overexpressing LAG3 protein in risk cells and silencing LAG3 in reference cells confirmed its importance in phosphosignaling. Secretion of TNF-α was higher (P = 0.04) and IL-10 was lower (P = 0.04) in risk cells. Plasma LAG3 levels were lower in HALP carriers of the CC allele (P < 0.0001) and by race (P = 0.004). In MESA, race (P = 0.0005), age (P = 0.003), lipid medications (P = 0.03), smoking history (P < 0.0001), and rs10846744 genotype (P = 0.002) were independent predictors of plasma LAG3. In multivariable regression models, plasma LAG3 was significantly associated with HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.007), plasma IL-10 (P < 0.0001), and provided additional predictive value above the Framingham risk score (P = 0.04). In MESA, when stratified by high HDL-C, plasma LAG3 was associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) (odds ratio 1.45, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION: Plasma LAG3 is a potentially novel independent predictor of HDL-C levels and CHD risk.

FUNDING: This work was supported by an NIH RO1 grant (HL075646), the endowed Linda and David Roth Chair for Cardiovascular Research, and the Harold S. Geneen Charitable Trust Coronary Heart Disease Research award to Annabelle Rodriguez. MESA is conducted and supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in collaboration with MESA investigators. Support for MESA is provided by contracts HHSN268201500003I, N01-HC-95159, N01-HC-95160, N01-HC-95161, N01-HC-95162, N01-HC-95163, N01-HC-95164, N01-HC-95165, N01-HC-95166, N01-HC-95167, N01-HC-95168, N01-HC-95169, UL1-TR-001079, UL1-TR-000040, and DK063491. Cardiometabochip genotyping data for the MESA samples was supported in part by grants and contracts R01HL98077, N02-HL-64278, HL071205, UL1TR000124, DK063491, RD831697, and P50 ES015915.

Authors

Diana Golden, Antonina Kolmakova, Sunitha Sura, Anthony T. Vella, Ani Manichaikul, Xin-Qun Wang, Suzette J. Bielinski, Kent D. Taylor, Yii-Der Ida Chen, Stephen S. Rich, Annabelle Rodriguez

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