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Fan H, Xu Y, Zhao Y, Feng K, Hong L, Zhao Q, Lu X, Shi M, Li H, Wang L, Wen S. Development and validation of YARN: A novel SE-400 MPS kit for East Asian paternal lineage analysis. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 71:103029. [PMID: 38518712 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2024.103029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Y-chromosomal short tandem repeat polymorphisms (Y-STRs) and Y-chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (Y-SNPs) are valuable genetic markers used in paternal lineage identification and population genetics. Currently, there is a lack of an effective panel that integrates Y-STRs and Y-SNPs for studying paternal lineages, particularly in East Asian populations. Hence, we developed a novel Y-chromosomal targeted panel called YARN (Y-chromosome Ancestry and Region Network) based on multiplex PCR and a single-end 400 massive parallel sequencing (MPS) strategy, consisting of 44 patrilineage Y-STRs and 260 evolutionary Y-SNPs. A total of 386 reactions were validated for the effectiveness and applicability of YARN according to SWGDAM validation guidelines, including sensitivity (with a minimum input gDNA of 0.125 ng), mixture identification (ranging from 1:1-1:10), PCR inhibitor testing (using substances such as 50 μM hematin, 100 μM hemoglobin, 100 μM humic acid, and 2.5 mM indigo dye), species specificity (successfully distinguishing humans from other animals), repeatability study (achieved 100% accuracy), and concordance study (with 99.91% accuracy for 1121 Y-STR alleles). Furthermore, we conducted a pilot study using YARN in a cohort of 484 Han Chinese males from Huaiji County, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong, China (GDZQHJ cohort). In this cohort, we identified 52 different Y-haplogroups and 73 different surnames. We found weak to moderate correlations between the Y-haplogroups, Chinese surnames, and geographical locations of the GDZQHJ cohort (with λ values ranging from 0.050 to 0.340). However, when we combined two different categories into a new independent variable, we observed stronger correlations (with λ values ranging from 0.617 to 0.754). Overall, the YARN panel, which combines Y-STR and Y-SNP genetic markers, meets forensic DNA quality assurance guidelines and holds potential for East Asian geographical origin inference and paternal lineage analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoliang Fan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Yiran Xu
- Institute of Archaeological Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Yutao Zhao
- Public Security Bureau of Zhaoqing Municipality, Zhaoqing 526000, China.
| | - Kai Feng
- Duanzhou Branch of Zhaoqing Public Security Bureau, Zhaoqing 526060, China.
| | - Liuxi Hong
- Sihui Public Security Bureau of Guangdong Province, Zhaoqing 526299, China.
| | - Qiancheng Zhao
- Public Security Bureau of Zhaoqing Municipality, Zhaoqing 526000, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Lu
- Deepreads Biotech Company Limited, Guangzhou 510663, China.
| | - Meisen Shi
- Criminal Justice College of China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing 100088, China.
| | - Haiyan Li
- Criminal Technology Center of Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department, Guangzhou 510050, China.
| | - Lingxiang Wang
- MOE Laboratory for National Development and Intelligent Governance, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Shaoqing Wen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China; Institute of Archaeological Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China; MOE Laboratory for National Development and Intelligent Governance, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Diepenbroek M, Bayer B, Anslinger K. Phenotype predictions of two-person mixture using single cell analysis. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 67:102938. [PMID: 37832204 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Over a decade after the publication of the first forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) studies, DNA-based appearance predictions are now becoming a reality in routine crime scene investigations. The significant number of publications dedicated to the subject of FDP clearly demonstrates a sustained interest and a strong need for further method development. However, the implementation of FDP in routine work still encounters obstacles, and one of these challenges is making phenotype predictions from DNA mixtures. In this study, we examined single-cell sequencing as a potential tool to enable reliable phenotyping of contributors within mixtures. Two mock mixtures, each containing two contributors with similar and different physical appearances, were analyzed using two different workflows. In the first workflow, the mixtures were sequenced using the Ion AmpliSeq™ PhenoTrivium Panel, which includes 41 HIrisPlex-S (HPS) markers. Subsequently, the genotypes were analyzed using the HPS Deconvolution Tool to predict the phenotypes of both contributors. The second workflow involved the introduction of single-cell separation and collection using the DEPArray™ PLUS System. Two different PhenoTrivium amplification protocols were tested, and the phenotype predictions from single cells were compared with the results obtained using the HPS Tool. Our results suggest that the approach presented here allows for the obtainment of nearly complete HIrisPlex-S profiles with accurate genotypes and reliable phenotype predictions from single cells. This method proves successful in deconvoluting mixtures submitted to forensic DNA phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Diepenbroek
- Institute of Legal Medicine LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 26, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Birgit Bayer
- Institute of Legal Medicine LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Anslinger
- Institute of Legal Medicine LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 26, 80336 Munich, Germany
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Xavier C, Sutter C, Amory C, Niederstätter H, Parson W. NuMY-A qPCR Assay Simultaneously Targeting Human Autosomal, Y-Chromosomal, and Mitochondrial DNA. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1645. [PMID: 37628695 PMCID: PMC10454206 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The accurate quantification of DNA in forensic samples is of utmost importance. These samples are often present in limited amounts; therefore, it is indicated to use the appropriate analysis route with the optimum DNA amount (when possible). Also, DNA quantification can inform about the degradation stage and therefore support the decision on which downstream genotyping method to use. Consequently, DNA quantification aids in getting the best possible results from a forensic sample, considering both its DNA quantity and quality limitations. Here, we introduce NuMY, a new quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) method for the parallel quantification of human nuclear (n) and mitochondrial (mt) DNA, assessing the male portion in mixtures of both sexes and testing for possible PCR inhibition. NuMY is based on previous work and follows the MIQE guidelines whenever applicable. Although quantification of nuclear (n)DNA by simultaneously analyzing autosomal and male-specific targets is available in commercial qPCR kits, tools that include the quantification of mtDNA are sparse. The quantification of mtDNA has proven relevant for samples with low nDNA content when conventional DNA fingerprinting techniques cannot be followed. Furthermore, the development and use of new massively parallel sequencing assays that combine multiple marker types, i.e., autosomal, Y-chromosomal, and mtDNA, can be optimized when precisely knowing the amount of each DNA component present in the input sample. For high-quality DNA extracts, NuMY provided nDNA results comparable to those of another quantification technique and has also proven to be a reliable tool for challenging, forensically relevant samples such as mixtures, inhibited, and naturally degraded samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Xavier
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (C.S.); (C.A.); (H.N.)
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Charlotte Sutter
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (C.S.); (C.A.); (H.N.)
| | - Christina Amory
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (C.S.); (C.A.); (H.N.)
| | - Harald Niederstätter
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (C.S.); (C.A.); (H.N.)
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (C.S.); (C.A.); (H.N.)
- Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA
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Heinrich J, Berger C, Berger B, Hecht W, Phillips C, Parson W. The LASSIE MPS panel: Predicting externally visible traits in dogs for forensic purposes. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 66:102893. [PMID: 37290253 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Predicting the outward appearance of dogs via their DNA, also known as Canine DNA Phenotyping, is a young, emerging field of research in forensic genetics. The few previous studies published in this respect were restricted to the consecutive analysis of single DNA markers, a process that is time- and sample-consuming and therefore not a viable option for limited forensic specimens. Here, we report on the development and evaluation of a Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) based molecular genetic assay, the LASSIE MPS Panel. This panel aims to predict externally visible as well as skeletal traits, which include coat color, coat pattern, coat structure, tail morphology, skull shape, ear shape, eye color and body size from DNA using 44 genetic markers in a single molecular genetic assay. A biostatistical naïve Bayes classification approach was applied to identify the most informative marker combinations for predicting phenotypes. Overall, the predictive performance was characterized by a very high classification success for some of the trait categories, and high to moderate success for others. The performance of the developed predictive framework was further evaluated using blind samples from three randomly selected dog individuals, whose appearance was well predicted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephin Heinrich
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cordula Berger
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Burkhard Berger
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Werner Hecht
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christopher Phillips
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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Kayser M, Branicki W, Parson W, Phillips C. Recent advances in Forensic DNA Phenotyping of appearance, ancestry and age. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 65:102870. [PMID: 37084623 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Forensic DNA Phenotyping (FDP) comprises the prediction of a person's externally visible characteristics regarding appearance, biogeographic ancestry and age from DNA of crime scene samples, to provide investigative leads to help find unknown perpetrators that cannot be identified with forensic STR-profiling. In recent years, FDP has advanced considerably in all of its three components, which we summarize in this review article. Appearance prediction from DNA has broadened beyond eye, hair and skin color to additionally comprise other traits such as eyebrow color, freckles, hair structure, hair loss in men, and tall stature. Biogeographic ancestry inference from DNA has progressed from continental ancestry to sub-continental ancestry detection and the resolving of co-ancestry patterns in genetically admixed individuals. Age estimation from DNA has widened beyond blood to more somatic tissues such as saliva and bones as well as new markers and tools for semen. Technological progress has allowed forensically suitable DNA technology with largely increased multiplex capacity for the simultaneous analysis of hundreds of DNA predictors with targeted massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Forensically validated MPS-based FDP tools for predicting from crime scene DNA i) several appearance traits, ii) multi-regional ancestry, iii) several appearance traits together with multi-regional ancestry, and iv) age from different tissue types, are already available. Despite recent advances that will likely increase the impact of FDP in criminal casework in the near future, moving reliable appearance, ancestry and age prediction from crime scene DNA to the level of detail and accuracy police investigators may desire, requires further intensified scientific research together with technical developments and forensic validations as well as the necessary funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Kayser
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Wojciech Branicki
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland,; Institute of Forensic Research, Kraków, Poland
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - Christopher Phillips
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Staadig A, Hedman J, Tillmar A. Applying Unique Molecular Indices with an Extensive All-in-One Forensic SNP Panel for Improved Genotype Accuracy and Sensitivity. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040818. [PMID: 37107576 PMCID: PMC10137749 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the major challenges in forensic genetics is being able to detect very small amounts of DNA. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) enables sensitive detection; however, genotype errors may exist and could interfere with the interpretation. Common errors in MPS-based analysis are often induced during PCR or sequencing. Unique molecular indices (UMIs) are short random nucleotide sequences ligated to each template molecule prior to amplification. Applying UMIs can improve the limit of detection by enabling accurate counting of initial template molecules and removal of erroneous data. In this study, we applied the FORCE panel, which includes ~5500 SNPs, with a QIAseq Targeted DNA Custom Panel (Qiagen), including UMIs. Our main objective was to investigate whether UMIs can enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of forensic genotyping and to evaluate the overall assay performance. We analyzed the data both with and without the UMI information, and the results showed that both genotype accuracy and sensitivity were improved when applying UMIs. The results showed very high genotype accuracies (>99%) for both reference DNA and challenging samples, down to 125 pg. To conclude, we show successful assay performance for several forensic applications and improvements in forensic genotyping when applying UMIs.
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Pilli E, Morelli S, Poggiali B, Alladio E. Biogeographical ancestry, variable selection, and PLS-DA method: a new panel to assess ancestry in forensic samples via MPS technology. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 62:102806. [PMID: 36399972 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
As evidenced by the large number of articles recently published in the literature, forensic scientists are making great efforts to infer externally visible features and biogeographical ancestry (BGA) from DNA analysis. Just as phenotypic, ancestry information obtained from DNA can provide investigative leads to identify the victims (missing/unidentified persons, crime/armed conflict/mass disaster victims) or trace their perpetrators when no matches were found with the reference profile or in the database. Recently, the advent of Massively Parallel Sequencing technologies associated with the possibility of harnessing high-throughput genetic data allowed us to investigate the associations between phenotypic and genomic variations in worldwide human populations and develop new BGA forensic tools capable of simultaneously analyzing up to millions of markers if for example the ancient DNA approach of hybridization capture was adopted to target SNPs of interest. In the present study, a selection of more than 3000 SNPs was performed to create a new BGA panel and the accuracy of the new panel to infer ancestry from unknown samples was evaluated by the PLS-DA method. Subsequently, the panel created was assessed using three variable selection techniques (Backward variable elimination, Genetic Algorithm and Regularized elimination procedure), and the best SNPs in terms of inferring bio-geographical ancestry at inter- and intra-continental level were selected to obtain panels to predict BGA with a reduced number of selected markers to be applied in routine forensic cases where PCR amplification is the best choice to target SNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pilli
- Department of Biology, Forensic Molecular Anthropology Laboratory, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefania Morelli
- Department of Biology, Forensic Molecular Anthropology Laboratory, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Brando Poggiali
- Department of Biology, Forensic Molecular Anthropology Laboratory, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Xavier C, de la Puente M, Mosquera-Miguel A, Freire-Aradas A, Kalamara V, Ralf A, Revoir A, Gross T, Schneider P, Ames C, Hohoff C, Phillips C, Kayser M, Parson W. Development and inter-laboratory evaluation of the VISAGE Enhanced Tool for Appearance and Ancestry inference from DNA. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2022; 61:102779. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Melchionda F, Silvestrini B, Robino C, Bini C, Fattorini P, Martinez-Labarga C, De Angelis F, Tagliabracci A, Turchi C. Development and Validation of MPS-Based System for Human Appearance Prediction in Challenging Forensic Samples. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101688. [PMID: 36292573 PMCID: PMC9601425 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) provides the ability to predict the human external traits from unknown sample donors, directly from minute amounts of DNA found at the crime scene. We developed a MPS multiplex assay, with the aim of genotyping all 41 DNA markers included in the HIrisPlex-S system for simultaneous prediction of eye, hair and skin colours. Forensic samples such as blood, skeletal remains, touch DNA, saliva swab, artificially degraded samples together with individuals with known phenotypes and a set of 2800 M control DNA were sequenced on the Ion Torrent platform in order to evaluate the concordance testing results and the forensic suitability of the 41-plex MPS assay. The panel was evaluated by testing a different number of PCR cycles and the volume of reagents for library preparation. The study demonstrated that full and reliable profiles were obtained with 0.1–5 ng, even with high degraded DNA. The increment of the number of PCR cycles results in an improvement of correctly genotyping and phenotyping for samples with low amounts of degraded DNA but higher frequencies of artefacts were found. The high DNA degradation level did not influence the correct genotyping and phenotyping and the critical parameter affecting the result is the quantity of input DNA. Eye and hair colour was predicted in 92.60% of individuals and skin colour in 85.15% of individuals. The results suggest that this MPS assay is robust, highly sensitive and useful for human pigmentation prediction in the forensic genetic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Melchionda
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Torrette, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-071-596-5044
| | - Beatrice Silvestrini
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Torrette, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology, and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Robino
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- S.C. Medicina Legale, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Bini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Fattorini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Cristina Martinez-Labarga
- Centre of Molecular Anthropology for Ancient DNA Studies, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio De Angelis
- Centre of Molecular Anthropology for Ancient DNA Studies, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Tagliabracci
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Torrette, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Chiara Turchi
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Torrette, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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