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Kizerwetter-Świda M, Bąk I, Biegańska MJ, Dembele K, Chrobak-Chmiel D. Chrysosporium articulatum mimicking Trichophyton spp. infection in a cat: a case presentation and literature review. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:359. [PMID: 39127672 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04185-7] [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: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dermatophytosis is a common skin infection of cats and many other animals. A reliable diagnosis is crucial because of the zoonotic potential of dermatophytes. The routine mycological diagnostic procedures for dermatophytosis are widely known, but in the case of some isolates, identification based on phenotypic characteristics may be incorrect. Infections caused by Chrysosporium spp. are usually described in reptiles, but in other animals they are uncommon. CASE PRESENTATION This study presents a description of a cat with dermatological lesions, that was mistakenly diagnosed with Trichophyton spp. dermatophytosis. Clinical material for mycological examination was collected from alopecic areas on the back of the neck, the ventral abdomen, and the hindlimbs. The initial identification based on phenotypic properties indicated Trichophyton spp. The result of the MALDI-ToF MS allowed the exclusion of the Trichophyton genus. Ultimately, the correct identification as Chrysosporium articulatum was obtained based on the sequencing of ribosomal genes. CONCLUSIONS Interpretation of the results of the mycological examination of samples collected from animals' skin or hair shafts is always challenging. Thus, careful consideration of the primary cause of the clinical lesions observed on the skin is mandatory, and the culture results are worth supporting by molecular methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kizerwetter-Świda
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Ciszewskiego Str. 8, Warsaw, 02-786, Poland.
| | - Iwona Bąk
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Ciszewskiego Str. 8, Warsaw, 02-786, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Justyna Biegańska
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Ciszewskiego Str. 8, Warsaw, 02-786, Poland
| | - Kourou Dembele
- Department of Small Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, Warsaw, 02-776, Poland
| | - Dorota Chrobak-Chmiel
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Ciszewskiego Str. 8, Warsaw, 02-786, Poland
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2
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Slape RL, Milic NL. Exploring the most common lesion of Australian farmed saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) belly skin in the Northern Territory. Vet J 2024; 306:106174. [PMID: 38879075 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106174] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
This is the first descriptive study to characterise and identify the most common lesions on harvested Australian saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus). 88 skins were examined over a 17-month period as part of normal farming practices, 2901 lesions identified, with scale location, location of the lesion on the scale, and characteristics (contour, keratin normality, translucency and colour) recorded. The study determined that linear lesions accounted for 68.25 % of lesions followed by foci lesions 17.24 %. Lesions were distributed on the upper proportion of the belly skin (77.8 %) and along the midline (72 %). The most common lesion identified was a single translucent linear lesion across the scale that otherwise appeared normal (58.95 %). While there is extensive research into pathogenic agents, further research is recommended to explore further causation of linear lesions, and factors that may contribute to their prevention. Given the subjective nature of crocodile skin grading, it is recommended future research into lesions is required to ensure the sustainability and profitability of the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon L Slape
- Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0909, Australia.
| | - Natalie L Milic
- Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0909, Australia
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3
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Lott MJ, Frankham GJ, Eldridge MDB, Alquezar‐Planas DE, Donnelly L, Zenger KR, Leigh KA, Kjeldsen SR, Field MA, Lemon J, Lunney D, Crowther MS, Krockenberger MB, Fisher M, Neaves LE. Reversing the decline of threatened koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in New South Wales: Using genomics to enhance conservation outcomes. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11700. [PMID: 39091325 PMCID: PMC11289790 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic management is a critical component of threatened species conservation. Understanding spatial patterns of genetic diversity is essential for evaluating the resilience of fragmented populations to accelerating anthropogenic threats. Nowhere is this more relevant than on the Australian continent, which is experiencing an ongoing loss of biodiversity that exceeds any other developed nation. Using a proprietary genome complexity reduction-based method (DArTSeq), we generated a data set of 3239 high quality Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate spatial patterns and indices of genetic diversity in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), a highly specialised folivorous marsupial that is experiencing rapid and widespread population declines across much of its former range. Our findings demonstrate that current management divisions across the state of New South Wales (NSW) do not fully represent the distribution of genetic diversity among extant koala populations, and that care must be taken to ensure that translocation paradigms based on these frameworks do not inadvertently restrict gene flow between populations and regions that were historically interconnected. We also recommend that koala populations should be prioritised for conservation action based on the scale and severity of the threatening processes that they are currently faced with, rather than placing too much emphasis on their perceived value (e.g., as reservoirs of potentially adaptive alleles), as our data indicate that existing genetic variation in koalas is primarily partitioned among individual animals. As such, the extirpation of koalas from any part of their range represents a potentially critical reduction of genetic diversity for this iconic Australian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Lott
- Australian Museum Research InstituteSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | | | | | - Lily Donnelly
- Molecular Ecology and Evolutionary Laboratory, College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Kyall R. Zenger
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Kellie A. Leigh
- Science for Wildlife LtdMount VictoriaNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Shannon R. Kjeldsen
- Molecular Ecology and Evolutionary Laboratory, College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular BiologyJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Matt A. Field
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular BiologyJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- Immunogenomics LabGarvan Institute of Medical ResearchDarlinghurstNew South WalesAustralia
| | - John Lemon
- JML Environmental ConsultantsArmidaleNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Environmental and Rural ScienceUniversity of New EnglandArmidaleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Daniel Lunney
- Australian Museum Research InstituteSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Planning and EnvironmentParramattaNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mathew S. Crowther
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mark B. Krockenberger
- Sydney School of Veterinary ScienceUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mark Fisher
- 3D Ecology MappingEmerald BeachNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Linda E. Neaves
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
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4
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Cashin K, Martinez S, Magnin G, Nevarez JG. PHARMACOKINETICS OF SINGLE INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION OF CEFTIOFUR CRYSTALLINE FREE ACID IN AMERICAN ALLIGATORS ( ALLIGATOR MISSISSIPPIENSIS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 54:721-727. [PMID: 38251995 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
A pharmacokinetic study of ceftiofur crystalline free acid sterile oil suspension (CCFA) was performed in six apparently healthy juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). A single intramuscular dose of 30 mg/kg was administered in the triceps muscle. Blood samples were collected prior to treatment and at 4, 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, 144, 192, 288, and 366 h post administration. Plasma samples were analyzed for ceftiofur equivalent concentrations using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by noncompartmental analysis. Mean peak plasma concentration was 23.2 µg/ml (range, 16.0-27.9), median time to maximum concentration was 72 h (range, 72-120), mean area under the curve from 0 to 366 h postdose was 4.24 h · mg/ml (range, 3.54-4.97), and mean terminal half-life was 143 h (range, 90.8-220). Plasma concentrations were maintained above the minimum inhibitory concentration for this study of 2.0 µg/ml, which was established from similar CCFA pharmacokinetic studies in other reptilian species, through the end of the data collection of 366 h. Because of prolonged plasma concentrations, a dosing interval could not be established in this study. Future studies should include extended collection time points and multidose studies to determine dosing regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Martinez
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Geraldine Magnin
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Slape RL, Milic NL. Histological determination of skin thickness in farmed Australian Crocodylus porosus. Acta Histochem 2022; 124:151914. [PMID: 35690028 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151914] [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: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
This descriptive study examined the variation in ventral Crocodylus porosus (saltwater crocodile) belly skin. The study is the first to determine both intra and inter variation of C. porosus skin, epidermis and dermis thickness across the ventral belly region. Standardised ventral scales from across the belly region of a Hatchling (< 12months), Yearling (1-2 years) and Grow Out (>2 years) animals were examined using histological measurements for the stratum (s.) corneum, a combined measure for the remainder of the epidermis; the s. granulosum, s. spinosum and s. basale, and the dermis. This study determined that there was a thinning across all layers of the belly skin, from the head to the cloaca, and a decrease in thickness scales in lateral scales compared to midline scales. Variation within a scale was found predominately in the s. corneum and can be related to the change in keratin type from beta- to alpha- in the hinge (inter-scalar) region and the integumentary sensory organs. Future studies should utilise a larger sample size and consider less invasive imaging techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Slape
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0909, Australia
| | - N L Milic
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0909, Australia.
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Simulundu E, Ndashe K, Chambaro HM, Squarre D, Reilly PM, Chitanga S, Changula K, Mukubesa AN, Ndebe J, Tembo J, Kapata N, Bates M, Sinkala Y, Hang'ombe BM, Nalubamba KS, Kajihara M, Sasaki M, Orba Y, Takada A, Sawa H. West Nile Virus in Farmed Crocodiles, Zambia, 2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:811-814. [PMID: 32187004 PMCID: PMC7101096 DOI: 10.3201/eid2604.190954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We detected West Nile virus (WNV) nucleic acid in crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in Zambia. Phylogenetically, the virus belonged to lineage 1a, which is predominant in the Northern Hemisphere. These data provide evidence that WNV is circulating in crocodiles in Africa and increases the risk for animal and human transmission.
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7
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Okoh GR, Horwood PF, Whitmore D, Ariel E. Herpesviruses in Reptiles. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:642894. [PMID: 34026888 PMCID: PMC8131531 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.642894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 1970s, several species of herpesviruses have been identified and associated with significant diseases in reptiles. Earlier discoveries placed these viruses into different taxonomic groups on the basis of morphological and biological characteristics, while advancements in molecular methods have led to more recent descriptions of novel reptilian herpesviruses, as well as providing insight into the phylogenetic relationship of these viruses. Herpesvirus infections in reptiles are often characterised by non-pathognomonic signs including stomatitis, encephalitis, conjunctivitis, hepatitis and proliferative lesions. With the exception of fibropapillomatosis in marine turtles, the absence of specific clinical signs has fostered misdiagnosis and underreporting of the actual disease burden in reptilian populations and hampered potential investigations that could lead to the effective control of these diseases. In addition, complex life histories, sampling bias and poor monitoring systems have limited the assessment of the impact of herpesvirus infections in wild populations and captive collections. Here we review the current published knowledge of the taxonomy, pathogenesis, pathology and epidemiology of reptilian herpesviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- God'spower Richard Okoh
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul F Horwood
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - David Whitmore
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Ellen Ariel
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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8
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Crocodilepox Virus Evolutionary Genomics Supports Observed Poxvirus Infection Dynamics on Saltwater Crocodile ( Crocodylus porosus). Viruses 2019; 11:v11121116. [PMID: 31810339 PMCID: PMC6950651 DOI: 10.3390/v11121116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Saltwater crocodilepox virus (SwCRV), belonging to the genus Crocodylidpoxvirus, are large DNA viruses posing an economic risk to Australian saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) farms by extending production times. Although poxvirus-like particles and sequences have been confirmed, their infection dynamics, inter-farm genetic variability and evolutionary relationships remain largely unknown. In this study, a poxvirus infection dynamics study was conducted on two C. porosus farms. One farm (Farm 2) showed twice the infection rate, and more concerningly, an increase in the number of early- to late-stage poxvirus lesions as crocodiles approached harvest size, reflecting the extended production periods observed on this farm. To determine if there was a genetic basis for this difference, 14 complete SwCRV genomes were isolated from lesions sourced from five Australian farms. They encompassed all the conserved genes when compared to the two previously reported SwCRV genomes and fell within three major clades. Farm 2′s SwCRV sequences were distributed across all three clades, highlighting the likely mode of inter-farm transmission. Twenty-four recombination events were detected, with one recombination event resulting in consistent fragmentation of the P4c gene in the majority of the Farm 2 SwCRV isolates. Further investigation into the evolution of poxvirus infection in farmed crocodiles may offer valuable insights in evolution of this viral family and afford the opportunity to obtain crucial information into natural viral selection processes in an in vivo setting.
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9
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Systemic Granulomatous Pathology in Two Captive Alligator Mississippiensis. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2019-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The literature in this field cites various ubiquitous fungal and bacterial microorganisms as etiologic agents in severely stressed captive alligators and crocodiles. This study reports two cases of Alligator mississippiensis with bacterial and fungal disease. Two adult American alligators have been submitted for post-mortem investigations. Necropsy, cytology (MGG), and histopathology investigations (HE, HEA, PAS, Gram, Giemsa, Ziehl Neelsen) were carried out. Pleural and pericardial swabs were subjected to microbiological examination. The main lesions detected involved the lower respiratory system and were characterized by thoracic serosanguineous effusions, pleural and pulmonary nodules (1 – 80 mm), accompanied by edema. Similar nodules observed also in the liver, spleen and myocardium, suggested a systemic disease. Additionally, cutaneous, gingival and gastrointestinal erosions and ulcers were found. Cytoarchitecture findings in the major organs revealed lymphoid depletion, multifocal to coalescing necrotic areas with coccoid aggregates and rod shaped bacteria intermixing fungal structures, boarded by heterogeneous inflammatory infiltrates, composed by epithelioid macrophages, lymphocytes and heterophils. The microbiological examination revealed the presence of Aeromonas hydrophila, A. caviae, Serratia marcescens, Pantoea agglomerans, Proteus vulgaris, haemolitic and non-haemolitic E. coli, Citrobacter freundii, Rhizopus/Absidia from pleural and pericardial cavities, concluding that death occurred following a bacterial and fungal pneumonia, with secondary spreading of microorganisms. Along with the low immune response, severe stress was the main possible cause, as a result of environmental temperature changes during the winter, as well as other husbandry issues.
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Isberg SR, Moran JL, De Araujo R, Elliott N, Davis SS, Melville L. First evidence of Kunjin strain of West Nile virus associated with saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) skin lesions. Aust Vet J 2019; 97:390-393. [PMID: 31328253 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the Kunjin strain of West Nile virus (WNVKUN ) has been detected using qRT-PCR in belly skin lesions of farmed juvenile saltwater crocodiles. This follows an established association between similar lesions and West Nile virus in American alligators. The lesions present as cutaneous lymphohistiocytic aggregates in the dermal layers of both species. While these lesion do not create an obvious defect on the live crocodile, upon tanning the lesion area collapses and does not uptake the dye evenly, thus reducing its aesthetic appeal. As a result, skins are being rejected jeopardising the economic viability of the Australian crocodile industry. Over 50 skin lesions have since been confirmed as WNVKUN -positive and preliminary evidence of lesion restructuring is presented. Horizontal transmission of WNVKUN by mosquitoes is well-established but other transmission routes, such as ingestion and cloacal shedding, need further evaluation. An infection trial is currently underway to ensure WNVKUN is the causative agent of these skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Isberg
- Centre for Crocodile Research, PO Box 329, Noonamah, Northern Territory, Australia 0837
| | - J L Moran
- Centre for Crocodile Research, PO Box 329, Noonamah, Northern Territory, Australia 0837
| | - R De Araujo
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories, Northern Territory Government, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - N Elliott
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories, Northern Territory Government, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - S S Davis
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories, Northern Territory Government, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - L Melville
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories, Northern Territory Government, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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