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Rasmussen N. René Dubos, the Autochthonous Flora, and the Discovery of the Microbiome. JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF BIOLOGY 2022; 55:537-558. [PMID: 36348188 PMCID: PMC9668787 DOI: 10.1007/s10739-022-09692-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Now characterised by high-throughput sequencing methods that enable the study of microbes without lab culture, the human "microbiome" (the microbial flora of the body) is said to have revolutionary implications for biology and medicine. According to many experts, we must now understand ourselves as "holobionts" like lichen or coral, multispecies superorganisms that consist of animal and symbiotic microbes in combination, because normal physiological function depends on them. Here I explore the 1960s research of biologist René Dubos, a forerunner figure mentioned in some historical accounts of the microbiome, and argue that he arrived at the superorganism concept 40 years before the Human Microbiome Project. This raises the question of why his contribution was not hailed as revolutionary at the time and why Dubos is not remembered for it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Rasmussen
- School of Humanities, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Sydney, Australia.
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Jang J, Forbes VE, Sadowsky MJ. Probable role of Cutibacterium acnes in the gut of the polychaete Capitella teleta. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 809:151127. [PMID: 34688749 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Capitella teleta, a marine polychaete that feeds on a refractory diet consisting of sediment, was shown to contain unique gut microbiota comprised of microbial functional groups involved in fermentation. Results of our previous studies showed that C. teleta's core gut microbiota were dominated by propionibacteria, and that these bacteria were more abundant in worms than in sediment and feces. In order to test the hypothesis that the worm nutritionally benefits from its gut microbiota, we identified, and genetically and biochemically characterized Cutibacterium acnes strains (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) that were isolated from the gut of C. teleta. Here we show that 13 worm-isolated Cutibacterium acnes strains primarily belonged to phylotype group IB, likely as a clonal population. We also provide evidence that all tested strains produced propionate and vitamin B12, which are essential host-requiring microbial metabolites. The presence of C. acnes in C. teleta was not unique to our worm culture and was also found in those obtained from geographically distant laboratories located in the U.S. and Europe. Moreover, populations of worm gut-associated C. acnes increased following antibiotic treatment. Collectively, results of this study demonstrated that C. acnes is a member of the worm's core functional microbiota and is likely selectively favored by the physiology and chemistry of the host gut environment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of C. acnes in the C. teleta gut. Our data strongly suggest that C. acnes, a bacterium previously studied as an opportunistic pathogen, can likely act as a symbiont in C. teleta providing the host essential nutrients for survival, growth, and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghwan Jang
- Division of Biotechnology, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Republic of Korea; BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA; Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Valery E Forbes
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.
| | - Michael J Sadowsky
- BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA; Department of Soil, Water and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA; Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.
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Abstract
The microbial mechanisms and key metabolites that shape the composition of the human gut microbiota are largely unknown, impeding efforts to manipulate dysbiotic microbial communities toward stability and health. Vitamins, which by definition are not synthesized in sufficient quantities by the host and can mediate fundamental biological processes in microbes, represent an attractive target for reshaping microbial communities. Here, we discuss how vitamin B12 (cobalamin) impacts diverse host-microbe symbioses. Although cobalamin is synthesized by some human gut microbes, it is a precious resource in the gut and is likely not provisioned to the host in significant quantities. However, this vitamin may make an unrecognized contribution in shaping the structure and function of human gut microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick H Degnan
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michiko E Taga
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Andrew L Goodman
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06516, USA.
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Prakash S, Tomaro-Duchesneau C, Saha S, Cantor A. The gut microbiota and human health with an emphasis on the use of microencapsulated bacterial cells. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:981214. [PMID: 21772792 PMCID: PMC3134400 DOI: 10.1155/2011/981214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Revised: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining health. Alterations of the gut bacterial population have been associated with a number of diseases. Past and recent studies suggest that one can positively modify the contents of the gut microbiota by introducing prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and other therapeutics. This paper focuses on probiotic modulation of the gut microbiota by their delivery to the lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT). There are numerous obstacles to overcome before microorganisms can be utilized as therapeutics. One important limitation is the delivery of viable cells to the lower GIT without a significant loss of cell viability and metabolic features through the harsh conditions of the upper GIT. Microencapsulation has been shown to overcome this, with various types of microcapsules available for resolving this limitation. This paper discusses the gut microbiota and its role in disease, with a focus on microencapsulated probiotics and their potentials and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satya Prakash
- Biomedical Technology and Cell Therapy Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3775 University Street, Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 2B4.
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MICKELSEN O, YAMAMOTO RS. Methods for the Determination of Thiamine. METHODS OF BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS 2006; 6:191-257. [PMID: 13577427 DOI: 10.1002/9780470110225.ch8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Abstract
Access to a diet that provides adequate nutrition is one of the most important environmental factors influencing the well-being of rodent colonies. The dietary ingredient and nutrient composition, as well as the potential biological and chemical contaminant concentrations, are factors for consideration in selecting diets for a specific rodent colony. Estimated nutrient requirements have been published for the rodent species that are commonly used in biomedical research. The nutrient concentrations in adequate diets for other captive rodent species that are not used in biomedical research are more difficult to obtain. However, reasonable estimates of their nutrient requirements can be obtained by extrapolation of data from rodent species of a similar metabolic weight and size or from nutrient concentrations of diets that have a history of acceptable performance in the species of interest. Captive rodent colonies should be provided with nutritionally balanced diets with only limited amounts of succulent foodstuffs. The practice of feeding rodent colonies specific cereal grains is discouraged, since no single grain provides a balanced rodent diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Knapka
- Laboratory Animal Nutrition, Brookeville, Maryland, USA
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Rajtek S, Roth-Maier DA, Kirchgessner M. [Vitamin B1 content of liver, brain and muscles of pregnant and nonpregnant rats with different vitamin B1 supplies]. ARCHIV FUR TIERERNAHRUNG 1990; 40:901-13. [PMID: 2076051 DOI: 10.1080/17450399009428441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this publication was to examine the effects of a wide variation of dietary vitamin B1 supply (0-12,000 mg vitamin B1 per kg diet) to gravid and non gravid rats on their vitamin B1 content in liver, brain and muscle. The experiment was designed with 176 (2 x 11 x 8) female Sprague-Dawley-rats. Additionally, the organs and tissues were tested as criteria for requirement recommendations. The animals were sacrificed on the 20th day of gravidity of the pregnant rats. Before gravidity the vitamin-B1-contents were 4.7 micrograms/g liver, 2.5 micrograms/g brain and 1.5 micrograms/g muscle. At the end of the experiment the gravid rats had a 19 per cent higher liver content than the non gravids. With a dietary supply of 8-10 ppm vitamin B1 the liver content plateaued until about 120 ppm. Vitamin B1 concentration in brain was about 2 micrograms/g and gravidity was of no effect. Vitamin B1 concentration in muscle was significantly influenced by both factors and saturation was reached at 1.3 and 1.7 micrograms/g muscle. These data showed that the response of the liver to dietary supply was the most sensitive and should therefore be considered in requirements. The requirement for non gravid animals is therefore 4 mg vitamin B1 per kg diet at minimum, gravid animals should be supplied by 7 mg per kg diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rajtek
- Institut für Ernährungsphysiologie, Technische Universität München
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Bruckner G, Szabó J. Nutrient absorption in gnotobiotic animals. ADVANCES IN NUTRITIONAL RESEARCH 1984; 6:271-332. [PMID: 6391113 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4613-2801-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Prociv P. Observations on the transmission and development of Toxocara pteropodis (Ascaridoidea: Nematoda) in the Australian grey-headed flying-fox, Pteropus poliocephalus (Pteropodidae: Megachiroptera). ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PARASITENKUNDE (BERLIN, GERMANY) 1983; 69:773-81. [PMID: 6659654 DOI: 10.1007/bf00927426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Findings in the Australian Grey-Headed Flying-Fox, Pteropus poliocephalus, have elucidated the life-cycle of Toxocara pteropodis. In adult bats, other than parturient females, larvae were found only in the livers. Following parturition, larvae were recovered only from mammary glands up to 2 weeks post-partum. Developing larvae were found only in the intestine of young bats from the age of two days onwards; there was no evidence of pulmonary migration. The evidence indicates that juvenile bats commence passing Toxocara eggs in their faeces at about 2 months of age and expel the worms spontaneously following weaning at about 5 months. The eggs passed in the faeces of the young bat and its mother are disseminated throughout their environment and embryonate rapidly, being infective to mice after 10 days. Under natural conditions the eggs remain viable for 6 weeks or less and are infective to bats by the oral route.
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Chen SC, Oace SM. Methylmalonic acid metabolism of germfree and conventional vitamin B-12 deprived rats fed precursors of methylmalonate. J Nutr 1979; 109:1205-13. [PMID: 571902 DOI: 10.1093/jn/109.7.1205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Experiments using germfree (GF), ex-germfree (XGF) and conventional (CONV) rats were conducted to study the relationship of intestinal microorganisms to vitamin B-12 (B-12) status and to methylmalonic acid (MMA) excretion of the host animal, since B-12 depleted GF rats have been found to excrete less than expected level of urinary MMA. The possibility that the GF rat lacks sufficient precursor of MMA was tested by feeding GF, XGF and CONY rats diets low or high in MMA precursors and examining urinary excretion of MMA and formiminoglutamic acid at intervals. The possibility that the GF rat may metabolize propionate and MMA differently from the CONV rat was examined by a MMA loading-recovery study and a CO2 collection study after [14C]propionate injection. Plasma and tissue B-12 levels were determined at the beginning and the end of the study. Results indicate that 1) lack of sufficient precursor of MMA is partly responsible for the failure of GF, B-12 deficient rat to excrete MMA, 2) GF and CONV rats metabolize propionate and MMA by the same pathways and 3) the presence of intestinal microorganism depletes the body B-12 store of the rat.
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Abstract
The ingestion of feces is widespread among rodent species and is an extensively employed component of the repertoire of feeding behaviors in some species. Coprophagy is thus a significant consideration in the nutrition and dietary ecology of many rodents. As certain fecal pellets pass from the anus, they are taken up directly into the mouth, chewed, and swallowed. The nocturnally active herbivorous kangaroo rat Dipodomys microps ingests about 1/4 of the feces it produces daily and the daily pattern of reingestion shows a consistent rhythm. For about 8 h of the daytime, during the non-foraging, resting phase of the day, D. microps reingests all fecal pellets produced; during the remainder of the day it leaves all feces produced. The reingested feces contain more nitrogen and water, and less inorganic ions than the non-reingested feces. The extent of reingestion varies among rodent species in relation to diet, and coprophagy is more important in the more herbivorous species. The granivorous kangaroo rat D. merriami ingests feces rarely. The herbivorous vole Microtus californicus ingests about 1/4 of its feces, as does D. microps. However, in contrast to D. microps, M. californicus shows a series of rhythmic, short-term (one to several hour duration) alternations between reingestion and non-reingestion during the course of the day and night. This pattern correlates with the pattern of foraging in M. californicus, which extends over both night and day.
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Levenson SM. The influence of the indigenous microflora on mammalian metabolism and nutrition. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 1978; 2:78-107. [PMID: 575910 DOI: 10.1177/014860717800200203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Filial Responsiveness to Olfactory Cues in the Laboratory Rat. ADVANCES IN THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR 1978. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-3454(08)60133-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Uphill PF, Jacob F, Lall P. Vitamin B12 production by the gastro-intestinal microflora of baboons fed either a vitamin B12 deficient diet or a diet supplemented with vitamin B12. THE JOURNAL OF APPLIED BACTERIOLOGY 1977; 43:333-44. [PMID: 415032 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1977.tb00760.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Green R, Van Tonder SV, Oettle GJ, Cole G, Metz J. Neurological changes in fruit bats deficient in vitamin B12. Nature 1975; 254:148-50. [PMID: 1118003 DOI: 10.1038/254148a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Siddons RC. The experimental production of vitamin B12 deficiency in the baboon (Papio cynocephalus). A 2-year study. Br J Nutr 1974; 32:219-28. [PMID: 4213895 DOI: 10.1079/bjn19740075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
1. The development of vitamin B12deficiency, as indicated by the serum and liver vitamin B12levels and the excretion of methylmalonic acid, was studied over a 2-year period in baboons (Papio cynocephalus) given a diet deficient in vitamin B12. The effects of partial hepatectomy and the inclusion of either ampicillin or sodium propionate in the diet on the rate of development of the deficiency were also studied.2. The baboons had previously been fed on a mainly vegetarian diet. Their serum vitamin B12levels were less than 100 ng/l and the mean liver vitamin B12concentration was 0·56 μ/g. Similar serum and liver vitamin B12levels were found in baboons given a purified diet supplemented with 1 μg vitamin B12/d, and marked increases in the serum and liver vitamin B12levels occurred when the daily intake was increased to 2 μg.3. The serum vitamin B12levels decreased to less than 20 ng/l in all baboons given a vitamin B12-deficient diet.4. The liver vitamin B12concentration also decreased in all baboons given a deficient diet. At 9 months the lowest levels (0·20 μ/g) were found in partially hepatectomized baboons but subsequently baboons given the diet containing ampicillin had the lowest levels (0·11 μ/g).5. The excretion of methylmalonic acid after a valine load was found to be inversely related to the liver vitamin B12concentration. In the early part of the study, partially hepatectomized baboons excreted the highest amount but subsequently baboons given a diet containing ampicillin excreted the highest amount.6. Increased formiminoglutamic acid excretion after a histidine load was observed in two baboons given a vitamin B12-deficient diet and in both baboons the liver folic acid concentration was low.7. No haematological or neurological symptoms of the vitamin B12deficiency were observed.
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GIOVANNETTI PM, STOTHERS SC, PARKER RJ. COPROPHAGY PREVENTION AND AVAILABILITY OF AMINO ACIDS IN WHEAT FOR THE GROWING RAT. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 1970. [DOI: 10.4141/cjas70-041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The prevention of coprophagy had no significant effect on the availability of amino acids in a pure wheat diet consumed by male rats weighing 80 and 300 g, except in one instance. In the lighter, younger rats, a significant difference occurred in the amount of lysine available: 89% for rats with sham tail cups, 94% for control and 96% for those with real tail cups. Prevention of coprophagy in rats consuming a supplemented wheat diet or pure wheat had no significant effect on the weight gain over a period of 35 days, or on nitrogen balances at the two different stages of growth.
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March BE, Biely J. A re-assessment of the mode of action of the growth-stimulating properties of antibiotics. Poult Sci 1967; 46:831-7. [PMID: 6064479 DOI: 10.3382/ps.0460831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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HÖzel D, Barnes RH. Contributions of the Intestinal Microflora to the Nutrition of the Host. VITAMINS & HORMONES 1967. [DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(08)60204-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Abstract
1. Coprophagy in rats was prevented by the use of a leather jacket and large-mesh, screen floor cages. 2. This caused considerable depression of growth of prevented rats compared with non-prevented rats on the same diet.
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Absorption of vitamin K from the colon in the newborn infant. The journal The Journal of Pediatrics 1966. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3476(66)80163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Eichel H, Schicketanz W. Die Rolle der Darmflora im Vitamin-B-Haushalt unserer Haustiere. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1962. [DOI: 10.1080/17450396209423109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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SHIP AG, SCHATTEN WE, WATKIN DM, ROMINE M. Effects of pantothenic acid-deficient diets in patients with carcinomas. Cancer 1958; 11:933-7. [PMID: 13585345 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0142(195809/10)11:5<933::aid-cncr2820110509>3.0.co;2-v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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