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Česnik AB, Švajger U. The issue of heterogeneity of MSC-based advanced therapy medicinal products-a review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1400347. [PMID: 39129786 PMCID: PMC11310176 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1400347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSCs) possess a remarkable potential for numerous clinical applications due to their unique properties including self-renewal, immunomodulation, paracrine actions and multilineage differentiation. However, the translation of MSC-based Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) into the clinic has frequently met with inconsistent outcomes. One of the suspected reasons for this issue is the inherent and extensive variability that exists among such ATMPs, which makes the interpretation of their clinical efficacy difficult to assess, as well as to compare the results of various studies. This variability stems from numerous reasons including differences in tissue sources, donor attributes, variances in manufacturing protocols, as well as modes of administration. MSCs can be isolated from various tissues including bone marrow, umbilical cord, adipose tissue and others, each with its unique phenotypic and functional characteristics. While MSCs from different sources do share common features, they also exhibit distinct gene expression profiles and functional properites. Donor-specific factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and underlying health conditions can influence MSC phenotype, morphology, differentiation potential and function. Moreover, variations in preparation of MSC products introduces additional heterogeneity as a result of cell culture media composition, presence or absence of added growth factors, use of different serum supplements and culturing techniques. Once MSC products are formulated, storage protocols play a pivotal role in its efficacy. Factors that affect cell viability include cell concentration, delivery solution and importantly, post-thawing protocols where applicable. Ensuing, differences in administration protocols can critically affect the distribution and functionallity of administered cells. As MSC-based therapies continue to advance through numerous clinical trials, implication of strategies to reduce product heterogeneity is imperative. Central to addressing these challenges is the need for precise prediction of clinical responses, which require well-defined MSC populations and harmonized assessment of their specific functions. By addressing these issues by meaningful approaches, such as, e.g., MSC pooling, the field can overcome barriers to advance towards more consistent and effective MSC-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Bajc Česnik
- Slovenian Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Department for Therapeutic Services, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urban Švajger
- Slovenian Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Department for Therapeutic Services, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Christy BA, Herzig MC, Wu X, Mohammadipoor A, McDaniel JS, Bynum JA. Cell Therapies for Acute Radiation Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6973. [PMID: 39000080 PMCID: PMC11241804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The risks of severe ionizing radiation exposure are increasing due to the involvement of nuclear powers in combat operations, the increasing use of nuclear power, and the existence of terrorist threats. Exposure to a whole-body radiation dose above about 0.7 Gy results in H-ARS (hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome), which is characterized by damage to the hematopoietic system; higher doses result in further damage to the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Only a few medical countermeasures for ARS are currently available and approved for use, although others are in development. Cell therapies (cells or products produced by cells) are complex therapeutics that show promise for the treatment of radiation injury and have been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity in animal models. Since clinical trials for ARS cannot be ethically conducted, animal testing is extremely important. Here, we describe cell therapies that have been tested in animal models. Both cells and cell products appear to promote survival and lessen tissue damage after whole-body irradiation, although the mechanisms are not clear. Because radiation exposure often occurs in conjunction with other traumatic injuries, animal models of combined injury involving radiation and future countermeasure testing for these complex medical problems are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Christy
- Blood and Shock Resuscitation, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Maryanne C Herzig
- Blood and Shock Resuscitation, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
| | - Xiaowu Wu
- Blood and Shock Resuscitation, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
| | - Arezoo Mohammadipoor
- Hemorrhage and Vascular Dysfunction, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
| | - Jennifer S McDaniel
- Blood and Shock Resuscitation, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
| | - James A Bynum
- Blood and Shock Resuscitation, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
- Department of Surgery, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Trauma Research and Combat Casualty Care Collaborative, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Cifuentes SJ, Domenech M. Heparin-collagen I bilayers stimulate FAK/ERK½ signaling via α2β1 integrin to support the growth and anti-inflammatory potency of mesenchymal stromal cells. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:65-81. [PMID: 37723658 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37614] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Understanding mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) growth mechanisms in response to surface chemistries is essential to optimize culture methods for high-quality and robust cell yields in cell manufacturing applications. Heparin (HEP) and collagen 1 (COL) substrates have been reported to enhance cell adhesion, growth, viability, and secretory potential in MSCs. However, the biomolecular mechanisms underlying the benefits of combined HEP/COL substrates are unknown. This work used HEP/COL bilayered surfaces to investigate the role of integrin-HEP interactions in the advantages of MSC culture. The layer-by-layer approach (LbL) was used to create HEP/COL bilayers, which were made up of stacks of 8 and 9 layers that combined HEP and COL in an alternate arrangement. Surface spectroscopic investigations and laser scanning microscopy evaluations verified the biochemical fingerprint of each component and a total stacked bilayer thickness of roughly 150 nm. Cell growth and apoptosis in response to IC50 and IC75 levels of BTT-3033 and Cilengitide, α2β1 and αvβ3 integrin inhibitors respectively, were evaluated on HEP/COL coated surfaces using two bone marrow-derived MSC donors. While integrin activity did not affect cell growth rates, it significantly affected cell adhesion and apoptosis on HEP/COL surfaces. HEP-ending HEP/COL surfaces significantly increased FAK-ERK½ phosphorylation and endogenous cell COL deposition compared to COL, COL-ending HEP/COL and uncoated surfaces. BTT-3033 but not Cilengitide treatment markedly affected FAK-ERK½ activity levels on HEP-ending HEP/COL surfaces supporting a major role for α2β1 activity. BTT-3033 treatment on HEP-ending bilayers reduced MSC-mediated macrophage inhibitory activity and altered the cytokine profile of co-cultures. Overall, this study supports a novel role for HEP in regulating the survival and potency of MSCs via enhancing the α2β1-FAK-ERK½ signaling mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said J Cifuentes
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Maribella Domenech
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, USA
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Doshi A, Erickson P, Teryek M, Parekkadan B. Dynamics of Ex Vivo Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Potency under Continuous Perfusion. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119602. [PMID: 37298556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a candidate for cell immunotherapy due to potent immunomodulatory activity found in their secretome. Though studies on their secreted substances have been reported, the time dynamics of MSC potency remain unclear. Herein, we report on the dynamics of MSC secretome potency in an ex vivo hollow fiber bioreactor using a continuous perfusion cell culture system that fractionated MSC-secreted factors over time. Time-resolved fractions of MSC-conditioned media were evaluated for potency by incubation with activated immune cells. Three studies were designed to characterize MSC potency under: (1) basal conditions, (2) in situ activation, and (3) pre-licensing. Results indicate that the MSC secretome is most potent in suppressing lymphocyte proliferation during the first 24 h and is further stabilized when MSCs are prelicensed with a cocktail of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IFNγ, TNFα, and IL-1β. The evaluation of temporal cell potency using this integrated bioreactor system can be useful in informing strategies to maximize MSC potency, minimize side effects, and allow greater control for the duration of ex vivo administration approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneesha Doshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Patrick Erickson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Matthew Teryek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Biju Parekkadan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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López-Gutierrez J, Ramos-Payán R, Romero-Quintana JG, Ayala-Ham A, Castro-Salazar Y, Castillo-Ureta H, Jiménez-Gastélum G, Bermúdez M, Aguilar-Medina M. Evaluation of biocompatibility and angiogenic potential of extracellular matrix hydrogel biofunctionalized with the LL-37 peptide. Biomed Mater Eng 2023; 34:545-560. [PMID: 37393490 DOI: 10.3233/bme-230022] [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] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomaterials must allow revascularization for a successful tissue regeneration process. Biomaterials formulated from the extracellular matrix (ECM) have gained popularity in tissue engineering because of their superior biocompatibility, and due to their rheological properties, ECM-hydrogels can be easily applied in damaged areas, allowing cell colonization and integration into the host tissue. Porcine urinary bladder ECM (pUBM) retains functional signaling and structural proteins, being an excellent option in regenerative medicine. Even some small molecules, such as the antimicrobial cathelicidin-derived LL-37 peptide have proven angiogenic properties. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility and angiogenic potential of an ECM-hydrogel derived from the porcine urinary bladder (pUBMh) biofunctionalized with the LL-37 peptide (pUBMh/LL37). METHODS Macrophages, fibroblasts, and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) were exposed pUBMh/LL37, and the effect on cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, cytotoxicity by quantification of lactate dehydrogenase release and the Live/Dead Cell Imaging assays. Moreover, macrophage production of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, MCP-1, INF-γ, and TNF-α cytokines was quantified using a bead-based cytometric array. pUBMh/LL37 was implanted directly by dorsal subcutaneous injection in Wistar rats for 24 h to evaluate biocompatibility, and pUBMh/LL37-loaded angioreactors were implanted for 21 days for evaluation of angiogenesis. RESULTS We found that pUBMh/LL37 did not affect cell proliferation and is cytocompatible to all tested cell lines but induces the production of TNF-α and MCP-1 in macrophages. In vivo, this ECM-hydrogel induces fibroblast-like cell recruitment within the material, without tissue damage or inflammation at 48 h. Interestingly, tissue remodeling with vasculature inside angioreactors was seen at 21 days. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that pUBMh/LL37 is cytologically compatible, and induces angiogenesis in vivo, showing potential for tissue regeneration therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge López-Gutierrez
- Faculty of Biology, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez s/n y Avenida de las Américas, Culiacan, Sinaloa, México
| | - Rosalío Ramos-Payán
- Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez s/n y Avenida de las Américas, Culiacan, Sinaloa, México
| | - Jose Geovanni Romero-Quintana
- Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez s/n y Avenida de las Américas, Culiacan, Sinaloa, México
| | - Alfredo Ayala-Ham
- Faculty of Odontology, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez s/n y Avenida de las Américas, Culiacan, Sinaloa, México
| | - Yolanda Castro-Salazar
- Faculty of Odontology, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez s/n y Avenida de las Américas, Culiacan, Sinaloa, México
| | - Hipolito Castillo-Ureta
- Faculty of Biology, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez s/n y Avenida de las Américas, Culiacan, Sinaloa, México
| | - German Jiménez-Gastélum
- Faculty of Biology, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez s/n y Avenida de las Américas, Culiacan, Sinaloa, México
| | - Mercedes Bermúdez
- Faculty of Odontology, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Circuito Universitario Campus I, Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México
| | - Maribel Aguilar-Medina
- Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez s/n y Avenida de las Américas, Culiacan, Sinaloa, México
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Burns JS. The Evolving Landscape of Potency Assays. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1420:165-189. [PMID: 37258790 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-30040-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
There is a "goldilocks" aspect to potency assays. On the one hand, a comprehensive evaluation of the cell product with detailed quantitative measurement of the critical quality attribute/s of the desired biological activity is required. On the other hand, the potency assay benefits from simplification and lean approaches that avoid unnecessary complication and enhance robustness, to provide a reproducible and scalable product. There is a need to balance insightful knowledge of complex biological healing processes with straightforward manufacture of an advanced therapeutic medicinal product (ATMP) that can be administered in a trustworthy cost-effective manner. While earlier chapters within this book have highlighted numerous challenges facing the potency assay conundrum, this chapter offers a forward-looking perspective regarding the many recent advances concerning acellular products, cryopreservation, induced MSC, cell priming, nanotechnology, 3D culture, regulatory guidelines and evolving institutional roles, that are likely to facilitate potency assay development in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge S Burns
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Burns JS, Kassem M. Identifying Biomarkers for Osteogenic Potency Assay Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1420:39-58. [PMID: 37258783 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-30040-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
There has been extensive exploration of how cells may serve as advanced therapy medicinal products to treat skeletal pathologies. Osteoblast progenitors responsible for production of extracellular matrix that is subsequently mineralized during bone formation have been characterised as a rare bone marrow subpopulation of cell culture plastic adherent cells. Conveniently, they proliferate to form single-cell derived colonies of fibroblastoid cells, termed colony forming unit fibroblasts that can subsequently differentiate to aggregates resembling small areas of cartilage or bone. However, donor heterogeneity and loss of osteogenic differentiation capacity during extended cell culture have made the discovery of reliable potency assay biomarkers difficult. Nonetheless, functional osteoblast models derived from telomerised human bone marrow stromal cells have allowed extensive comparative analysis of gene expression, microRNA, morphological phenotypes and secreted proteins. This chapter highlights numerous insights into the molecular mechanisms underpinning osteogenic differentiation of multipotent stromal cells and bone formation, discussing aspects involved in the choice of useful biomarkers for functional attributes that can be quantitively measured in osteogenic potency assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge S Burns
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Moustapha Kassem
- University Hospital of Odense, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Danish Stem Cell Center, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Ofiteru AM, Becheru DF, Gharbia S, Balta C, Herman H, Mladin B, Ionita M, Hermenean A, Burns JS. Qualifying Osteogenic Potency Assay Metrics for Human Multipotent Stromal Cells: TGF-β2 a Telling Eligible Biomarker. Cells 2020; 9:E2559. [PMID: 33260388 PMCID: PMC7760953 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Potency assays are critical for regenerative medicine, addressing the known challenge of functional heterogeneity among human multipotent stromal cells (hMSC). Necessary laboratory cell expansion allows analysis before implantation in the patient. Levels of induction of five signature gene biomarkers, ALPL, COL1A2, DCN, ELN and RUNX2, constituted a previously reported proof-of-principle osteogenic potency assay. We tested assay modification to enhance reproducibility using six consistent bone marrow derived hBM-MSC and explored applicability to three adipose tissue derived hAT-MSC. Using a potent proprietary osteogenic induction factor, the GUSB/YWAHZ reference gene pair provided real time PCR consistency. The novel assay conditions supported the concept that genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins one week after osteogenic induction were informative. Nonetheless, relatively low induction of COL1A2 and ELN encouraged search for additional biomarkers. TGFB2 mRNA induction, important for osteogenic commitment, was readily quantifiable in both hBM-MSC and hAT-MSC. Combined with DCN, TGFB2 mRNA induction data provided discriminatory power for resolving donor-specific heterogeneity. Histomorphometric decorin and TGF-β2 protein expression patterns in eight-week heterotopic bone implants also discriminated the two non-bone-forming hMSC. We highlight progress towards prompt osteogenic potency assays, needed by current clinical trials to accelerate improved intervention with enhanced stem cell therapy for serious bone fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustin M. Ofiteru
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.F.B.); (M.I.)
| | - Diana F. Becheru
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.F.B.); (M.I.)
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sami Gharbia
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Cornel Balta
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Hildegard Herman
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Bianca Mladin
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Mariana Ionita
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.F.B.); (M.I.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania; (S.G.); (C.B.); (H.H.); (B.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Jorge S. Burns
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (D.F.B.); (M.I.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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