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Nashan B, Schemmer P, Braun F, Schlitt HJ, Pascher A, Klein CG, Neumann UP, Kroeger I, Wimmer P. Early Everolimus-Facilitated Reduced Tacrolimus in Liver Transplantation: Results From the Randomized HEPHAISTOS Trial. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:998-1010. [PMID: 34525259 PMCID: PMC9291476 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Everolimus-facilitated reduced-exposure tacrolimus (EVR + rTAC) at 30 days after liver transplantation (LT) has shown advantages in renal preservation. This study evaluated the effects of early initiation of EVR + rTAC in de novo LT recipients (LTRs). In HEPHAISTOS (NCT01551212, EudraCT 2011-003118-17), a 12-month, multicenter, controlled study, LTRs were randomly assigned at 7 to 21 days after LT to receive EVR + rTAC or standard-exposure tacrolimus (sTAC) with steroids. The primary objective was to demonstrate superior renal function (assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) with EVR + rTAC versus sTAC at month 12 in the full analysis set (FAS). Other assessments at month 12 included the evaluation of renal function in compliance set and on-treatment (OT) patients, efficacy (composite endpoint of graft loss, death, or treated biopsy-proven acute rejection [tBPAR] and individual components) in FAS, and safety. In total, 333 patients (EVR + rTAC, 169; sTAC, 164) were included in the FAS. A high proportion of patients was nonadherent in maintaining tacrolimus trough levels (EVR + rTAC, 36.1%; sTAC, 34.7%). At month 12, the adjusted least square mean eGFR was numerically higher with EVR + rTAC versus sTAC (76.2 versus 72.1 mL/minute/1.73 m2 , difference: 4.1 mL/minute/1.73 m2 ; P = 0.097). A significant difference of 8.3 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (P = 0.03) favoring EVR + rTAC was noted in the compliance set. Incidence of composite efficacy endpoint (7.7% versus 7.9%) and tBPAR (7.1% versus 5.5%) at month 12 as well as incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs were comparable between groups. A lower proportion of patients discontinued EVR + rTAC than sTAC treatment (27.2% versus 34.1%). Early use of everolimus in combination with rTAC showed comparable efficacy, safety, and well-preserved renal function versus sTAC therapy at month 12. Of note, renal function was significantly enhanced in the compliance set.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Nashan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Visceral TransplantationUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany,Present address:
Organ Transplantation CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of ChinaAnhui Provincial HospitalHefeiChina
| | - Peter Schemmer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant SurgeryUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany,Present address:
General, Visceral and Transplant SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Felix Braun
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplant and Pediatric SurgeryUniversity Medical Center Schleswig‐HolsteinKielGermany
| | - Hans J. Schlitt
- Department of SurgeryUniversity Hospital RegensburgRegensburgGermany
| | - Andreas Pascher
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant SurgeryCharité–Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany,Present address:
Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation SurgeryUniversity Hospital MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Christian G. Klein
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation SurgeryUniversity Hospital EssenEssenGermany
| | - Ulf P. Neumann
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant SurgeryUniversity Hospital AachenAachenGermany,Present address:
Department of GeneralVisceral and Transplant SurgeryUniversity Hospital AachenAachenGermany,Present address:
Department of General SurgeryMaastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC)Maastrichtthe Netherlands
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Bzeizi KI, Smith R, Albenmousa A, Dama M, Aba-Alkhail F, Jalan R, Broering D. Long-Term Outcomes of Everolimus Therapy in De Novo Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Transplant Proc 2021; 53:148-158. [PMID: 33390288 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk of nephrotoxicity in liver transplant patients on calcineurin inhibitors (CnIs) is a concern. Several controlled trials reported benefit of everolimus (EVR) in minimizing this risk when combined with a reduced CnI dose. BACKGROUND To systematically review the efficacy and safety of EVR, alone or with reduced CnI dose, as compared to CnI alone post-liver transplantation. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials comparing EVR- and CnI-based regimens post-liver transplantation. Assessment of studies and data extraction were undertaken independently. RESULTS Eight studies were selected, describing 769 patients. Cockcroft-Gault GFR was higher at one (P = .05), 3, and 5 years (P = .030) in patients on EVR compared to those receiving CnI therapy. The composite endpoint of efficacy failure was similar between the 2 arms after 1, 3, and 5 years of study. More patients discontinued EVR due to adverse effects in 1 year; however, no difference was noted after 3 or 5 years. A higher rates of proteinuria, peripheral edema, and incisional hernia occurred in patients on EVR. CONCLUSIONS The analysis confirms noninferiority of EVR and reduced CnI combination. Combination regimen resulted in better renal function compared to standard CnI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Ibrahim Bzeizi
- Department of Liver Transplantation, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Richard Smith
- Department of Medicine, Ipswich Hospital Trust, Heath Rd, Ipswich, UK
| | - Ali Albenmousa
- Department of Liver Transplantation, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Faisal Aba-Alkhail
- Department of Liver Transplantation, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Multi Organ Transplant, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Dieter Broering
- Department of Liver Transplantation, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Yu XN, Chen H, Liu TT, Wu J, Zhu JM, Shen XZ. Targeting the mTOR regulatory network in hepatocellular carcinoma: Are we making headway? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1871:379-391. [PMID: 30951815 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway coordinates organismal growth and homeostasis in response to growth factors, nutrients, and cellular energy stage. The pathway regulates several major cellular processes and is implicated in various pathological conditions, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review summarizes recent advances of the mTOR pathway, highlights the potential of the mTOR pathway as a therapeutic target, and explores clinical trials targeting the mTOR pathway in HCC. Although the review focuses on the mTOR pathway involved in HCC, more comprehensive discussions (eg, developing a rational design for future trials targeting the mTOR pathway) are also applicable to other tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Nan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao-Tao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Min Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xi-Zhong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Abstract
The evidence base concerning use of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor therapy after liver transplantation is evolving rapidly, clarifying their benefits and disadvantages in different clinical scenarios. The H2304 trial showed that starting everolimus at 1 month posttransplant, with reduced tacrolimus, achieves a sustained improvement in renal function versus standard tacrolimus-based therapy, with at least equivalent immunosuppressive efficacy. Randomized studies evaluating early discontinuation of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) therapy after introduction of an mTOR inhibitor consistently demonstrated a substantial improvement in renal function versus standard CNI therapy. However, concomitant mycophenolic acid is advisable to avoid an increase in mild biopsy-proven acute rejection, and induction with an interleukin-2 receptor antagonist may also be helpful. High-quality robust data regarding prevention of posttransplant malignancies under mTOR inhibitors is lacking in liver transplantation, although there are some indications of benefit. In maintenance patients, robust data are limited regarding mTOR inhibitor initiation in response to deteriorating renal function or other indications but late conversion (>1 year) appears ineffective. Rates of mTOR inhibitor discontinuation due to adverse events are high, affecting at least a quarter of patients. In conclusion, the evidence base for use of mTOR inhibitors early posttransplant to support CNI reduction now convincingly demonstrates a renal advantage, but adequate adjunctive immunosuppression is essential to preserve efficacy.
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Rodríguez‐Perálvarez M, Guerrero‐Misas M, Thorburn D, Davidson BR, Tsochatzis E, Gurusamy KS. Maintenance immunosuppression for adults undergoing liver transplantation: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 3:CD011639. [PMID: 28362060 PMCID: PMC6464256 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011639.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As part of liver transplantation, immunosuppression (suppressing the host immunity) is given to prevent graft rejections resulting from the immune response of the body against transplanted organ or tissues from a different person whose tissue antigens are not compatible with those of the recipient. The optimal maintenance immunosuppressive regimen after liver transplantation remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES To assess the comparative benefits and harms of different maintenance immunosuppressive regimens in adults undergoing liver transplantation through a network meta-analysis and to generate rankings of the different immunosuppressive regimens according to their safety and efficacy. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and trials registers until October 2016 to identify randomised clinical trials on immunosuppression for liver transplantation. SELECTION CRITERIA We included only randomised clinical trials (irrespective of language, blinding, or publication status) in adult participants undergoing liver transplantation (or liver retransplantation) for any reason. We excluded trials in which participants had undergone multivisceral transplantation or participants with established graft rejections. We considered any of the various maintenance immunosuppressive regimens compared with each other. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We performed a network meta-analysis with OpenBUGS using Bayesian methods and calculated the odds ratio, rate ratio, and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% credible intervals (CrI) based on an available-case analysis, according to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence Decision Support Unit guidance. MAIN RESULTS We included a total of 26 trials (3842 participants) in the review, and 23 trials (3693 participants) were included in one or more outcomes in the review. The vast majority of the participants underwent primary liver transplantation. All of the trials were at high risk of bias, and all of the evidence was of low or very low quality. In addition, because of sparse data involving trials at high risk of bias, it is not possible to entirely rely on the results of the network meta-analysis. The trials included mainly participants undergoing primary liver transplantation of varied aetiologies. The follow-up in the trials ranged from 3 to 144 months. The most common maintenance immunosuppression used as a control was tacrolimus. There was no evidence of difference in mortality (21 trials; 3492 participants) or graft loss (15 trials; 2961 participants) at maximal follow-up between the different maintenance immunosuppressive regimens based on the network meta-analysis. In the direct comparison, based on a single trial including 222 participants, tacrolimus plus sirolimus had increased mortality (HR 2.76, 95% CrI 1.30 to 6.69) and graft loss (HR 2.34, 95% CrI 1.28 to 4.61) at maximal follow-up compared with tacrolimus. There was no evidence of differences in the proportion of people with serious adverse events (1 trial; 719 participants), proportion of people with any adverse events (2 trials; 940 participants), renal impairment (8 trials; 2233 participants), chronic kidney disease (1 trial; 100 participants), graft rejections (any) (16 trials; 2726 participants), and graft rejections requiring treatment (5 trials; 1025 participants) between the different immunosuppressive regimens. The network meta-analysis showed that the number of adverse events was lower with cyclosporine A than with many other immunosuppressive regimens (12 trials; 1748 participants), and the risk of retransplantation (13 trials; 1994 participants) was higher with cyclosporine A than with tacrolimus (HR 3.08, 95% CrI 1.13 to 9.90). None of the trials reported number of serious adverse events, health-related quality of life, or costs. FUNDING 14 trials were funded by pharmaceutical companies who would benefit from the results of the trial; two trials were funded by parties who had no vested interest in the results of the trial; and 10 trials did not report the source of funding. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Based on low-quality evidence from a single small trial from direct comparison, tacrolimus plus sirolimus increases mortality and graft loss at maximal follow-up compared with tacrolimus. Based on very low-quality evidence from network meta-analysis, we found no evidence of difference between different immunosuppressive regimens. We found very low-quality evidence from network meta-analysis and low-quality evidence from direct comparison that cyclosporine A causes more retransplantation compared with tacrolimus. Future randomised clinical trials should be adequately powered; performed in people who are generally seen in the clinic rather than in highly selected participants; employ blinding; avoid postrandomisation dropouts or planned cross-overs; and use clinically important outcomes such as mortality, graft loss, renal impairment, chronic kidney disease, and retransplantation. Such trials should use tacrolimus as one of the control groups. Moreover, such trials ought to be designed in such a way as to ensure low risk of bias and low risks of random errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Rodríguez‐Perálvarez
- Reina Sofía University Hospital, IMIBIC, CIBERehdHepatology and Liver TransplantationAvenida Menéndez Pidal s/nCórdobaSpain14004
| | - Marta Guerrero‐Misas
- Reina Sofía University Hospital, IMIBIC, CIBERehdHepatology and Liver TransplantationAvenida Menéndez Pidal s/nCórdobaSpain14004
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentrePond StreetLondonUKNW3 2QG
| | - Brian R Davidson
- Royal Free Campus, UCL Medical SchoolDepartment of SurgeryPond StreetLondonUKNW3 2QG
| | - Emmanuel Tsochatzis
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentrePond StreetLondonUKNW3 2QG
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Pensi D, De Nicolò A, Pinon M, Pisciotta C, Calvo PL, Nonnato A, Romagnoli R, Tandoi F, Di Perri G, D'Avolio A. First UHPLC-MS/MS method coupled with automated online SPE for quantification both of tacrolimus and everolimus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and its application on samples from co-treated pediatric patients. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2017; 52:187-195. [PMID: 28098395 DOI: 10.1002/jms.3909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Tacrolimus (TAC, FK-506) and everolimus (EVE, RAD001) are immunosuppressors used to treat pediatric patients undergoing liver transplantation. Their hematic TDM by liquid chromatography became standard practice. However, it does not always reflect concentrations at their active site. Our aim was to develop and validate a new method for the simultaneous TAC and EVE quantification into target cells: peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected using cell preparation tubes; cells number and mean cell volume were evaluated by an automatic cell counter. TAC and EVE were quantified using UHPLC-MS/MS coupled with an automated online solid-phase extraction platform. Chromatographic run was performed on an Acquity UPLC® BEH C18 1.7 μm (2.1 × 50 mm) column at 45 °C, for 6 min at 0.5 ml/min. Mobile phases were water and methanol, both with 2 mm ammonium acetate and 1 ml/l formic acid). XBridge® C8 10 μm (1 × 10 mm) SPE cartridges were used, and the internal standard was ascomycin. Following Food and Drug Administration guidelines, method validation resulted in high sensitivity and specificity. Calibration curves were linear (r2 = 0.998) and intra-day and inter-day imprecision and inaccuracy were <15%. A reproducible matrix effect was observed, with a good recovery for all compounds. Drug amounts in 15 'real' PBMCs samples from five pediatric patients in co-treatment resulted within the calibration range (0.039-5 ng). Concentrations from each patient were standardized using their evaluated mean cell volume: intra-PBMCs concentration was meanly 19.23 and 218.61 times higher than the hematic one for TAC and EVE, respectively. This method might be useful in clinical routine, giving reliable data on drugs concentration at the active site. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Pensi
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital (Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics#), Turin, Italy
| | | | - Michele Pinon
- Unit of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Turin, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Clarissa Pisciotta
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital (Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics#), Turin, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Calvo
- Unit of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Turin, Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonello Nonnato
- Clinical Biochemistry Unit, Department of Diagnostic Laboratory, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Renato Romagnoli
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery 2U, A.O.U. Cittàdella Salute e della Scienza Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Tandoi
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery 2U, A.O.U. Cittàdella Salute e della Scienza Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Perri
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital (Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics#), Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Avolio
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital (Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics#), Turin, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based immunosuppressive regimens following liver transplantation (LTx) has improved the outcomes of the recipients. However, CNI has nephrotoxicity and causes short- and long-term renal complications. The progressive structural changes can be irreversible in the long-term, leading to chronic kidney dysfunction. The present review was to evaluate the different strategies of CNI application to renal function in liver recipients. DATA SOURCES PubMed database was searched for relevant articles in English on the issue of immunosuppressive regimen and kidney injury that related to early minimization of CNI after LTx. RESULTS Total avoidance of CNI from post-LTx immunosuppressive regimens has been associated with unacceptable high rates of acute, steroid resistant rejections; late conversion from CNI to non-nephrotoxic immunosuppressant failed to recover renal function. Early CNI minimization and conversion to non-nephrotoxic immunosuppressant, although had no effect on patient survival rates, improved glomerular filtration rate. The combination of everolimus (a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor) and tacrolimus not only maintains immunosuppressive efficacy but also minimizes kidney injury. CONCLUSIONS Up to now, protocols entirely avoiding CNI have not passed the primary safety endpoint of patient and graft survival, as well as the FDA mandated endpoint of biopsy proven acute rejection. Thus, early CNI minimization after LTx is the most rational approach preserving post-transplant renal function.
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Dumortier J, Dharancy S, Calmus Y, Duvoux C, Durand F, Salamé E, Saliba F. Use of everolimus in liver transplantation: The French experience. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2016; 30:161-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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