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Ratsoma FM, Mokoena NZ, Santana QC, Wingfield BD, Steenkamp ET, Motaung TE. Characterization of the Fusarium circinatum biofilm environmental response role. J Basic Microbiol 2024; 64:e2300536. [PMID: 38314962 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The capacity to form biofilms is a common trait among many microorganisms present on Earth. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the fatal pine pitch canker agent, Fusarium circinatum, can lead a biofilm-like lifestyle with aggregated hyphal bundles wrapped in extracellular matrix (ECM). Our research shows F. circinatum's ability to adapt to environmental changes by assuming a biofilm-like lifestyle. This was demonstrated by varying metabolic activities exhibited by the biofilms in response to factors like temperature and pH. Further analysis revealed that while planktonic cells produced small amounts of ECM per unit of the biomass, heat- and azole-exposed biofilms produced significantly more ECM than nonexposed biofilms, further demonstrating the adaptability of F. circinatum to changing environments. The increased synthesis of ECM triggered by these abiotic factors highlights the link between ECM production in biofilm and resistance to abiotic stress. This suggests that ECM-mediated response may be one of the key survival strategies of F. circinatum biofilms in response to changing environments. Interestingly, azole exposure also led to biofilms that were resistant to DNase, which typically uncouples biofilms by penetrating the biofilm and degrading its extracellular DNA; we propose that DNases were likely hindered from reaching target cells by the ECM barricade. The interplay between antifungal treatment and DNase enzyme suggests a complex relationship between eDNA, ECM, and antifungal agents in F. circinatum biofilms. Therefore, our results show how a phytopathogen's sessile (biofilm) lifestyle could influence its response to the surrounding environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francinah M Ratsoma
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nthabiseng Z Mokoena
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Quentin C Santana
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Biotechnology Platform, Private Bag X5 Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Brenda D Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Emma T Steenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Thabiso E Motaung
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Meinecke CD, Vos LD, Yilmaz N, Steenkamp ET, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD, Villari C. A LAMP Assay for Rapid Detection of the Pitch Canker Pathogen Fusarium circinatum. PLANT DISEASE 2023; 107:2916-2923. [PMID: 36867583 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-04-22-0972-sr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The pine pitch canker pathogen Fusarium circinatum is endemic in the southeastern United States and Central America and represents an invasive threat globally. This ecologically adaptable fungus readily infects all parts of its pine hosts, leading to widespread mortality of nursery seedlings and decline in the health and productivity of forest stands. Because trees infected by F. circinatum can remain asymptomatic for long periods of time, accurate and rapid tools are needed for real-time diagnostics and surveillance at ports, in nurseries, and in plantations. To meet this need and to limit the spread and impact of the pathogen, we developed a molecular test using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a technology that allows for the rapid detection of pathogen DNA on portable, field-capable devices. LAMP primers were designed and validated to amplify a gene region unique to F. circinatum. Using a globally representative collection of F. circinatum isolates and other closely related species, we have demonstrated that the assay can be used to identify F. circinatum across its genetic diversity and that it is sensitive to as few as 10 cells from purified DNA extracts. The assay can also be used with a simple, pipette-free DNA extraction method and is compatible with testing symptomatic pine tissues in the field. This assay has the potential to facilitate diagnostic and surveillance efforts both in the laboratory and in the field and, thus, to reduce the spread and impact of pitch canker worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colton D Meinecke
- D. B. Warnell School of Forestry of Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, U.S.A
| | - Lieschen De Vos
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Neriman Yilmaz
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Emma T Steenkamp
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Michael J Wingfield
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Brenda D Wingfield
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Caterina Villari
- D. B. Warnell School of Forestry of Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, U.S.A
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Xu J, Yang X, Wu C, Chen Z, Dai T. Recombinase Polymerase Amplification-Lateral Flow Dipstick Assay for Rapid Detection of Fusarium circinatum Based on a Newly Identified Unique Target Gene. PLANT DISEASE 2023; 107:1067-1074. [PMID: 36089688 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-04-22-0864-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pitch canker caused by the fungus Fusarium circinatum is an important disease affecting pine trees in Europe and South Africa. Several countries, including China, have listed F. circinatum as a quarantine pathogen. Therefore, timely detection of F. circinatum could efficiently prevent its introduction into new areas or facilitate spread management in already infected sites. In this study, a recombinase polymerase amplification-lateral flow dipstick (RPA-LFD) assay was developed for rapid detection of F. circinatum based on a new target gene, Fcir2067, identified from whole-genome sequences. The assay was highly specific to F. circinatum. In fact, it exclusively detected F. circinatum isolates; 53 isolates of fungal and oomycete species and 2 nematodes of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and B. mucronatus were not detected. By detecting as little as 10 pg of F. circinatum genomic DNA in a 50-µl reaction, the RPA-LFD assay was 10 times more sensitive than conventional PCR assays. F. circinatum was also detected in artificially inoculated pine needles of Cedrus deodara. These results demonstrated that the developed RPA-LFD assay has the potential for rapid detection of F. circinatum in regions at high risk of infection. The RPA-LFD assay might serve as an alternative method for the early detection of F. circinatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieying Xu
- Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic, Department of Plant Industry, Clemson University, Pendleton, SC, U.S.A
| | - Cuiping Wu
- Animal, Plant and Food Inspection Center, Nanjing Customs, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenpeng Chen
- Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tingting Dai
- Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
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4
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Utilizing volatile organic compounds for early detection of Fusarium circinatum. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21661. [PMID: 36522407 PMCID: PMC9755288 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26078-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium circinatum, a fungal pathogen deadly to many Pinus species, can cause significant economic and ecological losses, especially if it were to become more widely established in Europe. Early detection tools with high-throughput capacity can increase our readiness to implement mitigation actions against new incursions. This study sought to develop a disease detection method based on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions to detect F. circinatum on different Pinus species. The complete pipeline applied here, entailing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of VOCs, automated data analysis and machine learning, distinguished diseased from healthy seedlings of Pinus sylvestris and Pinus radiata. In P. radiata, this distinction was possible even before the seedlings became visibly symptomatic, suggesting the possibility for this method to identify latently infected, yet healthy looking plants. Pinus pinea, which is known to be relatively resistant to F. circinatum, remained asymptomatic and showed no changes in VOCs over 28 days. In a separate analysis of in vitro VOCs collected from different species of Fusarium, we showed that even closely related Fusarium spp. can be readily distinguished based on their VOC profiles. The results further substantiate the potential for volatilomics to be used for early disease detection and diagnostic recognition.
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Zamora-Ballesteros C, Martín-García J, Suárez-Vega A, Diez JJ. Genome-wide identification and characterization of Fusarium circinatum-responsive lncRNAs in Pinus radiata. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:194. [PMID: 35264109 PMCID: PMC8908662 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08408-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of the most promising strategies of Pine Pitch Canker (PPC) management is the use of reproductive plant material resistant to the disease. Understanding the complexity of plant transcriptome that underlies the defence to the causal agent Fusarium circinatum, would greatly facilitate the development of an accurate breeding program. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important transcriptional regulators under biotic stresses in plants. However, to date, characterization of lncRNAs in conifer trees has not been reported. In this study, transcriptomic identification of lncRNAs was carried out using strand-specific paired-end RNA sequencing, from Pinus radiata samples inoculated with F. circinatum at an early stage of infection. Results Overall, 13,312 lncRNAs were predicted through a bioinformatics approach, including long intergenic non-coding RNAs (92.3%), antisense lncRNAs (3.3%) and intronic lncRNAs (2.9%). Compared with protein-coding RNAs, pine lncRNAs are shorter, have lower expression, lower GC content and harbour fewer and shorter exons. A total of 164 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs were identified in response to F. circinatum infection in the inoculated versus mock-inoculated P. radiata seedlings. The predicted cis-regulated target genes of these pathogen-responsive lncRNAs were related to defence mechanisms such as kinase activity, phytohormone regulation, and cell wall reinforcement. Co-expression network analysis of DE lncRNAs, DE protein-coding RNAs and lncRNA target genes also indicated a potential network regulating pectinesterase activity and cell wall remodelling. Conclusions This study presents the first comprehensive genome-wide analysis of P. radiata lncRNAs and provides the basis for future functional characterizations of lncRNAs in relation to pine defence responses against F. circinatum. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08408-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zamora-Ballesteros
- Department of Vegetal Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, Av Madrid 44, 34004 Palencia, Spain. .,Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid-INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain.
| | - Jorge Martín-García
- Department of Vegetal Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, Av Madrid 44, 34004 Palencia, Spain.,Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid-INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain
| | - Aroa Suárez-Vega
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, University of León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Julio Javier Diez
- Department of Vegetal Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, Av Madrid 44, 34004 Palencia, Spain.,Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid-INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain
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Amaral J, Valledor L, Alves A, Martín-García J, Pinto G. Studying tree response to biotic stress using a multi-disciplinary approach: The pine pitch canker case study. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:916138. [PMID: 36160962 PMCID: PMC9501998 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.916138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
In an era of climate change and global trade, forests sustainability is endangered by several biotic threats. Pine pitch canker (PPC), caused by Fusarium circinatum, is one of the most important disease affecting conifers worldwide. To date, no effective control measures have been found for this disease. Earlier studies on PPC were mainly focused on the pathogen itself or on determining the levels of susceptibility of different hosts to F. circinatum infection. However, over the last years, plenty of information on the mechanisms that may explain the susceptibility or resistance to PPC has been published. This data are useful to better understand tree response to biotic stress and, most importantly, to aid the development of innovative and scientific-based disease control measures. This review gathers and discusses the main advances on PPC knowledge, especially focusing on multi-disciplinary studies investigating the response of pines with different levels of susceptibility to PPC upon infection. After an overview of the general knowledge of the disease, the importance of integrating information from physiological and Omics studies to unveil the mechanisms behind PPC susceptibility/resistance and to develop control strategies is explored. An extensive review of the main host responses to PPC was performed, including changes in water relations, signalling (ROS and hormones), primary metabolism, and defence (resin, phenolics, and PR proteins). A general picture of pine response to PPC is suggested according to the host susceptibility level and the next steps and gaps on PPC research are pointed out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Amaral
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Joana Amaral,
| | - Luis Valledor
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Artur Alves
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jorge Martín-García
- Department of Vegetal Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, Palencia, Spain
- Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid-INIA, Palencia, Spain
| | - Glória Pinto
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Glória Pinto,
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Zamora-Ballesteros C, Pinto G, Amaral J, Valledor L, Alves A, Diez JJ, Martín-García J. Dual RNA-Sequencing Analysis of Resistant ( Pinus pinea) and Susceptible ( Pinus radiata) Hosts during Fusarium circinatum Challenge. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5231. [PMID: 34063405 PMCID: PMC8156185 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium circinatum causes one of the most important diseases of conifers worldwide, the pine pitch canker (PPC). However, no effective field intervention measures aiming to control or eradicate PPC are available. Due to the variation in host genetic resistance, the development of resistant varieties is postulated as a viable and promising strategy. By using an integrated approach, this study aimed to identify differences in the molecular responses and physiological traits of the highly susceptible Pinus radiata and the highly resistant Pinus pinea to F. circinatum at an early stage of infection. Dual RNA-Seq analysis also allowed to evaluate pathogen behavior when infecting each pine species. No significant changes in the physiological analysis were found upon pathogen infection, although transcriptional reprogramming was observed mainly in the resistant species. The transcriptome profiling of P. pinea revealed an early perception of the pathogen infection together with a strong and coordinated defense activation through the reinforcement and lignification of the cell wall, the antioxidant activity, the induction of PR genes, and the biosynthesis of defense hormones. On the contrary, P. radiata had a weaker response, possibly due to impaired perception of the fungal infection that led to a reduced downstream defense signaling. Fusarium circinatum showed a different transcriptomic profile depending on the pine species being infected. While in P. pinea, the pathogen focused on the degradation of plant cell walls, active uptake of the plant nutrients was showed in P. radiata. These findings present useful knowledge for the development of breeding programs to manage PPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zamora-Ballesteros
- Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid—INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain; (J.J.D.); (J.M.-G.)
- Department of Vegetal Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, 34004 Palencia, Spain
| | - Gloria Pinto
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (G.P.); (J.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Joana Amaral
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (G.P.); (J.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Luis Valledor
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Artur Alves
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (G.P.); (J.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Julio J. Diez
- Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid—INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain; (J.J.D.); (J.M.-G.)
- Department of Vegetal Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, 34004 Palencia, Spain
| | - Jorge Martín-García
- Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid—INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain; (J.J.D.); (J.M.-G.)
- Department of Vegetal Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, 34004 Palencia, Spain
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Draft Genome Sequences of Three Fusarium circinatum Isolates Used To Inoculate a Pedigreed Population of Pinus elliottii Seedlings. Microbiol Resour Announc 2020; 9:9/30/e00631-20. [PMID: 32703836 PMCID: PMC7378035 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00631-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we announce the draft genome sequences of three Fusarium circinatum isolates that were used to inoculate slash pines (Pinus elliottii) at the U.S. Forest Service Resistance Screening Center in Asheville, North Carolina. The genomes of these isolates were similar to other publicly available genomes, with average nucleotide identity values of >0.98. Here, we announce the draft genome sequences of three Fusarium circinatum isolates that were used to inoculate slash pines (Pinus elliottii) at the U.S. Forest Service Resistance Screening Center in Asheville, North Carolina. The genomes of these isolates were similar to other publicly available genomes, with average nucleotide identity values of >0.98.
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Global Geographic Distribution and Host Range of Fusarium circinatum, the Causal Agent of Pine Pitch Canker. FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11070724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of pine pitch canker (PPC), is currently one of the most important threats of Pinus spp. globally. This pathogen is known in many pine-growing regions, including natural and planted forests, and can affect all life stages of trees, from emerging seedlings to mature trees. Despite the importance of PPC, the global distribution of F. circinatum is poorly documented, and this problem is also true of the hosts within countries that are affected. The aim of this study was to review the global distribution of F. circinatum, with a particular focus on Europe. We considered (1) the current and historical pathogen records, both positive and negative, based on confirmed reports from Europe and globally; (2) the genetic diversity and population structure of the pathogen; (3) the current distribution of PPC in Europe, comparing published models of predicted disease distribution; and (4) host susceptibility by reviewing literature and generating a comprehensive list of known hosts for the fungus. These data were collated from 41 countries and used to compile a specially constructed geo-database. A review of 6297 observation records showed that F. circinatum and the symptoms it causes on conifers occurred in 14 countries, including four in Europe, and is absent in 28 countries. Field observations and experimental data from 138 host species revealed 106 susceptible host species including 85 Pinus species, 6 non-pine tree species and 15 grass and herb species. Our data confirm that susceptibility to F. circinatum varies between different host species, tree ages and environmental characteristics. Knowledge on the geographic distribution, host range and the relative susceptibility of different hosts is essential for disease management, mitigation and containment strategies. The findings reported in this review will support countries that are currently free of F. circinatum in implementing effective procedures and restrictions and prevent further spread of the pathogen.
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