Bromelain Enhances the Anti-tumor Effects of Cisplatin on 4T1 Breast Tumor Model In Vivo

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the antitumor enhancing effect of bromelain consumption on 4T1-challenged mice treated with cisplatin. Methods: Mice challenged with 4T1 triple-negative breast cancer cells received water, bromelain, cisplatin, or bromelain + cisplatin treatment for 28 days. Tumor size was measured, and lung metastasis was evaluated by clonogenic assay. Expression of tumor inflammatory genes of the harvested tumor was quantified by polymerase chain reaction array and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results: All treatments significantly reduced the size of tumor and lung metastasis, with combination treatment showing the best effect. Also, bromelain alone and combination treatment showed downregulation of the expression of tumor inflammatory genes (Gremlin [GREM1], interleukin 1β [IL-1β], interleukin-4 [IL-4], nuclear factor κB subunit 1 [NFκB1], and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 [PTGS2]), tumor nitric oxide level, and serum IL-1β, and IL-4 levels. On the other hand, cisplatin treatment increased the expression of selected inflammatory markers. Conclusion: This study suggests that bromelain treatment could potentiate the antitumor effect of cisplatin on triple-negative breast cancer 4T1 cells through modulating the tumor environmental inflammation.

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SphK2/S1P promotes metastasis in triple negative breast cancer through PAK1/LIMK1/Cofilin1 signaling pathway

10.21203/rs.3.rs-43512/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Weiwei Shi ◽

Ding Ma ◽

Yin Cao ◽

Lili Hu ◽

Shuwen Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Antitumor Activity ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Lung Metastasis ◽

Triple Negative Breast Cancer ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Triple Negative ◽

Specific Inhibitor ◽

Downstream Signaling

Abstract Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) features poor prognosis which partialy attributed to the high metastasis rate. However, there is no effective target for systemic TNBC therapy due to the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors (ER, PR, HER-2) up to date. In the present study, we evaluated the role of sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) and its catalysate sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in TNBC metastasis, and the antitumor activity of SphK2 specific inhibitor ABC294640 in TNBC metastasis. Methods: The function of SphK2 and S1P in migration of TNBC cells was evaluated by Transwell migration and wound healing assays. The molecular mechanisms of SphK2/S1P mediating TNBC metastasis were investigated using cell line establishment, western blot, histological examination and immunohistochemistry assays. The antitumor activity of ABC294640 was examined in TNBC lung metastasis model in vivo. Results: SphK2 regulated TNBC cells migration through the generation of S1P. Targeting SphK2 with ABC294640 inhibited TNBC lung metastasis in vivo . p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), p-Lin-11/Isl-1/Mec-3 kinase 1 (LIMK1) and Cofilin1 was the downstream signaling cascade of SphK2/S1P. Inhibition of PAK1 suppressed SphK2/S1P induced TNBC cells migration. Concusion: SphK2/S1P promotes TNBC metastasis through the activation of the PAK1/LIMK1/Cofilin1 signaling pathway. ABC294640 potently inhibits TNBC metastasis in vivo which could be developed as a novel agent for the clinical treatment of TNBC.

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Role of GPX4-Mediated Ferroptosis in the Sensitivity of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells to Gefitinib

10.21203/rs.3.rs-70358/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Xiang Song ◽

Xinzhao Wang ◽

Zhaoyun Liu ◽

Zhiyong Yu

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Triple Negative Breast Cancer ◽

Triple Negative ◽

Tumor Model ◽

Tunel Staining ◽

Ki 67 ◽

In Vivo Experiments ◽

Related Proteins

Abstract Background: Gefitinib exhibits antitumor activity in the patients with breast cancer, but the resistance to gefitinib in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a new concern. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a leading regulator of ferroptosis, which is of importance for the survival of TNBC cells. This study investigated GPX4-mediated ferroptosis in gefitinib sensitivity in TNBC.Methods: Gefitinib resistant TNBC cells MDA-MB-231/Gef and HS578T/Gef were constructed, and treated with lentivirus sh-GPX4 and ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1. GPX4 expression, cell viability and apoptosis were detected. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were evaluated. The levels of ferroptosis-related proteins ACSL4, PTGS2, NOX1 and FTH1 were detected. Subcutaneous tumor model was established in nude mice, and gefitinib was intraperitoneally injected. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining and Ki-67 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results: GPX4 was increased in gefitinib-resistant cells. After silencing GPX4, the inhibition rate of cell viability increased, the limitation of colony formation ability reduced, apoptosis rate increased, and the sensitivity of cells to gefitinib was improved. After silencing GPX4, MDA level and ROS production were significantly increased, while GSH level was decreased. Silencing GPX4 promoted ferroptosis. After inhibition of ferroptosis by ferrostatin-1, it revealed that inhibition of GPX4 promoted gefitinib sensitivity by promoting cell ferroptosis. In vivo experiments also showed that inhibition of GPX4 enhanced the anticancer effect of gefitinib through promoting ferroptosis.Conclusion: Inhibition of GPX4 stimulated ferroptosis and thus enhanced TNBC cell sensitivity to gefitinib.

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OSW-1 Induces Apoptosis and Cyto-Protective Autophagy, and Synergizes with Doxorubicin on Spontaneous Metastasis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer

10.21203/rs.3.rs-910496/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mengling Wu ◽

Huizhi Xi ◽

Mengya Liao ◽

Hongbo Ma ◽

Shanrui Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Triple Negative Breast Cancer ◽

Combination Treatment ◽

Natural Compound ◽

Triple Negative ◽

Synergistic Effects ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Spontaneous Metastasis

Abstract Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant subtype of breast cancer and chemotherapy using drugs such as doxorubicin is the main treatment strategy. However, drug resistance and dose-dependent toxicities restricted its clinical use. Natural products are major sources of anti-tumor drugs. OSW-1 is a natural compound that has shown strong anti-cancer effects in several cancer types, but its effects on the efficacies of chemotherapy in TNBC and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Methods We investigated the effects of OSW-1 on the viabilities, apoptosis and autophagy in 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The synergistic effects of combination with OSW-1 and doxorubicin on TNBC growth and spontaneous metastasis were examined in vitro and in vivo. Results OSW-1 induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and cyto-protective autophagy in TNBC cells in vitro. In addition, OSW-1 and doxorubicin exhibits strong synergistic anti-TNBC capabilities both in vivo and in vitro. The combination treatment can strongly inhibit spontaneous metastasis in 4T1 model. Consistent with this inhibition, the proportion of CD8+ T lymphocytes in the lung microenvironment were significantly increased after combination treatment. Conclusions This study indicates that the combination therapy with natural compound and chemotherapeutic drug could be a promising anti-TNBC strategy which deserves further investigation.

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Role of GPX4-Mediated Ferroptosis in the Sensitivity of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells to Gefitinib

Frontiers in Oncology ◽

10.3389/fonc.2020.597434 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

Author(s):

Xiang Song ◽

Xinzhao Wang ◽

Zhaoyun Liu ◽

Zhiyong Yu

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Triple Negative Breast Cancer ◽

Triple Negative ◽

Tumor Model ◽

Ki 67 ◽

Tnbc Cell ◽

Important Concern ◽

Main Regulator

Gefitinib resistance in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a growing important concern. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is a main regulator of ferroptosis, which is pivotal for TNBC cell growth. We investigated GPX4-mediated ferroptosis in gefitinib sensitivity in TNBC. Gefitinib resistant TNBC cells MDA-MB-231/Gef and HS578T/Gef were constructed and treated with lentivirus sh-GPX4 and ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1. GPX4 expression, cell viability and apoptosis were detected. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were evaluated. The levels of ferroptosis-related proteins were detected. Subcutaneous tumor model was established in nude mice, and gefitinib was intraperitoneally injected to evaluate tumor growth, apoptosis, and Ki-67 expression. GPX4 was increased in gefitinib-resistant cells. After silencing GPX4, the inhibition rate of cell viability was increased, the limitation of colony formation ability was reduced, apoptosis rate was increased, and the sensitivity of cells to gefitinib was improved. After silencing GPX4, MDA and ROS production were increased, while GSH was decreased. Silencing GPX4 promoted ferroptosis. Inhibition of GPX4 promoted gefitinib sensitivity by promoting cell ferroptosis. In vivo experiments also revealed that inhibition of GPX4 enhanced the anticancer effect of gefitinib through promoting ferroptosis. Overall, inhibition of GPX4 stimulated ferroptosis and enhanced TNBC cell sensitivity to gefitinib.

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Use of Antimetastatic SOD3-Mimetic Albumin as a Primer in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Journal of Oncology ◽

10.1155/2019/3253696 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Shanta M. Messerli ◽

Amanda M. Schaefer ◽

Yongxian Zhuang ◽

Bohdan J. Soltys ◽

Noah Keime ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Lung Metastasis ◽

Triple Negative Breast Cancer ◽

Triple Negative ◽

Metastatic Potential ◽

Chemotherapy Drugs ◽

Chemotherapy Agent ◽

Poor Outcomes

Of the deaths attributed to cancer, 90% are due to metastasis. Treatments that prevent or cure metastasis remain elusive. Low expression of extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD or SOD3) has been associated with poor outcomes and increased metastatic potential in multiple types of cancer. Here, we characterize the antimetastatic therapeutic mechanisms of a macromolecular extracellular SOD3-mimetic polynitroxyl albumin (PNA, also known as VACNO). PNA is macromolecular human serum albumin conjugated with multiple nitroxide groups and acts as an SOD-mimetic. Here we show that PNA works as a SOD3-mimetic in a highly metastatic 4T1 mouse model of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). In vitro, PNA dose dependently inhibited 4T1 proliferation, colony formation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. In vivo, PNA enhanced reperfusion time in the hypoxic cores of 4T1 tumors as measured by ultrasound imaging. Furthermore, PNA enhanced ultrasound signal intensity within the cores of the 4T1 tumors, indicating PNA can increase blood flow and blood volume within the hypoxic cores of tumors. Lung metastasis from 4T1 flank tumor was inhibited by PNA in the presence or absence of doxorubicin, a chemotherapy agent that produces superoxide and promotes metastasis. In a separate study, PNA increased the survival of mice with 4T1 flank tumors when used in conjunction with three standard chemotherapy drugs (paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide), as compared to treatment with chemotherapy alone. In this study, PNA-increased survival was also correlated with reduction of lung metastasis. These results support the hypothesis that PNA works through the inhibition of extracellular superoxide/ROS production leading to the conversion of 4T1 cells from a metastatic tumorigenic state to a cytostatic state. These findings support future clinical trials of PNA as an antimetastatic SOD3-mimetic drug to increase overall survival in TNBC patients.

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A novel tumor suppressor ASMTL-AS1 regulates the miR-1228-3p/SOX17/β-catenin axis in triple‐negative breast cancer

Diagnostic Pathology ◽

10.1186/s13000-021-01105-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jie Sun ◽

Xiaohua Li ◽

Enqiao Yu ◽

Jianxia Liu ◽

Liang Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Tumor Suppressor ◽

Triple Negative Breast Cancer ◽

Triple Negative ◽

Tumor Model ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Mice Model ◽

Normal Tissues ◽

Tnbc Cell

Abstract Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special type of breast cancer that lacks effective therapeutic targets. There is a significant need to clarify its pathogenesis, so as to bring new targeted approaches for TNBC management. Here, we identified a long-non coding RNA (lncRNA) ASMTL-AS1 that linked to TNBC development and progression. Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot assays were used to test gene and protein levels, respectively. The regulatory axis of miR-1228-3p/SOX17/β-catenin was determined by luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. In vivo assay was conducted by using the nude mice model via subcutaneous transplantation of tumor cells. Results ASMTL-AS1 was significantly downregulated in TNBC tissues compared to normal tissues, which was closely associated with aggressive clinical features and unfavorable prognosis. Lentivirus-mediated ASMTL-AS1 overexpression evidently reduced the ability of TNBC cell colony formation, activity and invasion by more than 2.5 times. RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR-1228-3p directly bound to ASMTL-AS1, ASMTL-AS1 increased SOX17 expression via sponging and repressing miR-1228-3p. Subsequently, the upregulated SOX17 trans-suppressed β-catenin expression, resulting in the inactivation of carcinogenic Wnt/β-catenin signaling, thereby restraining TNBC cell growth and dissemination. Importantly, the xenograft tumor model showed that the ASMTL-AS1 overexpression significantly retarded tumor growth, and negatively regulated Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Conclusions Our data characterize a novel tumor suppressor in TNBC, restoration of ASMTL-AS1 may be a candidate therapeutic intervention for TNBC patients.

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Nonphosphorylatable PEA15 mutant inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in triple-negative breast cancer partly through the regulation of IL-8 expression

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment ◽

10.1007/s10549-021-06316-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jihyun Park ◽

Moises J. Tacam ◽

Gaurav Chauhan ◽

Evan N. Cohen ◽

Maria Gagliardi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Tumor Growth ◽

Lung Metastasis ◽

Triple Negative Breast Cancer ◽

Triple Negative ◽

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Breast Cancer Subtype ◽

Partial Result ◽

Mesenchymal Transition

Abstract Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype that lacks targeted therapies. Patients with TNBC have a very poor prognosis because the disease often metastasizes. New treatment approaches addressing drivers of metastasis and tumor growth are crucial to improving patient outcomes. Developing targeted gene therapy is thus a high priority for TNBC patients. PEA15 (phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes, 15 kDa) is known to bind to ERK, preventing ERK from being translocated to the nucleus and hence blocking its activity. The biological function of PEA15 is tightly regulated by its phosphorylation at Ser104 and Ser116. However, the function and impact of phosphorylation status of PEA15 in the regulation of TNBC metastasis and in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are not well understood. Methods We established stable cell lines overexpressing nonphosphorylatable (PEA15-AA) and phospho-mimetic (PEA15-DD) mutants. To dissect specific cellular mechanisms regulated by PEA15 phosphorylation status, we performed RT-PCR immune and metastasis arrays. In vivo mouse models were used to determine the effects of PEA15 phosphorylation on tumor growth and metastasis. Results We found that the nonphosphorylatable mutant PEA15-AA prevented formation of mammospheres and expression of EMT markers in vitro and decreased tumor growth and lung metastasis in in vivo experiments when compared to control, PEA15-WT and phosphomimetic PEA15-DD. However, phosphomimetic mutant PEA15-DD promoted migration, mesenchymal marker expression, tumorigenesis, and lung metastasis in the mouse model. PEA15-AA-mediated inhibition of breast cancer cell migratory capacity and tumorigenesis was the partial result of decreased expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8). Further, we identified that expression of IL-8 was possibly mediated through one of the ERK downstream molecules, Ets-1. Conclusions Our results show that PEA15 phosphorylation status serves as an important regulator for PEA15’s dual role as an oncogene or tumor suppressor and support the potential of PEA15-AA as a therapeutic strategy for treatment of TNBC.

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A Novel Tumor Suppressor ASMTL-AS1 Regulates the Mir-1228-3p/SOX17/Β-Catenin Axis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

10.21203/rs.3.rs-333526/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jie Sun ◽

Xiaohua Li ◽

Enqiao Yu ◽

Jianxia Liu ◽

Liang Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Tumor Suppressor ◽

Triple Negative Breast Cancer ◽

Triple Negative ◽

Tumor Model ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Mice Model ◽

Downstream Target ◽

Tnbc Cell

Abstract Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special type of breast cancer that lacks effective therapeutic targets. There is a significant need to clarify its pathogenesis, so as to bring new targeted approaches for TNBC management. Here, we identified a long-non coding RNA (lncRNA) ASMTL-AS1 that linked to TNBC development and progression. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot assays were used to test gene and protein levels, respectively. The regulatory axis of miR-1228-3p/SOX17/β-catenin was determined by luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. In vivo assay was conducted by using the nude mice model via subcutaneous transplantation of tumor cells.Results: ASMTL-AS1 was significantly downregulated in TNBC tissues compared to normal tissues, which was closely associated with aggressive clinical features and unfavorable prognosis. Lentivirus-mediated ASMTL-AS1 overexpression evidently inhibited TNBC cell colony formation, viability and invasion. RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR-1228-3p was the downstream target of ASMTL-AS1, ASMTL-AS1 increased SOX17 expression via sponging and repressing miR-1228-3p. Subsequently, the upregulated SOX17 trans-suppressed β-catenin expression, resulting in the inactivation of carcinogenic Wnt/β-catenin signaling, thereby restraining TNBC cell growth and dissemination. Importantly, the xenograft tumor model showed that the ASMTL-AS1/miR-1228-3p/SOX17/β-catenin regulatory axis was indeed existed in vivo.Conclusion: Our data characterize a novel tumor suppressor in TNBC, restoration of ASMTL-AS1 may be a candidate therapeutic intervention for TNBC patients.

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Bispecific antibody targeting TROP2xCD3 suppresses tumor growth of triple negative breast cancer

Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer ◽

10.1136/jitc-2021-003468 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. e003468

Author(s):

Huicheng Liu ◽

Lili Bai ◽

Liu Huang ◽

Na Ning ◽

Lin Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

T Cells ◽

Tumor Cells ◽

Triple Negative Breast Cancer ◽

Triple Negative ◽

Bispecific Antibody ◽

Tumor Model ◽

Tnbc Cell

BackgroundTriple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancers with poor prognosis and targeted drug therapies are limited. To develop novel and efficacious therapies for TNBC, we developed a bispecific antibody F7AK3 that recognizes both trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) and CD3 and evaluated its antitumor activities both in vitro and in vivo.MethodsThe binding affinities of F7AK3 to the two targets, TROP2 and CD3, were evaluated by surface plasmon resonance. Binding of F7AK3 to TNBC cells and T cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Immunofluorescent staining was performed to demonstrate the interactions between T cells with TNBC cells. The cytotoxicity of T cells against TNBC cell lines and primary tumor cells mediated by F7AK3 were determined in vitro. In vivo antitumor activity of F7AK3 was investigated in a xenograft TNBC tumor model, using immunodeficient mice that were reconstituted with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.ResultsWe demonstrated that F7AK3 binds specifically to human TROP2 and CD3 antigens, as well as TNBC cell lines and primary tumor cells. Human T cells can only be activated by F7AK3 in the presence of target tumor cells. F7AK3 recruits T cells to TROP2+ tumor cells in vitro and into tumor tissues in vivo. Antitumor growth activity of F7AK3 is observed in a xenograft TNBC tumor model.ConclusionThis study showed the antitumor potential of an anti-TROP2xCD3 bispecific antibody F7AK3 to TNBC tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. These data demonstrate that F7AK3 has the potential to treat TNBC patients, which warrants further preclinical and clinical evaluation of the F7AK3 in advanced or metastatic TNBC patients.

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CX-5461 Enhances the Efficacy of APR-246 via Induction of DNA Damage and Replication Stress in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22115782 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. 5782

Author(s):

Ashwini Makhale ◽

Devathri Nanayakkara ◽

Prahlad Raninga ◽

Kum Kum Khanna ◽

Murugan Kalimutho

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Dna Damage ◽

Triple Negative Breast Cancer ◽

Combination Treatment ◽

Triple Negative ◽

Annexin V ◽

Replication Stress ◽

Breast Cancer Cell Lines ◽

Combination Strategy

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer lacking targeted therapy. Here, we evaluated the anti-cancer activity of APR-246, a P53 activator, and CX-5461, a RNA polymerase I inhibitor, in the treatment of TNBC cells. We tested the efficacy of individual and combination therapy of CX-5461 and APR-246 in vitro, using a panel of breast cancer cell lines. Using publicly available breast cancer datasets, we found that components of RNA Pol I are predominately upregulated in basal-like breast cancer, compared to other subtypes, and this upregulation is associated with poor overall and relapse-free survival. Notably, we found that the treatment of breast cancer cells lines with CX-5461 significantly hampered cell proliferation and synergistically enhanced the efficacy of APR-246. The combination treatment significantly induced apoptosis that is associated with cleaved PARP and Caspase 3 along with Annexin V positivity. Likewise, we also found that combination treatment significantly induced DNA damage and replication stress in these cells. Our data provide a novel combination strategy by utilizing APR-246 in combination CX-5461 in killing TNBC cells that can be further developed into more effective therapy in TNBC therapeutic armamentarium.

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