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Keywords = Sophorae flos extract

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17 pages, 4513 KiB  
Article
Physicochemical Investigations on Samples Composed of a Mixture of Plant Extracts and Biopolymers in the Broad Context of Further Pharmaceutical Development
by Andreea Roxana Ungureanu, Adina Magdalena Musuc, Emma Adriana Ozon, Mihai Anastasescu, Irina Atkinson, Raul-Augustin Mitran, Adriana Rusu, Emanuela-Alice Luță, Carmen Lidia Chițescu and Cerasela Elena Gîrd
Polymers 2025, 17(11), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17111499 - 28 May 2025
Viewed by 475
Abstract
Vegetal sources are a continuous research field and different types of extracts have been obtained over time. The most challenging part is compounding them in a pharmaceutical product. This study aimed to integrate a mixture (EX) of four extracts (SE-Sophorae flos, [...] Read more.
Vegetal sources are a continuous research field and different types of extracts have been obtained over time. The most challenging part is compounding them in a pharmaceutical product. This study aimed to integrate a mixture (EX) of four extracts (SE-Sophorae flos, GE-Ginkgo bilobae folium, ME-Meliloti herba, CE-Calendulae flos) in formulations with polymers (polyhydroxybutyrate, polylactic-co-glycolic acid) and their physicochemical profiling. The resulting samples consist of particle suspensions, which were subjected to Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. When compared to single-extract formulations spectra, they revealed band changes, depending on the complex interactions. Using X-ray Diffractometry, the partially crystalline phase was highlighted for EX-PLGA, while the others were amorphous. Moreover, Atomic Force Microscopy pointed out the nanoscale particles and the topography of the samples, and the outstanding roughness belonging to EX-PHB-PLGA. A 30 min period of immersion was enough for the formulations to spread on the surface of the compression stockings material (CS) and after drying, it became a polymeric film. TGA analysis was performed, which evaluated the impregnated content: 5.9% CS-EX-PHB, 6.4% CS-EX-PLGA, and 7.5% CS-EX-PHB-PLGA. In conclusion, the extract’s phytochemicals and the interactions established with the polymers or with the other extracts from the mixture have a significant impact on the physicochemical properties of the obtained formulations, which are particularly important in pharmaceutical product development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers)
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18 pages, 7744 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Preliminary Analysis of Several Nanoformulations Based on Plant Extracts and Biodegradable Polymers as a Possible Application for Chronic Venous Disease Therapy
by Andreea Roxana Ungureanu, Emma Adriana Ozon, Adina Magdalena Musuc, Mihai Anastasescu, Irina Atkinson, Raul-Augustin Mitran, Adriana Rusu, Liliana Popescu and Cerasela Elena Gîrd
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1362; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101362 - 10 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2280
Abstract
Nanotechnology is one of the newest directions for plant-based therapies. Chronic venous disease often predisposes to long-term and invasive treatment. This research focused on the inclusion of vegetal extracts from Sophorae flos (SE), Calendulae flos (CE), and Ginkgo bilobae folium (GE) in formulations [...] Read more.
Nanotechnology is one of the newest directions for plant-based therapies. Chronic venous disease often predisposes to long-term and invasive treatment. This research focused on the inclusion of vegetal extracts from Sophorae flos (SE), Calendulae flos (CE), and Ginkgo bilobae folium (GE) in formulations with PHB and PLGA polymers and their physicochemical characterization as a preliminary stage for possible use in the development of a complex therapeutic product. The samples were prepared by an oil–water emulsification and solvent evaporation technique, resulting in suspensions with high spreadability and a pH of 5.5. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed bands for stretching vibrations (O-H, C=O, and C-H in symmetric and asymmetric methyl and methylene) in the same regions as the base components, but switched to high or low wavenumbers and absorbance, highlighting the formation of adducts/complexes between the extracts and polymers. The obtained formulations were in the amorphous phase, as confirmed by XRD analysis. AFM analysis emphasized the morphological peculiarities of the extract–polymer nanoformulations. It could be noticed that, in the case of SE-based formulations, the dominant characteristics for SE-PHB and SE-PLGA composition were the formation of random large (SE-PHB) and smaller uniform (SE-PLGA) particles; further on, these particles tended to aggregate in the case of SE-PHB-PLGA. For the CE- and GE-based formulations, the dominant surface morphology was their porosity, generally with small pores, but larger cavities were observed in some cases (CE- and GE-PHB). The highest roughness values at the (8 µm × 8 μm) scale were found for the following samples and succession: CE-PHB < SE-PLGA < SE-PHB-PLGA. In addition, by thermogravimetric analysis, impregnation in the matrix of compression stockings was evaluated, which varied in the following order: CE-polymer > SE-polymer > GE-polymer. In conclusion, nine vegetal extract–polymer nanoformulations were prepared and preliminarily characterized (by advanced physicochemical methods) as a starting point for further optimization, stability studies, and possible use in complex pharmaceutical products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers III)
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23 pages, 7325 KiB  
Article
Cytotoxicity Analysis and In Silico Studies of Three Plant Extracts with Potential Application in Treatment of Endothelial Dysfunction
by Andreea Roxana Ungureanu, Violeta Popovici, Camelia Oprean, Corina Danciu, Verginica Schröder, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Dragoș Paul Mihai, Liliana Popescu, Emanuela-Alice Luță, Carmen Lidia Chițescu and Cerasela Elena Gîrd
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(8), 2125; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15082125 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3584
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is the basis of the physiopathological mechanisms of vascular diseases. In addition to the therapeutic activity of plant extracts, cytotoxicity is significant. This research evaluates the cytotoxicity of three vegetal extracts (Calendulae flos extract-CE, Ginkgo bilobae folium extract-GE, and Sophorae [...] Read more.
Endothelial dysfunction is the basis of the physiopathological mechanisms of vascular diseases. In addition to the therapeutic activity of plant extracts, cytotoxicity is significant. This research evaluates the cytotoxicity of three vegetal extracts (Calendulae flos extract-CE, Ginkgo bilobae folium extract-GE, and Sophorae flos extract-SE). In vitro evaluation was performed using an endothelial cell line model (Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells—HPAEC) when a dose-dependent cytotoxic activity was observed after 72 h. The IC50 values were calculated for all extracts: Calendulae flos extract (IC50 = 91.36 μg/mL), Sophorae flos extract (IC50 = 68.61 μg/mL), and Ginkgo bilobae folium extract (IC50 = 13.08 μg/mL). Therefore, at the level of HPAEC cells, the cytotoxicity of the extracts follows the order GE > SE > CE. The apoptotic mechanism implied in cell death was predicted for several phytocompounds using the PASS algorithm and molecular docking simulations, highlighting potential interactions with caspases-3 and -8. In vivo analysis was performed through brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) when lethal, behavioral, and cytological effects were evaluated on Artemia salina larvae. The viability examined after 24 h (assessment of lethal effects) follows the same sequence: CE > SE > GE. In addition, the predicted cell permeability was observed mainly for GE constituents through in silico studies. However, the extracts can be considered nontoxic according to Clarckson’s criteria because no BSL% was registered at 1200 µg/mL. The obtained data reveal that all three extracts are safe for human use and suitable for incorporation in further pharmaceutical formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gene and Cell Therapy)
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31 pages, 5004 KiB  
Article
Outlook on Chronic Venous Disease Treatment: Phytochemical Screening, In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and In Silico Studies for Three Vegetal Extracts
by Andreea Roxana Ungureanu, Carmen Lidia Chițescu, Emanuela Alice Luță, Alina Moroșan, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Dragoș Paul Mihai, Liliana Costea, Emma Adriana Ozon, Ancuța Cătălina Fița, Teodora Dalila Balaci, Rica Boscencu and Cerasela Elena Gîrd
Molecules 2023, 28(9), 3668; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28093668 - 23 Apr 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2984
Abstract
Chronic venous disease is one of the most common vascular diseases; the signs and symptoms are varied and are often neglected in the early stages. Vascular damage is based on proinflammatory, prothrombotic, prooxidant activity and increased expression of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The [...] Read more.
Chronic venous disease is one of the most common vascular diseases; the signs and symptoms are varied and are often neglected in the early stages. Vascular damage is based on proinflammatory, prothrombotic, prooxidant activity and increased expression of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The aim of this research is preparation and preliminary characterization of three vegetal extracts (Sophorae flos-SE, Ginkgo bilobae folium-GE and Calendulae flos-CE). The obtained dry extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening (FT-ICR-MS, UHPLC-HRMS/MS) and quantitative analysis (UHPLC-HRMS/MS, spectrophotometric methods). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using three methods: FRAP, DPPH and ABTS. More than 30 compounds were found in each extract. The amount of flavones follows the succession: SE > GE > CE; the amount of phenolcarboxylic acids follows: SE > CE > GE; and the amount of polyphenols follows: SE > GE > CE. Results for FRAP method varied as follows: SE > CE > GE; results for the DPPH method followed: SE > GE > CE; and results for ABTS followed: SE > GE > CE. Strong and very strong correlations (appreciated by Pearson coefficient) have been observed between antioxidant activity and the chemical content of extracts. Molecular docking studies revealed the potential of several identified phytochemicals to inhibit the activity of four MMP isoforms. In conclusion, these three extracts have potential in the treatment of chronic venous disease, based on their phytochemical composition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Natural Products)
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19 pages, 5269 KiB  
Article
Effects of Different Deproteinization Methods on the Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides from Flos Sophorae Immaturus Obtained by Ultrasonic Microwave Synergistic Extraction
by Wenting Zhong, Chunmiao Yang, Yongze Zhang and Dongsheng Yang
Agronomy 2022, 12(11), 2740; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12112740 - 4 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2757
Abstract
Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI) serves as one of the Chinese medicinal herbs of homologous provenance, whose polysaccharides constitute part of the active compounds that exert their pharmacological properties. Single-factor and response surface methodology were employed to investigate optimal extraction conditions for the ultrasonic-microwave [...] Read more.
Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI) serves as one of the Chinese medicinal herbs of homologous provenance, whose polysaccharides constitute part of the active compounds that exert their pharmacological properties. Single-factor and response surface methodology were employed to investigate optimal extraction conditions for the ultrasonic-microwave synergistic extraction (UMSE) of polysaccharides from FSI (PFSI), which were deproteinized by Sevage, papain, and trichloroacetic acid methods, and the antioxidant potential of PFSI by contrasting deproteinization methods based on free-radical scavenging capacity. The optimum conditions for UMSE extraction of PFSI were 500 W microwave power, 265.887 W ultrasonic power, 20.078 min extraction time, and 94.995:1 liquid-to-material ratio. Meanwhile, the sequence of the single factors on the yield of polysaccharides indicated that microwave power > extraction time > D liquid to material ratio > B ultrasonic power, and that the obtained average value of polysaccharide yield was 37.05%, which was analogous to the predicted value of 37.17%, indicating that the optimization method was reasonable. In vitro, the antioxidant assay demonstrated that PFSI, with or without deproteinization, had a definite capability to scavenge oxidative free radicals. This research provides a theoretical basis for the industrial production of PFSI as a natural antioxidant, and a scientific basis for its industrial development. Full article
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19 pages, 8317 KiB  
Article
The Chemical Profiling and Anticancer Potential of Functional Polysaccharides from Flos Sophorae Immaturus
by Wenting Zhong, Chunmiao Yang, Yongze Zhang, Yumeng Liu and Dongsheng Yang
Molecules 2022, 27(18), 5978; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27185978 - 14 Sep 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2388
Abstract
Polysaccharides from Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI) are one of its pharmacological compounds that can perform effective activities. Aiming to extract the most effective polysaccharides against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the polysaccharides were separated from FSI through ultrasonic microwave extraction, and the first comparison was [...] Read more.
Polysaccharides from Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI) are one of its pharmacological compounds that can perform effective activities. Aiming to extract the most effective polysaccharides against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the polysaccharides were separated from FSI through ultrasonic microwave extraction, and the first comparison was carried out on the characterization of the structure and its cytotoxic properties on HCC SMMC 7721 cells of undeproteinized purified polysaccharides (PFSI-1) and papain-deproteinized polysaccharides (PFSI-2) from FSI. The findings indicated that PFSI-1 and PFSI-2 had characteristic absorption peaks of polysaccharides; PFSI-1 contained three monosaccharides and PFSI-2 contained ten; and SEM, AFM, and NMR were consistent with the verification of IR polysaccharide characteristics, suggesting probable additional latent activities. The pharmacotoxic effects of both PFSI-1 and PFSI-2 on SMMC 7721 cells (p < 0.05), attenuated the migration ability of SMMC 7721 cells (p < 0.05) and promoted apoptosis (p < 0.05), with an increase in G0/G1-phase cells and decrease in S-phase cells in the PFSI-1 as well as a decrease in G0/G1-phase cells, increase in S-phase cells, and decrease in apoptosis in the PFSI-2 (p < 0.05). The significant cytotoxic effect of PFSI-2 on SMMC 7721 cells (p < 0.05) and its protective effect on human hepatic L02 cells (HL-7702) at low concentrations (p > 0.05) could indicate its potential as a new drug for the treatment of HCC. Full article
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24 pages, 4102 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Using Response Surface Methodology for Simultaneous Quantitation of Six Flavonoids in Flos Sophorae Immaturus and Antioxidant Activity
by Sanhong Fan, Gege Yang, Jinhua Zhang, Jiani Li and Baoqing Bai
Molecules 2020, 25(8), 1767; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25081767 - 12 Apr 2020
Cited by 54 | Viewed by 7445
Abstract
Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was applied to extract rutin (RU), nicotiflorin (NI), narcissoside (NA), kaempferol (KA), isorhamnetin (IS), quercetin (QU), and total flavonoids of Flos Sophorae Immaturus (TFFSI) from Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI). Through single factor test and response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal [...] Read more.
Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was applied to extract rutin (RU), nicotiflorin (NI), narcissoside (NA), kaempferol (KA), isorhamnetin (IS), quercetin (QU), and total flavonoids of Flos Sophorae Immaturus (TFFSI) from Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI). Through single factor test and response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal extraction conditions were concluded as follows: ethanol concentration 70%, time 30 min, temperature 61 °C, and liquid/solid ratio 15.30 mL/g, respectively. The actual extraction rates of RU, NI, NA, KA, IS, QU, and TFFSI were 14.6101%, 2.9310%, 7.1987%, 0.1041%, 0.4920%, 2.7998%, and 26.4260%, respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that the extraction method with accuracy and efficiency could be used for the comprehensive evaluation quality control of extracts from FSI. The antioxidant activities of hydroalcoholic extraction from FSI on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+), superoxide anion (•O2−) free radicals, and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) were assessed. The results showed that the antioxidation activities of extracts on DPPH, ABTS•+, and •O2− free radicals were reached 89.29%, 97.86%, and 56.61%, and 81.4% in FRAP at 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of FSI extract was positively correlated with the amount of total flavonoids. Full article
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14 pages, 1129 KiB  
Article
Microwave-Assisted Extraction Combined with In-Capillary [Fe(ferrozine)3]2+-CE-DAD to Screen Active Components with the Ability to Chelate Ferrous Ions from Flos Sophorae Immaturus (Flos Sophorae)
by Tao Liu, Shanshan Wang, Huifen Ma, Hua Jin, Jin Li, Xuejing Yang, Xiumei Gao and Yanxu Chang
Molecules 2019, 24(17), 3052; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24173052 - 22 Aug 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2721
Abstract
An efficient microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) combined with in-capillary [Fe(ferrozine)3]2+-capillary electrophoresis-Diode Array Detector (in-capillary [Fe(ferrozine)3]2+-CE-DAD) was developed to screen active components with the ability to chelate ferrous ions and determine the total antioxidant activity. The MAE conditions, including methanol concentration, extraction power, extraction time, [...] Read more.
An efficient microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) combined with in-capillary [Fe(ferrozine)3]2+-capillary electrophoresis-Diode Array Detector (in-capillary [Fe(ferrozine)3]2+-CE-DAD) was developed to screen active components with the ability to chelate ferrous ions and determine the total antioxidant activity. The MAE conditions, including methanol concentration, extraction power, extraction time, and the ratio of material to liquid, were optimized by an L9(34) orthogonal experiment. Background buffer, voltage, and cartridge temperature that affect the separation of six compounds were optimized. It was found that rutin and quercetin were the main components chelating ferrous ions in Flos Sophorae Immaturus (Flos Sophorae) by the in-capillary [Fe(ferrozine)3]2+-CE-DAD. The recoveries were ranged from 95.2% to 104%. It was concluded that the MAE combined with in-capillary [Fe(ferrozine)3]2+-CE-DAD method was a simple, reliable, and efficient tool for screening active components from the complex traditional Chinese medicine samples and evaluating their ability to chelate ferrous ions. Full article
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12 pages, 3581 KiB  
Article
Response Surface Optimized Infrared-Assisted Extraction and UHPLC Determination of Flavonoid Types from Flos Sophorae
by Qianqian Mou, Jingxia He, Rongli Yin, Bin Yang, Meihong Fu, Jing Fang and Hua Li
Molecules 2017, 22(6), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22061000 - 15 Jun 2017
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5391
Abstract
Single-factor experiment and Box-Behnken design were applied to optimize the infrared-assisted extraction (IRAE) of rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin from Flos sophorae. Four factors (extract solvent, solid-liquid ration, extraction time, infrared power) affecting the extraction yield of flavonoids were studied. Under optimized conditions [...] Read more.
Single-factor experiment and Box-Behnken design were applied to optimize the infrared-assisted extraction (IRAE) of rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin from Flos sophorae. Four factors (extract solvent, solid-liquid ration, extraction time, infrared power) affecting the extraction yield of flavonoids were studied. Under optimized conditions the extraction yield was 33.199 ± 0.24 mg/g, which substantially improved, compared with heating reflux extraction (HRE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), while extraction time was only 9 min. The eluents were rich in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azobis (2-methyl-propionamidine) dihydrochloride radical scavenging potential (IC50 of DPPH: 53.44 ± 0.01 μg/mL, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC): 3785.83 ± 52 μmol/g) than the extracts obtained by HRE and UAE. In addition, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method was optimized for the identification and quantification of the tested flavonoids, and the method was validated based on its correlation coefficient (r), reproducibility (RSD, n = 5), and recovery values, which were 0.9994–0.9998, 0.74–1.83%, and 97.78–102.94%, respectively. These results confirmed that high extraction yield of flavonoids results in stronger antioxidant values and response surface methodology optimization of IRAE is a promising alternative to traditional extraction techniques for flavonoids from medicinal plants. Full article
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27 pages, 6069 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction Conditions for Five Major Bioactive Compounds from Flos Sophorae Immaturus (Cultivars of Sophora japonica L.) Using Response Surface Methodology
by Jin-Liang Liu, Long-Yun Li and Guang-Hua He
Molecules 2016, 21(3), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21030296 - 2 Mar 2016
Cited by 56 | Viewed by 9210
Abstract
Microwave-assisted extraction was applied to extract rutin; quercetin; genistein; kaempferol; and isorhamnetin from Flos Sophorae Immaturus. Six independent variables; namely; solvent type; particle size; extraction frequency; liquid-to-solid ratio; microwave power; and extraction time were examined. Response surface methodology using a central composite design [...] Read more.
Microwave-assisted extraction was applied to extract rutin; quercetin; genistein; kaempferol; and isorhamnetin from Flos Sophorae Immaturus. Six independent variables; namely; solvent type; particle size; extraction frequency; liquid-to-solid ratio; microwave power; and extraction time were examined. Response surface methodology using a central composite design was employed to optimize experimental conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio; microwave power; and extraction time) based on the results of single factor tests to extract the five major components in Flos Sophorae Immaturus. Experimental data were fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis. Data were also analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Optimal extraction conditions were as follows: extraction solvent; 100% methanol; particle size; 100 mesh; extraction frequency; 1; liquid-to-solid ratio; 50:1; microwave power; 287 W; and extraction time; 80 s. A rapid and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (EIS-Q-TOF MS/MS) was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of rutin; quercetin; genistein; kaempferol; and isorhamnetin in Flos Sophorae Immaturus. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a Kinetex C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm; 2.6 μm) at 40 °C within 5 min. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile (71:29; v/v). Isocratic elution was carried out at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. The constituents of Flos Sophorae Immaturus were simultaneously identified by EIS-Q-TOF MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode. During quantitative analysis; all of the calibration curves showed good linear relationships (R2 > 0.999) within the tested ranges; and mean recoveries ranged from 96.0216% to 101.0601%. The precision determined through intra- and inter-day studies showed an RSD% of <2.833%. These results demonstrate that the developed method is accurate and effective and could be readily utilized for the comprehensive quality control of Flos Sophorae Immaturus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Bioactive Compounds)
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