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Ngamlana NB, Malherbe W, Gericke G, Coetzer RLJ. The effect of coal-fired power plants on ambient air quality in Mpumalanga province, South Africa, 2014-2018. Int J Environ Health Res 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38711212 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2350600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Several coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) were built in South Africa, mainly in the central Mpumalanga Province, due to an increase in the demand for Eskom, the national power utility, to keep up with socio-economic growth. The CFPPs, of which 90% are owned by Eskom, generate a significant share of the country's electricity but contribute to the air pollution experienced in the country. The paper discusses sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter of size less than 10 micrometre (μm) in diameter (PM10), using data from 2014 to 2018. The statistics revealed higher PM10 concentrations during winter than in summer and spring at the Kriel and Komati sites; associated with the higher contribution of domestic burning. The study's results could influence legislation and policies and help to understand the source of poor ambient air quality by assessing the three pollutants within the area of the selected power plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- N B Ngamlana
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - W Malherbe
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - G Gericke
- College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology & Water Sustainability Research Unit, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - R L J Coetzer
- School of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Focus Area for Pure and Applied Analytics, Faculty of Natural And Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Anthony J, Smith J, Murray L, Kirsten GF, Gericke G, Kara Y, Davies V, Pearce D, Van Toorn R, Lippert MM, Lotz JW, Andronikou S, Alheit B, Van Wyk L, Ebrahim AS, Schifrin BS. Commentary on the published position statement regarding the pathogenesis of fetal basal ganglia- thalamic hypoxic-ischaemic injury. S Afr Med J 2023; 114:6-10. [PMID: 38525619 DOI: 10.7196/samj.2024.v114i1.1584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J Anthony
- Retired associate professor and Head of Unit: Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital.
| | - J Smith
- Emeritus Professor of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - L Murray
- Private Practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - G F Kirsten
- Emeritus Professor of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - G Gericke
- Extraordinary Professor in Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Y Kara
- Paediatrician, Umhlanga Hospital and St Augustines Hospital, Durban, South Africa.
| | - V Davies
- Paediatrician and neonatologist, visiting associate professor, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - D Pearce
- Paediatric neurology consultant, University of the Witwatersrand, Donald Gordon Medical Centre Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - R Van Toorn
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - M M Lippert
- Certified paediatric neurology, private practice in Paediatric Neurology, Unitas Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - J W Lotz
- Emeritus Professor of Radiology, Division of Radiodiagnosis, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - S Andronikou
- Pediatric neuroradiologist and paediatric radiologist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, USA; professor of radiology at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA.
| | | | - L Van Wyk
- Neonatologist, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - A S Ebrahim
- Obstetrician and gynaecologist, St Augustine's Hospital, Durban, South Africa.
| | - B S Schifrin
- Formerly professor of obstetrics and gynecology (maternal-fetal medicine), Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Mojela H, Gericke G, Madhav H, Malinga SP. Seasonal variations of natural organic matter (NOM) in surface water supplied to two coal-fired power stations. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:15454-15463. [PMID: 36169834 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23239-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Global issues such as pollution and global warming have resulted in changes in water characteristics over the past 20 years. Natural organic matter (NOM) which is a major component in water systems has shown an increase globally. This increase in NOM concentration has negatively affected both water treatment processes and drinking water quality. It is subsequently critical to understand the seasonal variations and composition of NOM to be able to address issues related to NOM. In this study, techniques such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, total organic carbon and liquid chromatography-organic carbon detection (LC-OCD) were used for characterisation and quantification of NOM. Two coal-fired power stations were selected for this study with each power station receiving water from a different source, i.e. power station A receives water from the Vaal River and power station B from the Nkomati River. Results from this study demonstrated that composition and concentration of NOM from these two water sources varied seasonally. Characterisation of NOM using the LC-OCD indicated that the different fractions of NOM, i.e. low molecular weight neutrals, low molecular weight acids, building blocks, humic substances and biopolymers, varied seasonally. The dissolved organic carbon concentration and specific ultraviolet absorbance values of the raw water at both power stations showed an increment amid the wet seasons and a decrease amid the dry seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Happiness Mojela
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa
- Eskom RT&D, Private Bag X40175, Cleveland, Johannesburg, 2022, South Africa
| | - Gerhard Gericke
- Eskom RT&D, Private Bag X40175, Cleveland, Johannesburg, 2022, South Africa
| | - Heena Madhav
- Eskom RT&D, Private Bag X40175, Cleveland, Johannesburg, 2022, South Africa
| | - Soraya Phumzile Malinga
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa.
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Strosberg J, Caplin M, Kunz P, Ruszniewski P, Bodei L, Hendifar A, Mittra E, Wolin E, Yao J, Pavel M, Grande Pulido E, Van Cutsem E, Seregni E, Duarte H, Gericke G, Bartalotta A, Demange A, Mutevelic S, Krenning E. O-2 Overall survival and long-term safety data from the NETTER-1 trial: 177-Lu-Dotatate vs. high-dose octreotide in patients with progressive midgut NETs. Ann Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Gericke G, Kilian S, Günther P. Handtherapie und manuelle Therapie. Manuelle Medizin 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00337-011-0858-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Afoakwa E, Badham J, Blaauw R, Bourne L, Conradie N, Cooper P, Dannhauser A, Downs J, Faber M, Gericke G, Hanekom S, Hattingh Z, Hendricks M, Herselman M, Hussey G, Jerling J, Jooste P, Kinabo J, Kogi-Makau W, Kruger S, Kunneke E, Labuschagne I, MacIntyre U, Marais D, Marais M, Matji J, Maunder E, Muhammed Dhansay A, Naudé C, Norris S, Pettifor J, Saloojee H, Schaaf H, Schonfeldt H, Senekal M, Smalberger R, Smith A, Smuts M, Steenkamp L, Steyn N, Swart R, Van der Spuy D, Van Graan A, Van Jaarsveld P, Van Stuijvenberg M, Venter C, Venter I, Visser J, Vorster E, Walsh C, Wenhold F, Wentzel-Viljoen E, Wolmarans P. Editor’s Note. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2008.11734170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Gericke G, Liebert A, Willenberg HS, Stölzel U. Mineralocorticoid hypertension, bilateral adrenal masses and secondary osteoporosis in a patient with a newly identified steroid-17α-hydroxylase gene defect. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2006. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-932896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Labadarios D, Steyn NP, Maunder E, MacIntryre U, Gericke G, Swart R, Huskisson J, Dannhauser A, Vorster HH, Nesmvuni AE, Nel JH. The National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS): South Africa, 1999. Public Health Nutr 2006; 8:533-43. [PMID: 16153334 DOI: 10.1079/phn2005816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) in South Africa was to determine the nutrient intakes and anthropometric status of children (1-9 years old), as well as factors that influence their dietary intake. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of all children aged 1-9 years in South Africa. A nationally representative sample with provincial representation was selected using 1996 Census information. SUBJECTS Of the 3120 children who were originally sampled data were obtained from 2894, a response rate of 93%. METHODS The sociodemographic status of each household was assessed by a questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed by means of a 24-hour recall and a food-frequency questionnaire from the caregivers of the children. Food purchasing practices were determined by means of a food procurement questionnaire. Hunger was assessed by a modified hunger scale questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by means of anthropometric measurements: height, weight, head circumference and arm circumference. RESULTS At the national level, stunting (height-for-age below minus two standard deviations (< -2SD) from the reference median) was by far the most common nutritional disorder, affecting nearly one in five children. The children least affected (17%) were those living in urban areas. Even with regard to the latter, however, children living in informal urban areas were more severely affected (20%) compared with those living in formal urban areas (16%). A similar pattern emerged for the prevalence of underweight (weight-for-age < -2SD), with one in 10 children being affected at the national level. Furthermore, one in 10 (13%) and one in four (26%) children aged 1-3 years had an energy intake less than half and less than two-thirds of their daily energy needs, respectively. For South African children as a whole, the intakes of energy, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamins A, D, C and E, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and folic acid were below two-thirds of the Recommended Dietary Allowances. At the national level, data from the 24-hour recalls indicated that the most commonly consumed food items were maize, sugar, tea, whole milk and brown bread. For South African children overall, one in two households (52%) experienced hunger, one in four (23%) were at risk of hunger and only one in four households (25%) appeared food-secure. CONCLUSION The NFCS indicated that a large majority of households were food-insecure and that energy deficit and micronutrient deficiencies were common, resulting in a high prevalence of stunting. These results were used as motivation for the introduction of mandatory fortification in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Labadarios
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa.
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Labadarios D, Maunder E, Steyn N, MacIntyre U, Swart R, Gericke G, Nesamvuni E, Huskisson J, Vorster HH, Dannhauser A. National food consumption survey in children aged 1-9 years: South Africa 1999. Forum Nutr 2003; 56:106-9. [PMID: 15806819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D Labadarios
- Department of Human Nutrition/Dietetics, University of Stellenbosch
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Kruger MC, Coetzer H, de Winter R, Gericke G, van Papendorp DH. Calcium, gamma-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation in senile osteoporosis. Aging (Milano) 1998; 10:385-94. [PMID: 9932142 DOI: 10.1007/bf03339885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent animal work suggests that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) enhance calcium absorption, reduce excretion and increase calcium deposition in bone. A pilot study was set up to test the interactions between calcium and GLA + EPA in humans. Sixty-five women (mean age 79.5), taking a background diet low in calcium, were randomly assigned to GLA + EPA or coconut oil placebo capsules; in addition, all received 600 mg/day calcium as the carbonate. Markers of bone formation/degradation and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months. Twenty-one patients were continued on treatment for a second period of 18 months, after which BMD (36 months) was measured. At 18 months, osteocalcin and deoxypyridinoline levels fell significantly in both groups, indicating a decrease in bone turnover, whereas bone specific alkaline phosphatase rose indicating beneficial effects of calcium given to all the patients. Lumbar and femoral BMD, in contrast, showed different effects in the two groups. Over the first 18 months, lumbar spine density remained the same in the treatment group, but decreased 3.2% in the placebo group. Femoral bone density increased 1.3% in the treatment group, but decreased 2.1% in the placebo group. During the second period of 18 months with all patients now on active treatment, lumbar spine density increased 3.1% in patients who remained on active treatment, and 2.3% in patients who switched from placebo to active treatment; femoral BMD in the latter group showed an increase of 4.7%. This pilot controlled study suggests that GLA and EPA have beneficial effects on bone in this group of elderly patients, and that they are safe to administer for prolonged periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Kruger
- Department of Physiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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Gericke G, Benoit N, Orndorff KA, Givan AL, Ericson SG. Fluorescence-imaging assay for cytotoxic plaque formation and for growth toward confluency of adherent cells. Cytometry 1998; 33:41-6. [PMID: 9725557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A nondestructive fluorescence-imaging assay is described for quantitating the number and size of plaques formed over time by cytotoxic effector cells in a monolayer of target cells. It can also be used to assay the growth of adherent cells toward confluence. The method involves the use of fluorescein conjugated to high molecular weight dextran. The dextran is excluded by adherent cells, thereby making the medium around cells more fluorescent than the cells themselves. The area of the plate that is fluorescent can be determined by confocal fluorescence imaging microscopy. With this new method, changes in the confluency of adherent cells or in the number and area of cytotoxic plaques can be assayed repeatedly over an extended period of time, without manipulation of the cells or of the medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gericke
- Department of Microbiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA
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Haas R, Gericke G, Witt B, Cayeux S, Hunstein W. Increased serum levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor after autologous bone marrow or blood stem cell transplantation. Exp Hematol 1993; 21:109-13. [PMID: 7678083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The objective of our study was to evaluate the biologic role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for hematologic reconstitution following autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABSCT). Using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, serum levels of G-CSF were measured in samples from 48 patients (30 male/18 female) who underwent ABMT or ABSCT. Their median age was 34.5 years (range 16 to 51). Autografting was performed (40 ABMT, 8 ABSCT) in 23 AML, 8 ALL and 17 malignant lymphoma patients. Patients transplanted with blood stem cells had a faster leukocyte and neutrophil recovery compared with the ABMT patients (p < 0.025 and p < 0.05, respectively). During marrow aplasia G-CSF serum levels were elevated in all patients, with a median peak value of 2199 pg/mL (range 453 to 8676 pg/mL). A strong reverse correlation (R = -0.76, p < 0.01) could be demonstrated between G-CSF serum level and white blood count (WBC). An additional increase of G-CSF serum levels on days of fever (> or = 38.5 degrees C) or documented infectious disease was observed. During the early phase of marrow aplasia, the endogenously produced amounts of G-CSF reached concentrations which are used for in vitro stimulation of colony-forming unit granulocyte (CFU-G). The relationship between G-CSF serum level and WBC supports the central role of this circulating hemopoietin following myeloablative treatment and autotransplantation. During periods of higher demand such as fever and infectious complications, endogenous G-CSF production is enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Haas
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract
Two children about to undergo corrective surgery were required to be investigated for malignant hyperthermia (MH). These investigations arose out of concern by the anesthetist who had obtained a history of unexplained pyrexial reactions to anaesthetic in other members of the family. Because over the years we have encountered several children with multiple congenital abnormalities who have been found to be susceptible to MH, we stressed the advisability of biopsying not only the patient but also the patient's parents. Positive responses for MH were obtained in the patients and in one of the parents on each occasion. The hypothesis of intrauterine MH with its pharmacogenetic propensity for heat production is considered as a possible etiological factor which may cause abnormalities of a congenital nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Isaacs
- Department of Physiology, Witwatersrand University Medical School, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Abstract
We have investigated a large Afrikaner kindred in which seven males had ocular albinism and late-onset sensorineural deafness (OASD). The pattern of inheritance of OASD is X-linked recessive. To the best of our knowledge, this association has not previously been reported and in order to establish syndromic identity we describe and discuss the condition in this article.
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Abstract
Spondylo-epi-metaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity (SEMDJL) is characterized by severe dwarfism, articular hypermobility and progressive spinal malalignment. The clinical manifestations of 18 affected persons in 13 families of the Afrikans-speaking community of South Africa have been analysed and it has become evident that survival into adulthood is unusual. SEMDJL is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
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Beighton P, Kozlowski K, Gericke G, Wallis G, Grobler L. Spondylo-epimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity and severe, progressive kyphoscoliosis. A potentially lethal dwarfing disorder. S Afr Med J 1983; 64:772-5. [PMID: 6635864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A progressive and potentially lethal skeletal dysplasia, spondylo-epimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity (SEMDJL), has been recognized in 18 children from the Afrikaner community of South Africa. This serious disorder, which is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, warrants diagnostic consideration whenever an infant or child from this population group presents with dwarfism, deformity, articular hypermobility and spinal malalignment. In view of the clinical and genetic implications, diagnostic precision is of great importance.
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Zimmermann HG, Gericke G. [Injuries of the talofibular ligaments. Problems of diagnosis and treatment (author's transl)]. Unfallheilkunde 1980; 83:462-6. [PMID: 7434491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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