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At least 991 records · Page 55

Non-conservative Management of Placenta Accreta Spectrum in the Hybrid Operating Room: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Hysterectomy is the standard of care in placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). To reduce the risks of obstetric hemorrhage during surgery, endovascular interventions have been proposed. Our aim is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the overall non-conservative management of PAS in the hybrid operating room (OR) to replace the classic two-step procedure (catheterization in the interventional radiology suite and transfer to conventional OR). Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of series of patients with histopathologic confirmation of PAS treated in the hybrid OR at the same university hospital. We used for comparison our historical cohort managed with the standard two-step procedure. Results: We included 110 patients, 80 in the conventional OR and 30 in the hybrid OR. There were no cases of major complications attributable to the endovascular procedures. In the two-step procedure, there were 10 (12.5%) intra-arterial catheter displacements that required repositioning in the conventional OR under mobile C-arm fluoroscopy and no cases in the hybrid OR (p = 0.04). The mean operative time was 380 + 42 min in the conventional OR and 296 + 66 min in the hybrid OR (p = .00001). There were no differences in the gestational age at delivery, postoperative length of stay, or large-volume blood transfusion. There were no maternal deaths. Conclusions: The overall non-conservative management of PAS in the hybrid OR has shown to be feasible and safe in our series, offering potential advantages to replace the classic two-step procedure. More studies are needed to evaluate whether this strategy is cost-effective and whether it may improve maternal and perinatal outcomes.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Study of Percutaneous Stent Placement with Iodine-125 Seed Strand for Malignant Biliary Obstruction

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of simultaneous placement of a self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) and iodine-125 seed strand in the management of malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). Materials and Methods: This study included 132 patients with MOJ treated from November 2015 to October 2017. Forty-five patients underwent insertion of SEMS with iodine-125 seed strands (Seeds group); the remaining 87 patients underwent SEMS placement alone (Control group). Technical success was defined as accurate, successful deployment of SEMS with or without iodine-125 seed strand; clinical success was defined as 20% reduction in serum bilirubin within 1 week after the procedure, compared with baseline. Complications, duration of primary stent patency, and overall survival were evaluated. Results: Technical success was achieved in all patients in both groups. In the Seeds group, an average of 14 seeds (range 8–22) were implanted in the bile duct as a strand. Clinical success rates were similar between the groups (Seeds group, 93.3%; Control group, 95.4%). Major complications occurred in only one patient, in the Control group. The median period of primary stent patency was significantly longer in the Seeds group (194 days) than in the Control group (86 days; P = 0.049). The median overall survival was also significantly longer in the Seeds group (194 days) than in the Control group (96 days; P = 0.031). Conclusion: SEMS combined with iodine-125 seed strands is effective and safe in the management of MOJ and can improve stent patency and patient survival.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Reason of Discontinuation After Transarterial Chemoembolization Influences Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often repeated until unTACEable progression (UTP) occurs. There is little data on the various reasons for stopping TACE and its consequences for subsequent treatment and survival. Aim: To assess the impact of the various reasons of UTP on survival and consequences for subsequent treatments. Methods: Consecutive HCC patients who underwent TACE between 2003 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively for the reason of TACE discontinuation. UTP was defined according to the EASL guidelines, considering radiological pattern of progression, liver function and performance status (PS). Overall and post-progression survival (OS, PPS) for different reasons of TACE discontinuation were compared. The correlation between time to untreatable progression by chemoembolization (TTUPc) and OS was analyzed. Results: One hundred and sixty-six patients (BCLC-A 40%, BCLC-B 54%, BCLC-C: 7%) were included, undergoing a median of 2 TACE procedures with a median OS of 22.1 months (95% CI 17.4–26.7). UTP occurred in 116 patients (70%) after a median TTUPc of 11.6 months (95% CI 7.8–15.4). There was a strong positive correlation (ρ = 0.816, p < 0.001) between TTUPc and OS. The main reason of UTP was radiological progression (61%), which was mostly intrahepatic (75%). Hepatic decompensation and worsening of PS were independent predictors of OS and PPS. Conclusion: The majority of HCC patients treated with TACE have UTP due to intrahepatic tumor progression with preserved liver function and PS, making them potential candidates for subsequent liver-directed or systemic treatment. TTUPc may be a valuable surrogate endpoint for OS in patients treated with TACE. Level of Evidence: Level II, prognosis study.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Radioablation by Image-Guided (HDR) Brachytherapy and Transarterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Randomized Phase II Trial

Background and Aims: The aim of this single-center, open-label phase II study was to assess the efficacy of image-guided high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (iBT) compared with conventional transarterial embolization (cTACE) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Seventy-seven patients were treated after randomization to iBT or cTACE, as single or repeated interventions. Crossover was allowed if clinically indicated. The primary endpoint was time to untreatable progression (TTUP). Eligibility criteria included a Child–Pugh score of ≤ 8 points, absence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) at the affected liver lobe, and ≤ 4 lesions. Survival was analyzed by using the Cox proportional hazard model with stratification for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages. Results: Twenty patients were classified as BCLC-A (iBT/cTACE 8/12), 35 as BCLC-B (16/19), and 22 as BCLC-C (13/9). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year TTUP probabilities for iBT compared with cTACE were 67.5% versus 55.2%, 56.0% versus 27.4%, and 29.5% versus 11.0%, respectively, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.49 (95% confidence interval 0.27–0.89; p = 0.019). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year TTPs for iBT versus cTACE were 56.0% versus 28.2%, 23.9% versus 6.3%, and 15.9% versus 6.3%, respectively, with an adjusted HR of 0.49 (0.29–0.85; p = 0.011). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 78.4% versus 67.7%, 62.0% versus 47.3%, and 36.7% versus 27.0%, respectively, with an adjusted HR of 0.62 (0.33–1.16; p = 0.136). Conclusions: This explorative phase II trial showed a superior outcome of iBT compared with cTACE in hepatocellular carcinoma and supports proceeding to a phase III trial.

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Advantages of Intraprocedural Unenhanced CT During Adrenal Venous Sampling to Confirm Accurate Catheterization of the Right Adrenal Vein

Purpose: To evaluate the advantages of intraprocedural CT during adrenal venous sampling (AVS) to confirm accurate catheterization of the right adrenal vein (RAV). Materials and Methods: This single-institution study included 106 patients (mean age 52.4 years; range 28–74 years) with primary aldosteronism who performed contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) before AVS following AVS between January 2011 and March 2018. After catheterization of the RAV under fluoroscopic guidance, unenhanced CT images were obtained to confirm catheter position on unified CT angiography system. Catheter repositioning was performed when the catheter was inaccurately positioned. Venography findings were classified into two groups: (1) presumably cannulated in the RAV (presumed RAV group) and (2) obscured visualization of the RAV because of collateral vessels (obscured RAV group). Success rates of AVS were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results: The overall success of AVS was achieved in 104 patients (98.1%). Catheter was deviated into the IVC during intraprocedural CT in four patients. Fourteen patients (14.0%) required catheter repositioning by intraprocedural CT images, and accurate catheterization in the RAV was eventually accomplished. The success rate of AVS was significantly higher in the presumed RAV group (90.1% [73/81]) than that in the obscured RAV group (68.4% [13/19]) (p = 0.024). If intraprocedural CT was not acquired during AVS, the success rate of AVS would have been significantly lower (84.9% [90/106]) compared with that use of intraprocedural CT (98.1% [104/106]) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Intraprocedural unenhanced CT by referring to the preprocedural CECT before AVS enables the confirmation of accurate catheterization of the RAV. Level of Evidence: Level 4, case series.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Effects of Varicocele Treatment on Sperm Conventional Parameters: Surgical Varicocelectomy Versus Sclerotherapy

Introduction: Varicocele is often associated with impaired sperm parameters. Different procedures have been developed for varicocele treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of varicocele treatment on conventional sperm parameters. Materials and Methods: We compared two different techniques of intervention: surgical varicocelectomy and sclerotherapy. We also evaluated the number of varicocele recurrences and the pregnancy rate. We included 102 patients (mean age 29.8 ± 0.8 years) with ultrasound diagnosis of varicocele. We excluded patients whose ultrasound evaluation and/or sperm parameters were not known before and after varicocele correction. We divided the patients (excluding 8 with azoospermia) into two subgroups: surgical varicocelectomy (n = 44) and sclerotherapy (n = 50). For each patient, we compared conventional sperm parameters before and after varicocele correction. Results: After varicocele correction, we found a significant improvement in sperm concentration, total count and total motility. Considering the two subgroups, baseline sperm parameters did not differ significantly. Sperm concentration and total count increased significantly after varicocele correction by varicocelectomy. Varicocele correction by sclerotherapy resulted in a significant increase in sperm concentration, progressive and total motility. We found varicocele recurrence in 32% of patients who underwent varicocelectomy and in 19.7% of patients undergoing sclerotherapy. The pregnancy rate was higher after sclerotherapy (28%) than after surgical varicocelectomy (13%). Conclusion: Varicocele treatment must be recommended when other causes of infertility have been treated. Our results suggest the use of sclerotherapy for varicocele repair. Level of Evidence: 2 b.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Nuclear Factor-κB is Activated in Filter-Implanted Vena Cava

Background: Implantation of a retrievable vena cava filter (VCF) is an effective method for preventing pulmonary embolism. Retrieval of filters, however, may be difficult due to intimal hyperplasia and inflammation in the cava wall. The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) plays an important role in regulation of numerous genes participating in the inflammatory and proliferative responses of cells. The present study was to determine whether VCF implantation resulted in activation of NF-κB in the venous neointima. Methods: Filters were placed in vena cava (VC) in four swine for 30 days and then removed. Intimal specimens adhering to the filter struts were analyzed with reference to normal VC tissues. Immunohistochemical analyses were used to assess the NF-κB subunits p65 and p50 and the phosphorylated inhibitor of κB-α (phosphor-IκB-α) in the tissues. NF-κB DNA-binding activity was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: As compared to normal VC tissues, the intimal tissues contained higher percentages of cell nucleus-located p65 and p50, and NF-κB DNA-binding activity. Elevated immunoreactivities of p65, p50 and phosphor-IκB-α were also present in the intima. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates for the first time that VCF implantation caused NF-κB activation in neointima. We further demonstrate the activation is at least partly due to phosphorylation of IκB-α. Our data suggest that NF-κB activation would significantly contribute to development of intimal hyperplasia and inflammation in filter-inserted vena cava walls. NF-κB might be a therapeutic target for inhibiting filter-induced neointima and improving filter retrieval.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Type II Endoleak After Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using the Endurant Stent Graft System for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Occluded Inferior Mesenteric Artery

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of type II endoleak (EL-II) and aneurysm enlargement after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the Endurant stent graft in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with occluded inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Materials and Methods: Between 2012 and 2017, 103 patients who underwent EVAR using the Endurant stent graft for AAA with occluded IMA (50 patients with prophylactic embolized IMA and 53 with spontaneous occluded IMA) were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence of EL-II and aneurysm enlargement was evaluated. Predictive factors for persistent EL-II were evaluated based on patient characteristics, preprocedural anatomical characteristics, intraprocedural details, and postprocedural complications. Results: Incidence rates of early EL-II and persistent EL-II were 6.8% (7/103 patients) and 4.9% (5/103 patients), respectively. Aneurysm enlargement was found in 10 patients (9.7%), including all 5 patients with persistent EL-II, 3 with de novo EL-II, and 2 with no EL-II. The rates of freedom from aneurysm enlargement at 1, 2, and 3 years were 98.7%, 97.0%, and 93.1% for the group without persistent EL-II, and 80.0%, 60.0%, and 20.0% for the group with persistent EL-II (p < 0.001), respectively. The maximum aneurysm diameter (odds ratio (OR), 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.34; p = 0.0362) and the number of patent lumbar arteries (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.07–6.90; p = 0.0357) were predictive of persistent EL-II. Conclusions: The incidence of EL-II after EVAR using the Endurant stent graft for AAA with occluded IMA was low, but most early EL-II persisted and resulted in aneurysm enlargement. Level of Evidence Level 4, Case Series.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Irreversible Electroporation for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Initial Experience

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of irreversible electroporation (IRE) in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from September 2014 to June 2017. A total of 21 HCCs in 21 patients with cirrhosis were treated with IRE. There were eight subcapsular or exophytic, ten perivascular and three peribiliary tumors. The median tumor size was 26 mm (range 14–40 mm). The technical success of the procedure was recorded. Median follow-up, median time to local recurrence, median local tumor progression-free survival (PFS) and complications were recorded. Results: Technical success was achieved in all the patients. The median follow-up was 10 months (range 2–30 months). The median time to local recurrence and local tumor PFS were 4 months (range 3–4 months) and 7 months (range 3–30 months), respectively. The tumor-related factor that was significantly associated with local PFS was the size. Maximum tumor diameter < 25 mm was significantly associated with local tumor PFS (p = 0.045). Other parameters including tumor location, segmental portal vein thrombosis, baseline alpha-fetoprotein level and underlying etiology did not affect local tumor PFS. Complications were noted in nine patients and were classified as grades 1 and 2. No procedure-related mortality was encountered. Conclusion: IRE is an effective treatment for ablation of small HCCs. Larger prospective studies with strict selection criteria will establish the safety and efficacy of IRE in the treatment of unresectable HCC in patients who cannot undergo thermal ablation.

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Prognosticating Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Elevated Baseline Alpha-fetoprotein Treated with Radioembolization Using a Novel Laboratory Scoring System: Initial Development and Validation

Aims: To investigate laboratory parameters as predictors of overall survival (OS) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with radioembolization and develop/validate a scoring system. Methods: With IRB approval, we included all patients with baseline alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 100 ng/dL from our prospectively acquired HCC radioembolization database. Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, albumin–bilirubin (ALBI), and AFP were measured at baseline and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month post-radioembolization Landmarks. OS was assessed from these Landmarks. Univariate/multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate OS predictability of these parameters. Baseline Imaging, Laboratory, and Combination scoring systems were developed. Developing/validating groups were created to investigate/validate the score’s OS predictability. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were evaluated. Patients were stratified into groups I, II, and III by using 25th and 75th percentile cutoffs according to change in Laboratory Score from baseline. Results: 345/401 (86%), 238/401 (59%), and 167/401 (42%) patients had laboratory parameters available at the 1-, 3-, and 6-month Landmarks, respectively. ALBI and AFP were significant OS prognosticators at all Landmarks. The Laboratory Score [ALBI + (0.3 × LnAFP)] was developed/internally validated to predict OS from these Landmarks. Areas under the curve of time-dependent ROCs of the Baseline Imaging vs. Laboratory scores in predicting patient OS post 3 and 6 months Landmarks were 0.56 versus 0.82 and 0.57 versus 0.77, respectively. OS differences in groups I, II, and III according to change in Laboratory Score from baseline were significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Post-radioembolization AFP and ALBI scores were significant OS prognosticators. A decrease in post-therapeutic Laboratory Score, which combines AFP and ALBI, correlates with an improved OS.

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Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Ligand and Spectroscopic Study of the Formation of its Complexes with Different Cations and Their Sensory Characteristics

A new ligand (L), N,N′-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-1,2-diaminoethane, was synthesized and characterized. The sensing behavior of L toward various metal ions was investigated by spectrofluorometric and UV-Vis spectrophotometric methods. The sensor displayed selective and sensitive recognition toward Fe{sup 3+} and Fe{sup 2+} in acetonitrile. The fluorescence of L was quenched mainly by Fe{sup 3+}, and a considerable enhancement of fluorescence was observed in the presence of Zn{sup 2+}. Using multivariate hard modeling and stoichiometry, the concentration, spectral profiles, and formation constants of the studied complexes were calculated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Raman Spectral Imaging Based Histopathology of Human Skin Tissue

Confocal Raman microspectral imaging (CRMI) provides a versatile tool to extract biochemical information on histologically defined regions with improved spatial resolution and sensitivity. Here, we investigate spectral features and perform both uni- and multivariate analyses to obtain precise correlation between the biochemical profile and histological architecture of ex vivo human skin tissue. The skin dermis layer is visualized by integrated images of collagen peaks at 855, 940, and 1248 cm{sup −1}, while the stratum corneum layer is described by chemical images of ceramides. M elanin accumulation patterns in epidermis are obtained by integration of 1375 and 1580 cm{sup −1} Raman peaks. In addition, distinct spectral features of the melanin precursor are revealed by certain Raman vibrations, which structurally characterize the molecular composition and organization of hair follicles. These results offer a unique insight into the skin histology, biochemistry, and biophysics, which provide the possibility of interpreting the underlying mechanisms of skin malignant processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Multivariate Analogs of Classical Univariate Discrete Distributions and Their Properties

Some discrete distributions such as Bernoulli, binomial, geometric, negative binomial, Poisson, Polya–Aeppli, and others play an important role in applied problems of probability theory and mathematical statistics. We propose a variant of a multivariate distribution whose components have a given univariate discrete distribution. In fact we consider some very general variant of the so-called reduction method. We find the explicit form of the mass function and generating function of such distribution and study their properties. We prove that our construction is unique in natural exponential families of distributions. Our results are the generalization and unification of many results of other authors.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Geochemical Fingerprinting of Coltan Ores by Machine Learning on Uneven Datasets

Two modern machine learning techniques, Linear Programming Boosting (LPBoost) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs), are introduced and applied to a geochemical dataset of niobium-tantalum ('coltan') ores from Central Africa to demonstrate how such information may be used to distinguish ore provenance, i.e., place of origin. The compositional data used include uni- and multivariate outliers and elemental distributions are not described by parametric frequency distribution functions. The 'soft margin' techniques of LPBoost and SVMs can be applied to such data. Optimization of their learning parameters results in an average accuracy of up to c. 92%, if spot measurements are assessed to estimate the provenance of ore samples originating from two geographically defined source areas. A parameterized performance measure, together with common methods for its optimization, was evaluated to account for the presence of uneven datasets. Optimization of the classification function threshold improves the performance, as class importance is shifted towards one of those classes. For this dataset, the average performance of the SVMs is significantly better compared to that of LPBoost.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Implementation of the Iterative Proportion Fitting Algorithm for Geostatistical Facies Modeling

In geostatistics, most stochastic algorithm for simulation of categorical variables such as facies or rock types require a conditional probability distribution. The multivariate probability distribution of all the grouped locations including the unsampled location permits calculation of the conditional probability directly based on its definition. In this article, the iterative proportion fitting (IPF) algorithm is implemented to infer this multivariate probability. Using the IPF algorithm, the multivariate probability is obtained by iterative modification to an initial estimated multivariate probability using lower order bivariate probabilities as constraints. The imposed bivariate marginal probabilities are inferred from profiles along drill holes or wells. In the IPF process, a sparse matrix is used to calculate the marginal probabilities from the multivariate probability, which makes the iterative fitting more tractable and practical. This algorithm can be extended to higher order marginal probability constraints as used in multiple point statistics. The theoretical framework is developed and illustrated with estimation and simulation example.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

High-throughput prediction of Acacia and eucalypt lignin syringyl/guaiacyl content using FT-Raman spectroscopy and partial least squares modeling

High-throughput techniques are necessary to efficiently screen potential lignocellulosic feedstocks for the production of renewable fuels, chemicals, and bio-based materials, thereby reducing experimental time and expense while supplanting tedious, destructive methods. The ratio of lignin syringyl (S) to guaiacyl (G) monomers has been routinely quantified as a way to probe biomass recalcitrance. Mid-infrared and Raman spectroscopy have been demonstrated to produce robust partial least squares models for the prediction of lignin S/G ratios in a diverse group of Acacia and eucalypt trees. The most accurate Raman model has now been used to predict the S/G ratio from 269 unknown Acacia and eucalypt feedstocks. This study demonstrates the application of a partial least squares model composed of Raman spectral data and lignin S/G ratios measured using pyrolysis/molecular beam mass spectrometry (pyMBMS) for the prediction of S/G ratios in an unknown data set. The predicted S/G ratios calculated by the model were averaged according to plant species, and the means were not found to differ from the pyMBMS ratios when evaluating the mean values of each method within the 95 % confidence interval. Pairwise comparisons within each data set were employed to assess statistical differences between each biomass species. While some pairwise appraisals failed to differentiate between species, Acacias , in both data sets, clearly display significant differences in their S/G composition which distinguish them from eucalypts. In conclusion, this research shows the power of using Raman spectroscopy to supplant tedious, destructive methods for the evaluation of the lignin S/G ratio of diverse plant biomass materials.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Additional value of systolic wall thickening in myocardial stunning evaluated by stress-rest gated perfusion SPECT

Aim and patients: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the additional value of systolic wall thickening to myocardial perfusion in diagnosing myocardial stunning in patients with angiography proven coronary artery disease. We selected 91 ischemic patients (82 males; mean age 59.7 ± 10.3) with CAD documented by angiography. Ischemia was defined as a summed difference score ≥5. All patients underwent a 2-day gated perfusion SPECT protocol. The patients received a dose of 740 MBq of {sup 99m}Tc-tetrofosmin after stress and at rest. Treadmill maximal exercise tests were performed on all patients. Results: The post-stress LVEF was significantly lower than rest LVEF (48.1% ± 10.3% vs 50.3% ± 10.7%; P = .0001). The wall thickening summed difference score was 4.44 ± 4.13 (P = .0001). At a multivariate regression analysis, only WT-SDS as independent variable was significantly correlated with myocardial ischemia (SDS). We also divided patients according to SDS in those with mild (SDS < 8) and severe (SDS ≥ 8) ischemia. WT-SDS, but not ∆LVEF, was significantly different between groups. Conclusions: WT-SDS, more than the depression in the global function (∆LVEF) of the left ventricle, correlates with the degree of ischemia and better identifies, when present, the stunning phenomenon.

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