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15 pages, 3936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of a Reflective Optical Imaging Device for Early Detection of Breast Cancer

by Huu Thuan Mai, Duc Quan Ngo, Hong Phuong Thi Nguyen and Duong Duc La

Bioengineering 2023, 10(11), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10111272 - 1 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1841

Abstract

This work presented the design and fabrication of a blood vessel and breast tumor detection device (BKA-06) based on optical energy spectroscopy. The BKA-06 device uses red-to-near-infrared light-emitting diodes that allow physicians or physicians to visualize blood vessels and surface structures such as [...] Read more.

This work presented the design and fabrication of a blood vessel and breast tumor detection device (BKA-06) based on optical energy spectroscopy. The BKA-06 device uses red-to-near-infrared light-emitting diodes that allow physicians or physicians to visualize blood vessels and surface structures such as breast tumors with the naked eye. The device consists of a built-in current control circuit to have the appropriate brightness (maximum illuminance of 98,592 lux) for the examination of superficial tumors deep under the skin, with a scan time of 3–5 min. The device BKA-06 can facilely observe each layer of blood vessels at the depth of the skin. For breast tumors, the location, size, and invasive areas around the tumor can also be visualized with the naked eye using the BKA-06 sensor. The results show that the BKA-06 sensor can provide clear breast tumor and vascular images, with a penetration of up to 15 cm in the skin and tissue layers of the breast. The breast tumor scanning tests with the BKA-06 sensor gave patients quick results and compared them through cell biopsy and MRI, respectively. The device has the advantages of being simple and easy to use, providing potential practical applications in the medical field and reducing costs for patients when taking MRI or CT scans. Therefore, the BKA-06 device is expected to help doctors and medical staff overcome difficulties in infusion, as well as identify breast tumors to support early breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomedical Imaging)

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11 pages, 12646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cost-Effective Full-Color 3D Dental Imaging Based on Close-Range Photogrammetry

by Bin Yang, Jennifer Schinke, Amir Rastegar, Melikhan Tanyeri and John A. Viator

Bioengineering 2023, 10(11), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10111268 - 31 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1545

Abstract

Dental imaging plays a crucial role in clinical dental practice. Conventional 2D dental imaging serves general-purpose tasks, such as patient documentation, while high-precision 3D dental scanning is tailored for specialized procedures, such as orthodontics and implant surgeries. In this study, we aimed to [...] Read more.

Dental imaging plays a crucial role in clinical dental practice. Conventional 2D dental imaging serves general-purpose tasks, such as patient documentation, while high-precision 3D dental scanning is tailored for specialized procedures, such as orthodontics and implant surgeries. In this study, we aimed to develop a cost-effective 3D imaging technique that could bridge the gap between conventional dental photography and high-precision 3D dental scanning, with the goal of improving patient dental care. We developed a 3D imaging technique based on close-range photogrammetry and termed it close-range photogrammetry-based dental imaging (CPDI). We evaluated this technique on both in vitro dental models and in vivo teeth. For dental models, we conducted a parametric study to examine the effects of the depth of field and specular reflection on reconstruction quality. We showed that the optimal results were achieved with an f/5.6 lens and without a circular polarizer for reflection suppression. This configuration generated 3D scans with 57.7 ± 3.2% and 82.4 ± 2.7% of reconstructed points falling within ±0.1 mm and ±0.2 mm error margins, respectively. With such accuracy, these 3D dental models can faithfully represent dental morphology and features. During in vivo imaging, we were able to reconstruct high-quality 3D models of the anterior arch, further demonstrating its clinical relevance. The reconstructed models carry both 3D shapes and detail full-color surface textures, which positions CPDI as a versatile imaging tool in different areas of clinical dental care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomedical Imaging)

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15 pages, 10539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Assess the Anatomy of the Eustachian Tube in Children with and without Otitis Media

by Ellen E. Fricano, Allison P. Gremba, Miriam S. Teixeira, J. Douglas Swarts and Cuneyt M. Alper

Bioengineering 2023, 10(10), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10101115 - 23 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1308

Abstract

Otitis media (OM) is among the most common of childhood illnesses. It has long been hypothesized that children under age two are predisposed to OM due to differences in the anatomy of the Eustachian tube (ET), including the angle of the ET. OM [...] Read more.

Otitis media (OM) is among the most common of childhood illnesses. It has long been hypothesized that children under age two are predisposed to OM due to differences in the anatomy of the Eustachian tube (ET), including the angle of the ET. OM in later childhood is less common but does occur, begging the question, are there shape differences in the ET that persist underlying later occurrences of OM? To answer this question, a novel method, which applied geometric and morphometric shape analysis to landmarks obtained from MRI data, was used. MRI scans were performed on 16 children (5 control, 3 cOME, and 8 rAOM) between 2011 and 2015. Sixteen landmarks representing the shape of the ET, cranial base, and palate were analyzed. The results of a Procrustes ANOVA indicate that the shape of the ET varies significantly (p < 0.01) between the OM and control groups. The shape differences between the OM group and the control are a medial and low attachment site of the tensor veli palatini (TVP) muscle, a posterior and high torus tubarius, and an anteriorly projected palate. These results support previous findings that a relatively horizontal ET is associated with a predisposition for OM. This study used a novel approach to examine anatomical differences in children with and without OM. First, the data set is unique in that it includes MRI scans of children with a confirmed OM diagnosis. Second, the use of MRI scans in craniofacial anatomy OM research is novel and allows for the collection of soft tissue landmarks and the visualization of soft tissue structures. Third, geometric morphometric shape analysis is a statistical method that captures shape differences, offering a more universal picture of nuanced changes within the entire set of landmarks, in contrast to more traditional linear and angular measurements used in prior OM studies examining craniofacial anatomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomedical Imaging)

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13 pages, 3676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Super-Resolution Imaging of Neuronal Structures with Structured Illumination Microscopy

by Tristan C. Paul, Karl A. Johnson and Guy M. Hagen

Bioengineering 2023, 10(9), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10091081 - 13 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2046

Abstract

Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM) is an optical fluorescence microscopy method which is suitable for imaging a wide variety of cells and tissues in biological and biomedical research. Typically, SIM methods use high spatial frequency illumination patterns generated by laser interference. This approach [...] Read more.

Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM) is an optical fluorescence microscopy method which is suitable for imaging a wide variety of cells and tissues in biological and biomedical research. Typically, SIM methods use high spatial frequency illumination patterns generated by laser interference. This approach provides high resolution but is limited to thin samples such as cultured cells. Using a different strategy for processing raw data and coarser illumination patterns, we imaged through a 150-micrometer-thick coronal section of a mouse brain expressing GFP in a subset of neurons. The resolution reached 144 nm, an improvement of 1.7-fold beyond conventional widefield imaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomedical Imaging)

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14 pages, 1061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Supervised Learning Application on COVID-19 Chest X-ray Image Classification Using Masked AutoEncoder

by Xin Xing, Gongbo Liang, Chris Wang, Nathan Jacobs and Ai-Ling Lin

Bioengineering 2023, 10(8), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10080901 - 29 Jul 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2411

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent need for rapid and accurate diagnosis facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in computer-aided diagnosis using medical imaging. However, this context presents two notable challenges: high diagnostic accuracy demand and limited availability of medical data for [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent need for rapid and accurate diagnosis facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in computer-aided diagnosis using medical imaging. However, this context presents two notable challenges: high diagnostic accuracy demand and limited availability of medical data for training AI models. To address these issues, we proposed the implementation of a Masked AutoEncoder (MAE), an innovative self-supervised learning approach, for classifying 2D Chest X-ray images. Our approach involved performing imaging reconstruction using a Vision Transformer (ViT) model as the feature encoder, paired with a custom-defined decoder. Additionally, we fine-tuned the pretrained ViT encoder using a labeled medical dataset, serving as the backbone. To evaluate our approach, we conducted a comparative analysis of three distinct training methods: training from scratch, transfer learning, and MAE-based training, all employing COVID-19 chest X-ray images. The results demonstrate that MAE-based training produces superior performance, achieving an accuracy of 0.985 and an AUC of 0.9957. We explored the mask ratio influence on MAE and found ratio = 0.4 shows the best performance. Furthermore, we illustrate that MAE exhibits remarkable efficiency when applied to labeled data, delivering comparable performance to utilizing only 30% of the original training dataset. Overall, our findings highlight the significant performance enhancement achieved by using MAE, particularly when working with limited datasets. This approach holds profound implications for future disease diagnosis, especially in scenarios where imaging information is scarce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomedical Imaging)

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13 pages, 1159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Alterations in Resting-State Neural Networks on the Severity of Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Cord Injury

by Eunhee Park, Jang Woo Park, Eunji Kim, Yu-Sun Min, Hui Joong Lee, Tae-Du Jung and Yongmin Chang

Bioengineering 2023, 10(7), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10070860 - 20 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1595

Abstract

Neuropathic pain (NP) following spinal cord injury (SCI) is refractory to pain control strategies, and the underlying neuronal mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the brain regions engaged in maintaining a spontaneous resting state and the link between those regions [...] Read more.

Neuropathic pain (NP) following spinal cord injury (SCI) is refractory to pain control strategies, and the underlying neuronal mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the brain regions engaged in maintaining a spontaneous resting state and the link between those regions and the severity of NP in patients with incomplete SCI. Seventy-three subjects (41 patients and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls) participated in this retrospective study. Regarding the neurological level of injury, patients with incomplete SCI experienced at-level or below-level NP. The severity of NP was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS), and patients were divided into mild and moderate–severe NP groups based on VAS scores. Graph theory and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) analyses were performed to compare resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis results among the three groups. Graph theory analysis was performed through a region of interest (ROI)-to-ROI analysis and then fALFF analysis was performed in the brain regions demonstrating significant differences among the three groups analyzed using the graph theory. We evaluated whether the brain regions showing significant differences using graph theory and fALFF correlated with the VAS scores. Patients with moderate–severe NP showed reduced node degree and fALFF in the left middle frontal gyrus compared with those with mild NP and healthy controls. Furthermore, patients with severe NP demonstrated increased average path lengths and reduced fALFF values in the posterior cingulate gyrus. This study found that changes in intrinsic oscillations of fMRI signals in the middle frontal gyrus and posterior cingulate gyrus were significant considering the severity of NP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomedical Imaging)

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18 pages, 4944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Near-Infrared Blood Vessel Image Segmentation Using Background Subtraction and Improved Mathematical Morphology

by Ling Li, Haoting Liu, Qing Li, Zhen Tian, Yajie Li, Wenjia Geng and Song Wang

Bioengineering 2023, 10(6), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10060726 - 15 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2017

Abstract

The precise display of blood vessel information for doctors is crucial. This is not only true for facilitating intravenous injections, but also for the diagnosis and analysis of diseases. Currently, infrared cameras can be used to capture images of superficial blood vessels. However, [...] Read more.

The precise display of blood vessel information for doctors is crucial. This is not only true for facilitating intravenous injections, but also for the diagnosis and analysis of diseases. Currently, infrared cameras can be used to capture images of superficial blood vessels. However, their imaging quality always has the problems of noises, breaks, and uneven vascular information. In order to overcome these problems, this paper proposes an image segmentation algorithm based on the background subtraction and improved mathematical morphology. The algorithm regards the image as a superposition of blood vessels into the background, removes the noise by calculating the size of connected domains, achieves uniform blood vessel width, and smooths edges that reflect the actual blood vessel state. The algorithm is evaluated subjectively and objectively in this paper to provide a basis for vascular image quality assessment. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively extract accurate and clear vascular information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomedical Imaging)

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16 pages, 8806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reference Standards for Digital Infrared Thermography Measuring Surface Temperature of the Upper Limbs

by Seong Son, Byung Rhae Yoo and Ho Yeol Zhang

Bioengineering 2023, 10(6), 671; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10060671 - 1 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1687

Abstract

(1) Background: although digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) is used for diverse medical conditions of the upper limbs, no reference standards have been established. This study aims to establish reference standards by analyzing DITI results of the upper limbs. (2) Methods: we recruited [...] Read more.

(1) Background: although digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) is used for diverse medical conditions of the upper limbs, no reference standards have been established. This study aims to establish reference standards by analyzing DITI results of the upper limbs. (2) Methods: we recruited 905 healthy Korean adults and conducted thermography on six regions (dorsal arm, ventral arm, lateral arm, medial arm, dorsal hand, and ventral hand region). We analyzed the data based on the proximity of regions of interest (ROIs), sex, and age. (3) Results: the average temperature (°C) and temperature discrepancy between the right and the left sides (ΔT) of each ROI varied significantly (p < 0.001), ranging from 28.45 ± 5.71 to 29.74 ± 5.14 and from 0.01 ± 0.49 to 0.15 ± 0.62, respectively. The temperature decreased towards the distal ROIs compared to proximal ROIs. The average temperatures of the same ROIs were significantly higher for men than women in all regions (p < 0.001). Across all regions, except the dorsal hand region, average temperatures tended to increase with age, particularly in individuals in their 30s and older (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: these data could be used as DITI reference standards to identify skin temperature abnormalities of the upper limbs. However, it is important to consider various confounding factors, and further research is required to validate the accuracy of our results under pathological conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomedical Imaging)

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22 pages, 4782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Performance of Spectral Image Analysis Approaches for Detection of Cellular Signals in Time-Lapse Hyperspectral Imaging Fluorescence Excitation-Scanning Microscopy

by Marina Parker, Naga S. Annamdevula, Donald Pleshinger, Zara Ijaz, Josephine Jalkh, Raymond Penn, Deepak Deshpande, Thomas C. Rich and Silas J. Leavesley

Bioengineering 2023, 10(6), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10060642 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1959

Abstract

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology has been applied in a range of fields for target detection and mixture analysis. While HSI was originally developed for remote sensing applications, modern uses include agriculture, historical document authentication, and medicine. HSI has also shown great utility in [...] Read more.

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology has been applied in a range of fields for target detection and mixture analysis. While HSI was originally developed for remote sensing applications, modern uses include agriculture, historical document authentication, and medicine. HSI has also shown great utility in fluorescence microscopy. However, traditional fluorescence microscopy HSI systems have suffered from limited signal strength due to the need to filter or disperse the emitted light across many spectral bands. We have previously demonstrated that sampling the fluorescence excitation spectrum may provide an alternative approach with improved signal strength. Here, we report on the use of excitation-scanning HSI for dynamic cell signaling studies—in this case, the study of the second messenger Ca²⁺. Time-lapse excitation-scanning HSI data of Ca²⁺ signals in human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were acquired and analyzed using four spectral analysis algorithms: linear unmixing (LU), spectral angle mapper (SAM), constrained energy minimization (CEM), and matched filter (MF), and the performances were compared. Results indicate that LU and MF provided similar linear responses to increasing Ca²⁺ and could both be effectively used for excitation-scanning HSI. A theoretical sensitivity framework was used to enable the filtering of analyzed images to reject pixels with signals below a minimum detectable limit. The results indicated that subtle kinetic features might be revealed through pixel filtering. Overall, the results suggest that excitation-scanning HSI can be employed for kinetic measurements of cell signals or other dynamic cellular events and that the selection of an appropriate analysis algorithm and pixel filtering may aid in the extraction of quantitative signal traces. These approaches may be especially helpful for cases where the signal of interest is masked by strong cellular autofluorescence or other competing signals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomedical Imaging)

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13 pages, 2973 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CT Imaging of Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation: Method Development on Cadaver Heads

by Selma Cetin-Ferra, Miriam S. Teixeira, J. Douglas Swarts, Tanya J. Rath and Cuneyt M. Alper

Bioengineering 2023, 10(5), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10050592 - 14 May 2023

Viewed by 1704

Abstract

Objective: To develop a methodology for the measurement of balloon dilation (BD) effects on Eustachian Tube (ET) structure using Computerized Tomography (CT) images. Methods: The BD of the ET was performed on three cadaver heads (five ears) through the nasopharyngeal orifice. [...] Read more.

Objective: To develop a methodology for the measurement of balloon dilation (BD) effects on Eustachian Tube (ET) structure using Computerized Tomography (CT) images. Methods: The BD of the ET was performed on three cadaver heads (five ears) through the nasopharyngeal orifice. The axial CT images of the temporal bones were obtained before dilation, while an inflated balloon was in the lumen of ET, and after balloon removal in each ear. Utilizing Dicom images captured by the ImageJ software 3D volume viewer function, the anatomical landmark coordinates of the ET were matched with their pre- and post-dilation counterparts, and the longitudinal axis of the ET was captured with serial images. The histograms of the regions of interest (ROI) and three different lumen width and length measurements were obtained from captured images. The densities of air, tissue, and bone were determined with histograms as a baseline to determine the BD rate as a function of increased air in the lumen. Results: The small ROI box included the area of prominently dilated ET lumen after BD and best represented the visually obvious changes in the lumen, compared to the ROIs that extended the wider areas (longest and longer). Air density was the outcome measure for comparison with each corresponding baseline value. The average increase in air density in the small ROI was 64%, while the longest and long ROI boxes showed 44 and 56% increases, respectively. Conclusion: This study describes a method to image the ET and quantify the outcomes of BD of the ET using anatomical landmarks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomedical Imaging)

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16 pages, 2086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reference Standard for Digital Infrared Thermography of the Surface Temperature of the Lower Limbs

by Ho Yeol Zhang, Seong Son, Byung Rhae Yoo and Tae-Mi Youk

Bioengineering 2023, 10(3), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10030283 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2026

Abstract

Digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) is a supplementary diagnostic technique to visualize the surface temperature of the human body. However, there is currently no reference standard for the lower limbs for accurate diagnosis. In this study, we performed DITI on the lower limbs [...] Read more.

Digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) is a supplementary diagnostic technique to visualize the surface temperature of the human body. However, there is currently no reference standard for the lower limbs for accurate diagnosis. In this study, we performed DITI on the lower limbs of 905 healthy Korean volunteers (411 males and 494 females aged between 20 and 69 years) to obtain reference standard data. Thermography was conducted on the front, back, lateral sides, and sole area, and 188 regions of interest (ROIs) were analyzed. Additionally, subgroup analysis was conducted according to the proximity of ROIs, sex, and age groups. The mean temperatures of ROIs ranged from 24.60 ± 5.06 to 28.75 ± 5.76 °C and the absolute value of the temperature difference between both sides reached up to 1.06 ± 2.75 °C. According to subgroup analysis, the sole area had a significantly lower temperature than any other areas, men had higher temperatures than women, and the elderly had higher temperatures than the young adults except for the 20s age group (p < 0.001, respectively). This result could be used as a foundation for the establishment of a reference standard for DITI. Practical patient DITI can be accurately interpreted using these data, and it can serve as a basis for further scientific research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomedical Imaging)

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11 pages, 1151 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Artificial Intelligence Advances in Transplant Pathology

by Md Arafatur Rahman, Ibrahim Yilmaz, Sam T. Albadri, Fadi E. Salem, Bryan J. Dangott, C. Burcin Taner, Aziza Nassar and Zeynettin Akkus

Bioengineering 2023, 10(9), 1041; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10091041 - 4 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3794

Abstract

Transplant pathology plays a critical role in ensuring that transplanted organs function properly and the immune systems of the recipients do not reject them. To improve outcomes for transplant recipients, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are essential. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered [...] Read more.

Transplant pathology plays a critical role in ensuring that transplanted organs function properly and the immune systems of the recipients do not reject them. To improve outcomes for transplant recipients, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are essential. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered digital pathology could help monitor allograft rejection and weaning of immunosuppressive drugs. To explore the role of AI in transplant pathology, we conducted a systematic search of electronic databases from January 2010 to April 2023. The PRISMA checklist was used as a guide for screening article titles, abstracts, and full texts, and we selected articles that met our inclusion criteria. Through this search, we identified 68 articles from multiple databases. After careful screening, only 14 articles were included based on title and abstract. Our review focuses on the AI approaches applied to four transplant organs: heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Specifically, we found that several deep learning-based AI models have been developed to analyze digital pathology slides of biopsy specimens from transplant organs. The use of AI models could improve clinicians’ decision-making capabilities and reduce diagnostic variability. In conclusion, our review highlights the advancements and limitations of AI in transplant pathology. We believe that these AI technologies have the potential to significantly improve transplant outcomes and pave the way for future advancements in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biomedical Imaging)

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