Proponents of genetically modified (GM) foods often characterize fears about these crops as "unfounded" and "unscientific."
Welcome to "founded" and "scientific."
Australian government researchers developed a plan that looked good on paper. The common bean contains a protein that inhibits an enzyme that pea weevils need to digest starch. So (the thinking went) just genetically modify pea plants with the bean protein and you've got a weevil-resistant pea plant. Early trials showed that the genetic change was effective in controlling the pea weevil.
But there was one small problem. When scientists for CSIRO (Australia's national research organization) tested the GM peas on mice, the peas triggered allergic lung damage. The same results occurred with both cooked and uncooked peas. Further investigation showed that the structure of the bean protein was slightly different when it was expressed in the pea. The CSIRO team speculates that this minor difference may be the factor that caused the lung damage.
The result: The ten-year program to develop a GM weevil-resistant pea plant has been discontinued. No tests on humans are planned.
In an article in the journal New Scientist, Jeremy Tager noted that if a private company had been developing the new GM pea plant, the results of the mouse study would probably never have been reported.
This is from HSI.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Treating Pneumonia vs. Bronchitis
The following is from HSI:
The primary difference between treating pneumonia and treating bronchitis can be summed up in one word: antibiotics.
Dr. Spreen: "When I started practice (1985), almost any symptom of bronchitis got a Rx for antibiotics. Later on, with more news about 'superbugs,' antibiotic resistance, and antibiotic overuse, the prescriptions for antibiotics decreased for bronchitis (which already had several reports of those drugs not being effective). Today it sort of depends on the doc, as some will still prescribe an antibiotic to get a patient out of the office (and not wanting to deal with the 'please doctor DO something' syndrome). However, most docs today will try to avoid antibiotics for bronchitis, especially the first time around.
"For bronchitis (an inflammation of the larger airways that lead to the lungs, but don't include gas-exchange tissues) I'd be going heavy on vitamin C, the absolute minimum being 1,000 mg three times/day, and preferably (in my opinion) a loading dose of 3,000-5,000 mg with 1,000-2,000 mg/hour more like it for the aggressive types. If bronchitis tends to be chronic, vitamin A (not beta-carotene) and zinc should be thrown in there to help protect mucosal surfaces that may be chronically nutrient-deficient.
"Plus, I'd add Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), as it's the best antioxidant that can reach fat-soluble spaces, along with NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine), which is known to be good for lung tissue to keep bronchitis from possibly progressing into something worse."
That "something worse" that Dr. Spreen refers to is pneumonia, which is most commonly treated with antibiotics. But he also notes that "antibiotic use mandates the addition of probiotics (acidophilus, bifidus, etc.) to re-establish the 'good-guy' bacteria after the antibiotics kill off both good and bad bugs.
"If a true purist wanted to try avoiding the antibiotics to fight pneumonia, ideas would include those from bronchitis (above), plus hyperthermic treatments (sweating in the tub...bacteria don't survive well in temps above 102F), and the addition of colloidal silver, olive leaf extract, and grapefruit seed (not grape) extract. These antibacterial/anti-viral agents would need to be in high doses and would also require adding probiotics, of course.
"There is always derision involved by conventionalists concerning the use of colloidal silver, who argue that there is no use in the human system for silver...and they're right. That's what's so interesting about it; bacteria have enzyme systems that are blocked by the silver, while no human systems have to worry. That's also why nearly all water filter systems are impregnated with silver. One last thing: the dose for antibacterial effect is far below a dose that would cause argyria (silver toxicity), which causes a grayish tint to the skin."
Dr. Spreen also notes that pneumonia and bronchitis are conditions that require a visit to a doctor or health care professional.
I would like to add that you should take lots of garlic as it is a natural antibiotic.
The primary difference between treating pneumonia and treating bronchitis can be summed up in one word: antibiotics.
Dr. Spreen: "When I started practice (1985), almost any symptom of bronchitis got a Rx for antibiotics. Later on, with more news about 'superbugs,' antibiotic resistance, and antibiotic overuse, the prescriptions for antibiotics decreased for bronchitis (which already had several reports of those drugs not being effective). Today it sort of depends on the doc, as some will still prescribe an antibiotic to get a patient out of the office (and not wanting to deal with the 'please doctor DO something' syndrome). However, most docs today will try to avoid antibiotics for bronchitis, especially the first time around.
"For bronchitis (an inflammation of the larger airways that lead to the lungs, but don't include gas-exchange tissues) I'd be going heavy on vitamin C, the absolute minimum being 1,000 mg three times/day, and preferably (in my opinion) a loading dose of 3,000-5,000 mg with 1,000-2,000 mg/hour more like it for the aggressive types. If bronchitis tends to be chronic, vitamin A (not beta-carotene) and zinc should be thrown in there to help protect mucosal surfaces that may be chronically nutrient-deficient.
"Plus, I'd add Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), as it's the best antioxidant that can reach fat-soluble spaces, along with NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine), which is known to be good for lung tissue to keep bronchitis from possibly progressing into something worse."
That "something worse" that Dr. Spreen refers to is pneumonia, which is most commonly treated with antibiotics. But he also notes that "antibiotic use mandates the addition of probiotics (acidophilus, bifidus, etc.) to re-establish the 'good-guy' bacteria after the antibiotics kill off both good and bad bugs.
"If a true purist wanted to try avoiding the antibiotics to fight pneumonia, ideas would include those from bronchitis (above), plus hyperthermic treatments (sweating in the tub...bacteria don't survive well in temps above 102F), and the addition of colloidal silver, olive leaf extract, and grapefruit seed (not grape) extract. These antibacterial/anti-viral agents would need to be in high doses and would also require adding probiotics, of course.
"There is always derision involved by conventionalists concerning the use of colloidal silver, who argue that there is no use in the human system for silver...and they're right. That's what's so interesting about it; bacteria have enzyme systems that are blocked by the silver, while no human systems have to worry. That's also why nearly all water filter systems are impregnated with silver. One last thing: the dose for antibacterial effect is far below a dose that would cause argyria (silver toxicity), which causes a grayish tint to the skin."
Dr. Spreen also notes that pneumonia and bronchitis are conditions that require a visit to a doctor or health care professional.
I would like to add that you should take lots of garlic as it is a natural antibiotic.
Ugly Churches
Ugly churches seem to show a lack of love and faith of Jesus in the Eucharist. St. Peter Julian Eymard wrote:
The ages of faith thought they could never do enough to heighten the splendor of Eucharistic worship: witness their basilicas, their sacred vessels, their vestments, which are masterpieces of art and magnificence.
These marvels were the work of faith; the worship and honors paid to Jesus Christ are the measure of the faith of a people, the expression of its virtue.
Let honor therefore be given to Jesus Eucharistic. He is worthy of it; He has a right to it.
But He will not be satisfied with exterior honors. He requires the worship of our love: the service of the heart and the submission of the mind...He that loves the Eucharist is always in quest of it. He frequently speaks of it. He needs Jesus; he is forever tending toward Him; he offers Him all his actions, all the pleasures of his heart, his joys, his consolations. He turns everything into a bouquet for Jesus Eucharistic.
The ages of faith thought they could never do enough to heighten the splendor of Eucharistic worship: witness their basilicas, their sacred vessels, their vestments, which are masterpieces of art and magnificence.
These marvels were the work of faith; the worship and honors paid to Jesus Christ are the measure of the faith of a people, the expression of its virtue.
Let honor therefore be given to Jesus Eucharistic. He is worthy of it; He has a right to it.
But He will not be satisfied with exterior honors. He requires the worship of our love: the service of the heart and the submission of the mind...He that loves the Eucharist is always in quest of it. He frequently speaks of it. He needs Jesus; he is forever tending toward Him; he offers Him all his actions, all the pleasures of his heart, his joys, his consolations. He turns everything into a bouquet for Jesus Eucharistic.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
MSG
This table displays some hidden sources of MSG:
These ingredients ALWAYS contain MSG:
Glutamate, Glutamic acid, Monosodium glutamate, Textured protein, Hydrolyzed protein, Monopotassium glutamate, Calcium caseinate, Sodium caseinate, Gelatin, Yeast extract, Yeast food, Autolyzed yeast.
These ingredients OFTEN contain MSG or create MSG during processing:
Flavors & Flavorings, Seasonings, Natural flavors and flavorings, Natural pork flavoring, Natural beef flavoring, Natural chicken flavoring, Soy sauce, Soy protein isolate, Soy protein, Bouillon, Stock, Broth, Malt extract, Malt flavoring, Barley malt, Whey protein, Carrageenan, Maltodextrin, Pectin, Enzymes, Protease, Corn starch, Citric acid, Powdered milk, anything Protein fortified, anything Enzyme modified, anything Ultra-pasteurized.
Some unexpected sources of MSG:
Salad dressings, Frozen meals, Packaged and restaurant soups, Cheese, Reduced fat milk, Chewing gum, Ice cream, Cookies, Vitamin enriched foods, Beverages, Candy, Cigarettes, Medications, I.V. Materials, Supplements, particularly minerals.
This is from Mercola.com
These ingredients ALWAYS contain MSG:
Glutamate, Glutamic acid, Monosodium glutamate, Textured protein, Hydrolyzed protein, Monopotassium glutamate, Calcium caseinate, Sodium caseinate, Gelatin, Yeast extract, Yeast food, Autolyzed yeast.
These ingredients OFTEN contain MSG or create MSG during processing:
Flavors & Flavorings, Seasonings, Natural flavors and flavorings, Natural pork flavoring, Natural beef flavoring, Natural chicken flavoring, Soy sauce, Soy protein isolate, Soy protein, Bouillon, Stock, Broth, Malt extract, Malt flavoring, Barley malt, Whey protein, Carrageenan, Maltodextrin, Pectin, Enzymes, Protease, Corn starch, Citric acid, Powdered milk, anything Protein fortified, anything Enzyme modified, anything Ultra-pasteurized.
Some unexpected sources of MSG:
Salad dressings, Frozen meals, Packaged and restaurant soups, Cheese, Reduced fat milk, Chewing gum, Ice cream, Cookies, Vitamin enriched foods, Beverages, Candy, Cigarettes, Medications, I.V. Materials, Supplements, particularly minerals.
This is from Mercola.com
Silver Amalgams: Replace Them or Not?
Because silver amalgams have mercury in them and mercury is a poisonous toxin it has been suggested to have them removed from your mouth and replaced with composite fillings. There are several things to consider and weigh. First of all don't even consider replacing them if the dentist doesn't know the proper protocol. There are very few dentists that actually do it properly. Most dentists release more mercury in your system than if you had left them in. I think Hal Huggins might have a link where dentists are recommended that do it correctly. Another very important thing to consider is that if you have a silver amalgam filling removed and replaced you will eventually lose the tooth. Why? Most all alternative fillings shrink with age, at least a lot more than amalgams do. With shrinkage you normally get a bit more decay and every time they are replaced you loose a little more tooth where eventually there won't be enough tooth left to fill. Then they want to do a crown, then a root canal, and then removal, which are never really healthy options. Another thing to consider is what the composite is made of? Is it compatible with you? Make sure you don't have allergies to anything put in your body. The present day composites are better than when they first came out. The best thing to do is make sure you never get a cavity!
Friday, December 09, 2005
High Fructose Corn Syrup
The following notes were taken from this article: http://www.westonaprice.org/modernfood/highfructose.html. Go to it if you're interested in reading the whole article.
-Fructose converts to fat more than any other sugar.
-copper deficiency, when tests were done on rats fatal organ abnormalities occured.
-HFCS delivers a double danger compared to sugar.
-Fruit contains fiber which slows down the metabolism of fructose and other sugars, but the fructose in HFCS is absorbed very quickly.
-... research on other hormonal factors suggests that fructose actually promotes disease more readily than glucose. Glucose is metabolized in every cell in the body but all fructose must be metabolized in the liver.6 The livers of test animals fed large amounts of fructose develop fatty deposits and cirrhosis, similar to problems that develop in the livers of alcoholics.
- Pure fructose contains no enzymes, vitamins or minerals and robs the body of its micronutrient treasures in order to assimilate itself for physiological use.
-While naturally occurring sugars, as well as sucrose, contain fructose bound to other sugars, high fructose corn syrup contains a good deal of “free” or unbound fructose. Research indicates that this free fructose interferes with the heart’s use of key minerals like magnesium, copper and chromium. Among other consequences, HFCS has been implicated in elevated blood cholesterol levels and the creation of blood clots. It has been found to inhibit the action of white blood cells so that they are unable to defend the body against harmful foreign invaders.8
- Fructose reduces the affinity of insulin for its receptor, which is the hallmark of type-2 diabetes. This is the first step for glucose to enter a cell and be metabolized. As a result, the body needs to pump out more insulin to handle the same amount of glucose.
Also please read the following article, Six Reasons Why Corn is Making You Fat: http://www.mercola.com/2004/apr/10/corn_fat.htm
-Fructose converts to fat more than any other sugar.
-copper deficiency, when tests were done on rats fatal organ abnormalities occured.
-HFCS delivers a double danger compared to sugar.
-Fruit contains fiber which slows down the metabolism of fructose and other sugars, but the fructose in HFCS is absorbed very quickly.
-... research on other hormonal factors suggests that fructose actually promotes disease more readily than glucose. Glucose is metabolized in every cell in the body but all fructose must be metabolized in the liver.6 The livers of test animals fed large amounts of fructose develop fatty deposits and cirrhosis, similar to problems that develop in the livers of alcoholics.
- Pure fructose contains no enzymes, vitamins or minerals and robs the body of its micronutrient treasures in order to assimilate itself for physiological use.
-While naturally occurring sugars, as well as sucrose, contain fructose bound to other sugars, high fructose corn syrup contains a good deal of “free” or unbound fructose. Research indicates that this free fructose interferes with the heart’s use of key minerals like magnesium, copper and chromium. Among other consequences, HFCS has been implicated in elevated blood cholesterol levels and the creation of blood clots. It has been found to inhibit the action of white blood cells so that they are unable to defend the body against harmful foreign invaders.8
- Fructose reduces the affinity of insulin for its receptor, which is the hallmark of type-2 diabetes. This is the first step for glucose to enter a cell and be metabolized. As a result, the body needs to pump out more insulin to handle the same amount of glucose.
Also please read the following article, Six Reasons Why Corn is Making You Fat: http://www.mercola.com/2004/apr/10/corn_fat.htm
Virgin Mary + Katrina's Wake
Someone from my homeschool group forwarded this to the group:
This is the tail end of a story in the Burlington Vermont Free Press. It is written from an entirely secular viewpoint, but it ends with a poignantly spiritual twist. This is a diary by a volunteer nurse from Vermont who went down to New Orleans last month to help. I thought it was worthwhile to pass along the last entry in her diary which described this unusual observation concerning the Virgin Mary.
HOME: Nov. 6
I have been home for several days. My old routine, my kids, my life is pushing back the memories of what I have just experienced. The memories keep crashing in but one thing keeps coming back.
Traveling around -- no matter where I went, no matter the destruction I saw -- I kept seeing statues of the Virgin Mary. And they were never damaged.
Mary stood up tall in areas ravaged from raging floodwaters and wind and wild destruction. It didn't matter if she was plastic, stone or concrete, whether she was on the lawn, mounted on something, in-laid in something, always she seemed there, one hand up to the forces of nature giving the sign of protection. I thought it was coincidence, a series of flukes.
But while down there, I met another team of medical volunteers who had been stationed in a different part of Louisiana -- a bayou shrimping area hit hard by Hurricane Rita.
The team showed us pictures of the town that had taken a direct hit; Rita had steam-rolled the city flat. All except a church called Our Lady of the Sea.
And there, in the photos, stood the statue of the Virgin Mary, one hand up facing the ocean and the other arm wrapped around two children. A tablet rested at her feet saying, "Protect our children."
I'm not sure what it means. Perhaps it's a reminder that beneath all the rubble, deep inside the souls of the exhausted nurses and doctors and rescue workers, deep inside the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, there is still strength, still hope, still something powerful.
And maybe, too, we all need to get a statue of the Virgin Mary and put her on our front lawns.
This is the tail end of a story in the Burlington Vermont Free Press. It is written from an entirely secular viewpoint, but it ends with a poignantly spiritual twist. This is a diary by a volunteer nurse from Vermont who went down to New Orleans last month to help. I thought it was worthwhile to pass along the last entry in her diary which described this unusual observation concerning the Virgin Mary.
HOME: Nov. 6
I have been home for several days. My old routine, my kids, my life is pushing back the memories of what I have just experienced. The memories keep crashing in but one thing keeps coming back.
Traveling around -- no matter where I went, no matter the destruction I saw -- I kept seeing statues of the Virgin Mary. And they were never damaged.
Mary stood up tall in areas ravaged from raging floodwaters and wind and wild destruction. It didn't matter if she was plastic, stone or concrete, whether she was on the lawn, mounted on something, in-laid in something, always she seemed there, one hand up to the forces of nature giving the sign of protection. I thought it was coincidence, a series of flukes.
But while down there, I met another team of medical volunteers who had been stationed in a different part of Louisiana -- a bayou shrimping area hit hard by Hurricane Rita.
The team showed us pictures of the town that had taken a direct hit; Rita had steam-rolled the city flat. All except a church called Our Lady of the Sea.
And there, in the photos, stood the statue of the Virgin Mary, one hand up facing the ocean and the other arm wrapped around two children. A tablet rested at her feet saying, "Protect our children."
I'm not sure what it means. Perhaps it's a reminder that beneath all the rubble, deep inside the souls of the exhausted nurses and doctors and rescue workers, deep inside the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, there is still strength, still hope, still something powerful.
And maybe, too, we all need to get a statue of the Virgin Mary and put her on our front lawns.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Heart Attack part 2
I forgot to mention that if you have a heart attack or even if you haven't there are several things you should do to prevent one from occurring.
-First cut out all processed food. This is important because processed foods contains toxins, anti-nutrients, and tax your immune and digestive systems. Some things in processed foods that should be avoided are: MSG which can come under many different names, this is a neurotoxin; high fructose corn syrup; enriched white flour, the iron in this is not assimilated in our bodies and men usually have too high of iron which makes them cancer susceptible also white flour is converted into sugar almost immediately after eating it; refined sugar, this shuts down your immune system because it's being used completely to regulate your blood sugar level; vegetable oils or partially hydrogenated fats, these are the real culprits for heart disease and also bombard your system with free radicals which can make you susceptible to cancer.
-Make sure you take cod liver oil every day (get a good brand that does not test positive for mercury, Carlson's is good), this is important because we need the omega 3 essential fatty acids as our food has been stripped of it and we are also very deficient of vitamin D and being vit D deficient makes you cancer susceptible among other things.
-Exercise till you sweat, certain toxins are only released through your sweat.
-Drink pure water and enough of it. Chlorine and fluoride among others are toxin poisons which tax your immune and clog your liver system.
-Get enough regular good sleep. Have a set bed time and keep it as much as possible.
-De-stress. Stress is a huge cause of heart attacks. Prayer is the best way to do this as it's the only way to have true peace. Increase your trust in God by prayer and the Sacraments. Go to daily Mass. Nothing is better for you than receiving Jesus Christ: body, blood, soul and divinity. Go to confession as this is a great way to unburden yourself and find instant peace that comes from knowing your are forgiven. Read the Bible. Other ways to eliminate stress are: deep breathing, de-clutter your house, organize your home and everything in it, and set your relationships in order. Tell your family members you love them then show them that you do. Forgive others.
-Eat the proper foods: whole foods, organic if possible; good fats; bone broths; organic raw fresh dairy or cultured or fermented dairy products and veggies such as kefir, yogurt, homemade sour kraut, etc.
-Be thankful as a grateful heart is a happy heart.
-First cut out all processed food. This is important because processed foods contains toxins, anti-nutrients, and tax your immune and digestive systems. Some things in processed foods that should be avoided are: MSG which can come under many different names, this is a neurotoxin; high fructose corn syrup; enriched white flour, the iron in this is not assimilated in our bodies and men usually have too high of iron which makes them cancer susceptible also white flour is converted into sugar almost immediately after eating it; refined sugar, this shuts down your immune system because it's being used completely to regulate your blood sugar level; vegetable oils or partially hydrogenated fats, these are the real culprits for heart disease and also bombard your system with free radicals which can make you susceptible to cancer.
-Make sure you take cod liver oil every day (get a good brand that does not test positive for mercury, Carlson's is good), this is important because we need the omega 3 essential fatty acids as our food has been stripped of it and we are also very deficient of vitamin D and being vit D deficient makes you cancer susceptible among other things.
-Exercise till you sweat, certain toxins are only released through your sweat.
-Drink pure water and enough of it. Chlorine and fluoride among others are toxin poisons which tax your immune and clog your liver system.
-Get enough regular good sleep. Have a set bed time and keep it as much as possible.
-De-stress. Stress is a huge cause of heart attacks. Prayer is the best way to do this as it's the only way to have true peace. Increase your trust in God by prayer and the Sacraments. Go to daily Mass. Nothing is better for you than receiving Jesus Christ: body, blood, soul and divinity. Go to confession as this is a great way to unburden yourself and find instant peace that comes from knowing your are forgiven. Read the Bible. Other ways to eliminate stress are: deep breathing, de-clutter your house, organize your home and everything in it, and set your relationships in order. Tell your family members you love them then show them that you do. Forgive others.
-Eat the proper foods: whole foods, organic if possible; good fats; bone broths; organic raw fresh dairy or cultured or fermented dairy products and veggies such as kefir, yogurt, homemade sour kraut, etc.
-Be thankful as a grateful heart is a happy heart.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Eczema
For Eczema, from Mercola.com:
-switch from pasteurized milk to real, raw milk.
-stop all gluten products
-provide beneficial omega-3 fish oil;-Carlson's cod liver oil is best as it provides extra vitamin D.
-Exposure to sunlight on the affected skin is also frequently of benefit.
-There is also some benefit for providing an essential omega-6 fat like GLA. This can be obtained inexpensively from borage oil, but my [Mercola's] favorite is the more expensive primrose oil. One can use from 500 to 2600 mg of the Evening Primrose oil.
Dr. Mercola says: They all seem to respond amazingly well to the above protocol.
Taken from other sources such as westonaprice.org:
-good bacteria helps, found in kefir, yogart, homemade sourkraut. All with live bacteria.
-eat bone broths,the gelatin is beneficial along with all the trace minerals
-don't eat artifical sweetners
-don't eat soy
(Researchers have found a link between increased risks of certain cancers and the use of two prescription creams commonly used to treat skin conditions in children has initiated a growing concern among scientists. This concern prompted scientists to propose adding stronger warnings to the product labels. The two brands of cream under investigation are Protopic and Elidel.)
For an article on raw milk: http://www.mercola.com/2004/apr/24/raw_milk.htm
-switch from pasteurized milk to real, raw milk.
-stop all gluten products
-provide beneficial omega-3 fish oil;-Carlson's cod liver oil is best as it provides extra vitamin D.
-Exposure to sunlight on the affected skin is also frequently of benefit.
-There is also some benefit for providing an essential omega-6 fat like GLA. This can be obtained inexpensively from borage oil, but my [Mercola's] favorite is the more expensive primrose oil. One can use from 500 to 2600 mg of the Evening Primrose oil.
Dr. Mercola says: They all seem to respond amazingly well to the above protocol.
Taken from other sources such as westonaprice.org:
-good bacteria helps, found in kefir, yogart, homemade sourkraut. All with live bacteria.
-eat bone broths,the gelatin is beneficial along with all the trace minerals
-don't eat artifical sweetners
-don't eat soy
(Researchers have found a link between increased risks of certain cancers and the use of two prescription creams commonly used to treat skin conditions in children has initiated a growing concern among scientists. This concern prompted scientists to propose adding stronger warnings to the product labels. The two brands of cream under investigation are Protopic and Elidel.)
For an article on raw milk: http://www.mercola.com/2004/apr/24/raw_milk.htm
Heart Attacks
In the event of a heart attack it has been recommended to immediately take a shot of Scotch. I read this a while back somewhere. It explained why this helps. (It immediately dilates your veins/arteries or something like that?) I have seen this help someone who was having chest pains/possible heart attack. So always have some Scotch on hand.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Do what you feel you have to. Consult a doctor if you are so inclined. Anything on my blog is information I'm passing on to you, it's not meant to diagnose or anything like that. God bless you.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Do what you feel you have to. Consult a doctor if you are so inclined. Anything on my blog is information I'm passing on to you, it's not meant to diagnose or anything like that. God bless you.
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