A Candid Dichotomy On the Role of Candida In The Host System -

If you could imagine having a microbial ‘pimp,’ that would be Candida and its many prolific and pathogenic (disease causing) species. Candida, like all living supportive prokaryotic or eukaryotic microbes, needs nutrition to survive and grow. The nutrition they acquire is directly from the nutrients the host (you) gives themselves.

Candida: “Did you just put that cupcake down Cindy?!”

– Candida creates an intense mood swing at Cindy’s niece’s 7th birthday party by releasing acetaldehyde, resulting in lowered dopamine and serotonin. Cindy then gives in and grabs the treat before murmuring to herself. –

Cindy: “I didn’t have this many friends over when I turned 7!😩”

– Cindy takes a bite, her mood slowly lifting due to her happy yeast and sugar high. –

Candida: “Goooood Cindy, good…”

While the major fixation on Candida today is driven by its pathogenic qualities as a yeast, it has shown to help the host it resides within in some capacity. Like all microbes that are allowed to stay because the immune system allows it.

Candida is an intriguing and multifaceted organism that resides in the human body, primarily in the intestines, and presents itself as a clean-up crew for excess waste. However, beneath its seemingly beneficial role, there is evidence suggesting that Candida can exhibit pathogenic behavior, particularly as the infection progresses. In this comprehensive blog post, we delve into the various aspects of Candida, exploring its species, intracellular nature, potential link to cancer, bloodstream invasion, impact on human health, and the complex interactions it has with our bodies.

The Guide's Guide

The What of Candida

Yeast, a versatile single-celled fungus, has been utilized throughout history for bread, beer, and scientific research. However, Candida, a pathogenic yeast, distinguishes itself from virtually harmless yeast varieties like Saccharomyces cerevisiae^[1]. Candida’s unique anatomy includes a chitin-based cell wall and the ability to transition into hyphal forms, facilitating tissue invasion. It possesses virulence factors enabling adhesion, biofilm formation, and nutrient acquisition from the host. Understanding the distinctions between Candida and other yeasts is crucial for recognizing the implications of Candida overgrowth and implementing appropriate treatment strategies.

“An overview of selected C. albicans pathogenicity mechanisms. Yeast cells adhere to host cell surfaces by the expression of adhesins. Contact to host cells triggers the yeast-to-hypha transition and directed growth via thigmotropism. The expression of invasins mediates uptake of the fungus by the host cell through induced endocytosis. Adhesion, physical forces and secretion of fungal hydrolases has been proposed to facilitate the second mechanism of invasion, i.e., fungal-driven active penetration into host cells by breaking down barriers.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3654610/

Candida Species and Their Roles

Candida encompasses a diverse range of species, each with its unique characteristics and roles within the human body. Some prominent Candida species include:

Candida albicans: The most common species associated with human infections, known for its ability to switch between yeast and hyphal forms, facilitating tissue invasion.
Candida glabrata: An intracellular yeast that poses a significant health threat by disrupting cellular homeostasis and impairing immune responses.
Candida auris: A rising problem in nosocomial settings (the hospital), that when recognized, often takes the life of the host^[2].
Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei, and others: Each species exhibits distinct traits and preferences in terms of colonization sites and pathogenic potential.

This is a non-exhaustive list of Candida species.

Candida Isn’t Always Self-Centered

Candida species are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and the production of essential nutrients, such as vitamins B and K. Where exactly this is entirely beneficial, you’ll have to ask Candida the next time it comes out of the intestinal crypts to feed.

Candida also contributes to the development and maturation of the immune system, as its presence can stimulate the production of specific antibodies and regulate immune cell responses. Furthermore, recent research suggests that Candida colonization may provide protection against other opportunistic pathogens by priming the immune system and enhancing the host’s ability to combat infections.

CaNADida

Candida, like other microorganisms, has the ability to produce and utilize Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an essential coenzyme involved in numerous cellular processes. Candida utilizes NAD for energy production and metabolism through various biochemical pathways. One key pathway is glycolysis, where Candida breaks down glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP. During glycolysis, NAD is converted to its reduced form, NADH, which carries high-energy electrons that are subsequently used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP.

In addition to energy metabolism, Candida’s production of NAD is crucial for other important cellular functions. NAD is a vital cofactor for several enzymes involved in DNA repair, maintenance of genomic stability, and gene expression regulation. Candida’s ability to produce NAD enables efficient DNA repair mechanisms, ensuring the integrity and stability of its genetic material.

Furthermore, NAD serves as a coenzyme for dehydrogenase enzymes involved in various oxidation-reduction reactions, including those important for amino acid and lipid metabolism. By participating in these metabolic pathways, Candida can obtain essential nutrients and build the necessary building blocks for growth and survival.

It is worth noting that NAD levels and the balance between its oxidized (NAD+) and reduced (NADH) forms are tightly regulated in Candida and other organisms. Maintaining proper NAD levels is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing oxidative stress. Imbalances in NAD metabolism can have detrimental effects on Candida’s growth and survival.

However, it’s important to note that Candida’s supportive role is context-dependent, and an imbalance in its population, such as an overgrowth, can lead to health issues and the development of candidiasis. Understanding the delicate balance between Candida and the host is crucial for maintaining optimal health.

The How of Candida

Candida, while initially appearing as a helpful component of our microbiota, can also manifest pathogenic behavior under certain conditions. To truly understand the intricacies of Candida, it is essential to explore its operational mechanisms, including its hyphal state, biofilm formation, utilization of chitin, how it affects pH, and its affinity for heavy metals and minerals. Additionally, we delve into Candida’s intriguing relationship with estrogen and its significant impact on women, leading to the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

Candida Loves Alkalinity

Candida demonstrates a remarkable ability to thrive in alkaline environments. While yeast species like Candida are normally present in the human body, an alkaline pH can provide a favorable condition for Candida overgrowth.

“Under acidic conditions, this species can raise the pH from 4 to >7 in less than 12 h, resulting in autoinduction of the yeast-hyphal transition, a critical virulence trait.”
https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mBio.00055-11

Candida utilizes alkalinity to enhance its survival and proliferation, as it adapts to the alkaline conditions found in the intestines and other body tissues. The alkaline environment promotes the transition of Candida into its more aggressive hyphal form, facilitating tissue invasion and contributing to its pathogenic nature. Therefore, maintaining a balanced pH and acidity levels in the body is crucial for preventing Candida overgrowth and related health complications.

The Hyphal State: Hyper Femininity

Candida has a unique ability to transition from a yeast form to a filamentous hyphal state^[3]. This transformation allows Candida to penetrate host tissues, evade immune responses, and establish infections. The hyphal form of Candida exhibits increased pathogenic potential, enabling it to invade mucosal barriers and cause tissue damage. By adopting this hyphal state, Candida can overcome host defenses and establish persistent infections. Estrogen is a strong cofactor associated with this hyphal transition.

Candida and Estrogen:

Estrogen, a hormone primarily associated with female reproductive health, plays a significant role in Candida infections. Candida has an affinity for estrogen and can utilize it to promote its growth and colonization. Elevated estrogen levels, such as those experienced during pregnancy or with the use of hormonal contraceptives, create a favorable environment for Candida overgrowth. This imbalance can lead to the development of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a common condition affecting approximately 75% of women at least once in their lifetime^[4].

“Increased levels of 17-β estradiol (E2) due to pregnancy in young women or to hormonal replacement therapy in postmenopausal women have long been associated with an increased risk of yeast infections.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9578540/

Candida Loves the Ladies

The presence of estrogen, either endogenously produced in the human body or through exogenous sources such as hormone replacement therapy, has been found to stimulate the hyphal growth of Candida. Estrogen influences the expression of specific genes and signaling pathways involved in the regulation of hyphal formation^[5].

Furthermore, estrogen can modulate the host immune response, influencing the interaction between Candida and the host. It has been suggested that estrogen can alter the host environment^[6], making it more conducive to Candida growth and hyphal development. This can contribute to the increased virulence and pathogenicity of Candida infections.

Understanding the role of estrogen as a cofactor for hyphal virulence is vital in comprehending the dynamics of Candida infections, particularly in hormone-dependent contexts such as pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, or hormonal imbalances. Further research into the interplay between estrogen and Candida hyphal formation can provide insights into novel therapeutic approaches for managing and preventing Candida-related infections.

Biofilm Formation: Ensured Candida-cation

Candida is adept at forming biofilms, complex communities of microorganisms encased in a protective matrix^[7]. Biofilms act as shields, providing Candida with increased resistance to antimicrobial agents and host immune responses. Within biofilms, Candida can thrive and persist, making it challenging to eradicate. This biofilm-associated resistance contributes to the chronic nature of Candida infections.

Not only does it provide valuable protection for this yeast, it ensures proper sustenance to feed various colonies via hyphae. In other words, its hijacking our resources to seamlessly enjoy its comfy intestinal – possibly circulatory – vacation.

Chitin Shell: You Fell, Candida Can Tell

Chitin, a polysaccharide present in Candida’s cell wall, plays a crucial role in its pathogenicity. Chitin provides structural integrity and stability to the cell wall, allowing Candida to resist immune recognition and host defenses^[8]. Moreover, chitin contributes to biofilm formation, enhancing Candida’s ability to colonize and survive within host tissues.

For chitin layers to form in tandem with biofilms, a large cofactor is our own failures or normal situations in life. Candida will take advantage of various situations listed below, and capitalize on the immune system becoming dysfunctional during these times.

Examples:

Prolonged or repeated antibiotic use: Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the body, including beneficial bacteria that help keep Candida in check. This can lead to an overgrowth of Candida and subsequent infections.
Immunosuppressive medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs used in organ transplantation or autoimmune diseases, can weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infections, including Candida.
Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, providing an environment conducive to Candida growth. Additionally, diabetes-related complications, such as nerve damage or reduced blood circulation, can impair the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to Candida infections.
Weakened immune system due to diseases or medical conditions: Conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic illnesses can weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to opportunistic infections like Candida.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, along with potential alterations in the immune response, can create an environment favorable for Candida overgrowth. This commonly leads to conditions like vaginal yeast infections.
Stress: Prolonged periods of stress can impact the immune system’s functioning, making it less effective in controlling Candida. Stress can also affect hormonal balance, potentially promoting Candida growth.
Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly those important for immune function (such as vitamins A, C, and D, zinc, and selenium), can compromise the immune system’s ability to combat Candida infections.

This Yeast is METAL!!!

Candida has evolved strategies to exploit heavy metals and minerals for its benefit. It has the capacity to bind and utilize beneficial heavy metals like iron, copper, and zinc, which are essential nutrients for its growth and survival^[9]. Candida can acquire these metals from the host, effectively competing with the host for these resources. This metal acquisition contributes to Candida’s ability to persist and cause damage within the host.

Candida Heavy Metal Interactions:

Detoxification: Candida possesses specific mechanisms to detoxify heavy metals. It produces metallothioneins, which are proteins capable of binding to heavy metals that aren’t beneficial to the host like mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic^[10]. This detoxification process allows Candida to tolerate and survive in environments with elevated levels of heavy metals. One can argue that this is for our benefit, but there is a lot more going on here than just toxic heavy metal retention. Toxic heavy metals like lead or cadmium staying in the human system can be highly detrimental to human health when Candida decides to stick around.
Biofilm formation: Candida can form biofilms as mentioned above, which are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a protective matrix. Biofilms provide a favorable environment for Candida to thrive and resist the immune system and antifungal treatments. Heavy metals, such as silver and copper, have been shown to enhance Candida biofilm formation^[11]. The presence of heavy metals can promote the development of more robust and resistant biofilms, contributing to Candida’s pathogenicity.
Metal acquisition and nutrient competition: Candida can scavenge and utilize heavy metals as micronutrients. For example, it can utilize iron, which is an essential nutrient, by competing with the host for its acquisition. Candida employs iron acquisition systems, such as siderophores, to sequester iron and ensure its availability for its own growth and survival. This ability to acquire and utilize heavy metals as nutrients gives Candida a competitive advantage and supports its pathogenic behavior.
Metal-induced oxidative stress: Heavy metals can induce oxidative stress in cells by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Candida has developed mechanisms to withstand metal-induced oxidative stress, including the production of antioxidant enzymes and molecules. By managing oxidative stress, Candida can maintain its viability and survival in the presence of heavy metals.

Candida Has a Drill and Isn’t Afraid to Use It

Did you know that in vivo (highly empirical data) evidence stipulates that Candida has the ability to drill through the intestinal lining to access the bloodstream?

“Various observations strongly suggest that invasive candidiasis are mostly of endogenous origin with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract being the main portal of entry into the bloodstream.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6619947/

Schematic representation of the different mechanisms used by C. albicans to translocate through the gut mucosa:

(i) The transcellular route
(ii) The paracellular route
(iii) The translocation through M cells, and (iv) the alternate route that may occur

So you now visually get *how* bad it can be for us when yeast like Candida have an ideal environment to become opportunistic.

The Where of Candida

Candida is not confined to the large intestine but has the ability to colonize and infiltrate other areas of the body, demonstrating its systemic virulence. Through a process called translocation, Candida can breach the protective barriers of the intestinal lining and establish colonies in the small intestine. This translocation can occur due to factors such as intestinal permeability, compromised immune function, or dysbiosis in the gut microbiota. Once in the small intestine, Candida can further penetrate the intestinal mucosa and gain access to the bloodstream.

Candida is Secretly a Vampire

From the bloodstream, Candida has the potential to disseminate throughout the body and reach various organs and tissues. It can travel through the circulatory system, leading to systemic candidiasis. This invasive behavior of Candida is facilitated by its ability to form hyphae, elongated filamentous structures that penetrate and invade host tissues^[12]. The hyphal form (widely more aerobic, where Candida is often an anaerobe) allows Candida to adhere to and penetrate endothelial cells, facilitating its dissemination to different organs.

As mentioned above, Candida has a thing for acquiring iron in the bloodstream, so therefore, it’s now named Vampida!

I Guess It’s Also a Zombie

In addition to colonizing organs, Candida can also cross the blood-brain barrier^[13], gaining access to the central nervous system. This can result in invasive candidiasis of the brain, leading to severe neurological complications. The mechanisms by which Candida crosses the blood-brain barrier are not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors such as hyphal penetration, disruption of tight junctions, and manipulation of host immune responses.

Candida Does Business Where it Wants

The ability of Candida to colonize not only the intestines but also access the bloodstream, various organs, and potentially cross the blood-brain barrier highlights its capacity for systemic virulence. This invasive behavior contributes to the pathogenicity of Candida infections, leading to a range of symptoms and complications in affected individuals. Understanding the mechanisms underlying Candida’s colonization and dissemination is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent and treat systemic candidiasis.

The When of Candida

While Candida doesn’t really operate like some parasites that specifically tend to operate during specific times of the day, it can, however, take advantage of times of the day where host immunity is down, like at night where there is less sun exposure.

Candida Growth: Candida Staged My Tissue

Understanding the stages of Candida growth is crucial in comprehending its behavior and potential impact on the host. Candida begins as a single yeast cell that can replicate through budding, forming new daughter cells. These cells can then undergo a transition to the hyphal form, characterized by elongated filament-like structures. The ability of Candida to switch between these different forms enhances its adaptability and virulence, as discussed above.

The Life of Candida

The lifespan of a single Candida cell can vary depending on several factors. Under favorable conditions, yeast cells can divide approximately every 90 minutes, allowing for rapid proliferation. However, the longevity of individual cells can be influenced by factors such as host immune response, nutrient availability, and the presence of environmental stressors. Some studies suggest that individual Candida cells may have a lifespan ranging from several hours to several days.

How Dare You Mimic My Tissue

Candida’s pathology in humans extends beyond its ability to overgrow and invade tissues. One intriguing aspect is its potential for molecular mimicry, which can contribute to autoimmune reactions and inflammatory responses in the host. Molecular mimicry occurs when microbial components, such as Candida antigens, resemble host molecules, leading to immune confusion and the generation of cross-reactive antibodies^[14].

In the case of Candida, certain cell wall components, such as mannoproteins and beta-glucans, can mimic human proteins or polysaccharides. These Candida molecules can trigger an immune response, resulting in the production of antibodies that not only target Candida but also recognize structurally similar host molecules. This immune cross-reactivity can lead to a chronic inflammatory state and tissue damage, as the immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells.

Leave My Child and Grandma Alone Candida!

Host age also plays a role in the virulence and impact of Candida on the body. Infants and elderly individuals are particularly susceptible to Candida infections. In infants, their developing immune system and limited microbial diversity create an environment in which Candida can establish infections, such as oral thrush or diaper rash. In the elderly, age-related changes in immune function and alterations in the microbiota composition can contribute to an increased susceptibility to Candida overgrowth and infections.

The Why of Candida

Many may argue that Candida is just a clean up crew here to help us, some think it’s never helpful, and there’s us, those discerning within the gray areas of science. The stark reality here is that Candida is invited by our bodies to aid in digestion and the consumption of decaying tissue, but with mountains of scientific evidence, we know that it will seek to grow and seek more for itself, regardless of the host’s health consequences.

Candida Knew Grandpa?

Candida, although commonly associated with modern lifestyles and dietary choices, has a history that extends far beyond our contemporary era. It is speculated that Candida may have been present in human populations for thousands of years, potentially affecting individuals who consumed grains since ancient times. While it is challenging to directly trace the prevalence of Candida throughout history, certain factors suggest its potential pervasiveness.

Maybe Candida Knew Jesus?

Grains have been a dietary staple for many civilizations, including ancient societies. It is believed that the cultivation and consumption of grains, such as wheat, became widespread around 10,000 years ago. Consequently, individuals who relied heavily on grain-based diets for sustenance may have inadvertently provided an environment conducive to Candida growth and colonization.

Moreover, historical records and medical texts dating back centuries describe symptoms and ailments that align with Candida-related conditions. Ancient medical practitioners observed manifestations such as oral thrush, vaginal infections, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which are often associated with Candida overgrowth. These historical accounts suggest that Candida-related issues were recognized and addressed even in ancient times.

Candida Doesn’t Ask For Consent

Furthermore, the ability of Candida to form resilient spores, adapt to various environments, and establish chronic infections contributes to its potential long-standing presence in human populations. Candida’s opportunistic nature allows it to persist in the body even during periods of relative health, only to become pathogenic when conditions are favorable.

In addition to its ability to persist within an individual’s body over time, Candida also has the potential to be transmitted from one generation to another. During childbirth, there is a possibility for the transmission of Candida from the mother to the newborn. The passage through the birth canal provides an opportunity for Candida colonization in the infant’s oral cavity and other body sites. This vertical transmission establishes a potential link between generations, allowing for the same Candida species to be passed down from grandparents to parents, and so on.

Let’s Be Real

While it is important to acknowledge that historical observations and anecdotal evidence cannot provide definitive proof of Candida’s ancient prevalence, they offer intriguing insights into the possibility that Candida may have affected individuals throughout human history. Understanding Candida as a potential long-standing issue helps dispel the notion that it is solely a modern phenomenon and encourages a comprehensive approach to its diagnosis, treatment, and management.

How to Moderate and Balance Candida

While fully getting rid of Candida is virtually impossible because we on some level need it in our society today, there are some known and effective methods to moderate the issue that we’ll mention here.

Fasting: While there isn’t a large amount of studies supporting the use of fasting for moderating Candida overgrowth, many anecdotes are mounting as people are overcoming their yeast-related symptoms simply by fasting.
Anti-Candida Diet: Following a low-sugar, low-carbohydrate diet can help starve the Candida fungus. This involves avoiding refined sugars, processed foods, high-carbohydrate foods, and alcohol while focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods.
Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore the natural balance of gut flora. Certain strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, have been shown to inhibit Candida growth.
Antifungal Medications: In severe or persistent cases of Candida overgrowth, antifungal medications may be prescribed by a healthcare professional. These medications can help eliminate the excess Candida fungus from the body.
Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs, such as garlic, oregano oil, grapefruit seed extract, and pau d’arco, have antifungal properties and may help inhibit Candida growth. However, it’s important to use them under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and contribute to Candida overgrowth. Implementing stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can be beneficial.
Avoid Antibiotics When Possible: Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of gut flora and promote Candida overgrowth. Whenever possible, try to limit the use of antibiotics or explore alternatives with your healthcare provider.
Proper Hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene, especially in areas prone to moisture and warmth, can help prevent Candida infections. This includes keeping the genital area clean and dry, changing out of wet clothes promptly, and avoiding tight-fitting, non-breathable clothing.
Identify and Address Underlying Health Conditions: Candida overgrowth can be associated with underlying health conditions like diabetes, weakened immune system, or hormonal imbalances. Identifying and treating these conditions can help manage Candida overgrowth.

Ways To Know if Candida Affects You

These methods aren’t perfectly accurate, but they can help to understand, at the very least, a presence of Candida.

DIY

Symptom assessment: Candida overgrowth can manifest in various symptoms, including digestive issues, skin problems, fatigue, brain fog, and sugar cravings. Assessing your symptoms and keeping a detailed symptom diary can provide insights into whether Candida overgrowth might be a concern.
Elimination diet: Candida thrives on sugar and refined carbohydrates. Following an elimination diet that excludes sugar, gluten, dairy, and processed foods for a few weeks can help identify if your symptoms improve. If you experience a significant reduction in symptoms, it might indicate a Candida overgrowth.
Saliva test: This test involves spitting into a glass of water first thing in the morning before consuming anything. Wait for 15 minutes and observe. If your saliva forms cloudy strings or sinks to the bottom of the glass, it could be an indication of Candida overgrowth. However, this method is not scientifically validated and can be subjective.
Coconut oil test: This is an experimental process Asa at Gut Goals LLC used for himself to assess the significance of his Candida overgrowth. He would take a spoonful of melted down (70-80 degrees) raw organic coconut oil and ingest it after his first meal that included carbs at a caloric excess to see how he reacted to it. This doesn’t work when coconut oil is a regular staple in the diet. As a disclaimer, some also just do not tolerate coconut oil in general, and negative symptoms may not be Candida related.

Test Kits

Home stool test kits: Some companies offer stool test kits that allow you to collect a sample at home and send it to a laboratory for analysis. These tests can detect the presence of Candida in your stool and provide an indication of its abundance. However, the accuracy of these tests can vary, and interpretation should be done by a healthcare professional. These tests also don’t provide a definitive diagnosis of Candida overgrowth on their own. While they can offer valuable insights into potential Candida presence, further clinical evaluation is typically necessary for a conclusive diagnosis.
Great Plains Labs OAT: While these guys were sucked up by a bigger company, their lab is still going with a really great means of revealing if someone has Candida in their bloodstream or otherwise.

I’m Done With Candida

In conclusion, Candida is a complex and multifaceted organism that resides in the human body, primarily in the intestines, and plays a role in waste cleanup. While it can have some beneficial effects, Candida can also exhibit pathogenic behavior, particularly as the infection progresses. Understanding the various aspects of Candida, such as its species, intracellular nature, potential link to cancer, bloodstream invasion, impact on human health, and its ability for molecular mimicry, is crucial for comprehending its pathology in humans. Further research and insights into Candida’s behavior and interactions with the human body can contribute to the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies for Candida-related infections.

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