1.Construction of an artificial intelligence-driven lung cancer database
Libing YANG ; Chao GUO ; Huizhen JIANG ; Lian MA ; Shanqing LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):167-174
Objective To develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven lung cancer database by structuring and standardizing clinical data, enabling advanced data mining for lung cancer research, and providing high-quality data for real-world studies. Methods Building on the extensive clinical data resources of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, this study utilized machine learning techniques, particularly natural language processing (NLP), to automatically process unstructured data from electronic medical records, examination reports, and pathology reports, converting them into structured formats. Data governance and automated cleaning methods were employed to ensure data integrity and consistency. Results As of September 2024, the database included comprehensive data from 18 811 patients, encompassing inpatient and outpatient records, examination and pathology reports, physician orders, and follow-up information, creating a well-structured, multi-dimensional dataset with rich variables. The database’s real-time querying and multi-layer filtering functions enabled researchers to efficiently retrieve study data that meet specific criteria, significantly enhancing data processing speed and advancing research progress. In a real-world application exploring the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer, the database facilitated the rapid analysis of prognostic factors. Research findings indicated that factors such as tumor staging and comorbidities had a significant impact on patient survival rates, further demonstrating the database’s value in clinical big data mining. Conclusion The AI-driven lung cancer database enhances data management and analysis efficiency, providing strong support for large-scale clinical research, retrospective studies, and disease management. With the ongoing integration of large language models and multi-modal data, the database’s precision and analytical capabilities are expected to improve further, providing stronger support for big data mining and real-world research of lung cancer.
2.Assessing distribution characteristics and clinical significance of vertebral fractures in patients with osteoporosis based on whole spine MRI
Jiajun ZHOU ; Fei MA ; Yebo LENG ; Shicai XU ; Baoqiang HE ; Yang LI ; Yehui LIAO ; Qiang TANG ; Chao TANG ; Qing WANG ; Dejun ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1883-1889
BACKGROUND:Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are the most common complication in patients with osteoporosis.As a new imaging technique,spine magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)is much more sensitive than X-ray film in the diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.However,total spine MRI is costly and takes a long time to scan.Therefore,there is no consensus on whether all patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures need to undergo total spine MRI scan and which patients need to undergo total spine MRI. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the distribution characteristics of vertebral fractures and explore their clinical significance by observing the whole spine MRI data of osteoporotic vertebral fractures patients. METHODS:Data of cases and MRI images of all patients diagnosed with fresh osteoporotic vertebral fractures who visited the Department of Orthopedics,Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from August 2018 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.903 patients were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.General information(age,gender,and body mass index),medical history characteristics(duration of illness,history of trauma surgery,percussion pain area,and pain score)were collected.The characteristics of vertebral fractures were analyzed through whole spine magnetic resonance imaging.Firstly,based on the number of vertebral fractures in patients,they were divided into the single vertebral fracture group(484 cases)and the multi-vertebral fracture group(419 cases),and the differences were analyzed between the two groups.Then,based on whether the farthest interval between the fractured vertebrae was greater than or equal to 5,the multi vertebral fracture group was further divided into two subgroups.Among them,Group A(the farthest interval between the fractured vertebrae was less than 5)contained 306 cases;Group B(with the farthest interval between fractured vertebral bodies greater than 5)included 113 cases.The differences were analyzed between two subgroups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among 903 patients,419 patients(46.4%)had more than two fractured vertebrae.There were 654 patients(72.4%)with thoracolumbar fractures,and 54 patients(6%)with fractures in the thoracic plus lumbar region and the entire thoracic to lumbar region.In group B,96.5%of patients had multiregional percussion pain.(2)Compared with the patients in the single vertebral fracture group and the multi-vertebral fracture group,there were significant differences in bone mineral density,whether the medical history was greater than or equal to 1 month,the history of low energy injury,and the distribution and number of axial percussion pain areas in the spine during physical examination between the two groups(P<0.05).Age,gender,body mass index,whether there was underlying disease,pain visual analog scale score,whether there was a history of elderly thoracolumbar fracture,and whether there was a history of thoracolumbar surgery,and the number of fractured vertebrae had no statistical significance(P>0.05).(3)There were statistically significant differences between the Groups A and B in bone mineral density,the distribution and quantity of percussion pain area,and the history of low energy injury(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in age,gender,history of old fractures,visual analog scale score,body mass index,whether the medical history was longer than or equal to 1 month,history of underlying diseases,and history of thoracolumbar surgery between the two groups(P>0.05).(4)Patients with multiple low-energy trauma history,history of more than 1 month,multiple percussion pain,and the lower bone mineral density should be alert to the occurrence of multiple vertebral fracture and jump fracture.We recommend the whole spinal MRI for these patients.
3.Correlation Between the Spinopelvic Parameters and Morphological Characteristics of Pedicle-Facet Joints in Different Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Baoqiang HE ; Yebo LENG ; Shicai XU ; Yang LI ; Jiajun ZHOU ; Min KANG ; Yehui LIAO ; Minghao TIAN ; Qiang TANG ; Fei MA ; Qing WANG ; Chao TANG ; Dejun ZHONG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):231-242
Objective:
Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed.
Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed.
Results:
Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA.
Conclusion
This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.
4.Correlation Between the Spinopelvic Parameters and Morphological Characteristics of Pedicle-Facet Joints in Different Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Baoqiang HE ; Yebo LENG ; Shicai XU ; Yang LI ; Jiajun ZHOU ; Min KANG ; Yehui LIAO ; Minghao TIAN ; Qiang TANG ; Fei MA ; Qing WANG ; Chao TANG ; Dejun ZHONG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):231-242
Objective:
Based on spinopelvic parameters and biomechanical principles, the pedicle-facet joint (PFJ) morphological characteristics of isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis were analyzed, and the mechanism of their onset and progression was discussed.
Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional study included 194 patients with L5 spondylolysis or L5–S1 low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS group), 172 patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS group), and 366 patients with nonlumbar spondylolysis (NL group). The spinopelvic parameters and PFJ morphological parameters of the patients were measured, the differences in these parameters among and within the 3 groups were compared, and the correlations were analyzed.
Results:
Sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were the highest in the IS group, the second highest in the DS group, and the lowest in the NL group. Among the 3 groups, the L4 facet joint angle (FJA) was the largest in the IS group, the second largest in the NL group, and the smallest in the DS group. The L4 pedicle-facet joint angle (PFA) was the largest in the DS group, the second largest in the IS group, and the smallest in the NL group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that within each group, SS and LL were negatively correlated with FJA and positively correlated with PFA.
Conclusion
This study found a correlation between the PFJ morphological characteristics of patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and spinopelvic parameters, suggesting that the morphological characteristics of PFJs may be caused by varying stresses under different spinopelvic morphologies.
5.Effect of medicinal parts and harvest seasons on nature-flavor correlation of plant-based Chinese materia medica.
Qi-Ao MA ; Guang YANG ; Hong-Chao WANG ; Ying LI ; Meng CHENG ; Tie-Lin WANG ; Kai SUN ; Xiu-Lian CHI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4228-4237
This study selected 6 529 plant-based Chinese materia medica(PCMM) from Chinese Materia Medica as research subjects and applied a random permutation test to explore the overall correlation characteristics between nature and flavor, as well as the correlation characteristics after distinguishing different medicinal parts and harvest seasons. The results showed that the overall correlation characteristics between nature and flavor in PCMM were significantly associated in the following pairs: cold and bitter, cool and bitter, cool and astringent, cool and light, neutral and sweet, neutral and astringent, neutral and light, neutral and sour, hot and pungent, and warm and pungent. When analyzing the data by distinguishing medicinal parts and/or harvest seasons, new correlation patterns emerged, characterized by the disappearance of some significant correlations and the emergence of new ones. When analyzing by medicinal parts alone, significant correlations were found in the following cases: cold and light in leaves, cold and salty in barks, cool and sweet in fruits and seeds, neutral and pungent in whole herbs, neutral and salty in stems, and warm and salty in flowers. However, no significant correlations were found between cool and bitter in stems and other types of herbs, cool and astringent in fruits, seeds, flowers, and other types of herbs, cool and light in leaves, fruits, seeds, barks, flowers and other types of herbs, neutral and sweet in barks, neutral and astringent in whole herbs and stems, neutral and light in leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers, neutral and sour in whole herbs, stems, barks, flowers, and other types of herbs, and hot and pungent in whole herbs, stems, flowers, and other types of herbs. When analyzing by harvest season alone, significant correlations were found in the following cases: cold and salty, and cool and sour in herbs harvested in winter, and neutral and salty in herbs harvested year-round. However, no significant correlation was found between cool and light in herbs harvested in winter. When considering both medicinal parts and harvest seasons, compared to the independent influence of medicinal parts, 14 new significant correlations emerged(e.g., the correlation between cool and bitter in stems harvested in spring), while 53 previously significant correlations disappeared(e.g., the correlation between cool and bitter in barks harvested in summer). Compared to the independent influence of harvest seasons, 11 new significant correlations appeared(e.g., the correlation between cold and light in barks harvested in autumn), while 50 previously significant correlations disappeared(e.g., the correlation between hot and pungent in leaves harvested in winter). This study is the first to reveal the influence of medicinal parts and harvest seasons on the correlation between nature and flavor in PCMM, which highlights that these two factors can interact and jointly affect nature-flavor correlations. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms. This study provides a deeper understanding of the inherent scientific connotations of herbal properties and offers a theoretical foundation for the cultivation and harvesting of PCMM.
Seasons
;
Plants, Medicinal/growth & development*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Taste
6.Association between improved erectile function and dietary patterns: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Bin YANG ; Chao WEI ; Yu-Cong ZHANG ; De-Lin MA ; Jian BAI ; Zhuo LIU ; Xia-Ming LIU ; Ji-Hong LIU ; Xiao-Yi YUAN ; Wei-Min YAO
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(2):239-244
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among men, but its relationship with dietary habits is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess whether dietary patterns enhance erectile function by reviewing the literature published before August 1, 2022, via PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. The data compiled included author details; publication dates, countries, treatments, patient numbers, ages, follow-ups, and clinical trial outcomes, such as ED cases, odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores with means and standard deviations. An analysis of 14 studies with 27 389 participants revealed that plant-based diets (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.75; P < 0.00001), low-fat diets (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.53; P = 0.0002), and alternative diets such as intermittent fasting and organic diets (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80; P = 0.002) significantly reduced ED risk. High-protein low-fat diets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.64; P < 0.00001) and high-carb low-fat diets (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.04; P < 0.00001) improved IIEF-5 scores. Combined diet and exercise interventions decreased the likelihood of ED (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85; P = 0.01) and increased the IIEF-5 score (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.69-5.11; P < 0.0001). Diets abundant in fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98; P < 0.00001) and nuts (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.80; P = 0.002) were also correlated with lower ED risk. Our meta-analysis underscores a strong dietary-ED association, suggesting that low-fat/Mediterranean diets rich in produce and nuts could benefit ED management.
Humans
;
Male
;
Erectile Dysfunction/epidemiology*
;
Diet
;
Diet, Fat-Restricted
;
Feeding Behavior
;
Penile Erection/physiology*
;
Diet, Vegetarian
7.Study on Differential DNA Methylation Profiles of Patients with High-Altitude Polycythemia.
Jun-Hua JI ; Min YANG ; Yan JIANG ; Ting-Xian YANG ; Xiao-Jing MA ; Qi-Chao YIN ; Hong-Wei YIN ; Lin-Hua JI
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(2):580-586
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the whole-genome differential methylation profile of patients with high-altitude polycythemia (HAPC).
METHODS:
In this study, a total of 20 adult male patients with HAPC were included, including 10 Tibetan and 10 Han patients. The control group consisted of 20 healthy adult males, including 10 Tibetan and 10 Han patients. Peripheral blood was collected from each group for DNA extraction and quality inspection, and DNA libraries were constructed. The differential methylation regions (DMRs) between groups were detected using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing, with enriched regions compared to those of the control group. The differential enrichment regions were selected, and the intersection of the enriched regions was associated with genes. The methylation enrichment regions that differed significantly between groups were filtered based on the number of enriched samples in the enriched regions between the groups. GO, KEGG functional, and pathway analysis were performed on the differentially associated gene sets to reveal significant differences between the patients and control groups at the functional and pathway levels.
RESULTS:
In comparison with the control group, 17 152 sites with more than 25% difference and 15 558 sites with less than -25% difference were identified in Tibetan patients. The top 5 genes with the largest methylation differences between the two groups were MCCC2, RP3-399L15.3, ZNF621, RP11-394A14.2 and SLC39A10. The top significantly different pathways annotated in the differentially expressed genes pathway was serotonergic synapse. In comparison with the control group, 2 687 CpG sites with a greater than 25% difference and 2 602 CpG sites with a less than -25% difference were identified in Han patients. The top 5 genes with the largest methylation differences between the two groups were NAA25, CORO2B, PDC, ZNF853, and MLLT10. The top significantly different pathways annotated in the differentially expressed genes pathway were glutamatergic synapse, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, Rap1 signaling pathway and cholinergic synapse. In comparison with the control group, 3 895 CpG sites with a greater than 25% difference and 3 969 CpG sites with a less than -25% difference were identified in HAPC patients. The maximum methylation difference between the two groups could reach 78.1%, while the minimum was -42.6%. The top 5 genes with the largest methylation differences between the two groups were MCCC2, ARSJ, CTNNA3, SLC39A10, and SWAP70. The top significantly different pathways annotated in the differentially expressed genes pathway was signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells.
CONCLUSION
The occurrence of HAPC may be related to abnormal changes in DNA methylation, and methylation sites may be helpful for the early diagnosis of HAPC.
Humans
;
DNA Methylation
;
Altitude
;
Polycythemia/genetics*
;
Male
;
Adult
;
CpG Islands
8.Varicocele ligation with mobile phone microscope: Report of 5 cases and literature review.
Yan-Zhong LIU ; Chao LI ; Yu GAO ; Yu-Zhu LI ; Run ZHU ; Xue-Yuan XIANG ; Ying-Na HU ; Xin MA ; Chun-Yang WANG
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(8):709-712
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the feasibility of varicocele ligation with mobile phone microscope.
METHODS:
The high-performance mobile phone and mobile phone stand were combined to act as a mobile phone microscope. And the varicocele ligation was performed under the mobile phone microscope.
RESULTS:
All five patients successfully underwent varicocelectomy under the guidance of a mobile phone microscope. The average operation time was (112.8 ± 52.2)with ranged from 74.0 to 195.0 minutes. Three patients completed the follow-up after the operation with the proportion of improved sperm quality reaching 100.0% (3/3).
CONCLUSION
High- performance mobile phone microscope can be used for varicocele ligation.
Humans
;
Male
;
Ligation/methods*
;
Cell Phone
;
Adult
;
Varicocele/surgery*
;
Microscopy
;
Young Adult
9.Effects of LncRNA SNHG20 on epithelial mesenchymal transition and microtubule formation in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells through targeted regulation of the miR-520c-3p/RAB22A pathway.
Minying MA ; Xiaoqin CHAO ; Yang ZHAO ; Guoting ZHAO
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(1):26-32
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effects of LncRNA SNHG20 on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and microtubule formation in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells through targeted regulation of the miR-520c-3p/RAB22A pathway.
METHODS:
After real-time fluorescence quantitative detection of LncRNA SNHG20, miR-520c-3p, RAB22A mRNA expression levels in OSCC tissues and cells, dual luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the relationship between the three. OSCC cells were randomly separated into control group, sh-NC group, sh-SNHG20 group, sh-SNHG20+anti NC group, and sh-SNHG20+anti miR-520c-3p group. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and E-cadherin proteins in the OSCC cells. The morphology of HSC-3 cells was observed under microscope. Changes in the number of microtubules formed were detected. The effect of LncRNA SNHG20 on the growth of OSCC tumors and the expression levels of LncRNA SNHG20, miR-520c-3p and RAB22 A in the transplanted tumors were detected by nude mice tumorigenesis experiment.
RESULTS:
LncRNA SNHG20 and RAB22A mRNA were upregulated in the OSCC tissues and cells, while miR-520c-3p was downregulated (P < 0.05). There were binding sites between LncRNA SNHG20 and miR-520c-3p, RAB22A and miR-520c-3p, which had targeted regulation relationship. Compared with the sh-NC group, the sh-SNHG20 group had fewer stromal like cells, more epithelial like cells, incomplete microtubule structure, and fewer nodules. LncRNA SNHG20, RAB22A, N-Cadherin, and vimentin were downregulated, while miR-520c-3p and E-cadherin were upregulated (P < 0.05). Compared with the sh-SNHG20+anti-NC group, the sh-SNHG20+anti-miR-520c-3p group had a higher number of stromal like cells, a lower number of epithelioid cells, tighter microtubule arrangement, and more microtubule nodules. miR-520c-3p and E-cadherin were downregulated, while RAB22A, N-cadherin, and vimentin were upregulated (P < 0.05). The transplanted tumor of OSCC in sh-SNHG20 group was smaller and lower than that in sh-NC group. The expression levels of LncRNA SNHG20 and RAB22A in the transplanted tumor tissues were lower than those in sh-NC group, and the expression level of miR-520c-3p was higher than that in sh-NC group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
LncRNA SNHG20 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and microtubule formation in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting the miR-520c-3p/RAB22A pathway. Inhibiting the expression of LncRNA SNHG20 can target and regulate the miR-520c-3p/RAB22A pathway to inhibit EMT and microtubule formation in OSCC cells.
Humans
;
RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics*
;
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
;
rab GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism*
;
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/genetics*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Microtubules/metabolism*
;
Mouth Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Mice, Nude
;
Mice
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
10.Significance of precise classification of sacral meningeal cysts by multiple dimensions radiographic reconstruction MRI in guiding operative strategy and rehabilitation.
Jianjun SUN ; Qianquan MA ; Xiaoliang YIN ; Chenlong YANG ; Jia ZHANG ; Suhua CHEN ; Chao WU ; Jingcheng XIE ; Yunfeng HAN ; Guozhong LIN ; Yu SI ; Jun YANG ; Haibo WU ; Qiang ZHAO
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(2):303-308
OBJECTIVE:
To precise classify sacral meningeal cysts, effective guide minimally invasive neurosurgery and postoperative personalized rehabilitation by multiple dimensions radiographic reconstruction MRI.
METHODS:
From March to December 2021, based on the original 3D-fast imaging employing steadystate acquisition (FIESTA) scanning sequence, 92 patients with sacral meningeal cysts were pre-operatively evaluated by multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI. The shape of nerve root and the leakage of cyst were reconstructed according to the direction of nerve root or leakage track showed on original MRI scans. Sacral canal cysts were accurately classified as including nerve root and without nerve root, so as to accurately design the incision of skin and formulate corresponding open range of the posterior wall of the sacral canal. Under the microscope intraoperation, the shape of the nerve roots inside cysts or leakage track of the cysts without nerve roots were verified and explored. After the reinforcement and shaping operation, several reexaminations of multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI were performed to understand the deformation of the nerve root and hydrops in the operation cavity, so as to formulate a persona-lized rehabilitation plan for the patients.
RESULTS:
Among the 92 patients with sacral mengingeal cyst, 58 (63.0%) cysts with nerve root cyst, 29 (31.5%) cysts without nerve root cyst, and 5 (5.4%) cysts with mixed sacral canal cyst. In 58 patients with nerve root cysts, the accuracy of preoperative clinical classification on MRI image reached 96.6% (56/58) through confirmation by operating microscope. Only 2 cases of large single cyst with nerve root on the head of cyst were mistaken for without nerve root type. In 29 patients with sacral cyst without nerve root, the accuracy of preoperative image reached 100% through confirmation by operating microscope. The accuracy of judging the internal nerve root and leakage of 12 cases with recurrent sacral cyst was also 100%. Two cases of delayed postoperative hydrops were found one month after operation. After rehabilitation treatment by moxibustion and bathing, the hydrops disappeared 4-6 months after operation.
CONCLUSION
Multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI can precisely make clinical classification of sacral meningeal cysts before operation, guide minimally invasive neurosurgery effectively, and improve the rehabilitation effect.
Humans
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Sacrum/surgery*
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods*
;
Cysts/rehabilitation*
;
Aged
;
Adolescent
;
Young Adult
;
Spinal Nerve Roots/diagnostic imaging*
;
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
;
Neurosurgical Procedures/methods*

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