1.Mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu Prescription in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Alleviating Intestinal Mucosal Injury Based on Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Qiang CHUAI ; Wenjing ZHAI ; Sujie JIA ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Jie REN ; Xin KANG ; Shijie REN ; Xingchi LIU ; Xin LIU ; Xiaohong JIANG ; Jianping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):160-169
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) by inhibiting ferroptosis and alleviating intestinal mucosal injury based on the nuclear factor E2 related factor 2/solute carrier family 7 member/glutathione peroxidase 4 (Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 60 male SD rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, high- and low-dose Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription groups (26.64 and 13.32 g·kg-1, respectively), a ferroptosis inhibitor group (Ferrostatin-1, 0.005 g·kg-1), and a mesalazine group (0.27 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. A UC rat model was established by intrarectal administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-ethanol. The normal group and the model group were intragastrically administered normal saline. The other groups were given intragastric administration according to the corresponding dosage for 7 d. The general condition, disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length, and mucosal injury index (CDMI) score were observed in each group. The pathological changes of colon tissue in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The intestinal mucosa and mitochondrial morphology in each group were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of Occludin, Claudin-1, mucin 2 (MUC2), and E-cadherin in intestinal tissue were detected by immunofluorescence (IF). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in each group, and a lactic acid assay kit or ELISA was employed to detect the expression levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ferrous ions (Fe2+), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), diamine oxidase (DAO), and D-lactate (D-LA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was applied to detect the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, Occludin, Claudin-1, MUC2, and E-cadherin in each group, and Western blot was adopted to detect the protein expression levels of Nrf2, p-Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in each group. ResultsCompared with the normal group, rats in the model group exhibited listlessness, sluggish response, and mucopurulent and bloody stools. The model group also showed significantly increased DAI score, colon length, CDMI score, and expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, ROS, Fe2+, MDA, 4-HNE, DAO, and D-LA (P<0.01). In addition, it presented significantly decreased IF values of Occludin, Claudin-1, MUC2, and E-cadherin and mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-10, GSH, Nrf2, p-Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 (P<0.01). There were different degrees of improvement in each administration group after treatment, and the improvement was the most significant in the high-dose Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription group (P<0.01). ConclusionXiezhuo Jiedu prescription may alleviate intestinal mucosal injury by inhibiting ferroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells via regulating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, thereby exhibiting efficacy in the treatment of UC.
2.Hypoxia Exercise Mediates The miR-27/PPARγ Pathway to Improve Lipid Metabolism in Obese Rats at Target Genes and Protein Levels
Wei KONG ; Jie SHAO ; Teng ZHAI ; Qian CHENG ; Fang-Zheng HAN ; Yi QU ; Lei ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1386-1400
ObjectiveTo explore the sequential effects of hypoxic exercising on miR-27/PPARγ and lipid metabolism target gene and protein expression levels in the obesity rats’ liver. Methods13-week-old male diet-induced obesity rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): normal oxygen concentration quiet group (N), hypoxia quiet group (H), hypoxic exercise group (HE). Exercise training on the horizontal animal treadmill for 1 h/d, 5 d/week for a total of 4 week, and the intensity of horizontal treadmill training was 20 m/min (hypoxic concentration was 13.6%). Comparison of the weights of perirenal fat and epididymal fat in rats across different groups and calculation of Lee’s index based on body weight and body length of rats in each group were done. And the serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were detected. RT-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the levels of miR-27, PPARγ, CYP7A1 and CD36. ResultsHypoxic exercise decreased the expression levels of miR-27 in the obese rats’ liver, however, the expression level of PPARγ was gradually increased. The expression levels of miR-27 in HE group were significantly lower than N group (P<0.05). The expression levels of PPARγ mRNA in N group were significantly lower than H group (P<0.05), especially lower than HE group (P<0.01). The protein expression of PPARγ protein in N group was significantly lower than that other groups (P<0.01). The expression of lipid metabolism-related genes and proteins increased in the obese rats’ liver. The expression of CYP7A1 mRNA in N group was significantly lower than H group (P<0.05), especially lower than HE group (P<0.01). The expression of CYP7A1 protein in the obese rats’ liver in N group was extremely lower than H group and HE group (P<0.01). The protein expression of CD36 in N group was significantly lower than that in HE group (P<0.05). Hypoxia exercise improved the related physiological and biochemical indexes of lipid metabolism disorder. The perirenal fat weight of obese rats in HE group was extremely lower than N group and H group (P<0.01), and the perirenal fat weight in N group was significantly higher than H group (P<0.05). The epididymal fat weight in N group was significantly higher than H group (P<0.05), and extremely higher than HE group (P<0.01). The Lee’s index in HE group was extremely lower than N group and H group (P<0.01). The serum concentration of TC in obese rats in HE group was extremely lower than N group and H group (P<0.01). The serum concentration of TG in HE group was extremely lower than N group and H group (P<0.01). The serum concentration of LDL-C in N group was extremely higher than HE group (P<0.01). The serum concentration of HDL-C in N group was extremely lower than H group (P<0.01). ConclusionHypoxia and hypoxia exercise may negatively regulate the levels of PPARγ by inhibiting miR-27 in the obese rats’ liver, thereby affecting the expression of downstream target genes CYP7A1 and CD36, and promoting cholesterol, fatty acid oxidation and HDL-C transport in the liver, and ultimately the lipid levels in obese rats were improved. The effect of hypoxia exercise on improving blood lipid is better than simple hypoxia intervention.
3.Mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu Formula in Treating Ulcerative Colitis Through Pyroptosis Regulation Based on Bioinformatics and Animal Experiments
Qiang CHUAI ; Wenjing ZHAI ; Shijie REN ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Xin KANG ; Wenli WEI ; Jingyuan LIU ; Jianping LIU ; Jie REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):105-113
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the potential mechanism of the Xiezhuo Jiedu formula in regulating pyroptosis for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using bioinformatics and in vivo animal experiments. MethodsDifferentially expressed genes (DEGs) in colon tissues of UC patients were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Pyroptosis-related genes were obtained from the GEO and GeneCards databases. The intersection of these datasets yielded pyroptosis-related DEGs (Pyro-DEGs). Pyro-DEGs were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis using the Metascape database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) prediction model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were conducted to identify core Pyro-DEGs with diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Immune infiltration analysis of the UC datasets was performed using the deconvolution method (CIBERSORT), along with correlation analysis with core Pyro-DEGs. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose groups of Xiezhuo Jiedu formula (26.64, 13.32, 6.66 g·kg-1), and a mesalazine group (0.27 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. UC was established by intrarectal administration of 3,5-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in ethanol. The control and model groups were given distilled water by gavage, while the treatment groups were administered the corresponding drugs for 7 consecutive days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the colon histopathology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, IL-18, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were applied to detect the expression of Caspase-1, gap junction alpha-1 protein (GJA1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to measure mRNA expression of Caspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8. Western blot was performed to assess protein expression levels of Caspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8. ResultsGEO datasets GSE87466 and GSE87473 yielded 64 Pyro-DEGs. KEGG analysis indicated that these genes were enriched in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. Four core Pyro-DEGs (Caspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8) were identified. Immune infiltration analysis showed that expression of these genes was positively correlated with mast cells, neutrophils, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, and dendritic cells. Animal experimental results indicated that compared with the control group, the model group had significantly increased levels of IL-1β and IL-18, significantly decreased levels of IL-10 and TGF-β. The model group showed enhanced Caspase-1, GJA1, and S100A8 staining, and significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of Caspase-1, GJA1, and S100A8 (P<0.01). In contrast, the expression of PPARG was reduced in the model group (P<0.01). After treatment, all dosage groups showed varying degrees of improvement (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the high-dose group showing the most significant improvement (P<0.01). ConclusionCaspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8 are core Pyro-DEGs closely associated with the pathogenesis of UC. These genes may collaborate with immune cells such as mast cells, neutrophils, and M0 macrophages to mediate disease development. The Xiezhuo Jiedu formula may regulate the expression of core Pyro-DEGs through the NOD-like receptor, TNF, and HIF-1 core signaling pathways, thereby modulating immune homeostasis in UC rats and effectively alleviating UC.
4.Medication preparation for self-aid and buddy-aid in naval combat injuries
Shiqing LI ; Jingwen ZHAI ; Jiani CHEN ; Ruidong WANG ; Jie WU ; Suiyi LIU ; Hua WEI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(2):258-262
Self-aid and buddy-aid are primary steps in battlefield first aid,offering the timeliest treatment effectiveness.Medications are indispensable key supplies in battlefield first aid,playing a crucial role in the timely treatment of the injured.This review provides an overview of medication preparation for battlefield first aid both domestically and internationally,aiming to provide reference for the medication preparation for self-aid and buddy-aid of naval combat injuries,so as to enhance the Navy's first-aid capability and medical support capability.
5.Consensus on diagnosis and treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Yushu BAI ; Kai CHEN ; Jie SHAO ; Xiao ZHAI ; Ming CHEN ; Weishi LI ; Jianzhong XU ; Bangping QIAN ; Zezhang ZHU ; Feng ZHU ; Chunde LI ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Jianxiong SHEN ; Dingjun HAO ; Xiaodong ZHU ; Junlin YANG ; Xuejun ZHANG ; Xuesong ZHANG ; Fangyi ZHANG ; Qijie WANG ; Wenzhi ZHANG ; Yong HAI ; Jianhua ZHAO ; Yong QIU ; Yan WANG ; Guixing QIU ; Ming LI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(3):291-300
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS)is a complex three-dimensional deformity involving coronal,sagittal,and axial planes,with a prevalence that should not be overlooked.With advancements in technology and in-depth research,an increasing number of hospitals and physicians are exploring standardized diagnostic and treatment approaches for AIS.Comprehensive and in-depth understanding is required for AIS,including its etiology,screening and diagnosis,classification,assessment and examination,treatment options,exploration of current focus,and evaluation of quality of life.Such understanding ensures that the diagnostic and treatment are scientific,standardized,and timely.Based on the principles of evidence-based medicine,a consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of AIS is reached after multiple discussions among spinal surgery experts,aiming to provide reference and guidance for clinical practice.
6.Influencing factors of hospital stay after orthopedic surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Shaokang HUANG ; Kai CHEN ; Jie SHAO ; Xiao ZHAI ; Yushu BAI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(3):307-312
Objective To investigate the influence of basic condition,surgical strategy,and postoperative condition of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS)patients on the length of hospitalization.Methods A total of 145 AIS patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion and internal fixation in The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University(Second Military Medical University)from Jan.1,2014 to Dec.31,2023 with more than 2 years of follow-up were retrospectively enrolled.According to the surgical strategy,they were assigned to selective fusion group(n=50)and non-selective fusion group(n=95).AIS patients were assigned to intensive care unit(ICU)group(n=81)and non-ICU group(n=64)according to whether they were admitted to ICU.Parameters related to basic,surgical and postoperative conditions,hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay were analyzed.Multiple linear regression analysis was used to study the influencing factors of hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay.Results The number of surgical segments,surgical time,intraoperative blood loss,drainage volume on the 3rd day postoperatively,hospital stay,and postoperative hospital stay in the selective fusion group were significantly less than those in the non-selective fusion group(all P<0.05).The patients in the ICU group were younger,had longer surgery time,had more intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion,and had longer hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay compared with those in the non-ICU group(all P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay were both positively correlated with ICU admission(r=0.179,0.240;both P<0.05)and were both negatively correlated with selective fusion(r=-0.187,-0.242;both P<0.05).Conclusion The hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay of AIS patients with non-selective fusion in posterior spinal fusion and internal fixation is longer than those of patients with selective fusion.Non-selective fusion and ICU admission may be factors contributing to the prolonged hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay in AIS patients.
7.Analysis of ancient medical physicians′ spatial theory from the perspective of liver and mingmen visceral manifestation
Chongcheng XI ; Jie ZHANG ; Wenjun WU ; Zhiwen ZHANG ; Shuangqing ZHAI ; Quansheng FENG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):187-192
Yin-yang, visceral manifestation, and ti-yong theories are the core theories of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and play a crucial role in its formation and development. With the continuous evolution of Chinese philosophy, TCM philosophy and theories have undergone significant influence, resulting in differing interpretations of the visceral manifestation of liver and mingmen across various historical periods by different medical practitioners. This paper focuses on the different understandings of the position of liver and mingmen, combining relevant philosophical images and TCM anatomical illustrations to deeply explore ancient medical theorists′ concepts regarding the four spatial directions of left, right, up, and down. The research reveals that ancient medical theorists′ conceptualization of spatial theory transitioned from an initial circular motion to a vertical movement, with the focus shifting from the upper part to the lower part. The primary reasons for these differences and changes could be explained by the varying emphasis on the ti-yong theory and differing focal points within the yin-yang theory. This study systematically examines the evolution of visceral manifestation theories related to liver and mingmen, highlights the shifts in physicians′ perspectives on spatial theory, and analyzes the influence of the ti-yong theory and yin-yang theory on these changes. The findings aim to provide a theoretical guide for advancing research and clinical application of spatial theory in TCM, thereby fostering the integration of TCM philosophy with medical theory.
8.Advancements in Mpox Vaccine Development: A Comprehensive Review of Global Progress and Recent Data.
Yu Qian ZHAI ; Yi Ze HAN ; Wen Ling WANG ; Wen Jie TAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):248-254
Since May 2022, a severe global Mpox epidemic has underscored the urgent need for a preventative vaccine. On September 16, 2022, the mainland of China reported its first case of imported Mpox, which was subsequently followed by a significant rise in domestic infections commencing from June 2023. This alarming trend has escalated the likelihood of localized outbreaks and covert transmission, posing a heightened risk to public health. Notably, the United States, many European countries, and Japan have approved the use of smallpox vaccines for Mpox prevention and emergency vaccination post-exposure, based on their cross-protection efficacy. In recent years, virology research has broadened its scope to include investigations into various novel vaccine approaches, such as nucleic acid-based vaccines, protein subunit vaccines, and epitope peptide vaccines, and other related methodologies. This review offers a thorough examination of the current global landscape of Mpox prevalence, delves into the advancements in Mpox vaccine development, and highlights the progress achieved in Mpox vaccine research, serving as a valuable resource and providing technical insights essential for the effective prevention and control of Mpox.
Humans
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Vaccine Development
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Smallpox Vaccine
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Smallpox/epidemiology*
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Mpox, Monkeypox
9.Screening of soil biocontrol bacteria and evaluation of their control effects on Fusarium head blight of wheat.
Dongfang WANG ; Xinxin ZHAI ; Chunlin YANG ; Huilan ZHANG ; Jie WU ; Zerong SONG ; Pan ZHAO ; Yu CHI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(10):3764-3773
Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, not only leads to severe yield losses but also poses a threat to food safety due to the mycotoxins produced by the pathogen. Since this disease is preventable but not curable, the current control mainly relies on chemical fungicides, the long-term use of which may lead to pathogen resistance and environmental pollution. To develop green control methods, we screened 13 biocontrol strains from the rhizosphere soil of wheat, among which strain No. 12 (identified as Pythium aphanidermatum) showed significant antifungal effects. In the plate confrontation test, this strain reduced the colony diameter of the pathogen by 69.2% (1.47 mm vs. 4.78 mm in the control group), with an inhibition rate of 77% (P < 0.01). Microscopic observation revealed obvious deformations in the pathogen hyphae, suggesting a lysing effect. The coleoptile experiment further confirmed that the pre-treatment with this strain reduced the incidence rate to 0. These findings provide new candidate strains for the biocontrol of FHB and offer a scientific basis for reducing the use of chemical fungicides and promoting sustainable agricultural development.
Triticum/growth & development*
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Fusarium/growth & development*
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Plant Diseases/prevention & control*
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Soil Microbiology
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Pest Control, Biological/methods*
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Pythium/physiology*
;
Biological Control Agents
;
Rhizosphere
;
Fungicides, Industrial
10.Study on the mechanism of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction regulating macrophage polarization in mice with autoimmune thyroiditis
Lanting WANG ; Zhaohan ZHAI ; Shouxin JU ; Liang KONG ; Jie DING ; Yao XIAO ; Yiran CHEN ; Zhimin WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):529-541
Objective:
To explore the mechanism of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction in modulating macrophage polarization and intervening in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) mice.
Methods:
Using the random number table method, 48 SPF-grade NOD.H-2h4 mice were assigned to the normal, model, low-dose (4.10 g/kg), medium-dose (8.19 g/kg), high-dose group (16.38 g/kg) of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction, and selenium yeast tablet (0.026 mg/kg) groups, with eight mice in each group. All groups, except the normal group, were free to drink high iodine water (0.05% sodium iodide) to prepare AIT mouse models for 8 consecutive weeks. After the modeling was complete, each treatment group was orally administered with the corresponding medication, while the normal and model groups were orally administered with an equal volume of distilled water once a day for 8 consecutive weeks. High-performance liquid chromatography with an oscillometric refractive detector was used to analyze the content of Astragaloside Ⅳ in Buzhong Yiqi Decoction. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of mouse thyroid tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). An immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the positive area percentage of M1 and M2 macrophages in mouse thyroid tissue. Flow cytometry assay was used to detect macrophage polarization in mouse spleen tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), nuclear factor kappa B inhibitory protein α (IκBα), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in mouse spleen tissue. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), and NLRP3 protein in mouse spleen tissue.
Results:
The content of Astragaloside Ⅳ in Buzhong Yiqi Decoction was (7.09±0.06) g/L. Compared to the normal group, significant lymphocyte infiltration was observed in the thyroid tissue of mice in the model group. The levels of serum TPO-Ab, TgAb, IL-6, and TNF-α increased (P<0.05). The positive area percentage of M1 macrophages in thyroid tissue increased (P<0.05). The proportion of M1 macrophages and M1/M2 in spleen tissue increased (P<0.05). The relative expression levels of NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 mRNA in spleen tissue increased (P<0.05). The relative expression of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65, and NLRP3 proteins increased (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the inflammation infiltration degree in the thyroid tissue of mice in each dose group of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction and selenium yeast tablet group was reduced, the serum TPO-Ab, TgAb, IL-6, TNF-α content was decreased, the spleen tissue M1/M2 was reduced, the expression of NF-κB p65 mRNA was reduced, and the relative expression levels of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65 protein were reduced (P<0.05). The Buzhong Yiqi Decoction high-dose and selenium yeast tablets groups showed an increase in IL-10 content, an increase in positive area percentage of M2 macrophages in thyroid tissue, an increase in M2 macrophages proportion in spleen tissue, and a decrease in NLRP3 mRNA and protein relative expression levels (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Buzhong Yiqi Decoction may regulate macrophage polarization by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thus improving the inflammatory damage in mice with AIT.


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