1.Research Progress on Regulation of Relevant Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Zhonghao GUO ; Quan LI ; Pengyu PAN ; Tengyu ZHAO ; Zeyuan AN ; Yuan LIU ; Yanyan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):333-342
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments, with its pathological mechanisms involving multiple processes such as the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and the abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein. Current Western medical treatments face challenges including diminished long-term efficacy and motor complications. In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has demonstrated advantages in the prevention and treatment of PD through its systematic regulatory capabilities, featuring multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approaches.This article systematically reviews the roles of seven key signaling pathways-NF-κB, AMPK/mTOR, PI3K/Akt, MAPKs, Nrf2/ARE, Wnt/β-catenin, and BDNF/TrkB-in the pathological process of PD and the regulatory mechanisms of TCM. Research indicates that active ingredients of Chinese herbs and compound formulations can synergistically modulate these pathways, exerting comprehensive effects in inhibiting neuroinflammation, alleviating oxidative stress, promoting autophagy to clear abnormal proteins, and enhancing neurotrophic support. These signaling pathways form a complex regulatory network through crosstalk among key nodal molecules, constituting an intricate regulatory system in PD pathology. The multi-target intervention characteristics of TCM align well with this network-based regulatory requirement, achieving integrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, autophagy-regulating, and neurorestorative effects through synergistic multi-pathway modulation. This article systematically outlines the mechanisms of TCM in the coordinated regulation of multiple pathways, providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the pathological process of PD and the intervention mechanisms of TCM, while also offering new perspectives and directions for modern research on TCM in the prevention and treatment of PD.
2.Evaluation of short-term outcomes of surgical intervention for severe pulmonary stenosis in infants and young children
Yong ZHANG ; Pengyu WANG ; Liang WANG ; Yiming TAN ; Fangran XIN ; Xu ZHANG ; Chunzhen ZHANG ; Zijun ZHOU ; Lihua LYV ; Minhua FANG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(10):584-588
Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy of surgical treatment for severe pulmonary stenosis(PS) in infants and young children, and to clarify the impact of different surgical timings on the efficacy of PS treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 24 infants and young children who underwent surgical treatment for severe PS at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, PLA, from January 1, 2020, to October 1, 2024. Among them, 13 were males and 11 were females. The average weight of the patients was(9.2±3.6) kg, the average gestational age was(39.3±1.7) weeks, and the average age was(15.0±13.5) months. Preoperative clinical symptoms and signs(e.g., cyanosis, shortness of breath), transpulmonary valve pressure gradient(TPVPG), right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP), and Em/Am were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups based on surgical timing: the infant group(under 1 year old, n=12) and the toddler group(1-3 years old, n=12).Results:There were no deaths among all patients. The postoperative ICU stay was significantly longer in the infant group compared to the toddler group( P<0.05). Compared to preoperative values, surgical treatment significantly improved TPVPG, reduced RVSP, and enhanced right ventricular diastolic function, which stabilized by 3 months postoperatively( P<0.05). Intergroup comparisons revealed that the infant group had significantly lower TPVPG at 6 months postoperatively compared to the toddler group. Additionally, right ventricular diastolic function improved significantly in the infant group postoperatively, while no significant improvement was observed in the toddler group. Younger age and reduced right ventricular diastolic function were identified as major risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation(>24 hours). Conclusion:Surgical treatment for PS during infancy and early childhood is safe and effective. Comprehensive preoperative evaluation is crucial, and early surgical intervention is recommended for patients with impaired right ventricular function to improve prognosis.
3.Research advances in treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by traditional Chinese medicine via modulating NLRP3 inflammasome-related signaling pathways
Yuxin WANG ; Pengyu PAN ; Tengyu ZHAO ; Yanyan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(8):1633-1638
Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CIRI)is a pathological condition characterized by the aggra-vation of the secondary injury in the brain region previously deprived of blood supply upon the restoration of blood flow.nu-cleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),a pivotal inflammatory complex,plays an inte-gral role in the pathophysiology of CIRI.Its activation can instigate a robust inflammatory cascade,culminating in nerve cell death.In light of these insights,this paper reviews the structural characteristics,signaling transduction pathways,and mechanistic involvement of NLRP3 in CIRI.Additionally,the drug intervention strategies targeting inflammatory cor-puscles are discussed,with the aim of providing reference materials for the prevention and treatment of CIRI by traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Evaluation of short-term outcomes of surgical intervention for severe pulmonary stenosis in infants and young children
Yong ZHANG ; Pengyu WANG ; Liang WANG ; Yiming TAN ; Fangran XIN ; Xu ZHANG ; Chunzhen ZHANG ; Zijun ZHOU ; Lihua LYV ; Minhua FANG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(10):584-588
Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy of surgical treatment for severe pulmonary stenosis(PS) in infants and young children, and to clarify the impact of different surgical timings on the efficacy of PS treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 24 infants and young children who underwent surgical treatment for severe PS at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, PLA, from January 1, 2020, to October 1, 2024. Among them, 13 were males and 11 were females. The average weight of the patients was(9.2±3.6) kg, the average gestational age was(39.3±1.7) weeks, and the average age was(15.0±13.5) months. Preoperative clinical symptoms and signs(e.g., cyanosis, shortness of breath), transpulmonary valve pressure gradient(TPVPG), right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP), and Em/Am were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups based on surgical timing: the infant group(under 1 year old, n=12) and the toddler group(1-3 years old, n=12).Results:There were no deaths among all patients. The postoperative ICU stay was significantly longer in the infant group compared to the toddler group( P<0.05). Compared to preoperative values, surgical treatment significantly improved TPVPG, reduced RVSP, and enhanced right ventricular diastolic function, which stabilized by 3 months postoperatively( P<0.05). Intergroup comparisons revealed that the infant group had significantly lower TPVPG at 6 months postoperatively compared to the toddler group. Additionally, right ventricular diastolic function improved significantly in the infant group postoperatively, while no significant improvement was observed in the toddler group. Younger age and reduced right ventricular diastolic function were identified as major risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation(>24 hours). Conclusion:Surgical treatment for PS during infancy and early childhood is safe and effective. Comprehensive preoperative evaluation is crucial, and early surgical intervention is recommended for patients with impaired right ventricular function to improve prognosis.
5.Genetic Variation A118G in the OPRM1 Gene Underlies the Dimorphic Response to Epidural Opioid-Induced Itch.
Xiaomeng ZHOU ; Ai-Lun LI ; Wan-Jie DU ; Pengyu GAO ; Bin LAI ; Fang FANG ; Qingjian HAN ; Jing CANG
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(12):2272-2284
Neuraxial opioids, widely used in obstetric and perioperative pain management, often lead to unwanted itch, reducing patient satisfaction. While the μ-opioid receptor has been implicated in opioid-induced itch, the genetic basis for variable itch incidence remains unknown. This study examined 3616 patients receiving epidural opioids, revealing an itch occurrence of 26.55%, with variations among opioid types and gender. Analysis of the OPRM1 gene identified six single-nucleotide polymorphisms, notably rs1799971 (A118G), that correlated with opioid-induced itch. Mouse models with an equivalent A112G mutation showed reduced neuraxial opioid-induced itch and light touch-evoked itch, mirroring human findings. The 118G allele demonstrated an anti-itch effect without impacting analgesia, addiction, or tolerance, offering insights for risk stratification and potential anti-itch pretreatment strategies.
Receptors, Opioid, mu/genetics*
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Pruritus/chemically induced*
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Humans
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Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage*
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Female
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Male
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Animals
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Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics*
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Adult
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Mice
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Middle Aged
7.The predictive value of cardiac MRI for the first episode of malignant ventricular arrhythmias in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Zhixiang DONG ; Yanyan SONG ; Xuan MA ; Jiaxin WANG ; Shujuan YANG ; Yun TANG ; Pengyu ZHOU ; Kai YANG ; Xiuyu CHEN ; Xinxiang ZHAO ; Shihua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(7):784-791
Objective:To explore the value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) derived left ventricular late gadolinium enhancement (LV LGE) for the primary prevention of malignant ventricular arrhythmias in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) patients.Methods:This was a single-center retrospective study. Consecutive ARVC patients who underwent CMR at Fuwai Hospital between January 2016 and September 2020, with no history of malignant ventricular arrhythmias at diagnosis, were enrolled. Clinical data and CMR characteristics were collected. The primary endpoint was defined as new-onset malignant ventricular arrhythmias related events, including sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation/flutter, sudden cardiac death, cardiac arrest, and appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge. Follow-up via telephone interviews and medical records was conducted to confirm endpoint occurrences, and patients were categorized into event-free and event groups based on endpoint status. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed to identify independent risk factors for malignant ventricular arrhythmias in ARVC patients. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the ARVC 5-year risk score (cutoff: 25%) and the median value of LV LGE percentage (cutoff: 13%). Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted, and log-rank tests were used to compare the difference in the incidence of primary endpoint events between subgroups. Receiver operating characteristic curves and likelihood ratio test were used to evaluate the incremental prognostic value of LV LGE percentage beyond the ARVC 5-year risk score.Results:A total of 172 ARVC patients were enrolled, aged (39.0±16.6) years, including 73 females (42.4%). During a follow-up of 53.1 (25.4, 76.9) months, 51 patients (29.7%) experienced malignant ventricular arrhythmias related events, including 3 cases of sudden cardiac death, 1 cardiac arrest, 33 sustained ventricular tachycardia and 14 appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharges. Multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated that the ARVC 5-year risk score ( HR=1.028, 95% CI 1.015-1.041, P<0.001) and LV LGE percentage ( HR=1.059, 95% CI 1.032-1.087, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of the primary endpoint events. Kaplan-Meier analysis using composite stratification (ARVC 5-year risk score cutoff: 25%; LV LGE percentage cutoff: 13%) demonstrated that patients with both high risk scores (≥25%) and extensive LV LGE (≥13%) had the highest risk of primary endpoint events. Notably, among patients with ARVC 5-year risk scores <25%, those with LV LGE≥13% had a higher incidence of primary endpoint events than those without (log-rank P=0.037). The composite prediction model combining the 5-year risk score and left ventricular LGE percentage demonstrated significantly improved predictive performance (area under the curve ( AUC)=0.82, 95% CI 0.75-0.90; likelihood ratio test all P<0.001) compared to single-variable models (left ventricular LGE percentage alone: AUC=0.71, 95% CI 0.63-0.82, P=0.01; 5-year risk score alone: AUC=0.71, 95% CI 0.62-0.81, P=0.02). Conclusion:LV LGE percentage independently predict new-onset malignant ventricular arrhythmias in ARVC patients and provided incremental prognostic value based on the existing ARVC 5-year risk score.
8.Inhibitory effect of astragaloside Ⅳ on cisplatin-induced liver injury in mice and its mechanism
Kaiqi NIU ; He CHANG ; Guangfu LYU ; Pengyu ZHENG ; Xueting CHI ; Jia ZHOU ; Yuchen WANG ; Xiaowei HUANG
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(2):370-377
Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ)on cisplatin(CDDP)-induced liver injury in the mice,and to elucidate its possible mechanism.Methods:Forty male C57BL/6 mice with body weights of 18-22 g were randomly divided into control group,model group,AS-Ⅳ group and adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)inhibitor(Compound C)+AS-Ⅳ group.The mice in control group and model group were gavaged with the same volume of normal saline,and the drug was administered continuously for 9 d.The mice in AS-Ⅳ group and Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were given AS-Ⅳ aqueous solution(150 mg·kg-1·d-1),respectively.On the 6th day of experiment,the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were intraperitoneally injected with Compound C(20 mg·kg-1),and on the 7th day,except for control group,the mice in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg·kg-1 CDDP to establish the mouse liver injury models,and the mice were sacrificed 48 h later.Serum and liver tissues were collected,and the levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)in the serum of the mice,as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)in the liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by kits.The pathomorphology of liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by HE staining.The expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1)and ferroptosis inhibitory protein 1(FSP1)proteins in liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by immunohistochemical staining,and the expression levels of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2),heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in various groups were detected by Western blotting method.Results:Compared with control group,the levels of AST and ALT in serum of the mice in model group were increased(P<0.01),the activities of SOD and CAT in the liver tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the MDA level was increased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the levels of AST and ALT in serum of the mice in AS-Ⅳ group were decreased(P<0.01),the MDA level in the liver tissue was decreased(P<0.01),and the activities of SOD and CAT were increased(P<0.01);compared with AS-Ⅳ group(P<0.01),the levels of AST and ALT in serum of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were increased(P<0.01),the level of MDA in liver tissue was increased(P<0.05),and the activities SOD and CAT were decreased(P<0.01).The HE staining results showed that compared with control group,the liver damage degree of the mice in model group was enhanced,the hepatocyte arrangement was disordered,and some hepatocyte edema were increased;compared with model group,the liver morphology of the mice in AS-Ⅳ group returned to normal;compared with AS-Ⅳ group,the hepatocyte arrangement of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group was disordered and the edges were blurred.The immunohistochemistry results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of GPX4,FTH1 and FSP1 proteins in liver tissue of the mice in model group were decreased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the expression levels of GPX4,FTH1 and FSP1 proteins in liver tissue of the mice in AS-Ⅳ group were increased(P<0.05);compared with AS-Ⅳ group,the expression levels of GPX4,FTH1 and FSP1 proteins in liver tissue of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The Western blotting results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in model group were decreased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in AS-Ⅳgroup were increased(P<0.01);compared with AS-Ⅳ group,the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and AMPK proteins in liver tissue of the mice in Compound C+AS-Ⅳ group were decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion:AS-Ⅳ can alleviate the CDDP-induced liver injury,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway and ferroptosis by AS-Ⅳ.
9.Exploration of clear surgical margin in human papillomavirus positive oropharyngeal cancer treated with transoral robotic surgery.
Hongli GONG ; Chengzhi XU ; Chunping WU ; Pengyu CAO ; Yongzheng CHEN ; Jianfang WU ; Meiqin SHI ; Ming ZHANG ; Liang ZHOU ; Lei TAO
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(11):1016-1027
Objective:To analyze the relationship between the optimal surgical margin value and clinical prognosis of transoral robotic surgery(TORS) in treating human papillomavirus(HPV) -positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods:A single-center, prospective, observational cohort study was conducted, enrolling patients with early and moderated stage(≤T3 stage) oropharyngeal carcinoma undergoing TORS between July 2020 and April 2024. The proposed optimal surgical margin cutoff value for TORS was set as 2 mm. The primary objectives were to evaluate the optimal clear margin for TORS and its association with overall survival(OS) and progression-free survival(PFS). Logistic regression was used to analyze correlations between surgical margins and clinical variables, while Cox regression models assessed the impact of surgical margins on OS and PFS. Results:A total of 90 patients(60 males, 66.7%) were included, all had squamous cell carcinoma, with a mean age of 58.0±9.0 years(range: 39-84 years) old. The 1, 2 and 3-year OS rates were 92.3%, 89.9% and 85.0%, respectively, while the 1, 2 and 3-year PFS rates were all 90.1%. For surgical margins ≤2 mm, the 1, 2 and 3-year OS rates were 80.8%, 69.3% and 69.3%, respectively, and PFS rates were 77.9% across three time points. For surgical margins>2 mm, the 1, 2 and 3-year OS rates were 96.5%, 96.5% and 90.6%, respectively, with PFS rates of 94.6%. Logistic regression showed no correlation between surgical margins and tumor type, T/N stage, smoking, alcohol use, or gender(P>0.05). Cox analysis identified surgical margins>2 mm as a significant factor improving PFS(HR=0.14, 95%CI 0.02-0.90, P=0.038). Conclusion:This systematic analysis suggests setting a 2 mm and longer as clear surgical margin for TORS. Margins>2 mm are associated with superior postoperative PFS rate and prolonged PFS time in HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma patients.
Adult
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Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/virology*
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Human Papillomavirus Viruses/isolation & purification*
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Margins of Excision
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Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/virology*
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Papillomavirus Infections/virology*
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Prognosis
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Prospective Studies
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Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods*
10.Construction and evaluation of a radiomics model for predicting perineural invasion in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Kai ZHANG ; Gengping ZHOU ; Yang XU ; Chenxi XIE ; Pengyu CHEN ; Yangyang WANG ; Taiyang CHEN ; Qingshan LI ; Bo MENG ; Haibo YU
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(11):817-822
Objective:To construct and evaluate a radiomics model for predicting perineural invasion in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).Methods:Clinical data of 144 patients with ICC undergoing surgery in the People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University ( n=113) and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University ( n=31) from January 2018 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 80 males and 64 females, aged (58.8±10.1) years. The patients were randomly divided into a training set ( n=100) and a test set ( n=44) at a ratio of 7: 3. The former set was used to build the model for predicting perineural invasion, and the latter was used to evaluate the model. Enhanced CT images and clinical data of the patients were collected, and features related to perineural invasion were screened. A light gradient boosting machine was used to construct an imaging genomics model. The model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results:Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that none of the clinical features were associated with neural invasion in ICC patients (all P>0.05). Six, 25, 32, and 37 radiomics features were obtained by screening the intratumoral, 2 mm peritumoral, 5 mm peritumoral, and 8 mm peritumoral regions, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for predicting perineural invasion in ICC patients was 0.849 (95% CI: 0.774-0.923) in the training set and 0.745 (95% CI: 0.597-0.894) in the test set for the intratumoral model, 0.966 (95% CI: 0.938-0.995) and 0.750 (95% CI: 0.604-0.896) for the 5mm peritumoral model, 0.936 (95% CI: 0.892-0.980) and 0.792 (95% CI: 0.644-0.939) for the 2mm peritumoral model, and 0.961 (95% CI: 0.929-0.992) and 0.689 (95% CI: 0.526-0.853) for the 8mm peritumoral model. The area under the ROC curve, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the combined intratumoral and 5mm peritumoral model for predicting perineural invasion were 0.927 (95% CI: 0.878-0.976), 88.0%, 84.5%, and 89.8% in the training set, and 0.849 (95% CI: 0.737-0.960), 77.3%, 85.2%, and 72.0% in the test set, respectively. The calibration curve showed a deviation between the calibration curve of the combined intratumoral and 5mm peritumoral model and the ideal line, but it could achieve basic consistency. DCA showed that when the threshold was between 0.18 and 0.70, the combined intratumoral and 5mm peritumoral model could bring clinical net benefit to patients when predicting neural invasion. Conclusion:The intratumoral and 5mm peritumoral imaging genomics model based on enhanced CT features can effectively predict neural invasion and offer clinical benefits in patients with ICC.

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