1.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
2.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
3.Exploring Mechanism of Yijing Decoction in Treating Decreased Ovarian Reserve Based on Oxidative Stress Mediated by Chronic Iron Overload
Jing YU ; Chengcheng LIANG ; Heng HU ; Zhe LI ; Haijing CHU ; Jijun CHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):77-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Yijing decoction to inhibit oxidative stress induced by chronic iron overload and improve ovarian reserve hypofunction in mice. MethodsSeventy-two female C57BL/6J mice with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into six groups (n=12 per group):blank group,model group,Yijing decoction(YJD) low-dose group,medium-dose group,high-dose group,and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) group. Mice in the blank group received intraperitoneal injections of normal saline,while those in all other groups were administered iron dextran (Sigma-Aldrich) at a dose of 0.5 g·kg-1 once weekly for 8 weeks to establish a chronic iron overload model. Following the final injection,interventions were initiated and continued for 4 weeks. The low,medium,and high dose groups of YJD received oral gavage of Yijing decoction aqueous solution at doses of 18.165, 36.33,and 72.66 g·kg-1·d-1,respectively. The DHEA group received DHEA aqueous solution at 10.812 5 mg·kg-1·d-1. The blank and model groups received an equivalent volume of distilled water by gavage once daily. Body weight was recorded weekly,and food intake was monitored throughout the treatment period. Vaginal smears were collected daily and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) to assess estrous cycle regularity. At the end of the experiment,mice were euthanized,and bilateral ovaries and uteri were rapidly excised and weighed to calculate ovarian and uterine indices (mg·g-1). Ovarian tissues were fixed,embedded,and sectioned for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to evaluate histopathological changes. Iron deposition in ovarian tissue was visualized using Prussian blue staining. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH),luteinizing hormone (LH),estradiol (E2),and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in ovarian homogenates were determined using commercial biochemical assay kits. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in ovarian tissue were assessed by ROS fluorescence staining on frozen sections. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in ovarian tissue was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Total RNA was extracted from ovarian tissue for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) to quantify mRNA expression of ferritin heavy chain 1 (Fth1),ferritin light chain (Ftl),transferrin (Tf),transferrin receptor 1 (Tfr1),catalase (Cat),and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1). Protein expression levels of Fth1,Ftl,Tf,Tfr1,and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group,mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced body weight and severe estrous cycle disruption (P<0.01),a markedly increased uterine index (P<0.01),and a significantly decreased ovarian index (P<0.01). The number of antral follicles was significantly reduced,while atretic follicles were markedly increased,accompanied by pronounced iron deposition in the ovarian stroma. Serum levels of AMH and E2,as well as ovarian SOD activity,protein and mRNA expression of Tf and Tfr1,and mRNA levels of GPX1 and Cat were all significantly downregulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Conversely,serum FSH and LH levels,MDA content,protein and mRNA expression of Fth1 and Ftl,and ROS fluorescence intensity were significantly elevated (P<0.05,P<0.01),along with a marked decrease in GPX4 protein expression (P<0.01). TEM revealed an increased number of damaged mitochondria in ovarian tissue,characterized by loss or disappearance of mitochondrial cristae. Compared with the model group,treatment with low,medium,and high doses of YJD and DHEA significantly improved body weight and ameliorated estrous cycle irregularities (P<0.05,P<0.01),decreased the uterine index (P<0.05),and increased the ovarian index (P<0.05,P<0.01). These groups also showed increased numbers of antral follicles,reduced atretic follicles,and significantly diminished iron deposition in the ovarian stroma. Serum AMH and E2 levels,ovarian SOD activity,protein and mRNA expression of Tf and Tfr1,and mRNA levels of GPX1 and Cat were all significantly upregulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). In contrast,serum FSH and LH levels,MDA content,protein and mRNA expression of Fth1 and Ftl,and ROS fluorescence intensity were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01),while GPX4 protein expression was markedly increased (P<0.01). Moreover,mitochondrial damage was alleviated,and mitochondrial ultrastructure was notably restored in ovarian tissue. ConclusionYijing decoction ameliorates ovarian reserve function in mice with chronic iron overload by upregulating the expression of Tf,Tfr1,and GPX4,downregulating the expression of Ft,Fth1,and Ftl,thereby alleviating systemic iron metabolism disorders,reducing oxidative stress in ovarian tissue,and restoring mitochondrial morphology and structure.
4.Association of sleep quality with overweight and obesity among middle school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):779-782
Objective:
To explore relationship of sleep quality with overweight and obesity among middle school students, so as to provide a reference basis for improving adolescent sleep health.
Methods:
From September to December 2023, 5 713 middle school students aged 13 to 18 were selected by stratified cluster random sampling method in six regions, including Shanghai, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Wuyuan, Xingyi and Urumqi. Sleep quality survey was conducted on middle school students by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Height and weight were measured, and World Health Organization s standards for growth and development of children and adolescents was used to evaluate their nutritional status. Both χ 2 test and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the association between sleep quality and nutritional status of middle school students.
Results:
The non compliance detection rate of sleep quality was 38.4% among girls, but 29.2% among boys, and the difference was of statistical significance( χ 2=54.08, P < 0.01 ). The detection rate of substandard sleep quality was 34.2% in the group with normal nutritional status, 38.3% in the group with overweight, 43.7% in the group with obesity and 26.0% in the group with emaciation, and the difference in the rates of substandard sleep quality among middle school students of different nutritional status was statistically significant ( χ 2=68.15, P <0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that, after controlling for mental health and physical activity, the detection rate of substandard sleep quality in the obese groups was 1.30 times higher than that in the normal group, respectively( OR =1.30, 95% CI =1.06- 1.59 , P <0.01).
Conclusions
Sleep quality is correlated with overweight and obesity among middle school students, and there are gender differences. Intervention policies should be formulated according to the characteristics of different genders.
5.Expert consensus on clinical protocol for treating herpes zoster with fire needling.
Xiaodong WU ; Bin LI ; Baoyan LIU ; Lin HE ; Zhishun LIU ; Shixi HUANG ; Keyi HUI ; Hongxia LIU ; Yuxia CAO ; Shuxin WANG ; Zhe XU ; Cang ZHANG ; Jingsheng ZHAO ; Yali LIU ; Nanqi ZHAO ; Nan DING ; Jing HU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(12):1825-1832
The expert consensus on the clinical treatment of herpes zoster with fire needling was developed, and the commonly used fire needling treatment scheme verified by clinical research was selected to form a standardized diagnosis and treatment scheme for acute herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), so as to answer the core problems in clinical application. The consensus focuses on patients with herpes zoster, and forms recommendations for 9 key clinical issues, covering simple fire needling and TCM comprehensive therapy based on fire needling, including fire needling combined with cupping, fire needling combined with Chinese herb, fire needling combined with cupping and Chinese herb, fire needling combined with filiform needling, fire needling combined with moxibustion, and provides specific recommendations and operational guidelines for various therapies.
Humans
;
Herpes Zoster/therapy*
;
Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation*
;
Consensus
;
Clinical Protocols
6.Primary regional disparities in clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of a typically designed study of valvular heart disease at 46 tertiary hospitals in China: Insights from the China-VHD Study.
Xiangming HU ; Yunqing YE ; Zhe LI ; Qingrong LIU ; Zhenyan ZHAO ; Zheng ZHOU ; Weiwei WANG ; Zikai YU ; Haitong ZHANG ; Zhenya DUAN ; Bincheng WANG ; Bin ZHANG ; Junxing LV ; Shuai GUO ; Yanyan ZHAO ; Runlin GAO ; Haiyan XU ; Yongjian WU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(8):937-946
BACKGROUND:
Valvular heart disease (VHD) has become increasingly common with the aging in China. This study aimed to evaluate regional differences in the clinical features, management strategies, and outcomes of patients with VHD across different regions in China.
METHODS:
Data were collected from the China-VHD Study. From April 2018 to June 2018, 12,347 patients who presented with moderate or severe native VHD with a median of 2 years of follow-up from 46 centers at certified tertiary hospitals across 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in Chinese mainland were included in this study. According to the locations of the research centers, patients were divided into five regional groups: eastern, southern, western, northern, and central China. The clinical features of VHD patients were compared among the five geographical regions. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for heart failure. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare the cumulative incidence rate.
RESULTS:
Among the enrolled patients (mean age, 61.96 years; 6877 [55.70%] male), multiple VHD was the most frequent type (4042, 32.74%), which was mainly found in eastern China, followed by isolated mitral regurgitation (3044, 24.65%), which was mainly found in northern China. The etiology of VHD varied significantly across different regions of China. The overall rate of valve interventions was 32.67% (4008/12,268), with the highest rate in southern China at 48.46% (205/423). In terms of procedure, the proportion of transcatheter valve intervention was relatively low compared to that of surgical treatment. Patients with VHD in western China had the highest incidence of all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for heart failure. Valve intervention significantly improved the outcome of patients with VHD in all five regions (all P <0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
This study revealed that patients with VHD in China are characterized by significant geographic disparities in clinical features, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Targeted efforts are needed to improve the management and prognosis of patients with VHD in China according to differences in geographical characteristics.
REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03484806.
Aged
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Heart Valve Diseases/therapy*
;
Kaplan-Meier Estimate
;
Tertiary Care Centers
;
Treatment Outcome
7.Burden of Headache Disorders in China and its Provinces, 1990-2021.
Zhe LIU ; Xue Hua HU ; Lin YANG ; Jin Lei QI ; Jiang Mei LIU ; Li Jun WANG ; Mai Geng ZHOU ; Peng YIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):547-556
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the prevalence and burden of headache disorders in China and its provinces from 1990 to 2021.
METHODS:
Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021, the number of prevalent cases, prevalence rate, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized DALY rates were analyzed by sex, age group, and province for headache disorders and their subtypes (migraine and tension-type headache [TTH]) between 1990 and 2021. Percentage changes during this period were also estimated.
RESULTS:
In 2021, approximately 426 million individuals in China were affected by headache disorders, with an age-standardized prevalence rate of 27,582.61/100,000. The age-standardized DALY rate for all headache disorders was 487.15/100,000. Between 1990 and 2021, the number of prevalent cases increased by 37.78%, while the prevalence of all headache disorders, migraine, and TTH increased by 6.92%, 7.57%, and 7.86%, respectively. The highest prevalence was observed in the 30-34 age group (39,520.60/100,000). Migraine accounted for a larger proportion of DALYs attributable to headache disorders, whereas TTH has a greater impact on its prevalence. In 2021, the highest age-standardized DALY rates for headache disorders were observed in Heilongjiang (617.85/100,000) and Shanghai (542.86/100,000).
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of headache disorders is increasing in China. Effective health education, improve diagnosis and treatment are essential, particularly for middle-aged working populations and women of childbearing age.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Prevalence
;
Young Adult
;
Adolescent
;
Aged
;
Child
;
Headache Disorders/epidemiology*
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Child, Preschool
;
Cost of Illness
;
Infant
;
Aged, 80 and over
8.Preoperative peripheral blood CRP,total protein and tumor markers in predicting postoperative abdominal infection in cholangiocarcinoma
Xinghe HU ; Zhe LIU ; Shichun LU ; Xinjiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(16):2471-2475
OBJECTIVE To explore the value of preoperative serum laboratory indicators in the diagnosis of postop-erative abdominal infection in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.METHODS We retrospectively collected 444 patients who underwent radical resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma at the First Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital from Jan.2021 to Apr.2023.According to whether postoperative ab-dominal cavity infection occurred,patients were divided into an infection group(52 cases)and a no-infection group(392 cases).The general clinical data,intraoperative and postoperative conditions of the two patient groups were compared.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the predictive value of preoperative laboratory indicators in the diagnosis of postoperative abdominal infections.RESULTS The abdominal cavity infec-tion rate was 11.71%in patients undergoing radical resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.Compared with the non-infection group,the infection group had significantly higher intraoperative red blood cell transfusion vol-umes,higher incidence rates of postoperative biliary fistula and a longer postoperative hospital stay(P<0.05).Preoperative serum total protein,C-reactive protein(CRP),carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohy-drate antigen(CA)125,CA15-3,and CA72-4 were independent risk factors in predicting postoperative abdominal cavity infection in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma(P<0.05).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)value of the combination of these six indica-tors for diagnosing postoperative abdominal cavity infection in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma was 0.873(95%CI:0.818-0.929),with a sensitivity of 73.1%(95%CI:0.590-0.844)and a specificity of 87.0%(95%CI:0.833-0.902).CONCLUSION Preoperative peripheral blood CRP,total protein and tumor markers of patients with peri-hilar cholangiocarcinoma have high diagnostic values for postoperative abdominal cavity infection.
9.Global procurement of health products by international multilateral organizations and China's participation:A case study of the Global Fund
Xiao-long HU ; Zhe-yi FANG ; Jia-yan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(1):73-81
Global procurement of health products is an important way for multilateral organizations in the health field to perform their functions.As one of the most important multilateral organizations in the global health field today,the Global Fund to Fight AIDS,Tuberculosis and Malaria occupies a huge share of the global procurement market for health products.This article introduces in detail the procurement methods of the Global Fund and the quality standards of its procured products;also it describes and analyzes the total amount of funds procured by the Global Fund,the types of procured health products,the main supply countries and their changing trends over time.Corresponding policy suggestions therefore are proposed for China to better participate in the governance of global health and for Chinese related companies to enter the international procurement market.
10.Executive Summary of the 2024 National Report on the Medical Care Quality of Cardiovascular Disease in China
Shengshou HU ; Zhe ZHENG ; Jing FAN
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(7):625-645
The National Report on the Services,Quality and Safety in Medical Care System-Cardiovascular Disease Specialty Volume 2024(hereinafter referred to as the report)was organized and compiled by the National Center for Cardiovascular Quality Improvement.Based on representative national medical quality monitoring and survey data,it comprehensively analyzes and presents the current status and changing trends of medical services and quality safety in the cardiovascular disease specialty in China,and proposes future key work directions and improvement suggestions for weak links and common problems.The main content of the report is divided into two parts.The first part covers the overall situation of medical services for cardiovascular disease,mainly analyzing the overall medical service volume,patient characteristics,and the implementation of key diagnostic and treatment technologies.The second part covers the analysis of key quality control indicators for cardiovascular disease subspecialties,which analyzes the medical service volume,patient characteristics,process quality control indicators,and outcome quality control indicators for 12 specialties including coronary heart disease,heart failure,hypertension,atrial fibrillation,pulmonary hypertension,cardiomyopathy,cardiac surgery,major vascular surgery,structural heart disease intervention,arrhythmia intervention,extracorporeal circulation and extracorporeal life support,and cardiovascular imaging.The analysis focuses on key points of medical quality control and makes in-depth comparisons of regional differences in medical quality and the homogeneity of medical quality among hospitals within regions.The report provides evidence-based support for health administrative departments at all levels to formulate corresponding policies and offers important data support for enhancing the scientific and refined management of medical quality and safety of cardiovascular disease in China.


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