1."Olfactory Administration of Chinese Medicine"——A New Form of Application of Chinese Medicine
Shuangli ZHANG ; Shihui GE ; Zimeng GE ; Yue WANG ; Lianmin YUAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Xinxuan LI ; Jinxin MIAO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):225-232
As an innovative form of combining traditional aromatherapy with modern nasal medicine delivery technology, "olfactory administration of Chinese medicine" carries the theoretical essence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is "moving and channeling Qi and fragrance, dredging and awakening the mind". Based on the systematic records of olfactory therapies in ancient books in emergency care, disorders of consciousness, lung system, and gynecological diseases, this paper examines the historical evolution of its clinical application, and elucidates the profound historical basis and theoretical feasibility of "olfactory administration of Chinese medicine" as a new form. Combined with the innovation and precise application of modern Chinese medicine olfactory agents in multi-system diseases such as nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, this paper further analyzes the multi-dimensional mechanism of olfactory receptor pathway, olfactory brain pathway, nasal mucosal blood vessels, and lymphatic channels, and demonstrates its advantages of rapid onset, targeted brain entry, and systemic regulation. Under the background of continuous growth in the demand for external TCM treatment, continuous breakthroughs in the technology of nasal dosage forms, and increasingly accurate drug delivery paths, Chinese medicine olfactory agents have shown significant practical applicability and development potential. This study aims to provide theoretical support and practical direction for the system construction of this form.
2.Epidemiological characteristics of pertussis among individuals aged 18 years and below in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2023
WANG Linxi ; ZHU Yao ; WU Beibei ; HE Hanqing
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):135-139
Objective :
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis among the population aged ≤18 years in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2023, so as to provide a basis for optimizing pertussis prevention and control measures as well as immunization strategies.
Methods:
Data on pertussis cases among individuals aged ≤18 years in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2023 were collected through the Infectious Disease Reporting Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Vaccination records were obtained from the specialized pertussis epidemiological survey conducted in Zhejiang Province. The descriptive epidemiological method was employed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis among the population aged ≤18 years, as well as the interval between disease onset and the last immunization among breakthrough cases.
Results:
A total of 7 431 pertussis cases aged ≤18 years were reported in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2023, with an average annual reported incidence of 8.68/105. The overall trend showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). The reported incidence remained relatively low from 2016 to 2021, consistently below 10.00/105. In contrast, the incidence rose to 33.98/105 in 2022 and 13.39/105 in 2023. The peak incidence period was from April to August, during which 4 024 cases were reported, accounting for 54.15%. Hangzhou City, Wenzhou City, and Ningbo City reported the highest number of cases, with 3 844, 1 581, and 646 cases, representing 51.73%, 21.28%, and 8.69%, respectively. In terms of average annual incidence, Hangzhou City, Wenzhou City, and Huzhou City ranked the highest, with rates of 33.98/105, 12.38/105, and 12.27/105, respectively. Among age groups, the highest reported incidence was observed in children aged 0-<1 years, at 48.87/105. From 2016 to 2023, the incidence in the 5-<10 years and 10-18 years age groups showed upward trends (AAPC=108.193%, 106.709%, both P<0.05). The proportion of cases in the 5-<10 years age group also increased during this period (P<0.05). A total of 109 breakthrough pertussis cases were identified. The median interval between disease onset and the last immunization was 4.00 (interquartile range, 4.00) years. The numbers of cases with intervals of 1-<2 years and ≥6 years were both relatively high, comprising 25 cases and 37 cases, which accounted for 22.94% and 33.94%, respectively.
Conclusions
From 2016 to 2021, the reported incidence of pertussis in Zhejiang Province remained relatively stable. However, a sharp increase was observed in 2022. The disease peaked during spring and summer. Key populations for targeted prevention and control included children aged 0-<1 year, 5-<10 years, and 10-18 years. The interval between disease onset and the last immunization among breakthrough pertussis cases exhibited a bimodal distribution.
3.Knowledge and adaptive behavior of food delivery riders during high temperature and heat wave
QIU Yidan ; GU Shaohua ; WANG Aihong ; LU Beibei ; SHI Bijun ; WANG Yong ; ZHANG Dandan
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):93-97
Objective:
To investigate the status of heat illness, knowledge awareness and adaptive behaviors of heat wave knowledge among food delivery riders, so as to provide a basis for optimizing heat wave response measures for food delivery riders.
Methods:
In November 2022, food delivery riders from a large food delivery platform in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province were selected as survey subjects using a cluster sampling method. A self-designed electronic questionnaire was used to select demographic information, work status, lifestyle behaviors and disease history, heat illness status, knowledge awareness and adaptive behaviors of heatwave.
Results:
A total of 911 questionnaires were distributed, and 830 valid questionnaires were recovered, resulting in a valid response rate of 91.11%. Among the respondents, 796 (95.90%) were male, and 818 (98.55%) worked full-time. The mean age was (27.75±8.00) years. A total of 470 respondents (56.63%) had a work tenure of less than 1 year. The primary working hours were 8-<12 hours, with 504 people accounting for 60.72%. There were 108 cases of heatstroke, with an occurrence rate of 13.01%. And 286 people reported heat-related symptoms, with an occurrence rate of 34.46%. The overall awareness rate of heat wave knowledge was 73.22%, while the awareness rate of heat warning signal classification was relatively low at 9.04%. The heat wave cognition score was (5.86±1.31) points. There were statistically significant differences in heat wave cognition scores among food delivery riders of different ages, educational levels, family annual income, work tenures, and work durations (all P<0.05). Regarding positive adaptive behaviors, the number of riders paying attention to weather forecasts and actively learning about preventive measures was higher (734 people each, accounting for 88.43%). Regarding negative adaptive behaviors, the number of riders who often drank ice-cold beverages was higher (509 people, accounting for 61.33%). The heat wave adaptive behavior score was (6.88±1.77) points. There were statistically significant differences in adaptive behavior scores among riders with different educational levels, family annual income, work tenures, and smoking frequency (all P<0.05).
Conclusions
The occurrence rates of heatstroke and heat-related symptoms among food delivery riders are relatively high. The knowledge awareness and adaptive behaviors regarding heat wave are at a moderate level. It is suggested to strengthen health education, reinforce risk cognition of heat wave, and promote positive adaptive behaviors among food delivery riders.
4.Nose-to-brain Delivery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Essential Oils for Neurological Disorders: Applications and Molecular Mechanisms
Shuangli ZHANG ; Shihui GE ; Yinan ZHAO ; Zimeng GE ; Yue WANG ; Lianmin YUAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Xinxuan LI ; Jinxin MIAO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):251-259
The nose-to-brain pathway refers to a significant drug delivery route through which substances traverse the unique anatomical structures of the nasal cavity to directly access the central nervous system, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Its core advantage lies in utilizing the olfactory and trigeminal nerves, enabling peripheral drug administration to rapidly and efficiently reach the brain, thereby avoiding the drug loss and bioavailability reduction associated with oral or intravenous routes due to the circulatory system and blood-brain barrier limitations. In recent years, with in-depth research into the neuroanatomy of the olfactory system, nasal mucosal barrier properties, and neural regulatory mechanisms, the potential application of the nose-to-brain pathway in neurological diseases has attracted increasing attention. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) essential oils, characterized by strong lipophilicity, small molecular weights, volatility, and diverse chemical components, are highly compatible with the physiological characteristics of the nose-to-brain pathway, thus serving as promising carriers for brain-targeted drug delivery, enhancing drug bioavailability, and exerting neuroprotective effects. On this basis, this review systematically summarizes the anatomical and physiological bases for the delivery of TCM essential oils via the nose-to-brain pathway, the patterns of drug transport and brain distribution, clinical and animal study examples in neurological diseases, the associated molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, and the progress in the development of novel nasal essential oil formulations. Additionally, the review analyzes the current challenges in this field and proposes strategies for future research and application. By systematically discussing the nose-to-brain pathway and the delivery mechanisms of TCM essential oils, this study aims to provide theoretical support for drug development, mechanism exploration, and formulation innovation in the treatment of neurological diseases, while also offering scientific guidance for further research and clinical applications of the nose-to-brain delivery system.
5.Nose-to-brain Delivery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Essential Oils for Neurological Disorders: Applications and Molecular Mechanisms
Shuangli ZHANG ; Shihui GE ; Yinan ZHAO ; Zimeng GE ; Yue WANG ; Lianmin YUAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Xinxuan LI ; Jinxin MIAO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):251-259
The nose-to-brain pathway refers to a significant drug delivery route through which substances traverse the unique anatomical structures of the nasal cavity to directly access the central nervous system, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Its core advantage lies in utilizing the olfactory and trigeminal nerves, enabling peripheral drug administration to rapidly and efficiently reach the brain, thereby avoiding the drug loss and bioavailability reduction associated with oral or intravenous routes due to the circulatory system and blood-brain barrier limitations. In recent years, with in-depth research into the neuroanatomy of the olfactory system, nasal mucosal barrier properties, and neural regulatory mechanisms, the potential application of the nose-to-brain pathway in neurological diseases has attracted increasing attention. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) essential oils, characterized by strong lipophilicity, small molecular weights, volatility, and diverse chemical components, are highly compatible with the physiological characteristics of the nose-to-brain pathway, thus serving as promising carriers for brain-targeted drug delivery, enhancing drug bioavailability, and exerting neuroprotective effects. On this basis, this review systematically summarizes the anatomical and physiological bases for the delivery of TCM essential oils via the nose-to-brain pathway, the patterns of drug transport and brain distribution, clinical and animal study examples in neurological diseases, the associated molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, and the progress in the development of novel nasal essential oil formulations. Additionally, the review analyzes the current challenges in this field and proposes strategies for future research and application. By systematically discussing the nose-to-brain pathway and the delivery mechanisms of TCM essential oils, this study aims to provide theoretical support for drug development, mechanism exploration, and formulation innovation in the treatment of neurological diseases, while also offering scientific guidance for further research and clinical applications of the nose-to-brain delivery system.
6.Exploration of factors influencing abnormal iodine nutrition and pregnancy outcome in pregnant women during pregnancy based on thyroid function and thyroid autoantibody analysis
Yanping JIANG ; Wei YUAN ; Shuqiong WANG ; Yongli YAO ; Wei LUO ; Kang SONG ; Xiaoxia FAN ; Lijun LIN ; Ya'nan LI ; Yanling XIE ; Lingling ZHAO ; Beibei WANG ; Fang DANG ; Jingyuan WANG ; Wenyan MA ; Peiyun FAN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(16):2549-2555
Objective To analyze the factors influencing iodine nutritional status in pregnant women dur-ing pregnancy,based on thyroid function and thyroid autoantibody levels,and to explore the association between iodine nutritional abnormalities and pregnancy outcomes.Methods A total of 838 pregnant women who underwent routine prenatal checkups at Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital between January 2021 and June 2023 were pro-spectively enrolled in this study.All participants were followed until delivery.Seven cases were lost to follow-up,resulting in a final sample size of 831 participants.Among them,276 were in the first trimester,384 in the second trimester,and 171 in the third trimester.Data on urinary iodine concentration(UIC),urinary creatinine(UCr),thyroid function indicators,and thyroid autoantibodies were collected.Based on their iodine nutritional status,the participants were categorized into either the iodine-sufficient group or the iodine-abnormal group(including iodine-deficient,iodine-hyper-sufficient,and iodine-excessive subgroups).This study analyzed the iodine nutritional sta-tus of pregnant women during different gestational periods,compared thyroid function indices,prevalence of thy-roid diseases,and the positivity rates of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb),thyroglobulin antibody(TGAb),and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody(TRAb)among different iodine status groups.Additionally,ad-verse pregnancy outcomes were compared across groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors associated with iodine abnormalities during pregnancy,and a predictive model was developed to assess its potential predictive value.Results Among the 831 pregnant women included in the study,373 cases(44.89%)exhibited iodine sufficiency,while 458 cases(55.11%)presented with iodine abnormalities,including 282 cases of iodine deficiency,144 cases of iodine hypersufficiency,and 32 cases of iodine excess.No statistically significant differences were observed in the iodine nutritional status across different trimesters(P>0.05).The se-rum level of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)was significantly higher in the iodine abnormal group compared to the iodine sufficient group(P<0.05).Additionally,the iodine abnormal group demonstrated higher positivity rates of TPOAb alone,TGAb,and TRAb,as well as increased incidence of thyroid dysfunction and total adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to the iodine sufficient group(all P<0.05).These adverse indicators were also sig-nificantly elevated in the iodine-deficient,iodine super-sufficient,and iodine overdose subgroups compared to the iodine sufficient group(P<0.05).Elevated serum TSH levels and the presence of TPOAb,TGAb,and TRAb were identified as risk factors for iodine abnormalities during pregnancy(P<0.05).The predictive model con-structed for identifying iodine abnormalities in pregnant women demonstrated an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.876,with a sensitivity of 72.27%and a specificity of 89.01%.Conclusions The prevalence of iodine nutritional abnormalities among pregnant women during pregnancy was high,with most cases presenting iodine deficiency.These abnormalities were associated with thyroid function,thyroid autoimmunity,and pregnancy outcomes,but showed no significant correlation with gestational age.Furthermore,the prediction model developed based on iden-tified risk factors demonstrated effective performance in predicting iodine nutritional abnormalities during preg-nancy.
7.Biological connotation of the pathogenesis of the"internal heat leading to Zheng"theory in diabetic kidney disease based on lipophagy
Yexin CHEN ; Hanzhang HONG ; Ziheng GAO ; Maoxuan LIN ; Beibei YE ; Runze WANG ; Tunan DING ; Zeyu XUE ; Yuxin HU ; Gaiwen CUI ; Lin WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(6):845-852
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD),a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus,remains a leading cause of end-stage renal disease.Recent research has identified lipophagy,a novel mechanism in DKD pathogenesis,drawing increasing attention in the field.This paper explores the biological connotation of the"internal heat leading to Zheng"pathogenesis based on lipophagy.The study proposes that lipophagy represents the microscopic biological correlation of liver-spleen coordination in regulating spleen transport and the ascending-descending dynamics of the middle jiao.Under persistent hyperglycemia,the suppression of lipophagic activity mirrors the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pathophysiological process described as"excessive fire consuming healthy qi,"whereas aberrant lipid accumulation in the kidney corresponds to the dynamic aggregation and dispersion of micro-zhengjia.Lipotoxicity,a key driver of DKD progression,is interpreted as the biological manifestation of accumulated turbidity transforming into toxicity,resulting in progressive impairment of renal essence and function.The dynamic process of lipophagy dysfunction under hyperglycemia,marked by renal microangiopathy,glomerular and tubular dysfunction,and renal fibrosis,closely mirrors the pathological evolution of"micro-zhengjia"and"internal heat leading to Zheng."Consequently,TCM strategies for DKD prevention and treatment should emphasize heat regulation,stage-specific interventions,liver-spleen harmonization,metabolic modulation,early collateral protection,and blood-activating approaches.
8.Trend in malignant tumor mortality for the surrounding residents prior to operation of Jinqimen Nuclear Power Plant at Xiangshan county, Zhejiang province during 2011-2023
Yong WANG ; Qun ZHANG ; Kaifang BAO ; Beibei LU ; Jieping CHEN ; Zi CHEN ; Mingxiang LI ; Xiaoli WANG ; Dandan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(10):991-1002
Objective:To analyze the 2011-to-2023 baseline data on, and the variations theirin, malignant tumor mortality for the surrounding residents prior to operation of the Jin-Qimen nuclear power plant at Xiangshan county, Zhejiang province, for pursose of providing scientific basis for evaluating the health impacts of nuclear power plant operation.Methods:Data on malignant tumor mortality and population in Xiangshan county from 2011 to 2023 were collected from the Ningzhou Cause of Death Monitoring System and the Ningzhou Public Security Bureau. Crude death rates and standardized rates (China standard population) were calculated. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC).Results:The average annual malignant tumor mortality from 2011 to 2023 was 212.42 deaths per 100 000 population (age-standardized rate: 133.16 deaths per 100 000 population), with males at 287.41 deaths per 100 000 and females at 135.40 deaths per 100 000 population. The crude mortality exhibited an upward trend (AAPC=1.264%, t=5.07, P<0.05), while the age-standardized rate showed a significant downward trend (AAPC=-2.753%, t=-10.50, P<0.05). Mortality increased with age ( χ2=23 903.91, P<0.05), peaking in the ≥85 age group (1 693.11 per 100 000), and rising trends were observed in males ( χ2=16 982.46, P<0.05) and females ( χ2=7 329.05, P<0.05). Leading causes included lung cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Liver cancer, gastric cancer, and esophageal cancer showed declining trends, whereas prostate cancer increased. Radiation-sensitive tumors (e.g., leukemia, breast cancer, thyroid cancer) displayed no significant trends. Among individuals under the age of 30, leukemia and brain/nervous system cancers predominated; for those aged 30-79, the lung, liver, and gastric cancers were dominant; and for the group aged 80 and above, the lung, gastric, and colorectal cancers were dominant. Malignant tumor mortality increased with distance from the nuclear facility ( χ2=6.90, P<0.05), significantly in males ( χ2=10.42, P<0.05) but not in females ( P>0.05). Leukemia, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer mortality showed no significant trends ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The age-standardized mortality rate for malignant tumors in Xiangshan county demonstrated an overall declining trend, with notable changes in specific cancers. Leukemia, breast cancer, and thyroid cancer mortality remained relatively stable. These baseline findings provide a scientific basis for health impact assessments of nuclear power plants and sustainable nuclear energy development.
9.Pathogenic bacteria isolated from recurrent spontaneous abortion patients complicated with reproductive tract infection and changes of peripheral blood miR-155 and Th17/Treg cytokines
Shan WANG ; Youyun LI ; Beibei CHEN ; Huiling ZHAO ; Shuai XU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(5):692-696
OBJECTIVE To analyze the distribution of pathogens isolated from the recurrent spontaneous abortion patients complicated with genital tract infection,observe the changes of peripheral blood microribonucleic acid-155(miR-155),helper T cell 17(Th17)/regulatory T cell(Treg)cytokines and analyze the clinical significance.METHODS A total of 102 recurrent spontaneous abortion patients who were complicated with genital tract infec-tion and were treated in Xinxiang Central Hospital from Jan.2022 to Oct.2023 were assigned as the infection group,meanwhile,80 recurrent spontaneous abortion patients who were not complicated with genital tract infec-tion were chosen as the no infection group.The distribution of the pathogens isolated from the patients of the in-fection group was observed.The expression levels of peripheral blood miR-155,Th17/Treg and their cytokines[interleukin(IL)-10,IL-17]were compared between the two groups.The values of the peripheral blood miR-155,Th17/Treg,IL-10 and IL-17 in prediction of genital tract infection in the recurrent spontaneous abortion patients were analyzed by means of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.RESULTS Totally 121 strains of patho-gens were isolated from the 102 recurrent spontaneous abortion patients complicated with genital tract infection,68(56.20%)of which were gram-negative bacteria,45(37.19%)were gram-positive bacteria,and 8(6.61%)were fungi.Escherichia coli was the predominant species of gram-negative bacteria;Staphylococcus aureus was dominant among the gram-positive bacteria;Candida albicans was the predominant species of fungi.There were significant differences in the levels of peripheral blood miR-155,Th17/Treg and cytokines between the infection group and the no infection group(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curves(AUCs)of peripheral blood miR-155,Th17/Treg,IL-10,IL-17 and the joint detection of the above indexes were 0.891,0.909,0.877,0.869 and 0.994,respectively;the joint detection was superior to the single detection(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS The gram-negative bacteria are dominant among the pathogens isolated from the recurrent sponta-neous abortion patients complicated with genital tract infection.The miR-155,Th17/Treg and their cytokines have certain values in prediction of the genital tract infection in the patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion.
10.Loneliness in mid- to late pregnancy and risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms in late pregnancy: a longitudinal cohort study
Ziwei DING ; Lanfang ZHAO ; Le WANG ; Shuangqin YAN ; Lanci XIE ; Guopeng GAO ; Tianli ZHU ; Jingjing LIU ; Tuyan FAN ; Fengyu YANG ; Hui GAO ; Huayan MO ; Wenjing QIANG ; Beibei ZHU ; Fangbiao TAO
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(12):1107-1114
Objective:To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and longitudinal associations of loneliness during mid- to late pregnancy with anxiety and depressive symptoms in late pregnancy.Methods:In this prospective cohort study, 1 107 pregnant women at 24-28 weeks' gestation were enrolled between June 2021 and December 2022. Psychological status was assessed during mid-pregnancy (24-28 weeks) and late pregnancy (≥32 weeks) using standardized electronic questionnaires, including the Revised University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA) Loneliness Scale-Short Form (Cronbach's α=0.82), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 ( α=0.86), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 ( α=0.88). Multivariate logistic regression identified independent risk factors for loneliness. Cross-lagged path models analyzed the longitudinal predictions between loneliness and anxiety/depressive symptoms. Results:The prevalence of loneliness decreased significantly from 10.8% (120/1 107) in mid-pregnancy to 4.8% (37/777) in late pregnancy ( χ2=21.81, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified independent risk factors for loneliness: age <30 years ( OR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.15-2.50), annual household income <50 000 CNY ( OR=2.53, 95% CI: 1.28-5.02), unemployment during pregnancy ( OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.03-2.39), history of alcohol consumption ( OR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.03-2.56), and the presence of mid-pregnancy depressive ( OR=2.76, 95% CI: 1.51-5.04) and anxiety symptoms ( OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.01-2.71) (all P<0.05). Cross-lagged path models indicated bidirectional associations between loneliness and both anxiety ( β=0.32, P<0.01) and depressive symptoms ( β=0.28, P<0.01). However, the predictive effect of loneliness on subsequent depressive and anxiety symptoms ( β=0.28-0.32) was substantially stronger than the reverse prediction (mid-pregnancy anxiety on late-pregnancy loneliness: β=0.12; mid-pregnancy depression on late-pregnancy loneliness: β=0.11). Loneliness demonstrated high temporal stability (autoregressive effects β=0.29-0.32). Conclusion:Loneliness in mid-pregnancy exhibits a symmetric bidirectional association with anxiety and depressive symptoms in late pregnancy, suggesting it may be a core driver in the development of these emotional symptoms. Younger maternal age (<30 years), low household income (<50 000 CNY/year), unemployment during pregnancy, and a history of alcohol consumption were associated with a higher risk of loneliness and should be prioritized for psychological screening and intervention.


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