1.The Role and Molecular Mechanism of N⁶-methyladenosine Modification in Spermatogenesis
Shi-Qi MENG ; Wen-Ting LU ; Xu CHENG ; Fan YANG ; Chang-Min NIU ; Ying ZHEGN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1297-1312
Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered and spatiotemporally regulated developmental process in the male reproductive system, during which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), supported by the seminiferous tubule microenvironment, sequentially undergo mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis to ultimately generate structurally intact spermatozoa. This complex process is accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and finely tuned post-transcriptional regulation. Precise control of RNA fate is therefore essential for maintaining the continuity and fidelity of spermatogenesis, and its disruption represents a major molecular basis of male infertility. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. m6A methyltransferases (“writers”) catalyze the addition of a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine, m6A demethylases (“erasers”) remove the modification, and m6A-binding proteins (“readers”) recognize m6A-modified transcripts. Through the coordinated actions of these factors, m6A regulates transcript fate at multiple levels, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, translation, and decay. Emerging evidence indicates that m6A-mediated regulation is essential across multiple stages of spermatogenesis, including SSC self-renewal and differentiation, meiotic progression, maintenance of chromosomal stability, and sperm morphogenesis. Beyond its intrinsic functions in germ cells, m6A also contributes to the regulation of the testicular microenvironment. In sertoli cells, m6A is involved in maintaining blood-testis barrier integrity, RNA processing, and paracrine signaling, thereby providing structural and metabolic support for germ cell development. In Leydig cells, m6A regulates steroidogenesis, particularly testosterone synthesis, and participates in cellular stress responses and metabolic homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, m6A indirectly influences spermatogenesis by modulating the functional state of testicular somatic cells, highlighting an integrated regulatory mode that combines cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated effects. Notably, distinct classes of m6A regulators exhibit pronounced stage-specific functions and coordinated division of labor, collectively forming a multilayered and dynamic regulatory network. Writers often display dosage- and temporal window-dependent effects; erasers contribute to stage-specific demethylation and functional compensation; while readers function through a “switch-buffer” dual-layer architecture, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) participate in substrate selection and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that some m6A-related proteins can function through noncanonical mechanisms independent of m6A recognition, such as intrinsic RNA-binding activity, helicase function, or ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, thereby expanding the functional landscape of the m6A regulatory system. Dysregulation of m6A machinery can lead to multiple spermatogenic defects, including impaired SSC self-renewal, meiotic arrest, abnormal chromatin remodeling, and defective sperm formation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Despite substantial advances, several critical questions remain unresolved, including the distinction between m6A-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the spatiotemporal dynamics of m6A modifications at single-cell resolution, and the coordination and antagonism among different regulatory factors. In this review, we systematically summarize the dual regulation of spermatogenesis by germ cell-intrinsic mechanisms and the testicular microenvironment, and delineate the molecular mechanisms and stage-specific functions of the dynamic m6A regulatory network. We further discuss the current limitations in the field and propose feasible experimental strategies for future investigation. Collectively, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the epitranscriptomic regulation of spermatogenesis and to offer theoretical insights into the pathogenesis and clinical management of male infertility.
2.The Role and Molecular Mechanism of N⁶-methyladenosine Modification in Spermatogenesis
Shi-Qi MENG ; Wen-Ting LU ; Xu CHENG ; Fan YANG ; Chang-Min NIU ; Ying ZHEGN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1297-1312
Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered and spatiotemporally regulated developmental process in the male reproductive system, during which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), supported by the seminiferous tubule microenvironment, sequentially undergo mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis to ultimately generate structurally intact spermatozoa. This complex process is accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and finely tuned post-transcriptional regulation. Precise control of RNA fate is therefore essential for maintaining the continuity and fidelity of spermatogenesis, and its disruption represents a major molecular basis of male infertility. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. m6A methyltransferases (“writers”) catalyze the addition of a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine, m6A demethylases (“erasers”) remove the modification, and m6A-binding proteins (“readers”) recognize m6A-modified transcripts. Through the coordinated actions of these factors, m6A regulates transcript fate at multiple levels, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, translation, and decay. Emerging evidence indicates that m6A-mediated regulation is essential across multiple stages of spermatogenesis, including SSC self-renewal and differentiation, meiotic progression, maintenance of chromosomal stability, and sperm morphogenesis. Beyond its intrinsic functions in germ cells, m6A also contributes to the regulation of the testicular microenvironment. In sertoli cells, m6A is involved in maintaining blood-testis barrier integrity, RNA processing, and paracrine signaling, thereby providing structural and metabolic support for germ cell development. In Leydig cells, m6A regulates steroidogenesis, particularly testosterone synthesis, and participates in cellular stress responses and metabolic homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, m6A indirectly influences spermatogenesis by modulating the functional state of testicular somatic cells, highlighting an integrated regulatory mode that combines cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated effects. Notably, distinct classes of m6A regulators exhibit pronounced stage-specific functions and coordinated division of labor, collectively forming a multilayered and dynamic regulatory network. Writers often display dosage- and temporal window-dependent effects; erasers contribute to stage-specific demethylation and functional compensation; while readers function through a “switch-buffer” dual-layer architecture, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) participate in substrate selection and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that some m6A-related proteins can function through noncanonical mechanisms independent of m6A recognition, such as intrinsic RNA-binding activity, helicase function, or ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, thereby expanding the functional landscape of the m6A regulatory system. Dysregulation of m6A machinery can lead to multiple spermatogenic defects, including impaired SSC self-renewal, meiotic arrest, abnormal chromatin remodeling, and defective sperm formation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Despite substantial advances, several critical questions remain unresolved, including the distinction between m6A-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the spatiotemporal dynamics of m6A modifications at single-cell resolution, and the coordination and antagonism among different regulatory factors. In this review, we systematically summarize the dual regulation of spermatogenesis by germ cell-intrinsic mechanisms and the testicular microenvironment, and delineate the molecular mechanisms and stage-specific functions of the dynamic m6A regulatory network. We further discuss the current limitations in the field and propose feasible experimental strategies for future investigation. Collectively, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the epitranscriptomic regulation of spermatogenesis and to offer theoretical insights into the pathogenesis and clinical management of male infertility.
3.Research and development trends and hot spots of spinal surgical robots for treatment of spinal diseases
Yanyan NIU ; Qi ZHANG ; Mingxing FAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(21):4612-4620
BACKGROUND:In recent years,the application of surgical robots has become a research hotspot in the field of spinal surgery,but there is still a lack of literature visualization analysis of spinal surgical robots in China.OBJECTIVE:To conduct literature visualization analysis on the research hotspots of spinal surgical robots for the treatment of spinal diseases to provide a useful reference for the research and development of spinal surgical robots in China.METHODS:The Web of Science core set database was applied to search for relevant literature on spinal surgical robots for the treatment of spinal diseases,and 900 articles were finally included. Visualization analysis was conducted on number of publications,journals,institutions,countries,keywords,co-cited documents and highly cited documents of the included literature using VOSviewer 1.6.19 software.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The literature in the field of spinal surgical robots for the treatment of spinal diseases has been increasing year by year,especially in 2023,when the number of publications reached a peak. United States,China,and Germany are the research hotspots in this field. National Natural Science Foundation of China is the main fund in this field. (2) Beijing Jishuitan Hospital,China and Hospital for Special Surgery in United States have made great publications to the research in this field. (3) World Neurosurgery,Spine,and Operative Neurosurgery are the main publication journals in this field. (4) Keyword analysis showed that the research mainly focused on the accuracy of robot-assisted spinal surgery,minimally invasive surgery,robotic spinal surgery,and navigation technology. (5) The results of the co-citation analysis of the literature exhibit that robot-assisted technology has significant advantages in spinal surgery. Compared with traditional surgery,spinal surgical robots such as ROSA? Spine,ExcelsiusGPS,Mazor X,and TiRobot have the advantages of high-precision navigation,precise pedicle screw placement,and real-time feedback. They reduce X-ray radiation exposure during surgery,diminish the risk of complications for patients,and improve the success rate of surgery,showing their application prospects in the field of spinal surgery. (6) Despite this,the application and accuracy of related technologies still need to accumulate experience for improvement. Robotic surgery technology has shown cost-effectiveness in reducing surgical radiation exposure and enhancing surgical accuracy. However,it is needed to explore its accuracy in pedicle screw placement surgery,the impact of surgical time,and economic benefits. (7) The results of the analysis of highly cited literature from 2021 to 2024 further show that the latest research hotspots in this field are currently focused on the application of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies,the improvement of the accuracy of robot-assisted pedicle screw placement,and the application of navigation robot spinal surgery platforms. For example,innovative technologies such as organic electrochemical neurons provide new integrated solutions for brain-computer interfaces,prosthetics,and intelligent soft robotics. Simultaneously,virtual reality and augmented reality technologies have shown broad application prospects in areas such as spinal deformity correction.
4.Research and development trends and hot spots of spinal surgical robots for treatment of spinal diseases
Yanyan NIU ; Qi ZHANG ; Mingxing FAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(21):4612-4620
BACKGROUND:In recent years,the application of surgical robots has become a research hotspot in the field of spinal surgery,but there is still a lack of literature visualization analysis of spinal surgical robots in China.OBJECTIVE:To conduct literature visualization analysis on the research hotspots of spinal surgical robots for the treatment of spinal diseases to provide a useful reference for the research and development of spinal surgical robots in China.METHODS:The Web of Science core set database was applied to search for relevant literature on spinal surgical robots for the treatment of spinal diseases,and 900 articles were finally included. Visualization analysis was conducted on number of publications,journals,institutions,countries,keywords,co-cited documents and highly cited documents of the included literature using VOSviewer 1.6.19 software.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The literature in the field of spinal surgical robots for the treatment of spinal diseases has been increasing year by year,especially in 2023,when the number of publications reached a peak. United States,China,and Germany are the research hotspots in this field. National Natural Science Foundation of China is the main fund in this field. (2) Beijing Jishuitan Hospital,China and Hospital for Special Surgery in United States have made great publications to the research in this field. (3) World Neurosurgery,Spine,and Operative Neurosurgery are the main publication journals in this field. (4) Keyword analysis showed that the research mainly focused on the accuracy of robot-assisted spinal surgery,minimally invasive surgery,robotic spinal surgery,and navigation technology. (5) The results of the co-citation analysis of the literature exhibit that robot-assisted technology has significant advantages in spinal surgery. Compared with traditional surgery,spinal surgical robots such as ROSA? Spine,ExcelsiusGPS,Mazor X,and TiRobot have the advantages of high-precision navigation,precise pedicle screw placement,and real-time feedback. They reduce X-ray radiation exposure during surgery,diminish the risk of complications for patients,and improve the success rate of surgery,showing their application prospects in the field of spinal surgery. (6) Despite this,the application and accuracy of related technologies still need to accumulate experience for improvement. Robotic surgery technology has shown cost-effectiveness in reducing surgical radiation exposure and enhancing surgical accuracy. However,it is needed to explore its accuracy in pedicle screw placement surgery,the impact of surgical time,and economic benefits. (7) The results of the analysis of highly cited literature from 2021 to 2024 further show that the latest research hotspots in this field are currently focused on the application of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies,the improvement of the accuracy of robot-assisted pedicle screw placement,and the application of navigation robot spinal surgery platforms. For example,innovative technologies such as organic electrochemical neurons provide new integrated solutions for brain-computer interfaces,prosthetics,and intelligent soft robotics. Simultaneously,virtual reality and augmented reality technologies have shown broad application prospects in areas such as spinal deformity correction.
5.Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with seated Taijiquan Yunshou in different sequences on cerebral cortical activation in stroke patients with hemiplegia:a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Qi XU ; Dingzhao ZHENG ; Zhenyuan NIU ; Yaling YANG ; Weiyou WEN ; Jingsheng XU ; Longqiang WU ; Fan WU ; Tiebin YAN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(10):1121-1127
Objective To investigate the immediate effect of transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)combined with seated Tai-jiquan Yunshou training under different sequences on cerebral cortical activation in stroke patients with hemiple-gia.Methods From September to December,2024,14 stroke inpatients with hemiplegia were enrolled from the Fifth Hospi-tal of Xiamen.Based on the routine medication and rehabilitation,the patients were randomly assigned to a spe-cific intervention sequence,receiving three interventions in a fixed order:tDCS followed by Yunshou(S-Y group),Yunshou followed by tDCS(Y-S group),and simultaneous tDCS and Yunshou(Sim group).Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to detect oxyhemoglobin(HbO?)concentration in bilateral sensorimotor cor-tex,premotor and supplementary motor cortex,and prefrontal cortex before and after each intervention.Results Three patients dropped out.In all the regions of interest,inter-group effects were significant in HbO? concentra-tions(F>3.697,P<0.05),and interaction effects were significant in some brain regions(F>3.276,P<0.05).Post-hoc test showed a general trend of Sim Group≥S-Y Group>Y-S Group(P<0.05),although some varia-tions existed across different brain regions.Conclusion Both simultaneous intervention(tDCS and Yunshou)and tDCS followed by Yunshou are more effective on immediate activation of key motor-related cortices in stroke patients with hemiplegia than Yunshou followed by tDCS intervention.
6.The expression of IQGAP2 in renal cell carcinoma and its effect on the malignant biological behavior of renal cell carcinoma
Hao CHEN ; Yunfeng NIU ; Qi WANG ; Ting LÜ ; Tao LI ; Kunpeng ZENG ; Bo FAN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(9):1273-1284
Objective To investigate the expression pattern of IQGAP2 in renal cell carcinoma tissues and cell lines,and to analyze its effects on the proliferation and migration of renal cell carcinoma cells.Methods Firstly,GEO database was used to screen differentially expressed genes between renal cell carcinoma tissues,and GEPIA,TIMER2.0 were used to analyze the expression level of IQGAP2 in renal cell carcinoma tissue.Subse-quently,knockdown(siRNA)and overexpression plasmids of IQGAP2 were constructed and transfected into ACHN and 786-O cell lines to perform a series of functional experiments to evaluate the effect of IQGAP2 on the malignant biological behavior of renal carcinoma cells.qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the expres-sion of EMT(epithelial-mesenchymal transition)related proteins after knockdown and overexpression of IQGAP2.Results In renal cell carcinoma tissues,the relative expression of IQGAP2 was significantly lower than in adja-cent normal tissues(P<0.001).Transfection of si-IQGAP2 in ACHN and 786-O cells effectively downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of IQGAP2(P<0.01),while transfection with an overexpression plasmid significantly upregulated its mRNA and protein expression(P<0.001).Further studies revealed that overexpression of IQGAP2 significantly inhibited the proliferation(P<0.05)and migration(P<0.01)of ACHN and 786-O cells,whereas knockdown of IQGAP2 enhanced their proliferation(P<0.05,P<0.001)and migration(P<0.01).Through qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses of EMT-related proteins,it was found that reduced expression of IQGAP2 promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)process in renal cancer cells.Conclusions The expression of IQGAP2 is low in renal cell carcinoma tissues and cells,and the decrease of the expression level can promote the EMT process of renal cell carcinoma cells,and then enhance the proliferation and migration of renal cell carcinoma cells.IQGAP2 plays an important tumor suppressor role in renal cell carcinoma.
7.Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with seated Taijiquan Yunshou in different sequences on cerebral cortical activation in stroke patients with hemiplegia:a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Qi XU ; Dingzhao ZHENG ; Zhenyuan NIU ; Yaling YANG ; Weiyou WEN ; Jingsheng XU ; Longqiang WU ; Fan WU ; Tiebin YAN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(10):1121-1127
Objective To investigate the immediate effect of transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)combined with seated Tai-jiquan Yunshou training under different sequences on cerebral cortical activation in stroke patients with hemiple-gia.Methods From September to December,2024,14 stroke inpatients with hemiplegia were enrolled from the Fifth Hospi-tal of Xiamen.Based on the routine medication and rehabilitation,the patients were randomly assigned to a spe-cific intervention sequence,receiving three interventions in a fixed order:tDCS followed by Yunshou(S-Y group),Yunshou followed by tDCS(Y-S group),and simultaneous tDCS and Yunshou(Sim group).Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to detect oxyhemoglobin(HbO?)concentration in bilateral sensorimotor cor-tex,premotor and supplementary motor cortex,and prefrontal cortex before and after each intervention.Results Three patients dropped out.In all the regions of interest,inter-group effects were significant in HbO? concentra-tions(F>3.697,P<0.05),and interaction effects were significant in some brain regions(F>3.276,P<0.05).Post-hoc test showed a general trend of Sim Group≥S-Y Group>Y-S Group(P<0.05),although some varia-tions existed across different brain regions.Conclusion Both simultaneous intervention(tDCS and Yunshou)and tDCS followed by Yunshou are more effective on immediate activation of key motor-related cortices in stroke patients with hemiplegia than Yunshou followed by tDCS intervention.
8.The expression of IQGAP2 in renal cell carcinoma and its effect on the malignant biological behavior of renal cell carcinoma
Hao CHEN ; Yunfeng NIU ; Qi WANG ; Ting LÜ ; Tao LI ; Kunpeng ZENG ; Bo FAN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(9):1273-1284
Objective To investigate the expression pattern of IQGAP2 in renal cell carcinoma tissues and cell lines,and to analyze its effects on the proliferation and migration of renal cell carcinoma cells.Methods Firstly,GEO database was used to screen differentially expressed genes between renal cell carcinoma tissues,and GEPIA,TIMER2.0 were used to analyze the expression level of IQGAP2 in renal cell carcinoma tissue.Subse-quently,knockdown(siRNA)and overexpression plasmids of IQGAP2 were constructed and transfected into ACHN and 786-O cell lines to perform a series of functional experiments to evaluate the effect of IQGAP2 on the malignant biological behavior of renal carcinoma cells.qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the expres-sion of EMT(epithelial-mesenchymal transition)related proteins after knockdown and overexpression of IQGAP2.Results In renal cell carcinoma tissues,the relative expression of IQGAP2 was significantly lower than in adja-cent normal tissues(P<0.001).Transfection of si-IQGAP2 in ACHN and 786-O cells effectively downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of IQGAP2(P<0.01),while transfection with an overexpression plasmid significantly upregulated its mRNA and protein expression(P<0.001).Further studies revealed that overexpression of IQGAP2 significantly inhibited the proliferation(P<0.05)and migration(P<0.01)of ACHN and 786-O cells,whereas knockdown of IQGAP2 enhanced their proliferation(P<0.05,P<0.001)and migration(P<0.01).Through qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses of EMT-related proteins,it was found that reduced expression of IQGAP2 promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)process in renal cancer cells.Conclusions The expression of IQGAP2 is low in renal cell carcinoma tissues and cells,and the decrease of the expression level can promote the EMT process of renal cell carcinoma cells,and then enhance the proliferation and migration of renal cell carcinoma cells.IQGAP2 plays an important tumor suppressor role in renal cell carcinoma.
9.Mechanism of Yi Sui Sheng Xue Fang in improving renal injury induced by chemotherapy in mice based on Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Yu LIU ; Li-Ying ZHANG ; Ya-Feng QI ; Yang-Yang LI ; Shang-Zu ZHANG ; Qian XU ; Guo-Xiong HAO ; Fan NIU ; Yong-Qi LIU ; Zhi-Ming ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(5):703-707
Objective To study the effect and mechanism of action of Yi Sui Sheng Xue Fang(YSSX)in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced renal injury in mice through The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(KEAP1)/Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2(NRF2)signalling pathway.Methods A mouse kidney injury model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carboplatin(40 mg·kg-1).C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group(0.9%NaCl),model group(kidney injury model)and experimental-L,experimental-M,experimental-H groups(0.53,1.05 and 2.10 g·kg-1·d-1 YSSX by gavage for 7 d).Keap1 and Nrf2 were determined by Western blot;superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)activities were determined by spectrophotometry.Results The protein expression levels of Keap1 in blank group,model group and experimental-L,experimental-M,experimental-H groups were 0.26±0.02,0.64±0.03,0.59±0.01,0.45±0.05 and 0.34±0.02;the protein expression levels of Nrf2 were 0.69±0.06,0.35±0.01,0.36±0.01,0.48±0.02 and 0.56±0.01;the enzyme activities of catalase(CAT)were(572.49±912.92),(334.60±4.92),(402.76±9.80),(475.35±5.21)and(493.00±12.03)U·mg-1;glutathione(GSH)were(2.79±0.06),(0.51±0.01),(0.59±0.07),(1.29±0.04)and(1.70±0.08)μmol·L1;SOD were(477.00±4.32),(260.67±6.13),(272.67±2.87),(386.33±3.68)and(395.00±12.25)U·mL-1;MDA were(3.89±0.02),(7.32±0.03),(6.94±0.14),(4.60±0.01)and(4.34±0.02)nmol·mg prot-1.The differences of the above indexes in the model group compared with the blank group were statistically significant(P<0.01,P<0.001);the differences of the above indexes in experimental-M,experimental-H groups compared withe model group were statistically significant(P<0.01,P<0.001).Conclusion YSSX can activate Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and regulate the oxidative stress state of the organism,thus improving the renal injury caused by chemotherapy in mice.
10.Research status of traditional Chinese medicine intervention in mTOR pathway targeting autophagy for prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy
Shi-Rui YANG ; Ting-Ting ZHOU ; Chao-Chao MA ; Peng-Fei YANG ; Fan-Qi NIU ; Xue-Yang DU ; Feng-Zhe YAN ; Si-Nong WANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1675-1678
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)is one of the most important complications of diabetes.In recent years,domestic and foreign studies have found that mammalian target protein of rapamycin(mTOR)related signaling pathway is a classic pathway involved in the regulation of autophagy,which can achieve the therapeutic effect of DKD by targeting the autophagy pathway,and plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of DKD.In this paper,we reviewed the mechanism of mTOR-related signaling pathway targeted autophagy in the prevention and treatment of DKD,in order to provide a new reference and basis for clinical prevention and treatment of DKD.

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