1.Pharmacological Review, Challenges, and Future Prospects of Zhusha Anshenwan
Xiaosong HU ; Zhou LAN ; Ping WANG ; Li DING ; Chun GUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):329-335
Zhusha Anshenwan is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula originating from LI Dongyuan's Treatise on the Differentiation of Endogenous and Exogenous Injuries (Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun) of the Jin-Yuan period. It is composed of five medicinal ingredients: Cinnabaris (Zhusha), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdihuang), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao). Under the guidance of TCM theory, this formula is used to treat syndromes of disturbed spirit, including insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety, caused by hyperactivity of heart fire and deficiency of Yin-blood, and it also exerts auxiliary anticonvulsant effects in epilepsy and related conditions. However, the potential neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity of its monarch drug, Cinnabaris (mainly composed of mercuric sulfide, HgS), together with the risk of in vivo accumulation, have rendered its clinical application controversial, and it has not yet been formally included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. In addition, restrictions imposed by the Minamata Convention on Mercury have led to an increasing shortage of natural medicinal Cinnabaris resources, making the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of synthetic Cinnabaris particularly urgent. This contradiction highlights the complexity of safety evaluation for traditional medicines. Existing studies indicate that Zhusha Anshenwan exhibits definite pharmacological activities in calming the mind, improving sleep, and regulating emotional disorders. Moreover, other components of the formula may exert antagonistic effects on the toxicity of Cinnabaris, and reports of severe mercury poisoning caused by standardized clinical use of this prescription are extremely rare. Research suggests that other ingredients in the compound formula, such as Rehmanniae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, may effectively alleviate the hepatorenal toxicity of Cinnabaris through mechanisms including modulation of the gut microbiota, formation of mercury complexes, and direct protection of target organs. This article aims to systematically review the progress in pharmacodynamic research on Zhusha Anshenwan, to explore its mechanisms of action in depth, and to analyze the toxicokinetic characteristics and safety risks of Cinnabaris, as well as the scientific connotations of toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement achieved through compound compatibility. In addition, it compares Zhusha Anshenwan with other commonly used sedative formulas, with the aim of providing a scientific basis and forward-looking perspectives for the safe and rational application and in-depth development of this classical prescription in a modern context, and of emphasizing the important value of holistic research on TCM compound formulas in addressing the challenges of single-component toxicity.
2.Identification and functional analysis of β-amyrin synthase gene in Dipsacus asper.
Huan LEI ; Hua HE ; Jiao XU ; Chang-Gui YANG ; Wei-Ke JIANG ; Tao ZHOU ; Lan-Ping GUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):1043-1050
Dipsaci Radix is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine in China, with triterpenoid saponins as the main active components. β-Amyrin synthase, a member of the oxidosqualene cyclase superfamily, plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins. Asperosaponin Ⅵ is an oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin. To explore the β-amyrin synthase genes involved in the biosynthesis of asperosaponin Ⅵ in Dipsacus asper, this study screened the candidate genes from the transcriptome data of D. asper. Two β-amyrin synthase genes, Da OSC1 and Da OSC2, were identified by phylogenetic analysis and correlation analysis. The coding sequences of Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 were 2 286 bp and 2 295 bp in length, encoding 761 and 764 amino acids,respectively. Multiple sequence alignments showed that Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 had three conserved motifs( DCTAE, QW, and MWCYCR) unique to the oxidosqualene cyclase family. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 had the highest expression levels in the roots. Compared with normal growth conditions, the low-temperature treatment significantly upregulated the expression of Da OSC1 and Da OSC2. Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression of Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in the production of β-amyrin, which suggested that Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 were able to catalyze the synthesis of β-amyrin. This study clarified the catalytic functions of two β-amyrin synthases in D. asper, analyzed their expression patterns in different tissue and at low temperatures. The findings provide a foundation for further studying the biosynthetic pathway and regulatory mechanism of asperosaponin Ⅵ in D. asper.
Intramolecular Transferases/chemistry*
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Phylogeny
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Plant Proteins/chemistry*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
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Dipsacaceae/classification*
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Saponins/metabolism*
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Oleanolic Acid/metabolism*
3.Tanreqing Capsules protect lung and gut of mice infected with influenza virus via "lung-gut axis".
Nai-Fan DUAN ; Yuan-Yuan YU ; Yu-Rong HE ; Feng CHEN ; Lin-Qiong ZHOU ; Ya-Lan LI ; Shi-Qi SUN ; Yan XUE ; Xing ZHANG ; Gui-Hua XU ; Yue-Juan ZHENG ; Wei ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2270-2281
This study aims to explore the mechanism of lung and gut protection by Tanreqing Capsules on the mice infected with influenza virus based on "the lung-gut axis". A total of 110 C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control group, model group, oseltamivir group, and low-and high-dose Tanreqing Capsules groups. Ten mice in each group underwent body weight protection experiments, and the remaining 12 mice underwent experiments for mechanism exploration. Mice were infected with influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/08/1934(PR8) via nasal inhalation for the modeling. The lung tissue was collected on day 3 after gavage, and the lung tissue, colon tissue, and feces were collected on day 7 after gavage for subsequent testing. The results showed that Tanreqing Capsules alleviated the body weight reduction and increased the survival rate caused by PR8 infection. Compared with model group, Tanreqing Capsules can alleviate the lung injury by reducing the lung index, alleviating inflammation and edema in the lung tissue, down-regulating viral gene expression at the late stage of infection, reducing the percentage of neutrophils, and increasing the percentage of T cells. Tanreqing Capsules relieved the gut injury by restoring the colon length, increasing intestinal lumen mucin secretion, alleviating intestinal inflammation, and reducing goblet cell destruction. The gut microbiota analysis showed that Tanreqing Capsules increased species diversity compared with model group. At the phylum level, Tanreqing Capsules significantly increased the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while reducing the abundance of Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria to maintain gut microbiota balance. At the genus level, Tanreqing Capsules significantly increased the abundance of unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae while reducing the abundance of Bacteroides, Eubacterium, and Phocaeicola to maintain gut microbiota balance. In conclusion, Tanreqing Capsules can alleviate mouse lung and gut injury caused by influenza virus infection and restore the balance of gut microbiota. Treating influenza from the lung and gut can provide new ideas for clinical practice.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Mice
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Lung/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Capsules
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Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology*
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Male
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Humans
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Female
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Influenza A virus/physiology*
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Influenza, Human/virology*
4.Effects of Zuogui Pills on autophagy in rats with premature ovarian failure based on SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway
Gui-yun WANG ; Qi-zhi LIU ; Hui-ping LIU ; Kai-ling WANG ; Xiao-lan WU ; Fang ZHOU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3601-3607
AIM To study the effect of Zuogui Pills on improving ovarian function in rats with premature ovarian failure(POF)by regulating autophagy.METHODS Seven rats were randomly selected as the blank group,and the remaining rats were injected with cisplatin(4.0 mg/kg)intraperitoneally to establish POF model.The success of the model was evaluated by observing the changes of estrous cycle.Twenty-one successful model of rats were randomly divided into model group and estradiol group(0.01 mg/mL)and Zuogui Pills group(1.85 g/kg),with 7 rats in each group,the drug was administered continuously for 21 days.Serum E2,FSH and LH levels were detected by ELISA;HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of ovarian tissue;immunohistochemical(IHC)method was used to detect the protein expressions of LC3B,SIRT1 and FoxO1 in ovarian tissues;RT-qPCR method was used to detect the mRNA expressions of LC3B,Beclin-1 and Atg5 in ovarian tissues;the protein expressions of SIRT1,FoxO1 and Ac-FoxO1 in ovarian tissue was detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the ovarian index of the model group decreased(P<0.01);serum FSH and LH levels increased(P<0.01)and E2 level decreased(P<0.01);the structure of ovary is disordered,especially atresia follicle;the mRNA expressions of LC3B,Beclin-1 and Atg5 in ovarian tissue increased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of LC3B and Ac-FoxO1 increased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of SIRT1 and FoxO1 decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the ovarian index of rats in estradiol group and Zuogui Pills group increased(P<0.01);serum FSH and LH levels decreased(P<0.01)and E2 level increased(P<0.01);the number of primordial follicles in ovary increased and the number of atresia follicles decreased;the mRNA expressions of LC3B,Beclin-1 and Atg5 in ovarian tissue decreased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of LC3B and Ac-FoxO1 decreased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of SIRT1 and FoxO1 increased(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Zuogui Pills may inhibit autophagy by activating SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway,thus improving the pathological state of POF rats,regulating the level of sex hormones in rats,restoring endocrine balance,enhancing ovarian reserve function,promoting the normal development of follicles and delaying the progress of POF.
5.Introduction and enlightenment of the Recommendations and Expert Consensus for What Laboratory Tests and Physiologic Triggers Should Guide the Decision to Administer a Platelet or Plasma Transfusion in Critically ill Children and What Product Attributes Are Optimal to Guide Specific Product Selection? From the Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding
Xionghui ZHOU ; Jiaohui ZENG ; Hao TANG ; Lan GU ; Zhi LIN ; Dan WANG ; Mingyi ZHAO ; Minghua YANG ; Rong GUI ; Rong HUANG ; Junhua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(11):1641-1649
Based on systematic review and consensus meetings of international multidisciplinary experts, the Transfusion and Anemia Expert Initiative—Control/Avoidance of Bleeding (TAXI-CAB) project team developed management strategies for platelet and plasma transfusion in critically ill children. This consensus presents five expert consensus statements and two recommendations addressing two key questions: 1) What Laboratory Tests and Physiologic Triggers Should Guide the Decision to Administer a Platelet or Plasma Transfusion in Critically ill Children? 2) What Product Attributes Are Optimal to Guide Specific Product Selection? This consensus provides guidance for decision-making regarding plasma and platelet transfusion in critically ill children in two aspects: relevant laboratory testing indicators and additional special properties of blood components. This article explains the rationale behind the recommendations in this part of the guideline, aiming to emphasize the need for clinicians to develop transfusion strategies based on multidimensional assessment, while calling for enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based research to optimize blood management in critically ill children, reducing the risk of over-transfusion and improving treatment outcomes. Furthermore, there remains an urgent need for further research to explore laboratory indicators associated with bleeding risk to guide transfusion therapy.
6.Astragaloside Ⅳ attenuates pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice via EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signaling pathway
Li-yuan QING ; Lan-ting LIU ; Qing-ping XU ; Huan PENG ; Yu-hong CAO ; Xue-diao PAN ; Si-gui ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):242-250
Aim To elucidate whether Astragaloside Ⅳcould ameliorate pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis via the EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signa-ling pathway in TAC mice.Methods After randomi-zing mice into groups,the Sham+AS-Ⅳ group and TAC+AS-Ⅳ group were intragastrically administered 20 mg·kg-1AS-Ⅳ once daily,whereas the Sham+NS group and TAC+NS group were given equivalent saline.Six weeks post-surgery,an evaluation of cardiac function was conducted,heart weight index was compu-ted,morphological alterations in heart were noted,vari-ations in collagen and myocardial hypertrophy indexes were analyzed,ATP content,free fatty acid content,hydroxyproline content,SCAD expression,and enzyme activity were measured,and an initial investigation into the protein expression of EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD in myocardial tissues was undertaken.Results After AS-Ⅳ intervention,the heart weight index of TAC mice decreased(P<0.01),LVAWd,LVAWs,LVPWd and LVPWs values decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05),EF%and FS%values increased(all P<0.01),myocardial hypertrophy markers and collagen area decreased,FFA content,HYP content and collagen expression de-creased(all P<0.01),SCAD enzyme activity and ex-pression increased(P<0.01,P<0.05),and ATP content increased(P<0.01).The expression of EGR1 protein decreased,and the expression of SIRT1 and PPARα protein increased(all P<0.01).Conclu-sions AS-Ⅳ may improve fatty acid oxidation via the EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signaling pathway,thereby ameliorating pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in TAC model mice.
7.Application effect of HAPA model-based intervention in rehabilitation exercise of patients with su-praventricular tachyarrhythmia
Xiao-yan ZHOU ; Gang YUAN ; Gui-lan ZHU
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(2):275-280
Objective:To analyze the application value of the Health Action Process Approach(HAPA)model in re-habilitation exercise intervention of patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.Methods:We enrolled clinical data of 117 patients diagnosed as supraventricular tachyarrhythmia in Xinzhou District People's Hospital of Wuhan between February 2019 and January 2023.They were divided into routine group(n=57)and HAPA model group(n=60)according to different intervention method.Participants in routine group received routine rehabilitation exer-cise,while those in HAPA model group received HAPA model rehabilitation exercise.Both groups were intervened for 6 months.Cardiac function,medication compliance[Morisky medication adherence scale(MMAS-8)],daily living capacity(Barthel index),quality of life[the short-form 36 health survey(SF-36)],total effective rate of intervention,incidence of adverse events within 6-month follow-up were compared between two groups.Results:Compared with patients in routine group,those in HAPA model group had significant higher left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(56.75±1.13)%vs.(52.65±1.57)%],Barthel index[(65.60±9.76)points vs.(56.37±9.98)points],MMAS-8 score[(6.73±1.83)points vs.(4.91±1.33)points],SF-36 total score[(67.50±15.25)points vs.(55.28±9.05)points]and total effective rate(88.33% vs.71.93%)(P<0.01 all),and signifi-cant lower left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV)[(54.97±2.60)ml vs.(64.61±2.50)ml],left ventric-ular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV)[(117.50±4.23)ml vs.(133.38±4.47)ml]and incidence of adverse events within 6-month follow-up(5.00% vs.22.81%)(P<0.01 all).Conclusion:Rehabilitation exercise based on HAPA model could significantly improve cardiac function,medication compliance,daily living capacity and quality of life with good safety in patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.
8.Astragaloside Ⅳ attenuates pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice via EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signaling pathway
Li-yuan QING ; Lan-ting LIU ; Qing-ping XU ; Huan PENG ; Yu-hong CAO ; Xue-diao PAN ; Si-gui ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):242-250
Aim To elucidate whether Astragaloside Ⅳcould ameliorate pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis via the EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signa-ling pathway in TAC mice.Methods After randomi-zing mice into groups,the Sham+AS-Ⅳ group and TAC+AS-Ⅳ group were intragastrically administered 20 mg·kg-1AS-Ⅳ once daily,whereas the Sham+NS group and TAC+NS group were given equivalent saline.Six weeks post-surgery,an evaluation of cardiac function was conducted,heart weight index was compu-ted,morphological alterations in heart were noted,vari-ations in collagen and myocardial hypertrophy indexes were analyzed,ATP content,free fatty acid content,hydroxyproline content,SCAD expression,and enzyme activity were measured,and an initial investigation into the protein expression of EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD in myocardial tissues was undertaken.Results After AS-Ⅳ intervention,the heart weight index of TAC mice decreased(P<0.01),LVAWd,LVAWs,LVPWd and LVPWs values decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05),EF%and FS%values increased(all P<0.01),myocardial hypertrophy markers and collagen area decreased,FFA content,HYP content and collagen expression de-creased(all P<0.01),SCAD enzyme activity and ex-pression increased(P<0.01,P<0.05),and ATP content increased(P<0.01).The expression of EGR1 protein decreased,and the expression of SIRT1 and PPARα protein increased(all P<0.01).Conclu-sions AS-Ⅳ may improve fatty acid oxidation via the EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signaling pathway,thereby ameliorating pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in TAC model mice.
9.Application effect of HAPA model-based intervention in rehabilitation exercise of patients with su-praventricular tachyarrhythmia
Xiao-yan ZHOU ; Gang YUAN ; Gui-lan ZHU
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(2):275-280
Objective:To analyze the application value of the Health Action Process Approach(HAPA)model in re-habilitation exercise intervention of patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.Methods:We enrolled clinical data of 117 patients diagnosed as supraventricular tachyarrhythmia in Xinzhou District People's Hospital of Wuhan between February 2019 and January 2023.They were divided into routine group(n=57)and HAPA model group(n=60)according to different intervention method.Participants in routine group received routine rehabilitation exer-cise,while those in HAPA model group received HAPA model rehabilitation exercise.Both groups were intervened for 6 months.Cardiac function,medication compliance[Morisky medication adherence scale(MMAS-8)],daily living capacity(Barthel index),quality of life[the short-form 36 health survey(SF-36)],total effective rate of intervention,incidence of adverse events within 6-month follow-up were compared between two groups.Results:Compared with patients in routine group,those in HAPA model group had significant higher left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(56.75±1.13)%vs.(52.65±1.57)%],Barthel index[(65.60±9.76)points vs.(56.37±9.98)points],MMAS-8 score[(6.73±1.83)points vs.(4.91±1.33)points],SF-36 total score[(67.50±15.25)points vs.(55.28±9.05)points]and total effective rate(88.33% vs.71.93%)(P<0.01 all),and signifi-cant lower left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV)[(54.97±2.60)ml vs.(64.61±2.50)ml],left ventric-ular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV)[(117.50±4.23)ml vs.(133.38±4.47)ml]and incidence of adverse events within 6-month follow-up(5.00% vs.22.81%)(P<0.01 all).Conclusion:Rehabilitation exercise based on HAPA model could significantly improve cardiac function,medication compliance,daily living capacity and quality of life with good safety in patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.
10.Effects of Zuogui Pills on autophagy in rats with premature ovarian failure based on SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway
Gui-yun WANG ; Qi-zhi LIU ; Hui-ping LIU ; Kai-ling WANG ; Xiao-lan WU ; Fang ZHOU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3601-3607
AIM To study the effect of Zuogui Pills on improving ovarian function in rats with premature ovarian failure(POF)by regulating autophagy.METHODS Seven rats were randomly selected as the blank group,and the remaining rats were injected with cisplatin(4.0 mg/kg)intraperitoneally to establish POF model.The success of the model was evaluated by observing the changes of estrous cycle.Twenty-one successful model of rats were randomly divided into model group and estradiol group(0.01 mg/mL)and Zuogui Pills group(1.85 g/kg),with 7 rats in each group,the drug was administered continuously for 21 days.Serum E2,FSH and LH levels were detected by ELISA;HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of ovarian tissue;immunohistochemical(IHC)method was used to detect the protein expressions of LC3B,SIRT1 and FoxO1 in ovarian tissues;RT-qPCR method was used to detect the mRNA expressions of LC3B,Beclin-1 and Atg5 in ovarian tissues;the protein expressions of SIRT1,FoxO1 and Ac-FoxO1 in ovarian tissue was detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the ovarian index of the model group decreased(P<0.01);serum FSH and LH levels increased(P<0.01)and E2 level decreased(P<0.01);the structure of ovary is disordered,especially atresia follicle;the mRNA expressions of LC3B,Beclin-1 and Atg5 in ovarian tissue increased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of LC3B and Ac-FoxO1 increased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of SIRT1 and FoxO1 decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the ovarian index of rats in estradiol group and Zuogui Pills group increased(P<0.01);serum FSH and LH levels decreased(P<0.01)and E2 level increased(P<0.01);the number of primordial follicles in ovary increased and the number of atresia follicles decreased;the mRNA expressions of LC3B,Beclin-1 and Atg5 in ovarian tissue decreased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of LC3B and Ac-FoxO1 decreased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of SIRT1 and FoxO1 increased(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Zuogui Pills may inhibit autophagy by activating SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway,thus improving the pathological state of POF rats,regulating the level of sex hormones in rats,restoring endocrine balance,enhancing ovarian reserve function,promoting the normal development of follicles and delaying the progress of POF.

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