1.Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Gualou Niubangtang by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and HPLC
Yiyi ZHANG ; Jing YANG ; Yuqing CHENG ; Huimin GAO ; Jin QIN ; Li YAO ; Xiyang DU ; Raorao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):179-187
ObjectiveThis paper aims to clarify the material basis of Gualou Niubangtang and establish a quantitative analysis method for its main constituents, providing a reference for the overall quality control of this preparation. MethodsThe constituents in the formula were systematically characterized based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Identification was performed by matching with the UNIFI 9.6 software and utilizing database platforms such as PubChem, ChemicalBook, and ChemSpider, combined with relevant literature reports. A quantitative analysis method for the seven main constituents in Gualou Niubangtang was established by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ResultsUPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 155 constituents, including 69 flavonoids, 36 terpenoids, 23 phenylpropanoids, 8 phenylethanoid glycosides, and 19 other types of constituents. In the established quantitative analysis method, the seven main constituents showed good linearity within their respective linear ranges. The precision, repeatability, stability, and spike recovery all met the required standards. The results showed that the content ranges of geniposide, liquiritin, hesperidin, arctiin, baicalin, oroxylin A-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, and wogonoside in 15 batches of Gualou Niubangtang were 13.67-21.25, 1.20-7.64, 5.45-7.45, 22.97-33.51, 29.95-39.07, 2.58-4.80, and 6.56-9.31 mg·g-1, respectively. ConclusionThis study successfully characterizes and attributes multi-category constituents in Gualou Niubangtang, clarifying that its material basis is primarily composed of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and phenylpropanoids. Furthermore, it enables the quantification of seven constituents within the formula. This work lays a foundation for research on the quality control, action mechanism, and clinical application of this formula.
2.Expert consensus on the medication catalog for drug-induced liver injury and rational drug use
Jianchun LI ; Di CHEN ; Pengfei JIN ; Gerontology NATIONAL ; Association GERIATRIC ; Research PHARMACY ; Society PHARMACY ; Association GERIATRIC
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):273-280
OBJECTIVE To systematically sort out the drugs causing drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and their relevant information, and to develop the Expert consensus on the medication catalog for drug-induced liver injury and rational drug use (hereinafter referred to as the Consensus), so as to provide a reference for rational clinical use. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted across various literature databases, guideline retrieval websites and professional liver injury websites. Drugs identified as causing DILI from the included literature and online resources were extracted and assigned scores based on source credibility: three points for LiverTox A-class drugs and two points for B-class drugs; two points for drugs from Hepatox and guidelines; and one point for drugs from consensus and related literature sources. Drugs classified as LiverTox category A/B or with total scores ≥4 were included in the preliminary list of DILI-causing drugs. Opinions were collected and integrated from a multidisciplinary expert panel comprising 45 medical and pharmaceutical experts from 27 provinces across China through three rounds of the Delphi method (including questionnaires and discussion sessions), and after revision, the final version of Consensus was formed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS This Consensus included 12 traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) such as Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Ephedrae Herba, 151 Western medicines including amiodarone and atorvastatin, along with rational use information. For TCM, eight rational use information were included: evidence-based score, liver injury classification based on pathogenesis, liver injury classification based on biochemical abnormality pattern, clinical phenotype, laboratory examination manifestations, latency period, recovery time, and management strategies. For Western medicines, six additional items were included based on the TCM, namely liver function monitoring, discontinuation, contraindications, cautions, dose adjustments, and risk factors, totaling 14 items. This Consensus systematically compiles DILI drugs and their rational use information, which will support clinicians in enhancing the prevention, identification, and management of DILI, reducing the incidence of liver injury, and ensuring patient medication safety and efficacy.
3.Epidemiological features of foodborne disease outbreaks in Nanjing in 2013 - 2023
Zitong CHEN ; Xiaocheng LI ; Di JIN ; Baofu GUO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):44-47
Objective The aim of this study is to examine the epidemiological features of foodborne disease outbreaks in Nanjing between 2013 and 2023, in order to offer a scientific foundation for the prevention and management of foodborne diseases. Methods Gathering information on foodborne disease outbreaks in Nanjing from 2013 to 2023, conduct descriptive analysis on the epidemiological characteristics of outbreak events, including time distribution, location distribution, and pathogenic factor distribution. A comparison of the rates was conducted using a χ2 test, with P<0.05 signifying statistical significance. Results Nanjing experienced 145 outbreaks of foodborne diseases. resulting in 21246 people being exposed, 2 488 affected and 3 fatalities from 2013 to 2023. The epidemic is primarily concentrated in the third quarter. There is a significant statistical difference in the incidence rate between different quarters (χ2=121.063, P<0.001). The number of events caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the highest, accounting for 23.45%. The identification rate of problematic foods is 67.59%, with meat and meat products being the most pathogenic (18.62%). The outbreak was mainly caused by improper storage and processing. The restaurants being the most common (41.38%). Conclusions Nanjing should focus on monitoring outbreaks caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, especially in the third quarter; it is necessary to strengthen the health education of poisonous mushrooms; Nanjing should focus on the storage and processing of meat and meat products, and enhance food safety supervision in catering service venues, and improve on-site sampling and laboratory testing capabilities, thus drastically diminishing the risk of foodborne disease outbreaks.
4.Molecular biological research and molecular homologous modeling of Bw.03 subgroup
Li WANG ; Yongkui KONG ; Huifang JIN ; Xin LIU ; Ying XIE ; Xue LIU ; Yanli CHANG ; Yafang WANG ; Shumiao YANG ; Di ZHU ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):112-115
[Objective] To study the molecular biological mechanism for a case of ABO blood group B subtype, and perform three-dimensional modeling of the mutant enzyme. [Methods] The ABO phenotype was identified by the tube method and microcolumn gel method; the ABO gene of the proband was detected by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), and the exon 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were sequenced and analyzed. Homologous modeling of Bw.03 glycosyltransferase (GT) was carried out by Modeller and analyzed by PyMOL2.5.0 software. [Results] The weakening B antigen was detected in the proband sample by forward typing, and anti-B antibody was detected by reverse typing. PCR-SSP detection showed B, O gene, and the sequencing results showed c.721 C>T mutation in exon 7 of the B gene, resulting in p. Arg 241 Trp. Compared with the wild type, the structure of Bw.03GT was partially changed, and the intermolecular force analysis showed that the original three hydrogen bonds at 241 position disappeared. [Conclusion] Blood group molecular biology examination is helpful for the accurate identification of ambiguous blood group. Homologous modeling more intuitively shows the key site for the weakening of Bw.03 GT activity. The intermolecular force analysis can explain the root cause of enzyme activity weakening.
5.Clinical efficacy of escitalopram combined with transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation therapy for patients with major depressive disorder and its effect on plasma IL-6 and IL-10 levels
Jin LI ; Jinbo SUN ; Di WU ; Wenjun WU ; Runzhu SUN ; Shanshan XUE ; Yapeng CUI ; Huaning WANG ; Yihuan CHEN
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(1):7-13
BackgroundInvasive vagus nerve stimulation therapy has been approved for the adjunctive treatment of treatment-resistant depression, which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory properties of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), whereas the efficacy of non-invasive transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation (tcVNS) in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and its impact on plasma inflammatory factors remain unclear. ObjectiveTo observe the effect of escitaloprom combined with tcVNS on the status of depression, anxiety and sleep quality as well as the plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in MDD patients, in order to provide references for the recovery and treatment of MDD patients. MethodsFrom August 21, 2019 to April 17, 2024, 45 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for MDD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) were recruited from the psychosomatic outpatient clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University. Subjects were divided into study group (n=23) and control group (n=22) using random number table method. All patients were treated with escitalopram. On this basis, study group added a 30-minute tcVNS therapy once a day for 4 weeks. While control group was given corresponding sham stimulation, and the duration of each stimulation lasted 30 seconds. Before and after 4 weeks of treatment, Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item (HAMD-17) was used to assess depressive symptoms, and HAMD-17 anxiety/somatization subfactor and insomnia subfactor were used to assess patients' anxiety/somatization symptoms and sleep quality. Levels of plasma IL-6 and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe generalized estimating equation model yielded a significant time effect for HAMD-17 total score, anxiety/somatization subfactor score and insomnia subfactor score in both groups (Wald χ2=315.226, 495.481, 82.420, P<0.01). After 4 weeks of treatment, HAMD-17 total score and anxiety/somatization subfactor score of study group were lower than those of control group, with statistically significant differences (Wald χ2=4.967, 32.543, P<0.05 or 0.01), while no statistically significant difference was found in the insomnia subfactor score between two groups (Wald χ2=0.819, P=0.366). Significant time effects were reported on plasma IL-6 and IL-10 levels in both groups (Wald χ2=21.792, 5.242, P<0.05 or 0.01). Compared with baseline data, a reduction in plasma IL-6 levels was detected in both groups (Wald χ2=22.015, 6.803, P<0.01), and an increase in plasma IL-10 levels was reported in study group (Wald χ2=5.118, P=0.024) after 4 weeks of treatment. ConclusionEscitalopram combined with tcVNS therapy is effective in improving depressive symptoms, anxiety/somatization symptoms and sleep quality in patients with MDD. Additionally, it helps reduce plasma IL-6 levels and increase IL-10 levels. [Funded by Shaanxi Provincial Key Research and Development Program-General Project (number, 2023-YBSF-185), www.clinicaltrials.gov number, NCT04037111]
6.Herbal Textual Research on Tribuli Fructus and Astragali Complanati Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Jiaqin MOU ; Wenjing LI ; Yanzhu MA ; Yue ZHOU ; Wenfeng YAN ; Shijun YANG ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):241-251
By systematically combing ancient and modern literature, this paper examined Tribuli Fructus and Astragali Complanati Semen(ACS) used in the famous classical formulas from the aspects of name, origin, production area, harvesting and processing, clinical efficacy, so as to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing such medicinal materials. The results showed that the names of Tribuli Fructus in the past dynasties were mostly derived from its morphology, and there were nicknames such as Baijili, Cijili and Dujili. The name of ACS in the past dynasties were mostly originated from its production areas, and there were nicknames such as Baijili, Shayuan Jili and Tongjili. Because both of them had the name of Baijili, confusion began to appear in the Song dynasty. In ancient and modern times, the main origin of Tribuli Fructus were Tribulus terrestris, and ancient literature recorded the genuine producing areas of Tribuli Fructus was Dali in Shaanxi and Tianshui in Gansu, but today it is mainly cultivated in Anhui and Shandong. The fruit is the medicinal part, harvested in autumn throughout history. There is no description of the quality of Tribuli Fructus in ancient times, and the plump, firm texture, grayish-white color is the best in modern times. Traditional processing methods for Tribuli Fructus included stir-frying and wine processing, while modern commonly used is purified, fried and salt-processed. The ancient records of Tribuli Fructus were spicy, bitter, and warm in nature, with modern research adding that it is slightly toxic. The main effects of ancient and modern times include treating wind disorders, improving vision, promoting muscle growth, and treating vitiligo. The mainstream base of ACS used throughout history is Astragalus complanatus. Ancient texts indicated ACS primarily originated from Shaanxi province. Today, the finest varieties come from Tongguan and Dali in Shaanxi. The medicinal part is the seed, traditionally harvested in autumn. Modern harvesting occurs in late autumn or early winter, followed by sun-drying. Ancient texts valued seeds with a fragrant aroma as superior, while modern standards prioritize plump, uniform and free of impurities. Traditional processing methods for ACS included frying until blackened and wine-frying, while modern practice commonly employs purification methods. In terms of medicinal properties, the ancient and modern records are sweet and warm in nature. Due to originally classified under Tribuli Fructus, its effects were thus regarded as equivalent to those of Tribuli Fructus, serving as the medicine for treating wind disorders, additional functions included tonifying the kidneys and treating vitiligo. The present record of its efficacy is to tonify the kidney and promote Yang, solidify sperm and reduce urine, nourish the liver and brighten the eye, etc. Based on the textual research results, it is suggested that when developing the famous classical formulas of Tribuli Fructus medicinal materials, we should pay attention to the specific reference object of Baijili, T. terrestris and A. complanatus should be identified and selected, and the processing method should be in accordance with the requirements of the formulas.
7.Research progress on chemical constituents, pharmacological effects of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and predictive analysis of its quality markers.
Wen-Jun WANG ; Ze-Min YANG ; An LIU ; Li-Dong SHAO ; Jin-Tang CHENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):934-945
Anemarrhenae Rhizoma is bitter, sweet, and cold in nature, and has the effects of clearing heat, dispelling fire, nourishing Yin, and moisturizing dryness. It is associated with the lung, stomach, and kidney meridians, and is mainly distributed in the northwestern and northern regions of China. Modern research has shown that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma contains various chemical active constituents, including steroidal saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, lignans, volatile oils, and alkaloids. These constituents exhibit pharmacological effects such as anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. However, there have been few comprehensive summaries of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma in recent years, which has limited its in-depth research and development. The complexity of traditional Chinese medicine constituents, along with their quality and efficacy, is easily influenced by processing, preparation, and the growing environment and resource distribution. This paper summarizes the resources, chemical constituents, and pharmacological effects of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, and predicts its quality markers(Q-markers) from several aspects, including the specificity of chemical composition, properties related to preparation and active ingredients, measurability of chemical components, compounding environment, construction of the ″active ingredient-target″ network pathway, and differences in active ingredient content from different origins and parts. These predicted Q-markers may provide a basis for improving the quality evaluation system of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma.
Anemarrhena/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Rhizome/chemistry*
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Humans
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Animals
;
Quality Control
8.Identification of characteristics, supply channels, and imperial court processing of Arecae Semen in the Qing court.
Feng-Yuan LI ; Hua-Sheng PENG ; Xue-Ling GUAN ; Yan JIN ; Ting YAO ; Yuan YUAN ; Lu-Qi HUANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):2924-2930
Qing court records show that Arecae Semen was extensively applied. The royal medical records of the Qing Dynasty document nine types of Arecae Semen, with the Palace Museum preserving seven kinds, totaling twelve cultural relics. Historical documents and physical artifacts corroborate each other, providing evidence for the study of the supply channels and court processing of Arecae Semen in the Qing court. According to relevant Qing court archival records, the sources of Arecae Semen used in the imperial court were diverse, including tributes from foreign countries such as Vietnam and Gurkha, annual tributes from local governments in Guangdong, gifts from close aides, and commodities purchased by the Imperial Household Department from civilian shops. The imperial physicians of the Qing court placed great emphasis on the specifications of Arecae Semen slices and were extremely meticulous about their processing. The variety of Arecae Semen slices used in the Qing palace exceeded those recorded in the botanical texts of the era. Compared with the commonly used processing methods for Arecae Semen in the Qing Dynasty, the imperial physicians adjusted the properties and efficacy of the herbs through different processing techniques, based on the patient's condition, constitution, and other factors, in order to meet the clinical treatment needs of the court. The slicing of Arecae Semen in the Qing court required strict control of thickness, with an average thickness of 0.44 mm, which is significantly thinner than the Arecae Semen slices found in today's markets. The texture was softer, making them easier to chew and absorb. Both the Qing court Arecae Semen slices and the Muxiang Binglang Pills focused on the use of authentic medicinal materials, ensuring the quality of the medicine and enhancing the efficacy of Arecae Semen through meticulous selection and preparation.
China
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/history*
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Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*
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History, 19th Century
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History, Ancient
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History, 17th Century
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History, 18th Century
9.Ginsenoside-Rg5 Synergizes with Imatinib to Enhances the Anti-Chronic Myeloid Leukemia K562 Cell Activity through PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway.
Di JIN ; Chang-Qing GUI ; Qian-Qian YE ; Guo-Fang DENG ; Chang-Ling ZHU ; Li XU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(1):1-8
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the synergistic effect and its mechanism of ginsenoside-Rg5 in combination with imatinib in inhibiting proliferation of chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells.
METHODS:
K562 cells were treated with ginsenoside-Rg5 and imatinib. Cell survival was detected by CCK-8 assay, and IC50 were calculated separately for each drug. Based on the value of IC50 of ginsenoside-Rg5 and imatinib, an appropriate concentration gradient was selected for the combination. The synergistic effect of the two drug was analyzed using the online software synergy finder. The effects of single or combination therapy on apoptosis rate and the cell cycle distribution of K562 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway related proteins and apoptosis related proteins in K562 cells after single or combination therapy.
RESULTS:
Ginsenoside-Rg5 and imatinib were able to inhibit the proliferative activity of K562 cells in a dosedependent manner(r =-0.991, r =-0.942). The synergy score ZIP >10 was measured by Synergy Finder online software, indicating that ginsenoside-Rg5 and imatinib act synergistically on K562 cells. The apoptotic rates of K562 cells after single treatments with ginsenoside-Rg5 and imatinib were 11.96% and 8.13%, respectively, while the rate increased to 21.35% with the combination of two drugs, the apoptosis rate in the combination group was higher than that in the single-drug group ( P <0.05). The proportion of K562 cells in the G0/G1 phase was significantly increased with the combined treatment of two drugs( P <0.05). The protein expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-mTOR in K562 cells treated with the combination were significantly decreased, with noticeable downregulation of BCL-2 and upregulation of BAX, leading to a decreased Bcl-2/BAX ratio, while no significant changes were observed in the non-phosphorylated forms of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins.
CONCLUSION
The combination of ginsenoside-Rg5 and imatinib can inhibit the proliferation of CML cells and induce apoptosis, and the mechanism may act through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.
Humans
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Ginsenosides/pharmacology*
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Imatinib Mesylate
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K562 Cells
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TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/metabolism*
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Drug Synergism
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
10.Expert consensus on apical microsurgery.
Hanguo WANG ; Xin XU ; Zhuan BIAN ; Jingping LIANG ; Zhi CHEN ; Benxiang HOU ; Lihong QIU ; Wenxia CHEN ; Xi WEI ; Kaijin HU ; Qintao WANG ; Zuhua WANG ; Jiyao LI ; Dingming HUANG ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Zhengwei HUANG ; Liuyan MENG ; Chen ZHANG ; Fangfang XIE ; Di YANG ; Jinhua YU ; Jin ZHAO ; Yihuai PAN ; Shuang PAN ; Deqin YANG ; Weidong NIU ; Qi ZHANG ; Shuli DENG ; Jingzhi MA ; Xiuping MENG ; Jian YANG ; Jiayuan WU ; Yi DU ; Junqi LING ; Lin YUE ; Xuedong ZHOU ; Qing YU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):2-2
Apical microsurgery is accurate and minimally invasive, produces few complications, and has a success rate of more than 90%. However, due to the lack of awareness and understanding of apical microsurgery by dental general practitioners and even endodontists, many clinical problems remain to be overcome. The consensus has gathered well-known domestic experts to hold a series of special discussions and reached the consensus. This document specifies the indications, contraindications, preoperative preparations, operational procedures, complication prevention measures, and efficacy evaluation of apical microsurgery and is applicable to dentists who perform apical microsurgery after systematic training.
Microsurgery/standards*
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Humans
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Apicoectomy
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Contraindications, Procedure
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Tooth Apex/diagnostic imaging*
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Postoperative Complications/prevention & control*
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Consensus
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Treatment Outcome


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