1.Shenqi Yiliu Prescription Reverses Cisplatin Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Cells by Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway-mediated Glycolysis
Lan MA ; Yuping YANG ; Min BAI ; Yongqiang DUAN ; Zhining ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Shenqi Yiliu prescription reverses cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells by regulating the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway-mediated glycolysis. MethodsThe human ovarian cancer A2780 cell line was intervened with progressively increasing doses of cisplatin (1 g·L-1) to establish the cisplatin-resistant cell line A2780cisR, and the cell sensitivity to cisplatin was examined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. High, medium, and low (39.9, 19.95, 9.98 g·kg-1) doses of Shenqi Yiliu prescription-containing sera were used to treat A2780cisR cells for 48 h. Glucose consumption and lactate production were measured by the cuvette assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to determine the activities of glucose transporter (GLUT), phosphofructokinase (PFK), and pyruvate kinase (PK). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis. Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of phosphorylated (p)-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, hexokinase 2 (HK2), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), B-cell lymphoblastoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X-protein (Bax), and B-lymphoblastoma-2 gene-related promoter (Bad). Real-time PCR was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of HK2, PKM2, Bax, Bcl-2, and Bad. ResultsThe median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin on A2780cisR cells was nearly 3 times that on A2780P cells. Compared with A2780P cells, A2780cisR cells showed increased glucose consumption, lactate production, GLUT, PFK, and PK activities, and mRNA and protein levels of p-PI3K, Akt, p-mTOR, HK2, PKM2, Bax (P<0.05), and decreased apoptosis rate and Bcl-2 expression (P<0.05). Compared with A2780cisR cells, medium- and high-dose Shenqi Yiliu prescription reduced the glucose consumption, lactate production, GLUT, PFK, and PK activities, and mRNA and protein levels of p-PI3K, Akt, p-mTOR, HK2, PKM2, Bax, and Bad (P<0.05), while increasing the apoptosis rate and Bcl-2 expression (P<0.05). ConclusionShenqi Yiliu prescription can inhibit glycolysis mediated by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to promote apoptosis, thereby reversing cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells.
2.Preparation and immunogenicity analysis of a porcine circovirus 2 vaccine candidate
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2026;39(02):129-136+143
Objective To express the capsid(Cap) protein of porcine circovirus 2(PCV2) by insect-baculovirus expression system, evaluate its immunogenicity as a vaccine candidate, and explore whether it can induce humoral and cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice.Methods Following codon optimization, the PCV2 Cap gene was cloned into pFastBac Dual vector and transformed into E.coli DH10 Bac cells. After Bacmid extraction, PCR amplification was carried out with M13 universal primers. The appropriately identified Bacmid was then transfected into Sf9 cells to express Cap protein, and the protein was quantified. Forty-five female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups: PBS control, Cap and commercial vaccine YI Cap group, 15 mice in each group, which were immunized subcutaneously on the back once at 14-day intervals, for a total of three times, with PBS 100 ??L, Cap 10 ??g, and commercial vaccine YI Cap 10 ??g respectively each time. The serum IgG level of mice was measured by ELISA, the cellular immune response type was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the histocompatibility of the subunit vaccine was observed by H&E staining.Results The insect-baculovirus expression system effectively expressed the target protein, and the Cap protein with enhanced green fluorescent protein(eGFP) colocalized with the cell's plasma membrane. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the Cap protein could self-assemble to produce virus-like particles(VLPs) before constructing another recombinant vector sans the eGFP fluorescent flag. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis revealed the conspicuous bands at the desired area. The IgG content of Cap vaccine candidate mice reached the highest level at 42 days. The levels of IFNγ and IL-4 were(27. 75 ± 0. 99) and(17. 63 ± 1. 13) pg/mL, respectively, both of which were significantly higher than those of PBS group(F = 14. 89 and 0. 211 9,P < 0. 05 and < 0. 001, respectively). The stimulation index(SI) of splenic lymphocytes in the Cap group reached 6. 72, which was significantly higher than that in the PBS group(F = 1. 228, P < 0. 001). The Cap vaccine candidate could induce Th1-type cellular immune response and exhibited good histocompatibility.Conclusion The Cap protein was successfully expressed in the insect-baculovirus expression system. The Cap vaccine candidate can induce humoral and cellular immune responses in mice after immunization, which is a potential vaccine candidate for further development of more effective vaccines against PCV-related diseases.
3.Cognition and countermeasures of medical science and technology ethics management among medical staff in five tertiary hospitals in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(1):63-71
ObjectiveTo understand the current situation and influencing factors of cognition level, as well as existing problems in the construction of medical science and technology ethics management among medical staff in five tertiary hospitals in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, to provide references for enhancing their awareness of medical science and technology ethics management and improving the quality of clinical research. MethodsUsing a self-designed and validated “Medical Science and Technology Ethics Management Cognitive Questionnaire for Medical Staff,” medical staff from five tertiary hospitals in five cities in Ningxia were selected as the research subjects for investigation. ResultsFinally, 436 valid questionnaires were collected, among which the total average score for medical staff’s cognition of medical science and technology ethics management was (61.58±12.96) points. The scores of ethics system cognition, ethics committee cognition, ethics education and training cognition, and ethics management informatization cognition were (14.18±2.84) points, (24.19±5.47) points, (15.07±4.00) points, and (8.14±4.42) points, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, work city, education level, professional title, whether they had assessed the implementation of the hospital ethics system, whether they had participated in the hospital’s ethics review work, and whether they had organized or participated the hospital’s ethics training, were all influencing factors on the cognitive score of medical science and technology ethics management among medical staff, which can explain 51.00% of the variation (P<0.05). Medical staff considered that inadequate promotion of ethical systems, opaque ethical review procedures and processes, conflicts between ethical training time and work tasks, and the lack of a dedicated ethical review information platform were the main problems in constructing medical science and technology ethics. ConclusionThe cognition level of medical science and technology ethics management among medical staff in tertiary hospitals in Ningxia was generally not high and was influenced by various factors. Hospital managers should strengthen the publicity and training of ethical systems, as well as improve their implementation and supervision mechanisms; standardize ethical review procedures and processes, as well as build an ethical review information platform; increase investment in ethics education and arrange training time reasonably, to enhance the awareness of medical science and technology ethics management among medical staff and improve the quality of clinical research.
4.Effect of Shenqi Yiliu Formula (参芪抑瘤方) Drug-Containing Serum on the Cycle of Gastric Cancer Cell AGS and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Na WEI ; Chongyuan GUO ; Min BAI ; Yaorong AN ; Sichao ZHANG ; Liyang WU ; Yongqiang DUAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):399-406
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Shenqi Yiliu Formula (参芪抑瘤方) in treating precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. MethodsThe CCK-8 assay was used to determine the optimal intervention time for Shenqi Yiliu Formula drug-containing serum and the concentration of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor XAV939 depends on the survival rate of AGS gastric cancer cell line. AGS cells were divided into the gastric cancer cell group (15% blank serum), inhibitor group (selected concentration of XAV939), high-dose Shenqi Yiliu Formula group (12% Shenqi Yiliu Formula drug-containing serum + 3% blank serum), medium-dose Shenqi Yiliu Formula group (6% Shenqi Yiliu Formula drug-containing serum + 9% blank serum), and low-dose Shenqi Yiliu Formula group (3% Shenqi Yiliu Formula drug-containing serum + 12% blank serum). Each group was tested in triplicate. After culturing for 24 and 48 hours, cell migration and invasion were assessed by scratch assays; after a selected intervention period (48 hours), cell cycle distribution was analyzed using flow cytometry, Ki67 protein levels were detected by immunofluorescence, the protein levels of Wnt, β-catenin, GSK-3β, and intranuclear T-cell specific factor(TCF) were measured by the protein immunoblotting assay, and the mRNA expressions of these above factors were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. ResultsThe optimal intervention time for Shenqi Yiliu Formula drug-containing serum was determined to be 48 hours, and the effective concentration of XAV939 was 20 μmol/L. Compared with the gastric cancer cell group, Shenqi Yiliu Formula at all doses reduced the cell migration rate at 24 and 48 hours (P<0.05), except for the low-dose group at 24 hours. Compared to the low-dose group at corresponding time points, high- and medium-dose Shenqi Yiliu Formula groups showed significantly reduced migration rates, particularly the high-dose group at 48 hours (P<0.05). Compared with the gastric cancer cell group, the high-dose Shenqi Yiliu Formula and inhibitor groups exhibited reduced protein and mRNA levels of Wnt, β-catenin, and TCF, along with reduced Ki67 protein levels and a decreased proportion of cells in the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle, but GSK-3β protein levels, GSK-3β mRNA expression, and the proportion of cells in the G1 phase increased (P<0.05). Compared to the inhibitor group, the high-dose Shenqi Yiliu Formula group showed a decreased proportion of G1-phase cells and an increased proportion of G2-phase cells (P<0.05), although differences in Wnt and β-catenin protein levels and mRNA expressions were not statistically significant (P>0.05). ConclusionShenqi Yiliu Formula drug-containing serum inhibits the migration and invasion of gastric cancer AGS cells and block the cell cycle at G1 phase, and its underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
5.Research progresses on Keap1-Nrf2 pathway in inflammatory diseases
Wenyan ZHOU ; Shanshan HU ; Wannian ZHANG ; Chunlin ZHUANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(3):97-108
The Keap1-Nrf2 pathway has been shown to be an important defense mechanism against oxidative stress, which may be an effective therapeutic strategy for many diseases. The research progresses on Keap1-Nrf2 pathway in inflammatory diseases were mainly reviewed. The basic components and activation mechanism of Keap1-Nrf2 pathway were introduced. The relationship between Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and the crosstalk between NF-κB pathway and HO-1 pathway, the expression of inflammatory mediators and enzymes, and inflammatory bodies were expounded. Natural product-derived inhibitors, small molecule inhibitors targeting Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and their clinical progress were introduced, and the potential application value of Keap1-Nrf2 pathway in the treatment of inflammation was discussed.
6.Association between placental cortisol and neurodevelopment in 3-month-old infants
Shuangjie YU ; Jinfang ZHANG ; Ye LI ; Jing FAN ; Can LIU ; Suzhen GUAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(4):420-426
Background During pregnancy, negative emotions such as anxiety and depression may induce cortisol disruption. Cortisol can be transmitted to the fetus through the placental barrier, thereby affecting the neurodevelopment of the offspring. Objective To investigate the relationship between placental cortisol, maternal depression during pregnancy, and neurodevelopment of 3-month-old infants. Methods From September 2022 to September 2023, 171 pregnant women ordered routine prenatal checks at the obstetrics outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Ningxia were selected using a prospective cohort design. After providing informed consent, these women participated in a questionnaire survey that covered general individual characteristics, prenatal depression, and sleep quality. At birth, placental samples were collected to measure cortisol levels using ELISA kits. Follow-up assessments on the neurodevelopmental of 3-month-old infants were conducted using the Warning Sign for Children Mental and Behavioral Development. LASSO regression analysis was conducted to screen the influencing factors of depression during pregnancy. Huber regression analysis was then applied to assess potential linear relationship between depression during pregnancy and placental cortisol levels. Log-binomial regression was used to analyze the linear relationships between cortisol levels and neurodevelopmental delay in 3-month-old infants. Additionally, a mediation effect model was fitted using R 4.3.3 to assess possible mediating role of cortisol in the association between prenatal depression and neurodevelopmental delay in 3-month-old infants. Results The positive rate of prenatal depression was 33.33%. Nine factors affecting prenatal depression were identified by LASSO regression, including rural residence, high school education or above, extroverted personality characteristics, moderate early pregnancy reactions, baby sex expectation, prenatal anxiety, family dysfunction, exposure to stressful life events during pregnancy, and moderate prenatal sleep quality. The Huber regression model showed a positive linear correlation between prenatal depression and placental cortisol (P<0.05). With or without controlling confounding factors, the results of log-binomial regression modeling showed that cortisol levels were associated with a reduced risk of neurodevelopmental delay in 3-month-old infants (crude model: RR=0.988, 95%CI:
7.The intervention of Jianpifuwei granule on mucosal injury of precancerous lesion of gastric cancer via the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 axis and its mechanisms
KANG Juying1,2,3 ; GUAN Huiying4 ; LI Peirun3 ; ZHANG Liming4 ; DUAN Yongqiang5
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(4):392-397
[摘 要] 目的:探讨健脾复胃颗粒(JPFWG)通过调控IL-6/JAK/STAT3信号通路对胃癌前病变(PLGC)大鼠胃黏膜损伤的干预效果及其作用机制。方法:采用MNNG联合复合因素造模法建立PLGC模型大鼠,随机分为6组(20只/组):空白组(未处理)、模型组(给予生理盐水)、维酶素组(0.05 g/mL维酶素)、JPFWG低剂量组(JPFWG-L,0.088 g/mL)、JPFWG中剂量组(JPFWG-M,0.176 g/mL)、JPFWG高剂量组(JPFWG-H,0.351 g/mL)。各治疗组大鼠分别给予相应药物处理12周后,麻醉处死动物并取胃组织标本。采用H-E染色法观察胃黏膜的病理变化,通过免疫组化、qPCR和WB法检测胃黏膜组织中IL-6介导的JAK/STAT3信号通路相关因子(包括IL-6、JAK、STAT3)及其下游靶基因c-Myc、cyclin D1的 mRNA和蛋白的表达水平。结果:与模型组相比,维酶素组和JPFWG-L、JPFWG-M、JPFWG-H组大鼠胃黏膜炎性细胞浸润均减少,病理状态改善以JPFWG-H组最明显;IL-6、JAK1、STAT3蛋白表达显著降低(P < 0.05或P < 0.01);维酶素组和JPFWG-H组大鼠胃黏膜组织中c-Myc、cyclin D1的 mRNA和蛋白表达均显著降低(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。结论:JPFWG能够改善PLGC大鼠胃黏膜的组织病理变化,其机制可能是通过调控IL-6/JAK/STAT3信号通路,进而下调c-Myc、cyclin D1的表达,从而阻断炎-癌转化过程。
8.The role of hypoxia-induced circ_0007766 expression in the proliferation, migration and invasion of PCa cells
ZHAO Ziqi1 ; ZHANG Min1 ; YANG Tao1 ; YANG Li2 ; LIAO Guoling1 ; ZHANG Wei1 ; CHU Yuankui1,3
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(5):460-468
[摘 要] 目的:探讨环化自erb-b2受体酪氨酸激酶2(ERBB2)基因的circ_0007766分子在前列腺癌(PCa)细胞中的作用及缺氧对其表达调控的影响。方法:qRT-PCR检测circ_0007766分子在PCa细胞及组织中的表达;分别转染circ0007766的siRNA至PCa细胞DU145和PC3中,平板克隆实验、CCK-8实验和Transwell 实验检测circ_0007766敲低对PCa细胞克隆形成、增殖、迁移和侵袭能力的影响;厌氧袋法建立DU145和PC3细胞的缺氧细胞模型,WB法检测缺氧通路关键分子HIF-1α的蛋白表达,qRT-PCR检测缺氧模型细胞中circ_0007766分子的表达,WB检测RNA结合蛋白真核翻译起始因子4A3(EIF4A3)的蛋白水平表达,RNA免疫沉淀(RIP)法检测缺氧条件下EIF4A3与circ_0007766的结合,qRT-PCR进一步检测缺氧条件下敲低EIF4A3对circ_0007766表达的影响。结果:circ_0007766在PCa细胞(P < 0.01)及PCa组织(P < 0.05)中呈高表达;敲低circ_0007766(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)能显著抑制PCa细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力(均P < 0.01)。缺氧条件下HIF-1α蛋白表达增加,表明缺氧细胞模型建立成功。qRT-PCR检测结果显示,相较于常氧组,缺氧组circ_0007766的表达显著升高(P < 0.01),WB法检测结果显示缺氧组细胞中EIF4A3 的蛋白表达增强。RIP实验结果显示,circ_0007766在EIF4A3富集组高度富集(P < 0.01)。qRT-PCR检测结果显示,缺氧可显著促进circ_0007766的表达,同时,敲低EIF4A3分子可显著降低缺氧诱导的circ_0007766的表达(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。结论: circ_0007766在PCa细胞中扮演着促癌分子的角色,其表达形成与缺氧条件下EIF4A3分子的调控有关。
9.Effects of miR-204-3p inhibitor on epithelial-mesenchymal transition and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide-induced alveolar epithelial cells
Fang CHEN ; Jing YU ; Wenxuan HU ; Yangyang PI ; Xi ZHANG ; Luning WANG ; Ping ZHAO ; Faxuan WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):622-629
Background The pathogenesis of silicosis has not been fully elucidated, and microRNAs (miRNA) may be involved in the occurrence and development of silicosis. Objective To investigate the effect of miR-204-3p inhibitor on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide dust-induced alveolar epithelial cells. Methods A co-culture model of macrophages and epithelial cells was established using a Transwell chamber. NR8383 macrophages were seeded into the upper chamber of the Transwell, and RLE-6TN cells were seeded into the lower chamber. After 24 h of culture, the medium in the lower chamber was discarded, washed three times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and replaced with serum-free medium. The cells were divided into four groups: control group, silicosis group, miRNA NC group, and miR-204-3p inhibitor group. The lower chamber was transfected with miRNA NC for the miRNA NC group or the miR-204-3p inhibitor for the miR-204-3p inhibitor group. The lower chambers of the remaining two groups were added by equal amounts of serum-free medium. After 24 h, except for the control group that received an equal volume of serum-free medium, the upper chambers of the remaining three groups were treated with 800 μg·mL−1 silicon dioxide dust. Morphological changes in each group were observed under a microscope. The mRNA and protein expression levels of EMT-related factors, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin, N-Cadherin, and E-Cadherin, were detected by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. The mRNA and protein expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin, were also assessed by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The fluorescence expression intensities of α-SMA, N-Cadherin, and E-Cadherin were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Results The morphological observation revealed that RLE-6TN cells in the control group exhibited a regular oval shape. After treatment with silicon dioxide, the cells predominantly displayed a long spindle shape. Following the intervention with the miR-204-3p inhibitor, the number of long spindle-shaped cells increased, and the intercellular gaps widened. The RT-qPCR results showed that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group exhibited significantly higher relative mRNA expression levels of EMT-related markers (α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin) (P<0.05), while the relative mRNA expression level of E-Cadherin was significantly reduced (P<0.05); the relative mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related markers (Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin) were also significantly elevated (P<0.05). Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group showed significantly increased relative mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), decreased E-Cadherin mPNA expression (P<0.05), and elevated mPNA expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). The Western blot analysis indicated that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group had significantly higher protein expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), lower E-Cadherin protein expression (P<0.05), and increased protein expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group exhibited significantly elevated protein expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), reduced E-Cadherin expression (P<0.05), and increased protein expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). The immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group showed enhanced fluorescence intensities of α-SMA and N-Cadherin and reduced fluorescence intensity of E-Cadherin. Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group exhibited increased fluorescence intensities of α-SMA and N-Cadherin and decreased fluorescence intensity of E-Cadherin. Conclusion The miR-204-3p inhibitor may exacerbate the EMT process and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide-induced RLE-6TN cells. miR-204-3p plays a negative regulatory role in silicosis fibrosis.
10.Relationship between psychological distress and psychosomatic symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients: the mediating role of anhedonia
Yuhan LI ; Fangqing SONG ; Shaoxia WANG ; Xueting ZHANG ; Yanrong WANG ; Jianqun FANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):217-222
BackgroundObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common neuropsychiatric illness and is listed as one of the top ten disabling conditions causing loss of income and reduced quality of life. Psychological distress is an important cause of anhedonia in OCD patients, and is closely related to psychosomatic symptoms. Therefore, exploring the role of anhedonia in the relationship between psychological distress and psychosomatic symptoms is of great significance for optimizing clinical psychological treatment protocols for OCD patients. ObjectiveTo explore the role of anhedonia in the relationship between psychological distress and psychosomatic symptoms in OCD patients, with the aim of providing references for managing psychosomatic symptoms in patients. MethodsA total of 90 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for OCD according to the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10), and who visited the Mental Health Center outpatient clinic of General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from September 2023 to November 2024 were selected as the study objects. The instruments and techniques used for the evaluation were: Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS), 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and Psychosomatic Symptom Scale (PSSS). Model 4 of the Process for SPSS 26.0 was used to test the mediating role of anhedonia in the relationship between psychological distress and psychosomatic symptoms, with Bootstrapping used to assess the significance of mediating effect. ResultsA total of 84 patients (93.33%) completed the valid questionnaire. K10 score was positively correlated with PSSS total score, psychological symptom score and physical symptom score (r=0.559, 0.460, 0.551, P<0.01). K10 score was negatively correlated with DARS total score (r=-0.527, P<0.01). The total score of DARS was negatively correlated with PSSS total score (r=-0.497, P<0.01). Anhedonia mediated the relationship between psychological distress and psychosomatic symptoms, with an indirect effect value was 0.148 (95% CI: 0.042~0.278), accounting for 26.48% of the total effect. ConclusionPsychological distress can affect the psychosomatic symptoms in OCD patients both directly and indirectly via anhedonia.


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