1.Qiangjing Tablets Regulate CDK4-E2F Signaling Pathway to Delay Aging of Leydig Cells and Testicular Tissue in Rats
Xiucheng LAN ; Meijing WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Junjun LI ; Liang DONG ; Xujun YU ; Fang YANG ; Degui CHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):328-336
ObjectiveTo reveal the molecular mechanism by which the traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription Qiangjing tablets regulate the aging of the testicular tissue and Leydig cells in rats through the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4)-early 2 factor (E2F) signaling pathway. MethodsFor the cell experiment, 2-month-old SPF-grade SD male rats were selected and randomly assigned into a blank control group (administrated with an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection) and a Qiangjing tablets group (20 rats in each group) according to body weight. The Leydig cell model of aging was established by treatment of TM3 cells with 100 μmol·L-1 H2O2, and the modeling performance was evaluated based on the levels of p16 and p21 determined by Western blot. The antioxidant NAC (1 mmol·L-1) was used as the positive control for eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cells were intervened with Qiangjing tablets-containing serum at low (2.5%), medium (5%), and high (10%) concentrations. The testosterone level in the cell supernatant was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the protein levels of CDK4, E2F1, and E2F2 were analyzed by Western blot. In the animal experiment, 19-month-old naturally aging rats were used as the model group, and 2-month-old rats as the young control group. The positive control group was subcutaneously injected with 5.21 mg·kg-1·d-1 testosterone propionate. Qiangjing tablets were administered by gavage at low, medium, and high doses of 0.72, 1.44, 2.88 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. The general conditions of rats were observed, and the protein levels of CDK4, E2F1, and E2F2 in the testicular tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsIn the cell experiment, compared with the blank control group, the model group showed upregulated expression of CDK4 and E2F1 (P<0.05) and slightly downregulated expression of E2F2. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the NAC group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05), slightly upregulated in the medium-dose Qiangjing tablets group, and downregulated in the high-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05). The NAC group showed downregulated expression of E2F1 (P<0.05) and E2F2, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Qiangjing tablets groups showed downregulated expression of both E2F1 and E2F2 (P<0.05). Compared with that in the NAC group, the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group and downregulated in the medium-dose and high dose (P<0.05) groups. The expression of E2F1 was down-regulated in all the three dose groups, with statistically significance in the high dose group (P<0.05), and that of E2F2 were downregulated in all the three dose groups (P<0.05). In the animal experiment, compared with the young control group, the model group exhibited downregulated expression of CDK4 (P<0.05) and slightly upregulated expression of E2F1 and E2F2. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of CDK4 decreased in the testosterone propionate group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05) but increased in the medium-dose (P<0.05) and high-dose groups. In addition, the expression of E2F1 decreased (P<0.05), and that of E2F2 was slightly elevated. Compared with that in the NAC group, CDK4 expression was elevated in the Qiangjing tablets groups, with statistical significance in the medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Similarly, the E2F1 expression was also upregulated in the Qiangjing tablets groups, with statistical significance in the medium-dose group (P<0.05). The expression of E2F2 was downregulated in all the Qiangjing tablets groups. ConclusionQiangjing tablets delay the aging process of Leydig cells and testicular tissue by up-regulating the expression of CDK4 and lowering the levels of E2F1 and E2F2.
2.Mechanism of Quercetin-loaded Exosomes in Improving Testosterone Synthesis in Leydig Cells from Correlation Perspective of "Disease, Syndrome, Formula, and Medicine"
Meijing WANG ; Xiucheng LAN ; Fangyue WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Guangsen LI ; Degui CHANG ; Xujun YU ; Fang YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):360-370
ObjectiveBased on the multidimensional correlation analysis framework of "disease, syndrome, formula, and medicine", this study aims to systematically elucidate the regulatory effects of effective components in Qiangjing tablet on testosterone synthesis pathways in testicular Leydig cells under oxidative stress, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of male infertility with traditional Chinese medicine and modern research on compounds. MethodsDisease targets for male infertility were obtained from The Human Gene Database (GeneCards, score ≥20), the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD, score ≥150), DrugBank (score ≥0.2), and DisGeNET (score ≥0.2). Targets related to the syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stasis were acquired from the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome association database SymMap. Components of Qiangjing tablet were retrieved based on The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) database and the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP), and they were screened according to a quantitative estimate of drug-likeness (QED ≥ 0.49) and a target confidence index>0.8. Intersecting targets were taken to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using the STRING database. The network was visualized with Cytoscape software and subjected to the functional annotation of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Quality markers (Q-markers) were predicted via the ADMETlab 2.0 platform based on Lipinski's rule, Pfizer's rule, GSK's rule, and the Golden Triangle. For experimental validation, rats' testicular Leydig cells were used. Exosomes were extracted and loaded with active components via the ultrasonic method. Exosome concentration was determined using a BCA protein quantification kit. Morphology was observed using a transmission electron microscope. The particle size was analyzed with a particle size analyzer. The surface marker proteins such as cluster of differentiation 9 (CD9), cluster of differentiation 63 (CD63), and cluster of differentiation 81 (CD81) were identified by Western blot, and drug loading capacity was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An oxidative stress model was induced by alpha, alpha'-azodiisobutyramidine dihydrochloride (AAPH), and Leydig cells were divided into the following groups: A control group, an AAPH group, a quercetin group (Que group), an exosome group (Exo group), and a QUE-loaded Exo group (Que-Exo group). The cell viability was detected using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) thiazolyl blue assay. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometry. The levels of oxidative indicators, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and testosterone (T), were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of steroidogenic enzymes such as cytochrome p450 family 11 subfamily a member 1 (CYP11A1), hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta- and steroid delta-isomerase 1 (HSD3B1), and hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 3 (HSD17B3), regulatory factors such as steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and miR-145-5p content, were detected by Western blot and real-time polymerse chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis reveals that the main active components of Qiangjing tablet for intervening in male infertility with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were Que, luteolin, etc., with the core mechanism involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis. Experimental results show that compared with the control group, the AAPH group exhibits significantly reduced cell viability (P<0.01), decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01), significantly elevated levels of ROS, MDA, and miR-145-5p (P<0.01), significantly reduced activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT, as well as reduced testosterone content (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated protein and mRNA expressions of steroidogenic enzymes, SF-1, and StAR (P<0.01). The above indicators were reversed in the Que and Que-Exo groups (P<0.05). Compared with the Que group, the Que-Exo group showed more significant effects in enhancing cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, testosterone level, antioxidant enzyme activities, and expressions of key molecules in the steroidogenic pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Que, an active component of Qiangjing tablet, inhibits oxidative stress reaction, improves mitochondrial function in Leydig cells, upregulates steroidogenic enzyme expression, and restores testosterone production. As a carrier for Que, Exo enhance its stability, delivery efficiency, and biological effect. Additionally, miR-145-5p may be closely associated with testosterone synthesis, though its precise molecular mechanism requires further exploration. By integrating traditional Chinese medicine compounds with modern scientific technology, this research expands the paths for the modernized research of traditional Chinese medicine and opens a novel therapeutic direction with translational potential for clinical intervention of male infertility.
3.Proximal effect of anxiety on non-suicidal self-injury behaviors in adolescent patients with depression and the intervention efficacy of modified cognitive behavioral therapy: an ecological momentary assessment study
Shaonan HUANG ; Jun KONG ; Zheng LIU ; Yi ZHANG ; Weijuan ZHANG ; Xiao WANG ; Xiucheng TANG ; Jiansong ZHOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(5):414-420
BackgroundIn recent years, the prevalence of depression among adolescents has risen steadily, alongside an increasing prominence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in this population, which may elevate suicide risk and constitute a serious public health problem. Negative emotions such as anxiety and depression are closely related to NSSI behaviors. Previous studies have predominantly relied on retrospective reports, limiting the ability to dynamically capture temporal relationships between emotional fluctuations and NSSI behaviors. Moreover, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) often lacks targeted design to address proximal triggers in interventions for NSSI behaviors. ObjectiveTo verify that anxiety as a proximal trigger factor for NSSI behaviors in adolescent patients with depression, and to evaluate the efficacy of modified CBT integrated with ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data in alleviating their anxiety and self-injury urges. MethodsA prospective cohort study design was adopted. A total of 132 adolescent patients with a history of NSSI behaviors who were treated at Jiujiang Fifth People's Hospital from January to December 2024 and met the diagnostic criteria for depression in the Diagnosed and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). A smartphone-based EMA application to conduct natural situation emotions on participants for 14 consecutive days. The monitoring period spanned from 10∶00 to 22∶00 daily, with randomized assessments pushed every 2 hours. The assessment tools included the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the negative affect subscale of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), with real-time recording of NSSI behaviors and emotional states before and after their occurrence. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the dynamic changes in the scores of each scale before and after the episodes of NSSI behaviors. A modified CBT was administered to 83 participants who completed EMA data collection, with sessions conducted once weekly for 12 weeks. Anxiety levels were accessed using the SAS, and the self-injury urges was evaluated using the Ottawa Self-injury Inventory (OSI) before and after the intervention. ResultsEMA data revealed that SAS scores were significantly higher during the 1-2 hours before NSSI episodes compared to baseline periods [(56.19±11.06)vs.(52.83±10.25),P<0.01]. SAS scores were positively correlated with the NSSI behavioral scores (r=0.460,P<0.01,95% CI:0.310-0.580). After receiving modified CBT intervention, adolescent patients with depression demonstrated statistically significant decreases in both SAS scores [(52.30±8.10) vs.(48.70±7.30),t(82)=4.820,P<0.01,Cohen's d=0.420] and the OSI self-injury impulse subcale scores [(12.80±2.70) vs.(9.60±2.50),t(82)=5.170,P<0.01,Cohen's d=0.510] compared to their pre-intervention levels. ConclusionAnxiety may serve as a proximal trigger for NSSI behaviors in adolescent patients with depression. Modified CBT integrating EMA data could potentially alleviate their anxiety level and self-injury urges. [Funded by Science and Technology Plan Project of Jiangxi Provincial Health Commission (number, SKJP220227629)]
4.Application of transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of depression
Xiucheng TANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Xiuling ZOU ; Jiansong ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2024;57(8):473-478
Depression, as a complex affective mental disorder, brings a considerable burden to patients and society. At present, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and traditional physical therapy methods cannot fully meet clinical needs. Therefore, seeking new treatment methods has become an urgent matter. In recent years, transcranial direct current stimulation, as a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, has attracted widespread attention and research in the field of depression treatment. This article briefly reviews the research progress of transcranial direct current stimulation in treating depression.
5.Application of transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of depression
Xiucheng TANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Xiuling ZOU ; Jiansong ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2024;57(8):473-478
Depression, as a complex affective mental disorder, brings a considerable burden to patients and society. At present, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and traditional physical therapy methods cannot fully meet clinical needs. Therefore, seeking new treatment methods has become an urgent matter. In recent years, transcranial direct current stimulation, as a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, has attracted widespread attention and research in the field of depression treatment. This article briefly reviews the research progress of transcranial direct current stimulation in treating depression.
6.Sunscreen pollution of marine ecosystems and its potential impact
Wei LIU ; Hang LI ; Xinyan ZHAO ; Xiucheng ZHANG ; Ying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2021;54(5):456-458
Sunscreen products have been widely used with the increase in public awareness of sun protection. As sunscreens are structurally stable and resistant to degradation, the concern for their biotoxicity and impact on marine environment has been heightened increasingly, and several countries and regions have successively issued bans on relevant sunscreen products. However, these bans have not yet affected the key international rules and regulations related to sunscreen products. The risks of different sunscreens to marine ecosystems and potential risks to human themselves still need to be evaluated through further multidisciplinary researches.
7.An epidemiological survey of mental disorders among people aged 18 and above in Shandong Province
Ruzhan WANG ; Jingxuan ZHANG ; Yanhu WANG ; Can WANG ; Xiuzhe CHEN ; Guolin MI ; Xu CHEN ; Xiaojing CHENG ; Lina WANG ; Lili HU ; Lingxi GU ; Shiquan ZHENG ; Lan DONG ; Ligang WANG ; Li CHEN ; Wu LI ; Yanhua LIU ; Jun ZHU ; Yanmei WANG ; Qinghua WEN ; Xiaopeng LI ; Yusheng ZHANG ; Zongyin HOU ; Xiuru ZHANG ; Tingxia ZHANG ; Sumei GUO ; Xiucheng YANG
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2021;54(2):138-146
Objective:This study aims to investigate the prevalence and distribution characteristics of mental disorders among people aged 18 and above in Shandong Province.Methods:In 2015, an epidemiological survey was carried out to investigate the patterns of mental disorders in 49 counties of Shandong Province. A total of 28 000 individuals aged 18 years or older were selected using the multistage stratified cluster sampling method. All these participants were classified as at a high or low risk of mental disorders according to the assessment results of the revised version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The diagnosis of mental disorders was confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Forth edition (DSM-Ⅳ) axis I or MMSE. All participants at high risk of mental disorders were evaluated using DSM-Ⅳ or MMSE to confirm the psychiatric diagnoses, while 10% of participants at low risk of mental disorders were randomly selected to be evaluated. The prevalence and its 95% confidence interval of mental disorders were adjusted according to study design and sociodemographic characteristics of the sample. The between-group differences of prevalence were compared using chi-square tests or Fisher′s exact tests as appropriately.Results:A total of 27 489 individuals completed survey. The adjusted prevalence of any mental disorder was 17.46% (95 %CI 17.02%-17.89%). The five most prevalent mental disorder spectrums were substance use disorders (5.29%), mood disorders (4.47%), anxiety disorders (4.46%), intellectual and mental disorders due to physical or substance (1.91%), and psychotic disorders (1.12%). The most common mental disorders were alcohol use disorder (5.27%) and major depressive disorder (2.14%). The prevalence of mental disorders in men was higher than that in women (23.37% vs. 13.89%; χ 2=408.91, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of mental disorders between rural residents and urban residents (17.69% vs. 17.20%; χ2=1.05, P=0.305). Of participants with mental disorders, 26.12% (1 047/4 008) had moderate to severe functional impairment and 10.98% (428/3 898) have sought professional help. Conclusion:The prevalence of mental disorders among people aged 18 and above in Shandong Province is basically consistent with the results of similar domestic studies. The prevalence of mental disorder was higher in men than in women and was not differ in participants living in urban and rural areas. Alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder, non-specific anxiety disorder and non-specific depressive disorder are most common mental disorders.
8.An epidemiological survey of mental disorders among people aged 18 and above in Shandong Province
Ruzhan WANG ; Jingxuan ZHANG ; Yanhu WANG ; Can WANG ; Xiuzhe CHEN ; Guolin MI ; Xu CHEN ; Xiaojing CHENG ; Lina WANG ; Lili HU ; Lingxi GU ; Shiquan ZHENG ; Lan DONG ; Ligang WANG ; Li CHEN ; Wu LI ; Yanhua LIU ; Jun ZHU ; Yanmei WANG ; Qinghua WEN ; Xiaopeng LI ; Yusheng ZHANG ; Zongyin HOU ; Xiuru ZHANG ; Tingxia ZHANG ; Sumei GUO ; Xiucheng YANG
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2021;54(2):138-146
Objective:This study aims to investigate the prevalence and distribution characteristics of mental disorders among people aged 18 and above in Shandong Province.Methods:In 2015, an epidemiological survey was carried out to investigate the patterns of mental disorders in 49 counties of Shandong Province. A total of 28 000 individuals aged 18 years or older were selected using the multistage stratified cluster sampling method. All these participants were classified as at a high or low risk of mental disorders according to the assessment results of the revised version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The diagnosis of mental disorders was confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Forth edition (DSM-Ⅳ) axis I or MMSE. All participants at high risk of mental disorders were evaluated using DSM-Ⅳ or MMSE to confirm the psychiatric diagnoses, while 10% of participants at low risk of mental disorders were randomly selected to be evaluated. The prevalence and its 95% confidence interval of mental disorders were adjusted according to study design and sociodemographic characteristics of the sample. The between-group differences of prevalence were compared using chi-square tests or Fisher′s exact tests as appropriately.Results:A total of 27 489 individuals completed survey. The adjusted prevalence of any mental disorder was 17.46% (95 %CI 17.02%-17.89%). The five most prevalent mental disorder spectrums were substance use disorders (5.29%), mood disorders (4.47%), anxiety disorders (4.46%), intellectual and mental disorders due to physical or substance (1.91%), and psychotic disorders (1.12%). The most common mental disorders were alcohol use disorder (5.27%) and major depressive disorder (2.14%). The prevalence of mental disorders in men was higher than that in women (23.37% vs. 13.89%; χ 2=408.91, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of mental disorders between rural residents and urban residents (17.69% vs. 17.20%; χ2=1.05, P=0.305). Of participants with mental disorders, 26.12% (1 047/4 008) had moderate to severe functional impairment and 10.98% (428/3 898) have sought professional help. Conclusion:The prevalence of mental disorders among people aged 18 and above in Shandong Province is basically consistent with the results of similar domestic studies. The prevalence of mental disorder was higher in men than in women and was not differ in participants living in urban and rural areas. Alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder, non-specific anxiety disorder and non-specific depressive disorder are most common mental disorders.
9.An especial transition phase of hospitals: the adaptation of hospital operations to the development of COVID-19 and policy adjustments.
Xiucheng LIU ; Wei ZHUANG ; Xiaoyu QUAN ; Yeqing ZHOU ; Hao QIN ; Chenghang ZOU ; Hao ZHANG
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2020;25(1):55-55
The ongoing pandemic coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) remains a significant issue for global health, economics, and society. In order to balance epidemic control and economic recovery, many countries have successively announced the gradual relaxation of some lockdown restrictions. Hospitals and medical staff constitute the backbone in this war against COVID-19. In response to this serious situation, many hospitals went into emergency and impaired healthcare access to patients with conditions other than COVID-19. Therefore, gradually promoting hospital operations and functions back to the new normal is important, especially when this outbreak has been effectively controlled. In this study, we introduce existing and potential problems that could seriously affect people's health. Additionally, we propose that an especial transition phase between the emergency and regular modes of hospitals can be well adapted to the current situation.
Coronavirus Infections
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epidemiology
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Health Policy
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trends
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Hospitals
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standards
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trends
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Humans
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Pandemics
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Pneumonia, Viral
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epidemiology
10.A clinical study on reconstruction and suture repair medial patellofemoral ligament in the treatment of patellar dislocation
Xiucheng CHU ; Zhicheng ZHANG ; Lianmin WEI
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2014;37(8):33-36
Objective To explore the operation effect of isometric reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with the semitendinosus tendon and direct suture rehabilitation of the medial patellofemoral ligament in the treatment of patellar dislocation,and provide some reference for the surgical treatment of this disease.Methods Forty patients with patellar dislocation included 20 patients with suture repair (suture group) and 20 patients with reconstruction (reconstruction group).The erythrocyte sedimentation rate,C-reactive protein were determined at 3,14 d after operation in two groups.The congruence angles (CA),lateal patellofemoral angle (LPA),lateral patellar displacement(LS) before and after operation,knee joint function,efficacy after operation were observed and compared.Results There was no significant difference in CA,LPA,LS between two groups (P > 0.05).CA,LPA,LS after operation were improved compared with before operation in two groups [suture group:(9.13 ± 1.88)° vs.(16.50 ±2.83)°,(8.48 ± 1.19)° vs.(-1.28 ± 2.12)°,(0.52 ± 0.43)° vs.(0.78 ± 0.32)° ;reconstruction group:(6.69 ± 1.83)° vs.(16.95 ±3.17)°,(6.24 ± 1.33)° vs.(-0.91 ±2.00)°,(0.32 ±0.23)° vs.(0.70 ±0.16)°],and there was significant difference (P< 0.01).The improvement of CA,LPA,LS in reconstruction group were better than that in suture group,and there was significant difference (P< 0.01).The knee joint function score by Lysholm was (38.27 ± 17.06) scores in suture group,(79.44 ±9.86) scores in reconstruction group,and there was significant difference (P < 0.05).There was no significant difference in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate,C-reactive protein at 3,14 d after operation between two groups (P >0.05).Conclusions The operation effect of isometric reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with the semitendinosus tendon method is better than the direct suture rehabilitation of the medial patellofemoral ligament method,the former can effectively restore the relationship between patella and femoral trochlea,and cure the dislocation of patella from the root.

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