1.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
2.Effect of Necrostatin-1 alleviates immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis and related mechanism
Xuejun WANG ; Yihui SHEN ; Xiaozhen HE ; Jian ZHANG ; Yan WANG ; Leilei CHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(6):1000-1009
Objective To investigate the improvement effect of Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) on mouse models with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) -associated myocarditis (ICIAM) and potential mechanism. Methods Ten male BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected to construct the ICIAM models. The echocardiography and serum myocardial injury markers were used to assess cardiac function of mice. The levels of inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate myocardial inflammation, and Masson staining was used to evaluate myocardial fibrosis. The expressions of myocardial necroptosis proteins including receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1), RIP3, mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) and their phosphorylated forms were detected by Western blotting. The spleen lymphocytes were extracted and co-cultured with HL-1 cell line. Cell viability was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). The release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and changes of mitochondrial membrane potential were observed. RIP1, RIP3, MLKL and their phosphorylated forms were determined. The levels of markers of oxidative stress, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), were measured. Results Nec-1 significantly improved the cardiac function injury of mice induced by ICI, and inhibited the release of TNF-α and IL-1β in plasma of ICIAM mice (P<0.001); inhibited expressions of phosphorylated RIP1, RIP3 and MLKL (P<0.05); decreased MDA activity, and increased SOD and GSH-Px activity (P<0.001). In HL-1 cells, Nec-1 intervention inhibited the RIP1-RIP3-MLKL pathway (P<0.05), improved decrease of the cell viability induced by lymphocytes (P<0.001), decreased ROS release, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibited MDA activity, and increased SOD and GSH-Px activities (P<0.001). Conclusions Necroptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of ICIAM,but Nec-1 could alleviate the progression of ICIAM by inhibiting necroptosis induced by oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes; RIP1 maybe a new target in treatment of ICIAM.
3.Lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty for long (≥5 cm) proximal ureteral stricture: a multi-institutional 8-year experience
Xingyuan XIAO ; Shuaishuai CHAI ; Jinmin ZENG ; Xincheng GAO ; Kangxiang XU ; Yuancheng ZHOU ; Jianjun FANG ; Qiuxuan YU ; Wang WANG ; Manshun DONG ; Ruoyu LI ; Mingzhe TANG ; Junwei HU ; Gong CHENG ; Yujie XU ; Dongyang ZENG ; Chaoqi LIANG ; Xuejun ZHANG ; Yixiang LIAO ; Bing LI
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(12):1104-1110
Objective:To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty (LMGU) for managing long-segment (≥5 cm) ureteral strictures in a multi-institutional cohort of patients.Methods:A multi-center retrospective case series study was conducted on clinical data from 42 patients undergoing LMGU for long-segment ureteral strictures (≥5 cm) across five institutions between February 2017 and June 2024. The cohort comprised 31 males and 11 females, with an age of (43.4±12.0) years (range: 15 to 64 years) and a body mass index of (24.6±2.6) kg/m2 (range: 16.0 to 30.0 kg/m2). Strictures involved the left ureter in 24 cases and right ureter in 18 cases, demonstrating a stricture length of (6.4±1.5) cm (range: 5.0 to 11.5 cm). Surgical interventions included either onlay ureteroplasty or augmented anastomotic ureteroplasty, selected according to intraoperative findings. Intraoperative parameters, postoperative complications, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed.Results:Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 22 cases and robot-assisted surgery in 20 cases. Among the 42 patients, 22 underwent onlay ureteroplasty while 20 received augmented anastomotic ureteroplasty. The graft length was (5.9±1.8) cm (range: 3.0 to 12.0 cm), operative time (191.5±55.6) minutes (range: 105.0 to 350.0 minutes), and intraoperative estimated blood loss (86.7±73.6) ml (range: 10.0 to 400.0 ml). All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. The postoperative hospital stay was (7.6±2.0) days (range: 4.0 to 15.0 days), with double-J stent removal at 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively. During a follow-up of (49.1±25.0) months (range: 12.0 to 99.0 months), no stricture recurrence was observed in any patient.Conclusion:LMGU is a safe, feasible, and effective long-term technique for managing long-segment (≥5 cm) ureteral strictures.
4.Routine magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of dural arteriovenous fistulas
Xiaodong WU ; Jinfeng ZHAN ; Jiufa CUI ; Cheng DONG ; Xuejun LIU ; Ruizhi ZHOU ; Song LIU
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(5):513-519
Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for early detection of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF).Methods:A retrospective collection of 53 patients with DAVF confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from September 2018 to June 2023 was conducted. All patients underwent routine non-enhanced and enhanced MRI scans before treatment, with 30 patients also receiving magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) examination. Medical records were reviewed, and basic patient information, clinical symptoms, and imaging markers [pial venous engorgement (PVE), cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, vasogenic edema, venous infarction, medullary veins engorgement (MVE), parenchymal enhancement, encephalopathy mimics] were recorded. The Cognard grading was carried out in accordance with the manifestations shown by DSA.Results:Seventy-seven percent (41/53) of patients exhibited PVE on the brain surface, with 95% (39/41) of these cases showing localized PVE on one hemisphere or even within a single brain lobe. Approximately 64% (34/53) of these PVEs were detectable on conventional T 2-weighted imaging. Among the 30 patients who underwent MRA, only 50% (15/30) showed evidence of PVE on both T 2WI and MRA, while an additional 23% (7/30) had PVE only on MRA. About 38% (20/53) of patients presented with isolated vasogenic edema, with 70% (14/20) of these cases demonstrating PVE on T 2WI. Twenty-six percent (14/53) of patients had intracranial hemorrhage, and 11 of these patients demonstrated positive signs of PVE. Parenchymal enhancement was primarily observed in subarachnoid structures in 11% (6/53) of patients, with 5/6 showing PVE on the brain surface or spinal cord surface. Venous infarction (4%, 2/53) and MVE (4%, 2/53) were more commonly seen in high Cognard grade DAVF, whereas encephalopathy mimics (4%, 2/53) were frequently encountered in low Cognard grade DAVF. Conclusions:PVE on the brain surface is a direct sign for the diagnosis of DAVF on routine MRI, yet it is often subtle. Familiarity with common indirect signs is of great importance for the early diagnosis of DAVF.
5.Protective effect of exercise induced metabolite-3 in ischemia-reperfusion injury
Zijie CHENG ; Xuejun WANG ; Zimu WANG ; Juying QIAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):403-409
Objective To explore the protective effect of exercise-induced metabolite-3 (EIM-3) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and explore its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods The physicochemical properties and half-life of EIM-3 were analyzed using the Human Metabolome Database (HMDB, https://hmdb.ca/). A primary rat cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury model was established. Cell apoptosis and viability were assessed using TUNEL assay and cell counting kit-8, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the cell culture supernatant were measured. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify potential signaling pathways and targets of EIM-3. Results Plasma levels of EIM-3 were elevated post-exercise. EIM-3 was characterized as a phospholipid small-molecule compound with a partition coefficient (logP) of 5.58 and a solubility (logS) of −7.6, indicating favorable lipophilicity and cell membrane permeability. In cardiomyocytes H/R injury modles, EIM-3 significantly inhibited apoptosis, increased cell viability, reduced intracellular ROS levels, and decreased LDH release (P<0.01). Transcriptomic analysis suggested that EIM-3 exerts its protective function potentially by regulating glucose metabolim. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results confirmed that EIM-3 significantly upregulated the transcriptional level of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.001). Conclusions EIM-3 protects cardiomyocytes against I/R injury by modulating glucose metabolim. This study provides foundational insights into the mechanisms underlying exercise-induced cardioprotection.
6.The role of circadian rhythm and its new strategies for prevention and treatment in oral diseases
WANG Yajun ; ZHANG Lin ; CHENG Chen ; XING Wenmin ; GE Xuejun ; CHENG Fengli ; ZHANG Fang
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(11):986-996
Circadian rhythm is a biological endogenous process regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, which transmits light signals to peripheral clocks and synchronizes the body with the external environment through balanced expression of circadian rhythm genes. Working the night shift, sleep disorders, and exposure to artificial light can lead to disturbances in circadian rhythm and genetic imbalances. A substantial body of research has demonstrated that circadian rhythm plays a significant role in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, with increasing attention being directed toward their impact on oral health. Disturbances in circadian rhythm primarily affect psycho-neuro-immune mechanisms, oxidative stress responses, and oral microflora through pathways such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, and BMAL1-nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) interactions. These disruptions may influence the progression of oral diseases. Certain pharmacological agents (e.g., melatonin, vitamin D, nobiletin, and propofol) have been shown to regulate mood disorders, immune function, and sleep-wake cycles by upregulating BMAL1 expression, thus alleviating disturbances in circadian rhythm. In addition, non-pharmacological interventions, such as sleep management strategies, psychotherapy approaches, and light therapy, also modulate these processes through HPA axis regulation. Currently, the specific mechanisms by which circadian rhythm regulates BDNF levels, T cell subsets, and inflammatory signals—thereby influencing both pathogenesis and treatment outcomes for oral diseases—remain unclear. Future research should focus on elucidating these molecular mechanisms as well as identifying therapeutic targets related to circadian rhythm within the oral health context. Further, multidisciplinary collaboration encompassing pharmacy, sleep behavior studies, and psychology will be instrumental in advancing prevention strategies and treatments for oral diseases.
7.Routine magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of dural arteriovenous fistulas
Xiaodong WU ; Jinfeng ZHAN ; Jiufa CUI ; Cheng DONG ; Xuejun LIU ; Ruizhi ZHOU ; Song LIU
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(5):513-519
Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for early detection of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF).Methods:A retrospective collection of 53 patients with DAVF confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from September 2018 to June 2023 was conducted. All patients underwent routine non-enhanced and enhanced MRI scans before treatment, with 30 patients also receiving magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) examination. Medical records were reviewed, and basic patient information, clinical symptoms, and imaging markers [pial venous engorgement (PVE), cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, vasogenic edema, venous infarction, medullary veins engorgement (MVE), parenchymal enhancement, encephalopathy mimics] were recorded. The Cognard grading was carried out in accordance with the manifestations shown by DSA.Results:Seventy-seven percent (41/53) of patients exhibited PVE on the brain surface, with 95% (39/41) of these cases showing localized PVE on one hemisphere or even within a single brain lobe. Approximately 64% (34/53) of these PVEs were detectable on conventional T 2-weighted imaging. Among the 30 patients who underwent MRA, only 50% (15/30) showed evidence of PVE on both T 2WI and MRA, while an additional 23% (7/30) had PVE only on MRA. About 38% (20/53) of patients presented with isolated vasogenic edema, with 70% (14/20) of these cases demonstrating PVE on T 2WI. Twenty-six percent (14/53) of patients had intracranial hemorrhage, and 11 of these patients demonstrated positive signs of PVE. Parenchymal enhancement was primarily observed in subarachnoid structures in 11% (6/53) of patients, with 5/6 showing PVE on the brain surface or spinal cord surface. Venous infarction (4%, 2/53) and MVE (4%, 2/53) were more commonly seen in high Cognard grade DAVF, whereas encephalopathy mimics (4%, 2/53) were frequently encountered in low Cognard grade DAVF. Conclusions:PVE on the brain surface is a direct sign for the diagnosis of DAVF on routine MRI, yet it is often subtle. Familiarity with common indirect signs is of great importance for the early diagnosis of DAVF.
8.Depression Syndrome Typing and Medication Pattern Analysis Through Unsupervised Clustering Combined With Latent Structure Dual Analysis
Huanxi ZHU ; Cheng YU ; Xuejun LI ; Ruixue WANG ; Yongjun CHEN ; Taiyi WANG ; Wenqing WU ; Lin YAO
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(3):656-664
Objective Depression,a most common psychiatric disease,is defined in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)as Yu Syndrome,i.e.,depression disorder,or Baihe Disease,i.e.,lily bulb disease,a category of emotional disorders treated with lily-based TCM preparations.In TCM,depression is managed through syndrome differentiation and treatment,which is characterized by high efficacy and safety.However,there is no unified standard for the classification of depression syndromes,which leads to a disconnection between the analysis of patients'medication patterns and their actual syndromes and hinders the study of medication patterns specific to particular syndromes.Therefore,this study is focused on investigating the medication patterns of different sub-types of depression patients based on an objective classification system of depression.Methods We searched for and retrieved clinical literature on TCM formulas for depression from relevant databases,including China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data,VIP Database,Sinomed,Web of Science,and PubMed.Information on patient symptoms and medication was standardized.Then,the symptoms and the medication frequency of depression patients were statistically analyzed.We used the K-means clustering method combined with implicit structural analysis to objectively categorize depression patients into sub-types.In addition,the main symptoms and core TCM formulas of each sub-type of depression patients were identified.On the basis of objective classification system,we also statistically analyzed the characteristics of herbs used on depression patients,including the 4 basic properties,the 5 flavors,the attributes,the therapeutic efficacy,and the co-occurrence patterns,which may help reveal the medication patterns.Results A total of 3 537 publications and 4 434 prescriptions were included in the analysis.By using the K-means algorithm and latent structure analysis methods,patients with depression were categorized into 9 sub-types,with Cluster 6 accounting for the largest proportion.The most common symptoms among depression patients were insomnia and a depressed mood.Medication frequency analysis showed that Radix Bupleuri(Chai Hu),Radix Paeoniae Alba(Bai Shao),Poria(Fu Ling),Rhizoma Chuanxiong(Chuan Xiong),and Radix Curcumae(Yu Jin)were the most commonly used TCM herbs.For the depression sub-types of Clusters 1,2,and 6,blood-activating and stasis-dissolving herbs were used most often.The depression sub-types of Clusters 3,4,5,8,and 9 were mainly treated with qi-regulating herbs,while the depression sub-type of Cluster 7 was treated with qi-supplementing herbs.Depression patients were mostly treated with herbs that were cold or warm in nature and had sweet,bitter,and pungent flavors.Moreover,treatments for Cluster 1 and Cluster 6 mainly targeted the spleen meridian,while those for Cluster 2,Cluster 3,Cluster 4 and Cluster 5 mainly targeted the heart meridian.The treatments for the other sub-types mainly targeted the liver meridian.The core TCM formulas for the 9 depression sub-types included Zishui Qinggan Decoction,Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder,Huanglian Wendan Tang,Chaihu Guizhi Tang,Modified Xiaoyao Powder,Qinggan Jieyu Tang,Xiaoyao Powder,Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction,and Bazhen Decoction.The most commonly used Chinese herbal medicinal formulas were Gan Cao-Chai Hu,Bai Shao-Chai Hu,and Chen Pi-Chai Hu.Conclusion Based on machine learning,this study reveals the scientific aspects of TCM typing and syndrome-based treatment.It clarifies the rationale for targeting different symptoms in depression treatment and provides theoretical support for clinicians to make medication prescriptions.It also presents a new perspective for investigating TCM medication patterns.
9.Lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty for long (≥5 cm) proximal ureteral stricture: a multi-institutional 8-year experience
Xingyuan XIAO ; Shuaishuai CHAI ; Jinmin ZENG ; Xincheng GAO ; Kangxiang XU ; Yuancheng ZHOU ; Jianjun FANG ; Qiuxuan YU ; Wang WANG ; Manshun DONG ; Ruoyu LI ; Mingzhe TANG ; Junwei HU ; Gong CHENG ; Yujie XU ; Dongyang ZENG ; Chaoqi LIANG ; Xuejun ZHANG ; Yixiang LIAO ; Bing LI
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(12):1104-1110
Objective:To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty (LMGU) for managing long-segment (≥5 cm) ureteral strictures in a multi-institutional cohort of patients.Methods:A multi-center retrospective case series study was conducted on clinical data from 42 patients undergoing LMGU for long-segment ureteral strictures (≥5 cm) across five institutions between February 2017 and June 2024. The cohort comprised 31 males and 11 females, with an age of (43.4±12.0) years (range: 15 to 64 years) and a body mass index of (24.6±2.6) kg/m2 (range: 16.0 to 30.0 kg/m2). Strictures involved the left ureter in 24 cases and right ureter in 18 cases, demonstrating a stricture length of (6.4±1.5) cm (range: 5.0 to 11.5 cm). Surgical interventions included either onlay ureteroplasty or augmented anastomotic ureteroplasty, selected according to intraoperative findings. Intraoperative parameters, postoperative complications, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed.Results:Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 22 cases and robot-assisted surgery in 20 cases. Among the 42 patients, 22 underwent onlay ureteroplasty while 20 received augmented anastomotic ureteroplasty. The graft length was (5.9±1.8) cm (range: 3.0 to 12.0 cm), operative time (191.5±55.6) minutes (range: 105.0 to 350.0 minutes), and intraoperative estimated blood loss (86.7±73.6) ml (range: 10.0 to 400.0 ml). All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. The postoperative hospital stay was (7.6±2.0) days (range: 4.0 to 15.0 days), with double-J stent removal at 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively. During a follow-up of (49.1±25.0) months (range: 12.0 to 99.0 months), no stricture recurrence was observed in any patient.Conclusion:LMGU is a safe, feasible, and effective long-term technique for managing long-segment (≥5 cm) ureteral strictures.
10.DING Yuanqing's Experience in Treating Young and Middle-Aged Post-Stroke Depression Patients with Regulating Qi and Promoting Blood Circulation Method
Chunyu HU ; Xuejun LI ; Jin WANG ; Saixue TANG ; Jiajing LI ; Cheng YU ; Xiangqing XU ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(19):1972-1977
This paper summarizes the experience of professor DING Yuanqing in treating post-stroke depression (PSD) of young and middle-aged patients with the method of regulating qi and promoting blood circulation. PSD is a syndrome resulting by vascular injury and impairment of brain marrow and vital activity after the stroke. Factors such as poor lifestyle, improper control of chronic diseases and sleep disorders,etc.,which can be harmful individually, or they can interact. Over time,these factors can block yang of defensive qi,obstract blood circulationg and disturb qi movement. Reverse ascending of defensive qi can generate wind and fire,generate phlegm and stasis from the fluid the blood. Qi stagnation, phlegm and stasis can combined with stagnation heat, phlegm heat, blood stasis heat which caused by stroke , which can further aggravate pulse accumulation, damage the blood vessels and block the collaterals. Consequently, defensive qi is floating over and nutrient qi is not smooth, resulting in inadequate nourishment of the brain marrow,and disfunction of vital activity, causing depressive symptoms. Professor DING innovatively applied the method of regulating qi and promoting blood circulation. He selected the classic prescriptions such as Guizhi Decoction(桂枝汤), Baoyuan Decoction(保元汤), as well as self-fitting prescriptions like Erdan Decoction(二丹汤), Erzhu Decoction(二竹汤), to relieve qi and tonify qi,promote harmonious blood circulation, facilitate vasodilation, ease symptoms of depression, invigorate the mind, and provide an effective treatment for PSD.


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