1.Effect of auricular therapy on sleep improvement and the GABAergic system pathway in an insomnia rat model
Hao CHEN ; Xifen ZHANG ; Xuesong WANG ; Yuanbo GAO ; Xuxin LI ; Xihui ZHENG ; Yu WANG ; Xiaojun ZHENG ; Haiping LI ; Yanfen SHE
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):138-148
Objective:
To investigate the effect of auricular therapy on sleep improvement and the GABAergic system pathway in a rat model of insomnia and to explore its possible mechanism.
Methods:
According to the random number table, 60 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, auricular point sticking, auricular bloodletting, and auricular bloodletting combined with sticking groups, with 12 rats per group. Insomnia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine. After establishing the insomnia model, 36 rats were treated once a day with auricular point sticking or bloodletting for 5 consecutive days. After the intervention, the general condition and body weight of rats were observed; the righting reflex test was used to detect the sleep latency and duration; HE staining was used to observe the morphology of hypothalamic neuron cells; and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the GABA and glutamate content in rat serum. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR were used to detect GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 protein and mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of rats, and Western blotting(WB) was used to detect GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, GAD65/67, GAT-1, and GABA-T protein expression in the hypothalamus of rats.
Results:
Compared with the blank control group, the model group had a lower body weight, a significantly shorter sleep duration (P<0.05), severe damage to the morphological structure of hypothalamic neurons with disordered cell arrangement, larger intercellular gaps, enlarged cell bodies, and a vacuolated appearance. All the intervention groups had significantly higher body weight and longer sleep duration than the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the other intervention groups, the auricular point sticking group had a longer sleep duration (P<0.05), and the hypothalamic neuron cells in all intervention groups improved, with the auricular point sticking group showing more apparent improvement. The model group had a lower GABA and higher glutamate contents, and GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, and GAD65/67 protein expression in the hypothalamus were lower than in the blank control group. In contrast, GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression was higher, and GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression was lower (P<0.05). The serum GABA content in the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting groups was higher, and the serum glutamate content in the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting combined sticking groups was lower than in the model group. GABA ARα1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of each intervention group was significantly increased, and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting combined sticking groups increased. GABA ARα1(IHC, WB), GABA ARγ2(WB), and GAD65/67 protein expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular point sticking group increased, whereas GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression decreased. GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 protein expression(IHC, WB) in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting group increased, whereas GABA-T protein expression decreased. GABA ARγ1(IHC) and GABA ARγ2(WB) protein expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting combined sticking group increased, whereas GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression decreased (P<0.05). Compared with in the inventation groups, the serum GABA content in the auricular point sticking group increased, the serum glutamate content decreased, GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus increased, and GABA ARα1(IHC), GAD65/67 protein expression increased. In contrast, GABA-T protein expression decreased (P<0.05), and GABA ARγ2 protein expression(IHC) in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting group increased (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Auricular therapy, particularly auricular point sticking, may have modulated the GABAergic system pathway by upregulating hypothalamic GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, and GAD65/67 protein expression while downregulating GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression to alleviate symptoms in an insomnia rat model.
2.Study on surface microcirculation sensitization of acupuncture points related to cold coagulation and stasis syndrome in primary dysmenorrhea
Xuxin LI ; Xuesong WANG ; Miao LIN ; Mingjian ZHANG ; Yuanbo GAO ; Xifen ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Haiping LI ; Xiaojun ZHENG ; Xisheng FAN ; Jun LIU ; Juncha ZHANG ; Yanfen SHE
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):253-269
Objective:
To assess the dynamic changes of microcirculation at acupoints in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold congelation and blood stasis syndrome using laser speckle blood flow imaging.
Methods:
Patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome (primary dysmenorrhea group, n=53) and healthy female college students(control group, n=57) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from October 2020 to July 2022 were enrolled at Hebei University of Chinese Medicine. On the premenstrual and first day of menstruation, a laser speckle blood flow imaging system was used to measure the microcirculation blood flow perfusion on the surface of acupoints related to the conception, thoroughfare, and governor vessels, and stomach, spleen, and bladder meridians in the abdomen and lumbosacral regions. The dynamic changes in microcirculation were calculated based on the difference in average blood flow perfusion at each acupoint before and after menstruation. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of dynamic changes in microcirculation on the surface of each acupoint. The microcirculation sensitization rate of acupoints was calculated.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the dynamic changes in microcirculation at the following acupoints in the primary dysmenorrhea group were increased (P<0.05): conception vessel (Yinjiao[CV7], Qihai[CV6], Shimen[CV5], Guanyuan[CV4]); left thoroughfare vessel (left Huangshu[KI16], left Zhongzhu[KI15], left Siman[KI14], left Qixue[KI13], left Dahe[KI12], left Henggu[KI11]); left stomach meridian (left Tianshu[ST25], left Wailing[ST26], left Qichong[ST30]); left spleen meridian (left Daheng[SP15], left Fujie[SP14]); right thoroughfare vessel (right Huangshu[KI16], right Zhongzhu[KI15], right Siman[KI14], right Qixue[KI13], right Dahe[KI12], right Henggu[KI11]); right stomach meridian (right Wailing[ST26], right Daju[ST27], right Shuidao[ST28], right Guilai[ST29], right Qichong[ST30]); and right spleen meridian (right Fujie[SP14]). The area under the ROC curve of conception vessel (Yinjiao[CV7], Qihai[CV6], Shimen[CV5], Guanyuan[CV4]), thoroughfare vessel (right Siman[KI14], left Huangshu[KI16], right Qixue[KI13], right Zhongzhu[KI15], right Dahe[KI12], left Zhongzhu[KI15], left Siman[KI14], right Huangshu[KI16], left Qixue[KI13], right Henggu[KI11], left Henggu[KI11], left Dahe[KI12]); stomach meridian (left Tianshu[ST25], right Guilai[ST29], left Wailing[ST26], right Shuidao[ST28], right Daju[ST27], right Wailing[ST26], right Qichong[ST30], left Qichong[ST30]), and spleen meridian (left Daheng[SP15], left Fujie[SP14], right Fujie[SP14]) was 0.610-0.682 (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the sensitization rate of some acupoints in the primary dysmenorrhea group increased (P<0.05).
Conclusion
With the onset of menstruation, the blood flow perfusion of some acupoints in the abdomen (thoroughfare, and conception vessels, and stomach and spleen meridians) of patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome increased, and the status of acupoints changed from a resting state to an active state. These acupoints are sensitive in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome and have a certain diagnostic efficacy, providing a basis for further analyzing the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion to treat primary dysmenorrhea with cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome.
3.Application of goal-oriented teaching method based on mind mapping in the teaching of stomatology practical courses
Yanfen QIU ; Mengxi WANG ; Zhijie LIU ; Lü YANCHAO ; Yumei NIU ; Xiaodan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(8):1092-1096
Objective:To explore the application effects of the goal-oriented teaching method based on mind mapping in the teaching of stomatology practical courses.Methods:From September 2022 to September 2023, 52 fourth-year students of clinical stomatology at Harbin Medical University were divided into test group and control group for practical teaching, with 26 cases in each group. The test group received goal-oriented teaching based on mind mapping, while the control group received traditional teaching, for 20 class hours in both groups. The two groups were compared in terms of general data, theoretical and practical assessment scores, the score of the self-rating scale of self-directed learning (SRSSDL) and the score of critical thinking disposition inventory-Chinese version (CTDI-CV) before and after training, and student satisfaction with teaching activities. SPSS 25.0 software was used to perform the t-test or χ2 test. Results:After completing the practical training courses, the test group showed significantly higher scores than the control group in multiple-choice questions [(16.85±1.39) vs. (15.33±2.21)], fill-in-the-blank questions [(17.21±1.98) vs. (16.01±2.02)], short answer questions [(17.47±2.27) vs. (15.23±2.45)], case analysis [(34.36±2.79) vs. (32.57±3.02)], and practical assessment [(84.69±4.73) vs. (80.57±4.21)] (all P<0.05). The SRSSDL score and CTDI-CV score were improved in both groups, and were significantly higher in the test group [(215.29±10.42) and (357.49±17.80)] than in the control group [(200.23±11.42) and (342.23±17.26)] (both P<0.05). The students of the test group were significantly more satisfied with teaching activities than those of the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with the traditional teaching method, the goal-oriented teaching method based on mind mapping is more effective in stomatology practical teaching, which can improve students' self-directed learning ability and critical thinking ability, promote their mastery of theoretical knowledge, enhance their clinical practice ability, and increase their satisfaction with teaching activities.
4.Evaluation and analysis of the application effect of standardized parents in the graduation examination of standardized residency training of pediatrics
Ang WEI ; Xiujuan WANG ; Aihua WANG ; Caiyun ZHANG ; Tongxin HAN ; Liping JIAO ; Xiaojun WANG ; Yanfen LUO ; Jiayu YAN ; Hongbo HE
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(10):1430-1435
Objective:To analyze the evaluation of the application effect and deficiency of nurses acting as standardized parents in the graduation examination of standardized residency training of pediatrics and further improve and promote the level of standardized parents.Methods:A questionnaire survey was used to collect the scores of nurse standardized parents by students and examiners who took part in the graduation examination of standardized residency training of pediatrics in 2021. And the self-evaluation scores of standardized parents were collected. Counting data were represented by the number of cases and composition ratio. A Chi-square test was used to compare the rates.Results:A total of 125 questionnaires from students and 37 questionnaires from nurse standardized parents were collected, and the overall satisfaction (very satisfied + satisfied) of standardized parents reached 121 (96.80%). In the three dimensions of simulation ability, compliance with question-and-answer rules, and simulated attitude, students believed that the consistency between standardized parents and actual parents in simulated altitude was lower than that in the simulation ability and compliance with question-and-answer rules ( P=0.007, P=0.001). The overall satisfaction of standardized parents (very satisfied + satisfied) reached 87.38% (388/444). There were 26 (70.27%) nurse standardized parents who had the lowest satisfaction with their own performance ability, followed by 28 (75.68%) cases of imitation ability and 30 (81.08%) cases of adaptability. Conclusions:It is feasible to adopt nurse standardized parents in the assessment of standardized residency training of pediatrics, and both students and examiners have higher satisfaction. The next step is to improve the training of nurses standardized parents in the attitude of simulation and, at the same time, enhance the training of imitation ability and adaptability, so as to further expand the construction of standardized parents.
5.Acupuncture treatment for improving anxiety status in patients with primary insomnia:a systematic review and meta-analysis
Xifen ZHANG ; Xuesong WANG ; Hao CHEN ; Xuxin LI ; Yuanbo GAO ; Guang ZUO ; Juncha ZHANG ; Jun LIU ; Xisheng FAN ; Yanfen SHE ; Fuqing ZHANG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2024;22(5):423-434
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety state in patients with primary insomnia(PI). Methods:Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture treatment for PI patients with an anxiety state in Web of Science,Cochrane Library,PubMed,Excerpta Medica Database(EMBASE),China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform(Wanfang),and Chongqing VIP Database(VIP)were retrieved by computer.The retrieval time was from each database's inception to December 30,2022.Data extraction and evaluation were performed for the included studies.The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to assess the risk of bias in each article.Meta-analysis of valid data was performed using the RevMan 5.4 software.If the outcome indicator was a categorical variable,relative risk(RR)was used as the effect size.If it was a continuous variable,mean difference(MD)was used to calculate the effect size.Each effect size was expressed as a 95%confidence interval(CI).P<0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Results:A total of 18 studies were included,comprising a total of 1198 patients.The findings of the meta-analysis showed that electroacupuncture had a significant advantage in improving the Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA)score than benzodiazepines[MD=-1.61,95%CI(-2.17,-1.06),P<0.001].Acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture[MD=-14.90,95%CI(-20.39,-9.41),P<0.001]and benzodiazepines[MD=-3.39,95%CI(-4.67,-2.12),P<0.001]in reducing the self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)score.Acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture in reducing the insomnia severity index(ISI)score[MD=-5.61,95%CI(-6.63,-4.89),P<0.001].Acupuncture was superior to benzodiazepines[MD=0.84,95%CI(-1.42,-0.25),P=0.005]and sham acupuncture[MD=-8.39,95%CI(-8.39,-7.86),P<0.001]in improving the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score.Acupuncture had a better effective rate than benzodiazepines[RR=1.16,95%CI(1.08,1.25),P<0.001]and sham acupuncture[RR=8.94,95%CI(4.63,17.25),P<0.001]in treating PI. Conclusion:Acupuncture or electroacupuncture has certain therapeutic advantages over benzodiazepines and sham acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety in PI patients.However,more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed for further verification.
6.Study on the Application of Mapping Knowledge Domains in the Subject Services of Hospital Libraries
Jing YANG ; Yanfen ZHANG ; Lei FENG ; Xiaoying GAO
Journal of Medical Informatics 2024;45(5):96-100
Purpose/Significance To explore the ways for hospital libraries to provide subject services based on mapping knowledge do-mains.Method/Process The paper summarizes subject services implemented by hospital libraries based on mapping knowledge domains from aspects of reference consulting service,information attainment education service,discipline resource construction service,scientific re-search support service,management and decision-making support service.It elaborates on concrete practice of the library of The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University based on mapping knowledge domains,including improvement of professional attainment of discipline librarians,information attainment education of readers,and scientific research support service.Result/Conclusion Hospital librarians should improve their ability to interpret the mapping knowledge domains,and comprehensively use the visual analysis function of database documents and artificial intelligence scientific research assistance tools to ensure high-quality development of subject services.
7.Transcatheter thrombectomy combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis for treating acute medium-high and high risk pulmonary thromboembolism
Jianshan SHI ; Yanfen LI ; Minglin ZHANG ; Gang SUN ; Guiyun JIN
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2024;21(1):2-6
Objective To observe the effect of transcatheter thrombectomy combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis(CDT)for treating acute medium-high and high risk pulmonary thromboembolism(PTE).Methods After placement of inferior vena cava filter,transcatheter thrombectomy combined with CDT were performed in 28 patients with acute medium-high or high risk PTE.After treatment,clinical symptoms improved or not was assessed,and interventional related complications were recorded.The outcomes of arterial blood gas analysis,coagulation function,blood routine test,pulmonary artery pressure(PAP)and right ventricular diameter/left ventricular diameter(RV/LV)were compared before and 72 h after treatment.Regular follow-up was performed,then PAP and the clearance of pulmonary arterial thrombosis were observed 1,3,6 months and 1 year after treatment during follow-up.Results Among 28 cases,significant improvement of clinical symptoms achieved in 26 cases after treatment,while 2 patients died of respiratory failure.Puncture site bleeding occurred in 4 cases and improved after conservative treatment.Compared with those before treatment,among 26 survived patients,blood pH,arterial oxygen pressure,fibrin degradation products and D-dimer increased while the heart rate,N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,PAP and RV/LV decreased 72 h after treatment(all P<0.05).During follow-up,compared with those before treatment,PAP decreased,while the clearance rate of pulmonary thrombosis increased 1,3,6 months and 1 year after treatment(all P<0.05).No active bleeding nor recurrence of PTE happened.Conclusion Transcatheter thrombectomy combined with CDT was safe and effective for treating acute medium-high and high risk PTE.
8.The efficacy of simultaneous single shot-echo planar imaging and readout segment of long variable echo trains sequences diffusion-weighted imaging for diagnosis of malignant breast lesions
Hui ZHANG ; Yanfen XIN ; Yongmeng ZHU ; Junyu GUO ; Yuning PAN ; Xinzhong RUAN
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(3):279-285
Objective:To compare the image quality and the diagnostic efficiency for breast malignant lesions using simultaneous multi-slice single shot echo planar imaging (SMS+SS-EPI) and readout segment of long variable echo trains (RESOLVE) for breast diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. Clinical and imaging data of 102 patients with breast lesion from March 2021 to February 2023 in the First Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University were prospectively analyzed. All patients underwent routine breast MRI scans and cross-sectional RESOLVE and SMS+SS EPI sequence DWI, and the image quality of 2 types sequences of DWI was evaluated. The subjective evaluation was based on a 5-point scale, including geometric distortion, artifact blurring, fat suppression, overall image quality, and lesion conspicuity of the breast. The objective evaluation included signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of the lesion. Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used to compare the subjective and objective parameters between the two sequences. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of ADC values for diagnosing breast malignant lesions based on two sequence images.Results:All 102 female patients had single lesions, aged from 25 to 68 years and 60 lesions were malignant and 42 were benign. The acquisition time for SMS+SS-EPI sequence imaging was 1 min 50 s, and the acquisition time for RESOLVE sequence imaging was 3 min 43 s.The subjective scores from both SMS+SS-EPI and RESOLVE sequence were over than 3 points. The geometric distortion, artifact blurring, and overall image quality scores of RESOLVE sequence images were higher than those of SMS+SS-EPI (all P<0.001). The overall lesion conspicuity score, malignant lesion conspicuity score, and benign lesion conspicuity score of DWI and ADC images combined with SMS+SS-EPI sequence were higher than those of the RESOLVE sequence (all P<0.05). There were no statistically difference in SNR, CNR, overall ADC value, malignant ADC value, and benign ADC value between SMS+SS-EPI and RESOLVE sequence DWI images of breast lesions (all P>0.05). The AUC of RESOLVE sequence ADC value in diagnosis of breast cancer was 0.973, the sensitivity was 0.929, and the specificity was 0.915; The AUC of SMS+SSC-EPI sequence ADC value in diagnosis of breast cancer was 0.956, the sensitivity was 0.977, and the specificity was 0.850. Conclusions:In breast DWI, the subjective score of SMS+SS EPI image quality can basically meet the diagnostic requirements and the conspicuity of lesions is better than that of the RESOLVE sequence. Both have good diagnostic efficacy for malignant breast lesions.
9.Comparative study on the effects of different acupuncture technique on macrophage polarization in a mouse model of simple endometrial hyperplasia
Junya LIU ; Yunfeng LI ; Jing LYU ; Wenchao ZHENG ; Guang ZUO ; Xuesong WANG ; Xisheng FAN ; Juncha ZHANG ; Jun LIU ; Xuxin LI ; Xifen ZHANG ; Yuanbo GAO ; Yanfen SHE
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(9):1203-1210
Objective We aimed to observe the differences in the effects of different acupuncture technique on the endometrium of mice with simple endometrial hyperplasia model and to explore the potential mechanisms. Methods According to the random number tables,32 female C57BL/6J mice were divided into a blank control group,a model group,a quick needle group and a retaining needle group,with 8 mice in each group. A mouse model of simple endometrial hyperplasia was established using bilateral ovariectomy combined with estrogen loading. In the quick needle group,mice were punctured at the bilateral for "Yinbai"(SP1) points and withdrawn immediately,with the treatmeat performed once every other day for a total of 12 times. In the retaining needle group,mice were punctured at the bilateral "Yinbai"(SP1) points and the needles were retained for 15 min each time,with the treatment also performed once every other day for a total of 12 times. After the intervention,samples were collected. HE staining was used to observe morphological changes in the mouse uterine tissue;ELISA was used to detect serum estradiol level;flow cytometry was used to detect the ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages(M1/M2) and immunohistochemical method was used to measure the expression of CD86 and CD206 in uterine tissue;and Western blotting was used to detect the expression of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in uterine tissue. Results The endometrium of mice in the model group showed simple hyperplasia. Compared with the blank control group,the endometrium of the model group was thickened (P<0.01);the level of estradiol in the serum was increased (P<0.01);M1/M2 in uterine tissues was decreased (P<0.01),the expression of CD86 was decreased (P<0.01),and the positive expression of CD206 was increased (P<0.01);and the level of IFN-γ protein expression in uterine tissues was decreased (P<0.01),and the expression of IL-13 protein was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group,the endometrial thicknesses of the quick needle group and the retaining needle group were reduced (P<0.05),the levels of estradiol in serum were reduced (P<0.05),M1/M2 in uterine tissues increased (P<0.01),and the reduction of CD206 positive expression,and IL-13 protein expression reduced (P<0.01);the level of CD86 positive expression,IFN-γ protein expression increased (P<0.01). Compared with the quick needle group,IL-13 protein expression increased in the retaining needle group (P<0.01).Conclusion Both quick needle and retaining needle may be through the regulation of the expression of IFN-γ and IL-13,thus prompting the polarization of macrophages from M2 to M1 type,inhibiting the pro-cell proliferative ability and tissue repair ability of M2 type macrophages,thus reducing the degree of endometrial hyperplasia,and the quick needle group was superior to the retaining needle group in regulating the expression of IL-13.
10.Exploration and construction of an evaluation indicator framework for clinical research benefits in China
Aiyi ZHANG ; Hu CHEN ; Aijuan SHENG ; Nan BAI ; Yanfen CHEN ; Zhongguang YU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2024;37(4):448-452
Objective:The aim is to construct an evaluation framework for clinical research benefits,and provide a reference for the formulate of evaluation standards for clinical research benefits.Methods:The Delphi method was used to carry out expert consultation,and the mean,score of importance,coefficient of variation and coordination,etc.of evaluation indicators were summarized and calculated,to screen evaluation indicators for clinical research benefits.Results:Twenty-three experts in this field were selected for correspondence,and their enthusiasm was 100%in both rounds,the authority coefficients were≥0.90,and Kendall's coefficients of concordance were<0.25(P<0.001).By referring to the mean and coefficient of variation of the indicators,as well as combining them with expert suggestions,an evaluation framework for clinical research benefits was ultimately formed with 2 primary indicators,5 secondary indicators,and 8 tertiary indicators.Conclusion:The evaluation framework for clinical research benefits constructed in this paper can comprehensively evaluate the research benefits,as well as provide a basis for reasonably determining the research risk-benefit ratio and developing quantitative evaluation tools for clinical research benefits.


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