1.Exploring Chemical Constituent Distribution in Blood/Brain(Hippocampus) and Emotional Regulatory Effect of Raw and Vinegar-processed Products of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride
Yi BAO ; Yonggui SONG ; Qianmin LI ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Yiting HUANG ; Zihan GAO ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):189-197
ObjectiveTo investigate the migration and distribution characteristics of chemical constituents in blood and hippocampal tissues before and after vinegar processing of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride(CRPV), and to explore the potential material basis and mechanisms underlying their regulatory effects on emotional disorders by comparing the effects of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to characterize and identify the chemical constituents of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV extracts, as well as their migrating components in blood and hippocampal tissues after oral administration. Reference standards, databases, and relevant literature were utilized for compound annotation, with data processing performed using PeakView 1.2 software. Seventy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into seven groups, including the blank group, model group, diazepam group(2.5 mg·kg-1), raw CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), and vinegar-processed CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), with 10 mice per group. Except for the blank group, all other groups underwent chronic restraint stress(2 h·d-1) for 20 d. Each drug-treated group received oral administration at the predetermined dose starting 10 d after modeling, with a total treatment duration of 10 d. Following model-based drug administration, mice underwent open-field, forced swimming, and elevated plus maze tests. After anesthesia with isoflurane, whole brains were collected from each group of mice, and hippocampi were dissected. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) level in hippocampal tissues was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe hippocampal tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect neuronal nuclei(NeuN) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα) expressions in hippocampal tissue. Then, pharmacodynamic evaluations were conducted to assess the effects of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV on mood disorders, exploring the potential mechanisms. ResultsVinegar processing caused significant changes in the chemical composition of CRPV, with 18 components showing increased relative content and 35 components showing decreased relative content. The primary changes occurred in flavonoid compounds, including 20 flavonoids, 20 flavonoid glycosides, 3 triterpenes, 3 phenolic acids, 1 alkaloid, and 6 other compounds. Twenty-one components were detected in blood(15 methoxyflavones, 4 flavonoid glycosides, and 2 phenolic acids), with 17 shared between raw and vinegar-processed CRPV. Seven components reached hippocampal tissues(all common to both forms). In regulating emotional disorders, Vinegar-processed CRPV exhibited superior antidepressant-like effects compared to raw products. HE staining revealed that both treatments improved hippocampal neuronal morphology, particularly in the damaged CA1 and CA3 regions. Immunofluorescence and ELISA analyses demonstrated that both raw and vinegar-processed CRPV significantly modulated NeuN and PPARα expressions in hippocampal tissue while alleviating oxidative stress induced by excessive ROS(P<0.05). ConclusionThe chemical composition of CRPV undergoes changes after vinegar processing, but the migrating components in blood and hippocampus are primarily methoxyflavonoids. These components may serve as the potential material basis for activating the PPARα pathway, thereby negatively regulating ROS generation in the hippocampus, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting the development of NeuN-positive neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence for enhancing quality standards, pharmacodynamic material research, and active drug development of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV.
2.Ginkgolide B regulates the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and epithelial- mesenchymal transition of liver cancer cells through the PERK/ATF4/CHOP pathway
LIU Yanhua1 ; WANG Hongjuan1 ; BAO Bojun1 ; ZHU Junya1 ; YI Nan1 ; JI Yifei1 ; HUANG Wei1 ; ZHANG Li1 ; LIU Guoliang2
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(1):51-58
[摘 要] 目的:探究银杏内酯B(GKB)调控蛋白激酶R样内质网激酶(PERK)/转录激活子4(ATF4)/C/EBP同源蛋白(CHOP)信号通路对肝癌细胞增殖、迁移、凋亡和上皮间质转化(EMT)的影响。方法:将人肝癌细胞MHCC-97H随机分为对照组、GKB组、GSK2656157(PERK抑制剂)组和GKB + GSK2656157组,以GKB和GSK2656157分别干预后,采用MTT法和EdU染色检测各组细胞的增殖活性及增殖率,划痕愈合实验、流式细胞术分别检测各组细胞的迁移及凋亡水平,WB法检测各组细胞中EMT和PERK/ATF4/CHOP信号通路相关蛋白的表达水平。构建MHCC-97H细胞裸鼠移植瘤模型,以同法分组及药物干预后测定各组移植瘤体积,采用免疫组化、TUNEL染色分别检测各组肿瘤细胞增殖、凋亡水平,WB法检测各组移植瘤组织中EMT和PERK/ATF4/CHOP信号通路相关蛋白的表达水平。结果:与对照组比较,GKB组细胞活性、增殖率、迁移率、移植瘤体积、Ki-67阳性细胞率、MMP2、N-cadherin与MMP9蛋白表达均显著降低(均P < 0.05),细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性细胞率、p-PERK/PERK与E-cadherin、ATF4、CHOP蛋白表达均显著升高(均P < 0.05);GSK2656157组各指标变化与GKB组相反(均P < 0.05)。与GKB组比较,GKB + GSK2656157组细胞活性、增殖率、迁移率、移植瘤体积、Ki-67阳性细胞率、MMP2、N-cadherin与MMP9蛋白表达均显著升高(均P < 0.05),细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性细胞率、p-PERK/PERK与E-cadherin、ATF4、CHOP蛋白表达均显著降低(均P < 0.05)。结论:GKB可通过激活PERK/ATF4/CHOP信号通路抑制肝癌MHCC-97H细胞增殖、迁移和EMT并促进其凋亡。
3.Mechanism of Fresh Cutting of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Discussion on Integration of Traditional Wisdom and Modern Technology
Wenjie BAO ; Lingyun ZHONG ; Wenhua WU ; Congmin LIU ; Zixin CHEN ; Xingmei LU ; Hengli TONG ; Yi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):282-290
Fresh-cut processing constitutes a pivotal technique in the origin processing of Chinese medicinal materials, with a long history documented in multiple materia medica. In recent years, it has garnered national policy support for its ability to prevent component loss and low processing efficiency associated with traditional drying-before-cutting methods. As of August 2025, 26 provinces and municipalities nationwide have cumulatively published 789 species for fresh-cut processing. Among these, 78 were included in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, the practice continues to face common challenges and difficulties, including ambiguous scientific understanding, fragmented standards, limited quality control approaches, and poor process stability. Based on this, this paper synthesises years of research findings to systematically elucidate the core mechanisms of fresh-cut processing. These encompass alterations to herbal tissue structure during cutting, post-processing changes in constituents, and physiological-biochemical processes such as plant stress responses and shifts in endogenous enzyme activity. It also summarises influencing factors, including inherent herbal properties, cutting timing and methods, and environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and microbial presence. Based on this overview of fresh-cutting mechanisms, subsequent research should advance in four directions:Clarifying the scientific principles of fresh-cutting, overcoming technical bottlenecks, upgrading intelligent equipment, and establishing quality standards and evaluation systems. This study provides a theoretical foundation and scientific basis for future research on fresh-cutting in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), promoting its deeper practical application within the industry and contributing to the high-quality development of TCM industry and the modernization of TCM.
4.Neoadjuvant Sintilimab Combined with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients Followed by Selective Bladder Sparing Surgery: A Phase 2 Trial
Zhou TONG ; Guanghou FU ; Feng ZHOU ; Xiaoyan LIU ; Xing XUE ; Hangyu ZHANG ; Yimin WANG ; Xudong ZHU ; Yang GAO ; Lulu LIU ; Xuanwen BAO ; Yi ZHENG ; Weijia FANG ; Peng ZHAO ; Baiye JIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):581-590
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gemcitabine and cisplatin (GP) regimen in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor sintilimab as neoadjuvant therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients and the feasibility of the following selective bladder sparing surgery.
Materials and Methods:
Patients with histopathologically confirmed urothelial carcinoma without distant metastases (T2-4a, N ≤ 1, M0, American Joint Committee of Cancer 8th) and with adequate organ function will be enrolled. The therapeutic regimen was sintilimab 200 mg once on day 8, gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 and cisplatin 35 mg/m2 once on days 1 and 8, every 21 days for four cycles. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR, pT0N0) rate. The secondary end points were ypT < 2 rate, R0 resection rate, event-free survival, and safety.
Results:
From May 4, 2020, to May 20, 2023, 55 patients were enrolled. Forty-six patients were evaluated for efficacy. Among the 42 patients who underwent surgery, 16 patients (38.0%) achieved pCR. Thirty-three patients (78.6%) achieved pT < 2. With a median follow-up of 15.7 months, the 1-year event-free survival was 91.3%. Notwithstanding the poor pathological baseline characteristic of a high T3-T4a proportion (39.1%), a promising bladder preservation (including 22 patients transurethral resection of bladder tumor, 5 patients partial cystectomy, and 4 surveillances) rate was achieved (67.4%). The most common grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events was neutropenia (n=15, 27.3%), which was related to chemotherapy. There were no grade 3 immune-related adverse events.
Conclusion
Neoadjuvant GP plus sintilimab is a promising regimen for MIBC patients, with relatively high pT < 2 rate and triggering the emerging roles for the multi-disciplinary team decision-making for bladder sparing surgery.
5.Association of parent-child separation experience and non-suicidal self injury behavior among junior and senior high school students
SONG Xiaozhen, ZHANG Yi, LIU Yu, YANG Pingting, TIAN Bao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(6):833-836
Objective:
To explore the correlation between parent-child separation experience and non suicidal self injury (NSSI) behavior among junior and senior high school students, so as to provide a reference for the prevention and improvement of NSSI behavior among junior and senior high school students.
Methods:
Using a stratified cluster random sampling method, 3 114 junior and senior high school students aged 11-19 years were recruited from Chenzhou and Jishou cities in Hunan Province between November 2024 and September 2025. A self designed questionnaire and the Functional Self injury Behavior Assessment Scale were used to collect information on parental labor migration and adolescents NSSI behavior status. Binary Logistic regression model was used to analyse the association between parent-child separation experiences and NSSI behavior among junior and senior high school students, with further stratified analysis by gender.
Results:
The prevalence rate of NSSI behavior among junior and senior high school students was 9.9%, and the overall incidence of parent-child separation was 48.9%, comprising 17.1% separated from their father only, 5.5% separated from their mother only, and 26.3% separated from both parents. After adjusting for variables such as age, gender, and ethnicity, the results of binary Logistic regression analyses indicated that adolescents with parent-child separation experiences had a higher risk of NSSI behavior ( OR =1.31, 95% CI =1.01-1.69, P <0.05). Compared with those without parent-child separation experiences, adolescents who were separated from their mother only ( OR =1.68, 95% CI =1.03-2.74) or from both parents ( OR =1.41, 95% CI =1.04-1.92) showed significantly increased risks of NSSI behavior (both P <0.05).
Conclusions
Parent-child separation experiences are associated with an increased risk of NSSI behavior among junior and senior high school students. Strengthened attention should be paid to left behind senior high school students to reduce the occurrence of NSSI in adolescents.
6.Epidemiological investigation of a cluster of rural severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome cases and tick ecological monitoring results in Zibo City
Jun DU ; Ai-min FENG ; Bao-qiang CUI ; Tao SUN ; Yi-chuan YANG ; Yan-dong WANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):128-133
Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of a clustered outbreak of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)as well as the ecological tick monitoring results for Zibo City, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies. Methods A case definition was cited before epidemic investigations were performed. Epidemiological investigations were performed on the index cases and their close contacts. Blood samples were collected from cases and close contacts, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to detect SFTS virus(SFTSV)nucleic acid sequences. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze risk factors and develop prevention and control strategies. Results This clustered outbreak involved two index cases and six close contacts with no deaths. Case A exhibited symptom onset on July 26. SFTS was confirmed on August 2. Case B exhibited symptom onset on August 1, and SFTS was confirmed on August 3. Patient B reported a recent history of tick bites. In both index cases, the incubation period for SFTS was inferred to be 7-12 days. The time interval from symptom onset to clinical diagnosis in the two cases ranged from 2-8 days, with an average period of 5 days. SFTSV nucleic acid test result were positive for both patients, whereas all six close contacts tested negative. All captured ticks tested negative for SFTSV using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The densities of parasitic and free-living ticks in the emergency monitoring area around the cases were 12.60 and 4.65 ticks/(flag·100 m). In 2024, the average parasitic tick index and free-living tick density index were 4.21 and 2.43 ticks/(flag ·100 m)in Yiyuan County, respectively. Conclusions No evidence of human-to-human transmission was found in the assessed SFTS clusters. The infections were likely acquired through tick bites during fieldwork, and the risk of a subsequent outbreak spreading was low.
7.Rapid Identification of Different Parts of Nardostachys jatamansi Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS and Ultra-fast Gas Phase Electronic Nose
Tao WANG ; Xiaoqin ZHAO ; Yang WEN ; Momeimei QU ; Min LI ; Jing WEI ; Xiaoming BAO ; Ying LI ; Yuan LIU ; Xiao LUO ; Wenbing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):182-191
ObjectiveTo establish a model that can quickly identify the aroma components in different parts of Nardostachys jatamansi, so as to provide a quality control basis for the market circulation and clinical use of N. jatamansi. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) combined with Smart aroma database and National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) database were used to characterize the aroma components in different parts of N. jatamansi, and the aroma components were quantified according to relative response factor(RRF) and three internal standards, and the markers of aroma differences in different parts of N. jatamansi were identified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) and cluster thermal analysis based on variable importance in the projection(VIP) value >1 and P<0.01. The odor data of different parts of N. jatamansi were collected by Heracles Ⅱ Neo ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose, and the correlation between compound types of aroma components collected by the ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose and the detection results of HS-SPME-GC-MS was investigated by drawing odor fingerprints and odor response radargrams. Chromatographic peak information with distinguishing ability≥0.700 and peak area≥200 was selected as sensor data, and the rapid identification model of different parts of N. jatamansi was established by principal component analysis(PCA), discriminant factor alysis(DFA), soft independent modeling of class analogies(SIMCA) and statistical quality control analysis(SQCA). ResultsThe HS-SPME-GC-MS results showed that there were 28 common components in the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi, of which 22 could be quantified and 12 significantly different components were screened out. Among these 12 components, the contents of five components(ethyl isovalerate, 2-pentylfuran, benzyl alcohol, nonanal and glacial acetic acid,) in the aboveground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the underground part(P<0.01), the contents of β-ionone, patchouli alcohol, α-caryophyllene, linalyl butyrate, valencene, 1,8-cineole and p-cymene in the underground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the aboveground part(P<0.01). Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose results showed that the PCA discrimination index of the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi was 82, and the contribution rates of the principal component factors were 99.94% and 99.89% when 2 and 3 principal components were extracted, respectively. The contribution rate of the discriminant factor 1 of the DFA model constructed on the basis of PCA was 100%, the validation score of the SIMCA model for discrimination of the two parts was 99, and SQCA could clearly distinguish different parts of N. jatamansi. ConclusionHS-SPME-GC-MS can clarify the differential markers of underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi. The four analytical models provided by Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose(PCA, DFA, SIMCA and SQCA) can realize the rapid identification of different parts of N. jatamansi. Combining the two results, it is speculated that terpenes and carboxylic acids may be the main factors contributing to the difference in aroma between the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi.
8.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
9.Construction of acupuncture-moxibustion diagnosis and treatment system for spasm syndrome based on the theory of three regions and sanjiao.
Yi LI ; Guirong DONG ; Chunling BAO ; Zhihua JIAO ; Hongsheng DONG ; Liang ZHOU ; Yingchao LIU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(12):1811-1814
Based on the theory of "three regions and sanjiao" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the acupuncture-moxibustion differentiation and treatment system is explored and constructed for spasm syndrome, so as to provide a clearer guiding framework for TCM treatment of spasm syndrome. This disorder is caused essentially by the invasion of pathogenic wind, and located in brain marrow. The key regions of illness cover five zang organs and five tissues, and the core pathogenesis is associated with wind disturbance in brain marrow. In differentiation, spasm syndrome refers to overall transmission (from the upper to the lower) and local transmission (from exterior to interior). This disorder can be classified into sanjiao spasm (heart-lung spasm of the upper jiao, liver-spleen spasm of the middle jiao, and liver-kidney spasm of the lower jiao) and three-region spasm (skin-vessel spasm of the upper region, tendon-muscle spasm of the middle region, and tendon-bone spasm of the lower region). Based on "three regions and sanjiao" theory of acupuncture and moxibustion, 7 "expelling-wind" points can be selected in terms of the etiology of this disease. Baihui (GV20)-toward-Taiyang (EX-HN5) needling is applied to regulate the brain marrow, focusing on the core location of illness; and regarding the key location of illness, the combination of back-shu and front-mu points and that of jing-well and xing-spring points are adopted to regulate five zang organs. The five needling techniques (half needling, leopard-spot needling, joint needling, Hegu needling and shu needling) are used to regulate five tissues.
Humans
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Acupuncture Therapy
;
Spasm/diagnosis*
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Moxibustion
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Acupuncture Points
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Diagnosis, Differential
10.Research progress on the impact and mechanism of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) components in atherosclerosis.
Xin CHEN ; Jing-Jing ZHU ; Xiao-Fan YANG ; Yu-Peng MA ; Yi-Min BAO ; Ke NING
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(1):107-119
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a prevalent clinical vascular condition and serves as a pivotal pathological foundation for cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the pathogenesis of AS has significant clinical and societal implications, aiding in the development of targeted drugs. Neutrophils, the most abundant leukocytes in circulation, assume a central role during inflammatory responses and closely interact with AS, which is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are substantial reticular formations discharged by neutrophils that serve as an immune defense mechanism. These structures play a crucial role in inducing dysfunction of the vascular barrier following endothelial cell injury. Components released by NETs pose a threat to the integrity of vascular endothelium, which is essential as it acts as the primary barrier to maintain vascular wall integrity. Endothelial damage constitutes the initial stage in the onset of AS. Recent investigations have explored the intricate involvement of NETs in AS progression. The underlying structures of NETs and their active ingredients, including histone, myeloperoxidase (MPO), cathepsin G, neutrophil elastase (NE), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), antimicrobial peptide LL-37, alpha-defensin 1-3, and high mobility group protein B1 have diverse and complex effects on AS through various mechanisms. This review aims to comprehensively examine the interplay between NETs and AS while providing insights into their mechanistic underpinnings of NETs in this condition. By shedding light on this intricate relationship, this exploration paves the way for future investigations into NETs while guiding clinical translation efforts and charting new paths for therapeutic interventions.
Extracellular Traps/physiology*
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Humans
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Atherosclerosis/immunology*
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Neutrophils/physiology*
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Leukocyte Elastase/metabolism*
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Peroxidase/physiology*
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Matrix Metalloproteinases/physiology*
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Cathepsin G/metabolism*
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Cathelicidins
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HMGB1 Protein/physiology*
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Histones
;
Animals
;
Endothelium, Vascular


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