1.Mechanism of Tangbikang Dry Paste in Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Based on GLO-1/AGE/RAGE Pathway
Lijia WU ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Xiaolei JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; Yukun HUANG ; You WANG ; Xincui BAO ; Jing YANG ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Tangbikang dry paste in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) based on the glyoxalase-1 (GLO-1)/advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) pathway. MethodsA total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided, with eight assigned to the normal group. The remaining 48 rats were fed a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model. Based on blood glucose levels, the rats were randomly assigned to the model group, Tanglin group (13.5 mg·kg-1), metformin group (135 mg·kg-1), and Tangbikang dry paste low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (3, 6, 12 g·kg-1). Successful modeling of DPN was confirmed by a decrease in mechanical pain threshold in the model group at week 4. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, and mechanical pain threshold were measured every 4 weeks. After 16 weeks of intervention, the pathological morphology of the sciatic nerve was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of RAGE, AGE, protein kinase C (PKC), and collagen (COL) in the sciatic nerve was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of RAGE, PKC, Toll-like receptor (TLR), COL, and GLO-1 was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), urea (UREA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), decreased body weight and mechanical pain threshold (P<0.01), and elevated serum AST, ALT, CREA, UREA, IL-6, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01). The expression of RAGE, AGE, and PKC in the sciatic nerve was significantly increased (P<0.01), while COL expression was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TLR, RAGE, and PKC was upregulated (P<0.01), whereas COL and GLO-1 mRNA levels were downregulated (P<0.01). Histological examination showed irregular nerve morphology, axonal alterations, and myelin degeneration. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose levels in the Tangbikang dry paste high-dose group at all time points and in the medium-dose group at weeks 4 and 16 were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant changes in body weight were observed across all Tangbikang dose groups. The mechanical pain threshold was elevated at different time points after administration in all Tangbikang groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were decreased in all dose groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of RAGE, AGE, and PKC in the sciatic nerve was reduced (P<0.01), while COL expression was increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TLR, RAGE, and PKC was downregulated (P<0.01), whereas GLO-1 mRNA expression was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, COL mRNA expression was significantly increased in the low- and high-dose groups (P<0.01). Pathological changes in the sciatic nerve were milder in all Tangbikang groups compared to the model group. ConclusionTangbikang dry paste significantly improves DPN, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the GLO-1/AGE/RAGE signaling pathway.
2.Mechanism of Tangbikang Dry Paste in Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Based on GLO-1/AGE/RAGE Pathway
Lijia WU ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Xiaolei JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; Yukun HUANG ; You WANG ; Xincui BAO ; Jing YANG ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Tangbikang dry paste in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) based on the glyoxalase-1 (GLO-1)/advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) pathway. MethodsA total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided, with eight assigned to the normal group. The remaining 48 rats were fed a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model. Based on blood glucose levels, the rats were randomly assigned to the model group, Tanglin group (13.5 mg·kg-1), metformin group (135 mg·kg-1), and Tangbikang dry paste low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (3, 6, 12 g·kg-1). Successful modeling of DPN was confirmed by a decrease in mechanical pain threshold in the model group at week 4. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, and mechanical pain threshold were measured every 4 weeks. After 16 weeks of intervention, the pathological morphology of the sciatic nerve was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of RAGE, AGE, protein kinase C (PKC), and collagen (COL) in the sciatic nerve was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of RAGE, PKC, Toll-like receptor (TLR), COL, and GLO-1 was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), urea (UREA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), decreased body weight and mechanical pain threshold (P<0.01), and elevated serum AST, ALT, CREA, UREA, IL-6, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01). The expression of RAGE, AGE, and PKC in the sciatic nerve was significantly increased (P<0.01), while COL expression was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TLR, RAGE, and PKC was upregulated (P<0.01), whereas COL and GLO-1 mRNA levels were downregulated (P<0.01). Histological examination showed irregular nerve morphology, axonal alterations, and myelin degeneration. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose levels in the Tangbikang dry paste high-dose group at all time points and in the medium-dose group at weeks 4 and 16 were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant changes in body weight were observed across all Tangbikang dose groups. The mechanical pain threshold was elevated at different time points after administration in all Tangbikang groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were decreased in all dose groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of RAGE, AGE, and PKC in the sciatic nerve was reduced (P<0.01), while COL expression was increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TLR, RAGE, and PKC was downregulated (P<0.01), whereas GLO-1 mRNA expression was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, COL mRNA expression was significantly increased in the low- and high-dose groups (P<0.01). Pathological changes in the sciatic nerve were milder in all Tangbikang groups compared to the model group. ConclusionTangbikang dry paste significantly improves DPN, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the GLO-1/AGE/RAGE signaling pathway.
3.Emerging roles of Piezo1 channels in bone: Cells and diseases.
Siqi ZHANG ; Chengfei LI ; Yafei FENG ; Wei LEI ; Xiqing SUN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(5):625-627
4.STK39 inhibits antiviral immune response by inhibiting DCAF1-mediated PP2A degradation.
Chengfei ZHANG ; Ping XU ; Yongsheng WANG ; Xin CHEN ; Yue PAN ; Zhijie MA ; Cheng WANG ; Haojun XU ; Guoren ZHOU ; Feng ZHU ; Hongping XIA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1535-1551
Evading host immunity killing is a critical step for virus survival. Inhibiting viral immune escape is crucial for the treatment of viral diseases. Serine/threonine kinase 39 (STK39) was reported to play an essential role in ion homeostasis. However, its potential role and mechanism in viral infection remain unknown. In this study, we found that viral infection promoted STK39 expression. Consequently, overexpressed STK39 inhibited the phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and the production of type I interferon, which led to viral replication and immune escape. Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of STK39 significantly protected mice from viral infection. Mechanistically, mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation assays identified that STK39 interacted with PPP2R1A (a scaffold subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)) in a kinase activity-dependent manner. This interaction inhibited DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 1 (DCAF1)-mediated PPP2R1A degradation, maintained the stabilization and phosphatase activity of PP2A, which, in turn, suppressed the phosphorylation of IRF3, decreased the production of type I interferon, and then strengthened viral replication. Thus, our study provides a novel theoretical basis for viral immune escape, and STK39 may be a potential therapeutic target for viral infectious diseases.
5.Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of cemental tear.
Ye LIANG ; Hongrui LIU ; Chengjia XIE ; Yang YU ; Jinlong SHAO ; Chunxu LV ; Wenyan KANG ; Fuhua YAN ; Yaping PAN ; Faming CHEN ; Yan XU ; Zuomin WANG ; Yao SUN ; Ang LI ; Lili CHEN ; Qingxian LUAN ; Chuanjiang ZHAO ; Zhengguo CAO ; Yi LIU ; Jiang SUN ; Zhongchen SONG ; Lei ZHAO ; Li LIN ; Peihui DING ; Weilian SUN ; Jun WANG ; Jiang LIN ; Guangxun ZHU ; Qi ZHANG ; Lijun LUO ; Jiayin DENG ; Yihuai PAN ; Jin ZHAO ; Aimei SONG ; Hongmei GUO ; Jin ZHANG ; Pingping CUI ; Song GE ; Rui ZHANG ; Xiuyun REN ; Shengbin HUANG ; Xi WEI ; Lihong QIU ; Jing DENG ; Keqing PAN ; Dandan MA ; Hongyu ZHAO ; Dong CHEN ; Liangjun ZHONG ; Gang DING ; Wu CHEN ; Quanchen XU ; Xiaoyu SUN ; Lingqian DU ; Ling LI ; Yijia WANG ; Xiaoyuan LI ; Qiang CHEN ; Hui WANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Mengmeng LIU ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Xuedong ZHOU ; Shaohua GE
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):61-61
Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans
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Dental Cementum/injuries*
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Consensus
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
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Tooth Fractures/therapy*
6.Determining the biomarkers and pathogenesis of myocardial infarction combined with ankylosing spondylitis via a systems biology approach.
Chunying LIU ; Chengfei PENG ; Xiaodong JIA ; Chenghui YAN ; Dan LIU ; Xiaolin ZHANG ; Haixu SONG ; Yaling HAN
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(3):507-522
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is linked to an increased prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI). However, research dedicated to elucidating the pathogenesis of AS-MI is lacking. In this study, we explored the biomarkers for enhancing the diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency of AS-MI. Datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We employed weighted gene co-expression network analysis and machine learning models to screen hub genes. A receiver operating characteristic curve and a nomogram were designed to assess diagnostic accuracy. Gene set enrichment analysis was conducted to reveal the potential function of hub genes. Immune infiltration analysis indicated the correlation between hub genes and the immune landscape. Subsequently, we performed single-cell analysis to identify the expression and subcellular localization of hub genes. We further constructed a transcription factor (TF)-microRNA (miRNA) regulatory network. Finally, drug prediction and molecular docking were performed. S100A12 and MCEMP1 were identified as hub genes, which were correlated with immune-related biological processes. They exhibited high diagnostic value and were predominantly expressed in myeloid cells. Furthermore, 24 TFs and 9 miRNA were associated with these hub genes. Enzastaurin, meglitinide, and nifedipine were predicted as potential therapeutic agents. Our study indicates that S100A12 and MCEMP1 exhibit significant potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AS-MI, offering novel insights into the underlying etiology of this condition.
Humans
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Spondylitis, Ankylosing/complications*
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Systems Biology/methods*
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Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis*
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Biomarkers/metabolism*
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MicroRNAs/genetics*
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Gene Regulatory Networks
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Gene Expression Profiling
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Machine Learning
7.Advances in enteral nutrition strategies for critically ill patients undergoing prone position ventilation
Libing JIANG ; Chengfei WANG ; Shanxiang XU ; Hongyu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2024;31(4):491-494
Prone position ventilation(PPV)is an essential therapeutic intervention for patients with refractory hypoxemic respiratory failure.The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has further elevated the significance of PPV in clinical practice.Early enteral nutrition(EN)is considered a crucial measure for improving outcomes in critically ill patients.However,there remains considerable controversy regarding the implementation of EN during PPV.This review summarizes the research progress on the tolerance and safety of EN during PPV before and after the COVID-19 outbreak.It also highlights key strategies to enhance EN tolerance in prone-positioned patients,providing a clinical reference for improving patient management.
8.Expert consensus on irrigation and intracanal medication in root canal therapy
Zou XIAOYING ; Zheng XIN ; Liang YUHONG ; Zhang CHENGFEI ; Fan BING ; Liang JINGPING ; Ling JUNQI ; Bian ZHUAN ; Yu QING ; Hou BENXIANG ; Chen ZHI ; Wei XI ; Qiu LIHONG ; Chen WENXIA ; He WENXI ; Xu XIN ; Meng LIUYAN ; Zhang CHEN ; Chen LIMING ; Deng SHULI ; Lei YAYAN ; Xie XIAOLI ; Wang XIAOYAN ; Yu JINHUA ; Zhao JIN ; Shen SONG ; Zhou XUEDONG ; Yue LIN
International Journal of Oral Science 2024;16(1):26-35
Chemical cleaning and disinfection are crucial steps for eliminating infection in root canal treatment.However,irrigant selection or irrigation procedures are far from clear.The vapor lock effect in the apical region has yet to be solved,impeding irrigation efficacy and resulting in residual infections and compromised treatment outcomes.Additionally,ambiguous clinical indications for root canal medication and non-standardized dressing protocols must be clarified.Inappropriate intracanal medication may present side effects and jeopardize the therapeutic outcomes.Indeed,clinicians have been aware of these concerns for years.Based on the current evidence of studies,this article reviews the properties of various irrigants and intracanal medicaments and elucidates their effectiveness and interactions.The evolution of different kinetic irrigation methods,their effects,limitations,the paradigm shift,current indications,and effective operational procedures regarding intracanal medication are also discussed.This expert consensus aims to establish the clinical operation guidelines for root canal irrigation and a position statement on intracanal medication,thus facilitating a better understanding of infection control,standardizing clinical practice,and ultimately improving the success of endodontic therapy.
9.Effect of South African Herb Hoodia gordonii on Liver Glucolipid Metabolism and PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 Signalling Pathway in db/db Mice
Chengfei ZHANG ; Qiue ZHANG ; Linging QIN ; Wei LIU ; Guangyuan XU ; Xuesheng MA ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):57-64
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of the South African herb Hoodia gordonii (HG) on glucolipid metabolism in diabetic db/db mice and explore the possible mechanisms of HG on the liver of db/db mice based on the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/factor forkhead protein O1 (FoxO1) signaling pathway. MethodA total of 30 db/db mice were randomly divided into five groups according to fasting blood glucose: model group, metformin group (0.195 g·kg-1), and low dose (0.39 g·kg-1), medium dose (0.78 g·kg-1), and high dose (1.56 g·kg-1) HG groups, with six m/m mice in each group, and another six m/m mice were set as normal group. The mice in the normal and model groups were given saline of 9 mL·kg-1 by gavage. Body weight, water intake, and fasting blood glucose of the mice in each group were measured weekly. After six weeks of continuous administration, serum insulin (FINS), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, and creatinine (CREA) were measured, and liver sections were embedded and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and oil red O. Protein expression of PI3K p85, p-Akt, and p-FoxO1 in liver was detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, and FoxO1 in liver tissue was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultAfter six weeks of administration intervention, it was found that fasting blood glucose was significantly downregulated in mice in the three HG groups (P<0.05). The level of islet resistance index was significantly reduced in both the low and medium dose HG groups (P<0.05). The expression levels of TC, TG, and LDL were reduced in all HG groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Pathologically, HG could alleviate hepatocyte steatosis, reduce the volume and content of lipid droplets in liver, and increase the distribution of glycogen granules in liver to some extent in mice. Immunohistochemical assays revealed that PI3K p85 protein expression was significantly increased in the low, medium, and high dose HG groups compared with the model group (P<0.01). p-Akt protein expression was significantly increased in the medium and high dose HG groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). p-FoxO1 protein expression was significantly increased in the low, medium, and high dose HG groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, PI3K mRNA was increased in low dose, medium dose, and high dose HG groups (P<0.05), and Akt mRNA was increased in high dose HG group (P<0.05). FoxO1 mRNA was decreased in low dose, medium dose, and high dose HG groups (P<0.05). ConclusionHG can ameliorate the disorder of glucolipid metabolism in db/db mice, which may be related to its activation of the hepatic PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.
10.Inhibition of Oxidative Stress of Sciatic Nerve in Diabetic Rats by Tangbikang Granules Regulating AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Signaling Pathway
Gang LIU ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Lingling QIN ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Qiue ZHANG ; Huizhong BAI ; Yi ZHAO ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):75-82
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Tangbikang granules on oxidative stress of sciatic nerve in diabetic rats by regulating adenylate activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α/mitochondrial Sirtuins 3 (AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3) signaling pathway. MethodThe spontaneous obesity type 2 diabetes model was established using ZDF rats. After modeling, they were randomly divided into high, medium, and low dose Tangbikang granule groups (2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g·kg-1·d-1) and lipoic acid group (0.026 8 g·kg-1·d-1), and the normal group was set up. The rats were administered continuously for 12 weeks after modeling. The blood glucose of rats was detected before intervention and at 4, 8, 12 weeks after intervention. At the 12th week, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), nerve blood flow velocity, mechanical pain threshold, and thermal pain threshold were detected. The sciatic nerve was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe the tissue morphology. The ultrastructure of the sciatic nerve was observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in sciatic nerve were determined by enzyme-related immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of AMPKα, AMPKβ, PGC-1α, and SIRT3 in sciatic nerve were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the normal group, fasting blood glucose in the model group was increased at each time point (P<0.01). The mechanical pain threshold was decreased (P<0.05), and the incubation time of the hot plate was extended (P<0.01). MNCV, SNCV, and nerve blood flow velocity decreased (P<0.05). The expression level of SOD was decreased (P<0.01). The expression levels of MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α were increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of AMPKα, AMPKβ, PGC-1α, and SIRT3 were decreased (P<0.01). The structure of sciatic nerve fibers in the model group was loose, and the arrangement was disordered. The demyelination change was obvious. Compared with the model group, the fasting blood glucose of rats in the high dose Tangbikang granule group was decreased after the intervention of eight weeks and 12 weeks (P<0.01). The mechanical pain threshold increased (P<0.05). The incubation time of the hot plate was shortened (P<0.01). MNCV, SNCV, and Flux increased (P<0.05). The expression level of SOD was increased (P<0.01). The expression levels of MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of AMPKα, AMPKβ, PGC-1α, and SIRT3 were increased (P<0.01). The sciatic nerve fibers in the high-dose Tangbikang granule group were tighter and more neatly arranged, with only a few demyelinating changes. The high, medium, and low dose Tangbikang granule groups showed a significant dose-effect trend. ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve sciatic nerve function in diabetic rats by regulating AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway partly to inhibit oxidative stress.

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