1.Effect of Epimedium brevicornu Ethanol Extract on Aging of Castrated Rats by Intervening in Mesenchymal Adipose-derived Stem Cells
Zuyu MENG ; Haiquan LIU ; Shaozi LIN ; Mei WANG ; Yiyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Menghan LI ; Hongling CHEN ; Jiajia QIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):174-181
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which the ethanol extract of Epimedium brevicornu (EEBM) intervenes in mesenchymal adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to delay aging in castrated rats. MethodsForty-five 3-month-old SPF female SD rats were ovariectomized and randomly divided into model group, ADSCs treatment group, and ADSCs groups treated with low, medium, and high concentrations of EEBM (1, 50, 100 μg·L-1), referred to as the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups, with 9 rats in each group. After tail vein injection of 200 μL of the corresponding stem cell suspension, aging-related indicators including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p21), tumor suppressor gene (p53), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3), and lipofuscin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, the IL-6 content in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Lipofuscin, MDA, and IL-8 levels in the ADSCs treatment group and AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while SOD content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the ADSCs treatment group, lipofuscin and IL-8 levels in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The MDA content was significantly decreased in the AE medium concentration group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, protein levels of p21, p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 in the ADSCs treatment group and AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the Bcl-2 protein level was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the ADSCs treatment group, protein levels of p21, p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the Bcl-2 protein level in the AE low concentration group was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe results of this experiment show that EEBM-treated ADSCs or ADSCs may delay aging in castrated rats by inhibiting cell apoptosis, reducing cell cycle inhibitors and pro-inflammatory factors, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and reducing oxidative reactions. Moreover, EEBM-treated ADSCs demonstrate stronger anti-aging effects than ADSCs alone. This study provides experimental evidence supporting the clinical use of EEBM to intervene in ADSCs and delay aging.
2.Efficacy of orthokeratology lenses in adolescent myopia patients with different diopters
Xiaojing LI ; Lingling WU ; Qianqian YANG ; Sen ZHAO ; Yun LIU ; Li MENG
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):162-165
AIM: To explore the control effects of wearing orthokeratology lens for 1 a on adolescent myopia patients with different diopters.METHODS: Prospective non-randomized controlled study. A total of 120 adolescent myopic patients(224 eyes), with an average age of 11.00±2.08 years old, who were fitted with orthokeratology lenses in the optometry department of our hospital from November 2022 to May 2023 were collected. There were 3 groups according to the spherical equivalent, including 86 eyes in the group of -0.50--2.00 D, 99 eyes in the group -2.25--4.00 D, and 39 eyes in group -4.25--6.00 D. Patients were followed up for 1 a to observe the changes of uncorrected visual acuity, axial length, corneal curvature, corneal central thickness and corneal endothelial cells density in the three groups after wearing lens for 1 a.RESULTS:A total of 113 cases(212 eyes)were followed up for 1 a, including 82 eyes in the group of -0.50--2.00 D, 95 eyes in the group of -2.25--4.00 D, and 35 eyes in the group of -4.25--6.00 D. There was no statistical difference in corneal central thickness and corneal endothelial cell density among the three groups of patients after wearing lens for 1 a(all P>0.05). Uncorrected visual acuity was significantly improved, and flat kerotometry(FK)and steep kerotometry(SK)were significantly flatter(both P<0.01). Furthermore, the growth of axial length in the three groups of patients after wearing lens for 1 a was 0.21±0.26, 0.13±0.21 and 0.09±0.10 mm, respectively(P<0.05). There were differences between the -0.50--2.00 D group and the -2.25--4.00 D group and -4.25--6.00 D group(P=0.028, 0.010), and there were no differences between the -2.25--4.00 D group and the -4.25--6.00 D group(P=0.344).CONCLUSION:It is safe and effective for young myopia patients to wear orthokeratology lenses, which can prevent the non-benign growth of the axial length and effectively delay the development of myopia, and the myopia control effect is better especially for myopia patients of above -2.0 D.
3.Nuangong Tiaojing Decoction (暖宫调经汤) Combined with Ginger Moxibustion at Baliao (八髎) Acupoints for Patients with Premature Ovarian Failure of Yang-Deficiency Uterus-Coldeness Syndrome:65 Cases Clinical Observation
Yuqiong MENG ; Qiang GAO ; Tingting ZHAI ; Zhihong YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):59-64
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical effectivess of Nuangong Tiaojing Decoction (暖宫调经汤) combined with ginger moxibustion at Baliao acupoints (Eight Bone-Holes) for treating premature ovarian failure (POF) of yang-deficiency uterus-coldeness syndrome, based on conventional western medical treatment. MethodsA total of 130 patients diagnosed with POF of yang-deficiency uterus-coldeness syndrome were divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 65 cases in each group, based on patient preference. The control group received conventional western medicine treatment, while the treatment group was additionally given Nuangong Tiaojing Decoction orally one dose per day and underwent ginger moxibustion at Baliao points once daily. Both groups were treated for three months. Before and after treatment, ovarian function indicators, including ovarian volume, follicle count, ovarian peak systolic velocity (PSV), and endometrial thickness were assessed, and serum sex hormone levels including progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and testosterone (T), as well as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were also measured. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores were evaluated, covering symptoms such as reduced libido, lumbosacral pain, fear of cold with cold extremities, fatigue, dull complexion, lower abdominal distension and pain, pale tongue, and deep and rough pulse. After treatment, clinical effectiveness and safety were determined. ResultsCompared with the pre-treatment levels within group, both groups showed significant increases in ovarian volume, follicle count, PSV, endometrial thickness, and levels of P, E2, and AMH after treatment, while the levels of FSH, LH, PRL, and T, as well as scores of lumbosacral pain, reduced libido, dull complexion, deep and rough pulse, and total TCM syndrome scores significantly reduced after treatment. Furthermore, the treatment group exhibited higher ovarian volume, follicle count, PSV, endometrial thickness, and levels of P, E2, and AMH compared to the control group, while FSH, LH, PRL, T levels, and all symptom scores, as well as total TCM syndrome scores, were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The clinical effectiveness in treatment group was 96.92% (63/65), significantly higher than 81.54% (53/65) in control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group was 26.15% (17/65), while in the control group it was 32.31% (21/65), with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). ConclusionOn the basis of conventional western medicine treament, Nuangong Tiaojing Decoction combined with ginger moxibustion at Baliao acupoints for patients with POF of yang-deficiency uterus-coldeness syndrome can significantly improve ovarian function and clinical symptoms, regulate hormone levels, and thereby enhance clinical effectiveness.
4.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation based on the Holistic View of "Spleen-Vessels-Heart-Spirit"
Yihang DU ; Chenglin DUAN ; Xueping ZHU ; Meng LYU ; Jiafan CHEN ; Yi WEI ; Yuanhui HU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):89-92
Based on the holistic view of "spleen-vessels-heart-spirit" system, this article explores the pathogenesis and progression of atrial fibrillation. It is proposed that the onset of atrial fibrillation is due to failure of the spleen to transport and disharmony of blood vessels; phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the collaterals and damage to the heart structure are the basis of its pathogenesis; the unclear mind and disorder of body and spirit are the causes of its progression. Based on the characteristics of pathological changes in different stages of the disease, it is proposed that early treatment should focus on restoring the middle jiao, clearing and promoting blood vessels, using modified Yigong Powder (异功散); during the progression of the disease, treatment should remove blood stasis and phlegm, nourish heart and protect the pulse, using self-prescribed modified Mengshi Tongmai Decoction (礞石通脉汤); meanwhile, calming mind and stabilizing palpitations, and regulating spirit should be sequentially incorporated, with self-prescribed Jiazao Ningmai Decoction (甲枣宁脉汤) or Shenying Dingji Decoction (参英定悸汤) and modified as appropriate. Clinical treatment should focus on the whole disease course of atrial fibrillation, implementing stage-based treatments to enable early intervention and holistic regulation.
5.Connotation and Application of WU Jutong's Theory of "Treating All Bi (痹) Diseases through Taiyin"
Liang MENG ; Shuai KANG ; Quan JIN ; Qiancheng WEI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):102-108
The Medical Cases of WU Jutong (《吴鞠通医案》) proposes the principle of "treating all Bi (痹) diseases through taiyin", which forms the basis for analyzing WU Jutong's understanding of the causes, mechanisms, and treatments of Bi (痹) diseases, providing a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Through an interpretation of the phrase "treating all Bi (痹) diseases through taiyin", it is suggested that Bi (痹) diseases is primarily caused by dampness, necessitating a focus on spleen and lung in treatment. WU emphasized four main causes of Bi (痹) diseases (wind, cold, dampness, and heat), with dampness being the predominant factor. The disease location is initially in lung, for which external dampness invades lung first, and internal dampness obstructs the source of water metabolism, impeding lung qi and qi failing to disperse, then dampness further accumulates in the joints, leading to Bi (痹) diseases. WU Jutong proposed the modified Mufangji Decoction (木防己汤) as the foundational prescription for treating Bi (痹) diseases. By comparing the similarities and differences between the modified and original Mufangji Decoction, and analyzing the adjustments in herbal prescriptions, the clinical characteristic of "treating all Bi (痹) diseases through taiyin" is further substantiated.
6.Effect and mechanism of Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula on insulin resistance in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Yuxin HONG ; Lei ZHANG ; Mingxue ZHOU ; Sinai LI ; Li LIN ; Meng ZHANG ; Zixuan GUO ; Weihong LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effect and potential mechanism of Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula on insulin resistance (IR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS T2DM rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg streptozotocin combined with high-fat and high-sugar diet. The rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula low-dose and high-dose groups (6.525, 13.05 g/kg, calculated by raw material) and metformin group (positive control, 0.18 g/kg), with 8 rats in each group. Administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically; normal control group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for consecutive 6 weeks. Body mass and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were determined, and oral glucose tolerance test was conducted. Serum fasting insulin (FINS) level was measured to calculate the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI). Additionally, the level of serum lipids, liver function, oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory factors were assessed. The phosphorylation levels of kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) protein in liver tissue of rats were determined. RESULTS Compared with model group, the body weight, ISI, the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and superoxide dismutase were increased significantly in Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula high-dose group and metformin group (P<0.05); FBG, blood glucose level at 120 minutes of glucose loading, area under the curve of glucose, FINS, HOMA-IR, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein levels were significantly reduced (P< Δ0.05); the pathological damage of liver tissue had significantlyimproved, and the phosphorylation levels of PERK and FOXO1 proteins in liver tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Qingxue xiaozhi jiangtang formula can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation factor and oxidative stress levels, and alleviate insulin resistance in T2DM rats. Its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the PERK/FOXO1 signaling pathway.
7.Improvement mechanism of Pangshi antai zhixue decoction on spontaneous abortion with heat syndrome by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome
Liya MA ; Xingfei WU ; Liujun WU ; Yanduo SHEN ; Bingheng XIE ; Jiale ZHANG ; Jinhao HAO ; Meng YU ; Yumiko NAKAYAMA ; Minghao ZHANG ; Dawei ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):37-43
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Pangshi antai zhixue decoction in the improvement of spontaneous abortion with heat syndrome by regulating the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. METHODS The binding activities of 13 main components in Pangshi antai zhixue decoction with NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein , containing a CARD (ASC), and caspase-1 precursor (pro- No.20-21ZY1053) caspase-1) were predicted by molecular docking. Sixty 1-day-old pregnant rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, dexamethasone group (0.002 g/kg), and Pangshi antai zhixue decoction low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (11.025, 22.05, 44.10 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Each group was given distilled water/corresponding medicinal solution intragastrically, once a day, for 12 consecutive days. Except for normal group, other groups were given traditional Chinese medicine for warming yang and mifepristone to establish a model of spontaneous abortion with heat syndrome. 24 h after the last medication, serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were all detected; the abortion rate and uterine coefficient were calculated; the pathological morphology of the pregnant uterus was observed; protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 were detected. RESULTS The molecular docking results showed that the binding energies of 13 main components of Pangshi antai zhixue decoction with NLRP3, ASC, and pro-caspase-1 were all less than -5 kJ/moL. The animal experiment results showed that compared with normal group, the uterine coefficient and serum levels of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 were decreased significantly in model group (P<0.05); the abortion rate and serum levels of T3, T4, IL-2 and IFN-γ as well as protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 were increased significantly (P<0.05); there were abortion lesions in the pregnant endometrium. Compared with the model group, most of the quantitative indicators mentioned above were significantly reversed in Pangshi antai zhixue decoction groups (P<0.05), and the endometrial miscarriage lesions in pregnancy were improved to varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS Pangshi antai zhixue decoction influences the immune balance between mother and fetus by regulating the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome, down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-2, and up-regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10, thereby improving spontaneous abortion with heat syndrome.
8.Effects of leonurine on myocardial injury in rats with coronary heart disease by regulating the GAS6/Axl signaling pathway
Wangtao MENG ; Dongling CUI ; Dongjing WU ; Chao CHEN ; Yingying ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):51-56
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of leonurine on growth arrest-specific protein-6 (GAS6)/Axl signaling pathway, and clarify its mechanism of alleviating myocardial injury in rats with coronary heart disease. METHODS The rat model of coronary heart disease was constructed; successfully modeled rats were randomly separated into model group, leonurine low- dose and high-dose groups (intragastric administration of leonurine 25, 100 mg/kg+intraperitoneal injection of normal saline 75 mg/kg), and leonurine high-dose+GAS6/Axl signaling pathway inhibitor group (intragastric administration of leonurine 100 mg/kg+ intraperitoneal injection of R428 75 mg/kg), with 12 rats in each group. Additional 12 normal rats were selected as control group. Each administration group was given relevant medicine; control group and model group were given a constant volume of normal saline intragastrically and intraperitoneally, once a day, for 48 consecutive days. After administration, the heart function of rats, and serum levels of inflammatory factors and myocardial injury markers were detected; the pathological morphology of myocardial tissue was observed; the myocardial cell apoptosis rate, the expressions of apoptosis and GAS6/Axl signaling pathway-related proteins were determined. RESULTS Compared with control group, model group showed disorders in the arrangement of myocardial cells and myocardial fibers, hypertrophy of myocardial cells, and nuclear condensation; left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening, ratio of early-diastolic and late-diastolic motion velocity of the mitral ring, the protein expression of GAS6, B-cell lymphoma 2/B-cell lymphoma 2 associated X protein and phosphorylated Axl/Axl ratios were decreased significantly (P<0.05). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, creatine kinase isoenzyme, troponin Ⅰ and myoglobin, the cell apoptosis rate, and cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 ratio were increased significantly (P<0.05). Leonurine could obviously improve the above pathological conditions and detection indicators (P<0.05), and the effect of leonurine high-dose group was more significant than that of leonurine low-dose group (P<0.05); R428 treatment could reverse the ameliorating effect of high-dose of leonurine on myocardial injury in rats with coronary heart disease (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Leonurine can alleviate myocardial injury in rats with coronary heart disease, and its mechanism of action is related to the activation of the GAS6/Axl signaling pathway.
9.Prevalence and influencing factors of school bullying experienced by primary and middle school students
ZHU Yunjiao ; GU Fang ; MENG Jia ; LI Juanjuan ; SHEN Yu ; GAO Lei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):1-6
Objective:
To investigate the situation and influencing factors of school bullying experienced by primary and middle school students, so as to provide the basis for formulating school bullying intervention measures and promoting students' physical and mental health development.
Methods:
All the counties (cities, districts) in Zhejiang Province were stratified to urban and suburban areas, primary, junior high and senior high school students were selected using a stratified cluster sampling method. Basic information, lifestyle and school bullying were collected through questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting school bullying experienced by primary and middle school students were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
Totally 137 846 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 97.17%. There were 72 526 males (52.61%) and 65 320 females (47.39%). There were 47 561 primary school students (34.50%), 47 701 junior high school students (34.61%) and 42 584 senior high school students (30.89%). A total of 3 987 students suffered from school bullying, accounting for 2.89%. The proportions of being maliciously teased, being intentionally excluded from group activities/isolated, being teased about physical defects or appearance, being hit/kicked/pushed/shoved/locked in a room, being threatened, and being extorted for money were 2.04%, 1.18%, 1.11%, 0.86%, 0.84% and 0.83%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the students who were males (OR=1.122, 95%CI: 1.048-1.202), lived in suburban areas (OR=1.322, 95%CI: 1.233-1.418), lived in areas with medium (OR=1.086, 95%CI: 1.006-1.173) or underdeveloped (OR=1.298, 95%CI: 1.191-1.415) economic level, had higher academic levels (junior high school, OR=1.380, 95%CI: 1.270-1.499; senior high school, OR=1.210, 95%CI: 1.083-1.351), lived on campus (OR=1.489, 95%CI: 1.372-1.616), engaged in fights (OR=6.029, 95%CI: 5.585-6.509), attempted to smoke (OR=1.320, 95%CI: 1.128-1.545), drank (OR=1.735, 95%CI: 1.575-1.912), were scolded and beaten by parents (OR=1.972, 95%CI: 1.822-2.135) and were obese (OR=1.240, 95%CI: 1.132-1.360) were more likely to experience school bullying.
Conclusion
The harm of school bullying to the physical and mental health of primary and middle school students should be taken seriously, and active policy measures should be adopted to strengthen intervention.
10.Clinical Observation of Modified Zhigancao Tang in Treating Patients with Liver and Kidney Deficiency of Parkinson's Disease and Its Effect on Neuronal Signal-related Proteins
Yifo WEI ; Furong LYU ; Jia YAO ; Guonian LI ; Xianyi LUO ; Meng LUO ; Zhengzheng WEN ; Qiuqi LI ; Yihan LIU ; Linlin YANG ; Rui ZUO ; Wenxin DANG ; Fang MI ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Zhigang CHEN ; Fan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):166-173
ObjectiveMicrotube associated protein-2 (MAP-2), alpha-tubulin (α-tubulin), and synaptophysin (SYP) are important proteins in neuronal signal communication. This paper observed the effects of modified Zhigancao Tang on the expression of serum α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP of patients with liver and kidney deficiency of Parkinson's disease (PD), analyzed their correlation, and evaluated the therapeutic effect of modified Zhigancao Tang in patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD based on α-Syn transmission pathway mediated by neuronal communication in vivo. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). Both groups were treated on the basis of PD medicine, and the treatment group was treated with modified Zhigancao Tang. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in UPDRS score, TCM syndrome score, and expression of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP were observed before and after 12 weeks of treatment in each group. The correlation between the above-mentioned serum biological indexes and the levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment, the TCM syndrome score, UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ score of the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate of the control group was 63.3% (19/30), and that of the treatment group was 86.7% (26/30). The clinical effect of the observation group was better than the control group (Z=-2.03, P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.136, P<0.05). After treatment, the oligomer level of serum α-Syn and MAP-2 level in the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, as well as α-tubulin in the treatment group, were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum α-Syn was correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-Syn oligomer in patients with PD (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP . Serum α-Syn oligomers of patients with PD were correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-tubulin (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP level. Serum SYP of patients with PD was correlated with serum MAP-2 (P<0.05). ConclusionModified Zhigancao Tang has a therapeutic effect on patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD by inhibiting the production of α-Syn oligomers and intervening α-Syn microtubule transport pathway in vivo.


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