1.Effects of resveratrol on cGAS-STING signaling pathway in fibroblast-like synoviocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Taorong Wang ; Yubao Shao ; Nannan Liu ; Wenhao Li ; Meng Li ; Xiaoyu Chen
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):73-78
Objective :
To investigate the effects of resveratrol(Res) on fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA), and to explore the possible mechanism of Res inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors from FLS.
Methods :
FLS from RA patients were culturedin vitroand treated with different concentrations of Res(0, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320 μmol/L). The viability of FLS cells was detected by CCK-8 assay after 12 and 24 h. The contents of inflammatory factor interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA. The expression levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase(cGAS) and stimulator of interferon gene(STING) were measured by Western blot; After lentivirus infection with FLS caused the cells to overexpress cGAS, the cells were divided into Control group(blank control), cGAS group(cGAS overexpression), Res+cGAS group(Res 160 μmol/L+cGAS overexpression) and Res group(Res 160 μmol/L). The expression level of STING protein in cells of each group was determined by Western blot, the viability of FLS cells in each group was detected by CCK-8, and the contents of inflammatory factor IL-6 and TNF-α in the supernatant of cells of each group were detected by ELISA method.
Results :
The results of CCK-8 experiment showed that under 40, 80, 160 μmol/L Res treatment, FLS viability decreased significantly after 24 h compared with blank control group(P<0.01). ELISA results showed that the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α in cell supernatant were also significantly decreased after treatment with Res of 40, 80 and 160 μmol/L(P<0.01). Meanwhile, Western blot results showed that Res could significantly decrease the protein expression levels of STING and cGAS in FLS cells after treatment of 40, 80 and 160 μmol/L(P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the Control group, the expression level of STING protein in FLS increased after overexpression of cGAS(P<0.05); compared with the Res group, the content of inflammatory factors in the supernatant of FLS and the expression level of STING protein in FLS significantly increased after overexpression of cGAS(P<0.01,P<0.05).
Conclusion
The appropriate concentration of Res can inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines in FLS cells, which may be related to the blocking of cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
2.Changes of retinal structure and function before and after panretinal photocoagulation in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Nannan DONG ; Liqing WEI ; Yu CHEN ; Jiapeng WANG ; Leilei LIN
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):718-724
AIM: To analyze the changes of retinal structure and function before and after panretinal photocoagulation(PRP)in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR).METHODS: Prospective study. Totally 98 cases(98 eyes)of PDR patients who underwent PRP in Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2022 to May 2023 were included. Optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)was used to detect central retinal thickness(CRT), central macular thickness(CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT), foveal avascular zone(FAZ), deep vascular complex(DVC)blood flow density, superficial vascular complex(SVC)blood flow density before and at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after PRP. During the follow-up, 1 eye underwent vitrectomy, 2 eyes were lost to follow-up, and finally 95 eyes completed 1 a follow-up, with a loss rate of 3%. According to the visual prognosis at 1 a after treatment, the patients were divided into two groups: 73 eyes in good prognosis group and 22 eyes in poor prognosis group(including 9 eyes of visual disability and 13 eyes of visual regression). The changes in retinal structure and function before and after PRP treatment were compared between the two groups of patients, and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and decision curve were used to analyze the predictive value of retinal structure and function for PDR treatment.RESULTS: There were statistical significant differences in PDR staging, CRT, CMT, SFCT, DVC blood flow density, and SVC blood flow density between the two groups of patients before treatment(all P<0.05). At 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after treatment, the FAZ area of both groups decreased compared to before treatment, while the blood flow density of DVC and SVC increased compared to before treatment(both P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the blood flow density of FAZ, DVC, and SVC between the two groups at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after treatment(all P>0.05). The CRT, CMT and SFCT of the two groups at 1 wk after treatment were higher than those before treatment(all P<0.05), but there were no significant differences between the two groups(all P>0.05). The CRT, CMT and SFCT at 1 and 3 mo after treatment were lower than those at 1 wk after treatment and before treatment in both groups. The CRT, CMT and SFCT in the poor prognosis group at 3 mo after treatment were higher than those at 1 mo after treatment, and were higher than those in the good prognosis group(all P<0.05). ROC analysis showed that, at 3 mo after laser treatment in PDR patients, the area under the curve of the CRT, CMT, and SFCT alone or in combination after treatment for 1 a was 0.788, 0.781, 0.783, and 0.902, respectively, and the combined prediction value was better(P<0.05). Decision curve analysis showed that the combined detection of CRT, CMT, and SFCT in PDR patients at 3 mo after treatment can improve the predictive value of visual prognosis.CONCLUSION: The optimal time for retinal structure and function recovery in PDR patients after PRP treatment is between 1 wk and 1 mo. OCTA measurement of CRT, CMT, and SFCT at 3 mo after treatment can predict the visual prognosis during the 1 a treatment period.
3.Jiawei Chunze Decoction treats urinary retention after spinal cord injury in rats based on the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress apoptosis
Bochao ZHU ; Yanjie LI ; Hewei QIN ; Nannan ZHAO ; Haoyuan LIU ; Zhenhua XU ; Yupu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):371-378
BACKGROUND:Preliminary clinical observations found that Jiawei Chunze Decoction is an effective formula for clinical treatment of urinary retention after spinal cord injury.Animal experiments have found that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathway is closely related to the degree of bladder dysfunction. OBJECTIVE:To further investigate the effects of Jiawei Chunze Decoction on bladder function and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats with urinary retention. METHODS:Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose group,Jiawei Chunze Decoction high-dose group and agonist group.In the sham operation group,the spinal cord was exposed but not transected.In the other groups,the modified Hassan Shaker spinal cord transection method was used to prepare the model of sacral medullary injury.At 24 hours after modeling,the sham operation group and model group were intragastrically given equal volume of normal saline,Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose and high-dose groups were given Jiawei Chunze Decoction granules containing 14.4 and 28.8 g/kg,respectively,via intragastric administration for 4 weeks,and the agonist group was treated with an intraperitoneal injection of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway agonist 740Y-P at a dose of 0.02 mg/kg.After 4 weeks of treatment,the maximum bladder capacity,leakage point pressure and bladder compliance of rats in each group were detected by urine flow dynamics.The minimum bladder contraction tension and frequency of rats in each group were detected by detrusor pull test.The pathological changes of the rat bladder in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The concentrations of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 in serum were detected by ELISA,and the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 in bladder tissues were detected by RT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation group,the maximum bladder volume,bladder compliance and minimum systolic tension of rats in the model group were increased(P<0.05),and the leakage point pressure and bladder contraction frequency were decreased(P<0.05);serum GRP78,CHOP,and Caspase-12 levels were also increased(P<0.05).The arrangement of bladder epithelial cells in the model group was disordered,and there was monocyte infiltration between cells,tissue edema,and detrusor tract atrophy.The mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and Akt in bladder tissues were significantly decreased in the model group compared with the sham operation group,while those of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 were increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the maximum bladder volume,bladder compliance and minimum systolic tension of rats were decreased in the Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose,high-dose and agonist groups after 4 weeks of intervention(P<0.05),while the leakage point pressure and bladder contraction frequency were increased(P<0.05);serum GRP78,CHOP,Caspase-12 levels were decreased(P<0.05).The bladder epithelial cells in the three intervention groups were distributed evenly,arranged neatly,with less inflammatory cell infiltration and fuller detrusor muscle bundle.Compared with the model group,the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and Akt were increased in the three intervention groups,while those of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 were decreased(P<0.05).The Jiawei Chunze Decoction high-dose group was better than the Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose group and shared the similar results with the agonist group.To conclude,Jiawei Chunze Decoction can improve the bladder function of rats with urinary retention after spinal cord injury,and the mechanism may be related to reducing the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum stress in bladder tissue through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,and then alleviating apoptosis.
4.Preliminary exploration of differentiating and treating multiple system atrophy from the perspective of the eight extraordinary meridians
Di ZHAO ; Zhigang CHEN ; Nannan LI ; Lu CHEN ; Yao WANG ; Jing XUE ; Xinning ZHANG ; Chengru JIA ; Xuan XU ; Kaige ZHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):392-397
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease with complex clinical manifestations, presenting substantial challenges in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Its symptoms and the eight extraordinary meridians are potentially correlated; therefore, this article explores the association between MSA symptom clusters and the eight extraordinary meridians based on their circulation and physiological functions, as well as their treatment strategies. The progression from deficiency to damage in the eight extraordinary meridians aligns with the core pathogenesis of MSA, which is characterized by "the continuous accumulation of impacts from the vital qi deficiency leading to eventual damage". Liver and kidney deficiency and the emptiness of the eight extraordinary meridians are required for the onset of MSA; the stagnation of qi deficiency and the gradual damage to the eight extraordinary meridians are the key stages in the prolonged progression of MSA. The disease often begins with the involvement of the yin and yang qiao mai, governor vessel, thoroughfare vessel, and conception vessel before progressing to multiple meridian involvements, ultimately affecting all eight extraordinary meridians simultaneously. The treatment approach emphasizes that "the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect method will be needed in order to secure victory" and focuses on "eliminate pathogenic factors and reinforce healthy qi". Distinguishing the extraordinary meridians and focusing on the primary symptoms are pivotal to improving efficacy. Clinical treatment is aimed at the target, and tailored treatment based on careful clinical observation ensures precision in targeting the disease using the eight extraordinary meridians as the framework and core symptoms as the specific focus. Additionally, combining acupuncture, daoyin therapy, and other method may help prolong survival. This article classifies clinical manifestations based on the theory of the eight extraordinary meridians and explores treatment.
5.Effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control programme in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2023
Chen PU ; Yu ZHANG ; Jiajia WAN ; Nannan WANG ; Jingye SHANG ; Liang XU ; Ling CHEN ; Lin CHEN ; Zisong WU ; Bo ZHONG ; Yang LIU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(3):284-288
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control programme in Sichuan Province during the stage moving from transmission interruption to elimination (2015—2023), so as to provide insights into formulation of the schistosomiasis control measures during the post-elimination stage. Methods Schistosomiasis control data were retrospectively collected from departments of health, agriculture and rural affairs, forestry and grassland, water resources, and natural resources in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2023, and a database was created to document examinations and treatments of human and livestock schistosomiasis, and snail survey and control, conversion of paddy fields to dry fields, ditch hardening, rivers and lakes management and building of forests for snail control and schistosomiasis prevention. The completion of schistosomiasis control measures was investigated, and the effectiveness was evaluated. Results A total of 20 545 155 person-times received human schistosomiasis examinations in Sichuan Province during the period from 2015 to 2023, and 232 157 person-times were seropositive, with a reduction in the seroprevalence from 2.10% (44 299/2 107 003) in 2015 to 1.12% (9 361/837 896) in 2023 (χ2 = 7.68, P < 0.001). The seroprevalence of human schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a decline in Sichuan Province over years from 2015 to 2023 (b = −8.375, t = −10.052, P < 0.001); however, no egg positive individuals were identified during the period from 2018 to 2023, with the prevalence of human Schistosoma japonicum infections maintained at 0. Expanded chemotherapy was administered to 2 754 515 person-times, and medical assistance of advanced schistosomiasis was given to 6 436 persontimes, with the treatment coverage increasing from 46.80% (827/1 767) in 2015 to 64.87% (868/1 338) in 2023. Parasitological tests for livestock schistosomiasis were performed in 35 113 herd-times, and expanded chemotherapy was administered to 513 043 herd-times, while the number of fenced livestock decreased from 121 631 in 2015 to 103 489 in 2023, with a reduction of 14.92%. Snail survey covered 433 621.80 hm2 in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2023, with 204 602.81 hm2 treated by chemical control and 4 637.74 hm2 by environmental modifications. The area of snail habitats decreased from the peak of 5 029.80 hm2 in 2016 to 3 709.72 hm2 in 2023, and the actual area of snail habitats decreased from the peak of 8 585.48 hm2 in 2016 to 473.09 hm2 in 2023. The mean density of living snails remained low across the study period except in 2017 (0.62 snails/0.1 m2). Schistosomiasis control efforts by departments of agriculture and rural affairs in Sichuan Province included conversion of paddy fields to dry fields covering 153 346.93 hm2, hardening of 6 110.31 km ditches, building of 70 356 biogas digesters, replacement of cattle with 227 161 sets of machines, and captive breeding of 21 161 070 livestock from 2015 to 2023, and the control efforts by departments of water resources included rivers and lakes management measuring 5 676.92 km and renovation of 2 331 irrigation areas, while the control efforts by departments of forestry and grassland included building of forests for snail control and schistosomiasis prevention covering 23 913.33 hm2, renovation of snail control forests covering 8 720 hm2 and newly building of shelterbelts covering 764 686.67 hm2. All 63 endemic counties (cities and districts) had achieved the criterion for schistosomiasis elimination criteria in Sichuan Province by the end of 2023. Conclusion Following the integrated control efforts from 2015 to 2023, remarkable achievements have been obtained in the schistosomiasis control programme in Sichuan Province, with all endemic counties successfully attaining the schistosomiasis elimination target at the county level.
6.Epidemiological analyses of 125 cases of paragonimiasis in Sichuan Province from 2020 to 2023
Yu ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Liang XU ; Xiaohong WU ; Nannan WANG ; Lin CHEN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):511-514
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of paragonimiasis cases in Sichuan Province, and to provide an evidence for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of paragonimiasis in medical institutions. MethodsData were collected from case reports submitted by cities (prefectures) from 2020 to 2023, including demographic information, epidemiological features, clinical symptoms, laboratory testing indicators, and awareness of paragonimiasis. Epidemiological descriptions and statistical analyses were performed on these variables. ResultsA total of 125 paragonimiasis cases were reported in Sichuan Province from 2020 to 2023, including 53 thoracic/pulmonary cases and 72 extrapulmonary cases. Geographically, cases were distributed in Dazhou City (63 cases, 50.40%), Yibin City (61 cases, 48.80%), and Deyang City(1 case, 0.80%). The male-to-female ratio was 1.66∶1, with 77.60% (97 cases) aged 0‒18 years. Students accounted for the majority of cases (67 cases, 53.60%). Among the patients, 67 cases (53.60%) had a history of consuming raw or undercooked crabs, and 94 cases (75.20%) reported drinking untreated water. The predominant symptoms included migratory subcutaneous nodules (26.40%), cough (24.80%), and abdominal pain/diarrhea (21.60%). Younger patients exhibited a higher proportion of migratory subcutaneous nodules, while older patients more frequently presented with cough and chest pain (χ2=4.060, P=0.044; χ2=9.235, P=0.002). Elevated eosinophil percentages and absolute counts were observed in 99.20% (124 cases) and 93.60% (117 cases) of patients, respectively. Peripheral white blood cell counts were higher in thoracic/pulmonary cases than that in extrapulmonary cases (Z=2.398, P=0.016), but no statistically significant differences were found in eosinophil absolute counts or percentages between the two types (Z=0.609, P=0.542; Z=0.732, P=0.464). In terms of treatment courses, 28 cases had 1 course, 31 cases had 2 courses, 43 cases had 3 courses, 11 cases had 4 courses, and 10 cases had 5 courses or more. Extrapulmonary cases required significantly longer treatment durations than thoracic/pulmonary cases (t=2.299, P=0.023). Only 12.80% (16 cases) of patients were aware of paragonimiasis. ConclusionParagonimiasis in Sichuan Province occurred sporadically, and the patients were mainly children and adolescents. The clinical manifestations of the patients lacked specificity, making it easy to lead to misdiagnosis. During the diagnosis, epidemiological history, migratory subcutaneous nodules and other main symptoms should be fully considered. An increase of the absolute count and proportion of eosinophils served as significant warning indicators for paragonimiasis infection.
7.Effects of peripheral blood-derived exosomes intervened by Naozhenning on injury of neuron induced by microglia
Li GAO ; Le ZHAO ; Liya WU ; Weiyi ZHANG ; Nan LI ; Nannan WEI ; Yonghui WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2393-2398
OBJECTIVE To study the effects of peripheral blood-derived exosomes (Exo) intervened by Naozhenning (NZN) on injury of neuron cells HT22 induced by microglia BV-2 cells. METHODS Wistar rats were selected to prepare peripheral blood- derived Exo intervened by NZN (66.83 g/kg), referred to as NZN-Exo; peripheral blood-derived Exo intervened by normal saline and piracetam (PLXT, 1.62 g/kg) were prepared using the same method, denoted as KB-Exo and PLXT-Exo respectively, and all Exo were subsequently identified. Meanwhile, BV-2 cells were stimulated with 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to prepare LPS- stimulated supernatant, and non-LPS-stimulated supernatant was prepared following the same protocol. HT22 cells were divided into four groups: KB-Exo group (treated with non-LPS-stimulated supernatant+KB-Exo), model group (treated with LPS-stimulated supernatant+KB-Exo), PLXT-Exo group (treated with LPS-stimulated supernatant+PLXT-Exo), and NZN-Exo group (treated with LPS-stimulated supernatant+NZN-Exo), with the concentration of the corresponding Exo in all groups being 50 μg/mL. After 24 hours of culture, the proliferation of HT22 cells was detected by the CCK-8 assay and EdU assay; the apoptosis of HT22 cells was detected; the microstructure of HT22 cells was observed; the contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, nuclear factor-κB (NF- κB), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in HT22 cells were measured, as well as the expression levels of TNF-α, NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, B-cell lymphoma-2( Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). RESULTS KB-Exo, PLXT-Exo and NZN-Exo were successfully prepared, and all Exo exhibited typical cup-shaped contours and membrane-enclosed characteristics. Compared with KB-Exo group, model group showed significantly decreased cell proliferation rates (detected by CCK-8 and EdU), intracellular IL-10 levels, and Bcl-2 protein expression levels (P<0.05); while the cell apoptosis rate, intracellular levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB, as well as the expression levels of NLRP3, TNF-α, Caspase-1, and Bax proteins were significantly increased (P<0.05). Additionally, in the model group, the cells showed volume swelling, incomplete cell membrane, nucleolar rupture, significant swelling and deformation of mitochondria, and severe vacuolization. Compared with model group, the above quantitative indicators in the PLXT-Exo group and NZN-Exo group were significantly reversed (P<0.05), with large and round cell nuclei, intact nuclear membranes, and reduced mitochondrial vacuolization. CONCLUSIONS Peripheral blood-derived Exo intervened by naozhenning can alleviate the injury of neuronal cells HT22 by inhibiting inflammatory responses and cell apoptosis.
8.Methodology for the Development of Clinical Practice Guideline for Chinese Patent Medicine(Part 1): Development Status and Characteristics
Ning LIANG ; Lijiao YAN ; Yujing ZHANG ; Fuqiang ZHANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yaxin CHEN ; Huizhen LI ; Haili ZHANG ; Zhao CHEN ; Yin JIANG ; Bin LIU ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):44-49
The irrational use of Chinese patent medicines (CPM) is becoming more and more prominent, which makes the demand for clinical practice guidelines of CPM gradually increase. In order to make domestic scholars understand the latest developments and existing problems of the CPM guidelines, and promote its development, this paper introduced the concept of CPM guidelines, summarized the characteristics of the two development modes, namely “taking CPM as the key” and “taking disease/syndrome as the key”, and analyzed the current methodological status of developing and reporting CPM guidelines. Based on the existed problems, three suggestions have been put forward to optimize the quality of CPM guidelines, which were clarifying the target users and scope of CPM guidelines, establishing an open and transparent mechanism of the personnel involvement and process steps, and formulating implementable and operable recommendations for the use of CPM.
9.Methodology for the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chinese Patent Medicine: 2.Establishment of Guideline Working Group and Management of Conflict of Interests
Yaxin CHEN ; Ning LIANG ; Lijiao YAN ; Ziteng HU ; Yujing ZHANG ; Fuqiang ZHANG ; Haili ZHANG ; Huizhen LI ; Yijiu YANG ; Jing GUO ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):50-54
This paper summarized the key points and methods in terms of the establishment of the guideline working group and the management of conflict of interests, trying to provide reference for the development of clinical practice guidelines for Chinese patent medicine (CPM). The establishment of the working group is the first important step for developing CPM guidelines. Considering the characteristics of the clinical practice guidelines for CPM, this study suggests that the three key elements of ‘multidisciplinarity’, ‘clinical relevance’ and ‘geographical representativeness’ should be put focus on when forming the working group. The guideline advisory committee, clinical expert group, evidence systematic evaluation group, secretary group and the external review group should be established. All group members should clarify the conflict of interest, and the process and management method of the conflict of interest should be clearly reported.
10.Methodology for the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chinese Patent Medicine(Part 3): Identification of Clinical Questions
Ziteng HU ; Ning LIANG ; Lijiao YAN ; Yujing ZHANG ; Yaxin CHEN ; Fuqiang ZHANG ; Zhao CHEN ; Yin JIANG ; Cuicui CHENG ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):55-59
The identification of clinical questions for clinical practice guidelines of Chinese patent medicine (CPM) is important for subsequent evidence retrieval, evaluation of evidence quality, formation of recommendations. This paper described a methodological proposal for the identification of clinical questions for CPM guidelines to highlight the characteristics of Chinese patent medicine and reflect its effect in specific stage of the disease. Considering four aspects, namely, the drug of Chinese patent medicine (D), the specific disease stage (S), comparison (C), and specific outcome (O), DSCO framework has been proposed to formulate the clinical questions. Multi-source information through scientific research, policy or standard documents, and clinical data are suggested for collecting clinical questions, and clear selection criteria should be set to finalize the clinical questions to be addressed by the guideline. In addition, the above process needs to be transparently and publicly reported in order to ensure the clarity and completeness of the guidelines.


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