1.Analysis of Mechanism of Astragaloside Ⅳ in Regulating Ferroptosis Through SLC7A11/GPX4 Pathway Against Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation
Guoting LI ; Changchao YANG ; Lin LIU ; Weikang LI ; Zixian ZHAO ; Quan SHEN ; Jingshan ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):159-167
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ) on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs) induced by angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ) based on solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione peroxidase 4(SLC7A11/GPX4) pathway. MethodsPrimary rat thoracic aortic VSMCs were cultured by tissue explant method, and the cell types were identified by immunofluorescence. Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) was used to determine the optimal concentration and time of AS-Ⅳ after Ang Ⅱ stimulation. The experiment was divided into blank group, model group, AS-Ⅳ group(40 μmol·L-1), Erastin group(0.5 μmol·L-1), Erastin+AS-Ⅳ group(0.5 μmol·L-1+40 μmol·L-1). The blank group was cultured in normal medium, the model group was cultured in medium containing Ang Ⅱ(0.1 μmol·L-1), and each administration group was cultured in medium containing Ang Ⅱ(0.1 μmol·L-1) and the corresponding doses of drug. CCK-8 and plate clone formation assay were used to detect the proliferation of cells in each group, Prussian blue staining was used to detect cell iron deposition, the content of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in cells was detected by fluorescence probe method, the content of malondialdehyde(MDA) was detected by thiobarbituric acid(TBA) method, and the protein levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in each group were detected by Western blot. ResultsPrimary rat thoracic aortic VSMCs were successfully cultured by tissue explant method, and immunofluorescence detection showed that positive expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) and negative expression of vimentin in the cells, identifying them as VSMCs. The optimal concentration and time of AS-Ⅳ determined by CCK-8 were 40 μmol·L-1 and 24 h, respectively. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that compared with the blank group, the cell proliferation in the model group increased, the iron deposition in the cells increased, the contents of ROS and MDA increased, and the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell proliferation of the AS-Ⅳ group was inhibited, the iron deposition in the cells was decreased, the contents of ROS and MDA were decreased, and the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). While in the Erastin group, the cell proliferation was increased, the iron deposition was increased, ROS and MDA contents were increased, and the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the AS-Ⅳ group, Erastin+AS-Ⅳ group showed increased cell proliferation, increased iron deposition in cells, increased ROS and MDA contents, and decreased expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins(P<0.05). Compared with the Erastin group, the cell proliferation in Erastin+AS-Ⅳ group was inhibited, the iron deposition was decreased, the contents of ROS and MDA were decreased, and the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionAS-Ⅳ can inhibit ferroptosis by regulating the SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway, so as to weaken the proliferation of VSMCs, thus playing a role in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
2.Significance and successful construction of stable transfection of MH7A cells with lower TRAF2 expression using lentiviral vector
Luying CHEN ; Liping JIANG ; Weikang WANG ; Shujun ZUO ; Jiajie KUAI ; Yang MA ; Chenchen HAN ; Wei WEI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(2):193-199
Objective To construct a stable synovial cell line MH7A from rheumatoid arthritis(RA)patients using lentiviral vectors that interfere with the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 2(TRAF2),and to study the role of TNF-α-TRAF2 signaling in MH7A abnormal proliferation.Methods Based on the design principles of human TRAF2 gene sequence and shRNA sequence,three pairs of TRAF2 shRNA interference se-quences were designed and synthesized.The primers were annealed by PCR,and a linear vector was obtained by double enzyme digestion PLKO.1-puro.The linearized vector was connected to the annealed primers through Solu-tion I,and the connected products were introduced into receptive cells.The plates were coated,and positive colo-nies were selected for sequencing.Three different recombinant plasmids of PLKO.1-TRAF2-shRNA lentivirus were constructed,and lentivirus packaging plasmids was used to package logarithmic growth phase HEK 293T cells.Vi-rus solution was collected to infect MH7A cells.At the same time,puromycin was used to screen MH7A stable transgenic strains with low TRAF2 expression.CCK-8 method,Western blot,and qPCR were used to detect the proliferation function of MH7A induced by TNF-α and low expression of TRAF2,as well as downstream signal TRAF2,P65 protein expression and mRNA levels.Results PLKO.1-TRAF2-shRNA(1),PLKO.1-TRAF2-shR-NA(2),and PLKO.1-TRAF2-shRNA(3)lentivirus vector plasmids and control group lentivirus vector plasmids PLKO.1-puro were successfully constructed.The three TRAF2-shRNA lentivirus vector plasmids and control group lentivirus vector plasmids PLKO.1-puro were respectively introduced into the lentivirus packaging plasmid of HEK 293T to obtain virus solution.After infecting MH7A cells with the virus solution,they were treated with puromycin(2.00 μ G/mL)screening and obtaining MH7A stable transgenic plants after 2 days.Through qPCR and Western blot results,it was found that the expression of TRAF2 mRNA and protein in PLKO.1-TRAF2-shRNA(1)MH7A stably transfected cells was significantly reduced compared to the negative control group.The results of CCK-8 and Western blot showed that after knocking down TRAF2 in MH7A,the proliferation of MH7A cells with low TRAF2 expression induced by TNF-α and the phosphorylation level of P65 were significantly reduced.Conclusion A sta-ble transgenic strain of PLKO.1-TRAF2-shRNA(1)MH7A cells was successfully constructed to investigate the role of TNF-α-TRAF2 signal activation in mediating abnormal proliferation of RA synovial cells.
3.Perioperative Hot Issues and Management Strategies for Pancreatic Cancer
Weikang LIU ; Yiran CHEN ; Yinmo YANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(4):740-746
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by high malignancy, low early diagnosis rates, and poor prognosis. Approximately 15%-20% of patients at initial diagnosis have resectable pancreatic cancer, 20%-30% have borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, and over 50% are present with unresectable. Surgical resection remains the only potentially curative treatment option available, but the unique anatomical position of the pancreatic head necessitates complex gastrointestinal reconstruction after resection, which may lead to severe complications such as grade B/C pancreatic fistulas and bleeding. Comprehensive preoperative preparation and individualized postoperative management are crucial to reducing perioperative complications, enhancing patient quality of life, and expediting the initiation of adjuvant therapy. This article reviews perioperative integrated management strategies for patients with pancreatic cancer, drawing on literature and our center's experience, including nutritional therapy, psychological support, preoperative jaundice reduction, neoadjuvant treatment, the prevention and management of pancreatic fistulas and postoperative bleeding, with the aim of improving clinical outcomes and overall survival rates.
4.Application value of Nectin-4 targeting radiotracer 68Ga-N188 in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
Jianxin WANG ; Yongsu MA ; Weikang LIU ; Xueqi CHEN ; Yiran CHEN ; Yu ZHU ; Jixin ZHANG ; Jianhua ZHANG ; Xing YANG ; Xiaodong TIAN ; Yinmo YANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(5):746-753
Objective:To investigate the application value of nectin-4 targeting radiotracer 68Ga-N188 in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Methods:The prospective study was conducted. The clinicopathologic data of 16 patients diagnosed as pancreatic cancer on enhanced computed tomography (CT) who were admitted to the Peking University First Hospital from August to December 2022 were collected. There were 9 males and 7 females, aged (62±8)years. All patients underwent 18F-flurodeoxyglucose ( 18F-FDG) and 68Ga-N188 positron emission tomography (PET)/CT examination. Observation indicators: (1) distribution of 68Ga-N188 in different tissues and tumor primary lesion of patients; (2) expression of Nectin-4 and uptake of 68Ga-N188 in pancreatic cancer; (3) comparison of examination results between 68Ga-N188 and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Count data were described as absolute numbers or percentages. Results:(1) Distribution of 68Ga-N188 in different tissues and tumor primary lesion of patients. Results of PET/CT examination showed that in 1 hour after injection, the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) and mean standard uptake value (SUVmean) of 68Ga-N188 in fat, muscle, skin, and brain tissues of 16 patients were 0.40±0.16 and 0.25±0.09, 0.68±0.20 and 0.44±0.12, 0.39±0.14 and 0.28±0.11, 0.09±0.04 and 0.05±0.02, respectively. In the tissues of the esophagus, liver, spleen, and pancreas, the above indicators were 1.53±0.48 and 1.16±0.31, 1.49±0.45 and 0.91±0.30, 1.40±0.30 and 1.02±0.24, 1.24±0.31 and 0.96±0.25, respectively. In tumor primary lesion, the above indicators were 3.28±1.02 and 2.14±0.62, respectively, showing significant differences in SUVmax and SUVmean compared with pancreatic tissue ( t=8.03, 6.75, P<0.05). The tumor background ratio in tumor primary lesion based on SUVmax was 1.82±0.58. (2) Expression of Nectin-4 and uptake of 68Ga-N188 in pancreatic cancer. Results of immunohistochemical staining in 16 patients showed that there were 7 patients with high Nectin-4 expression and 9 patients with low Nectin-4 expression. Results of PET/CT examination showed that the SUVmax of 68Ga-N188 in tumor primary lesion of the 7 patients with high Nectin-4 expression and 9 patients with low Nectin-4 expression were 3.77±1.10 and 2.64±0.68, showing a significant difference between them ( t=2.64, P<0.05). The SUVmax of 18F-FDG in tumor primary lesion of the 7 patients with high Nectin-4 expression and 9 patients with low Nectin-4 expression were 6.73±3.24 and 6.43±3.45, showing no significant difference between them ( t=0.17, P>0.05). (3) Comparison of examination results between 68Ga-N188 and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Of the 16 patients, cases with positive results of tumor primary lesion on 68Ga-N188 and 18F-FDG PET/CT were 14 and 11, respectively, for the 14 pancreatic cancer patients diagnosed by postoperative histopathology. Among them, cases with positive results of tumor primary lesion on 68Ga-N188 and 18F-FDG PET/CT were 3 and 1 for the 3 pancreatic cancer patients receiving evaluation for chemotherapy. The SUVmax of 18F-FDG in tumor primary lesion of the 3 patients with chemotherapy and the 11 patients without chemotherapy were 2.80±0.69 and 6.97±2.11, showing a significant difference between them ( t=3.29, P<0.05). The SUVmax of 68Ga-N188 in tumor primary lesion of the 3 patients with chemotherapy and the 11 patients without chemotherapy were 3.38±1.12 and 2.93±0.50, showing no significant difference between them ( t=0.66, P>0.05). Cases with positive results of lymph node metastases in 68Ga-N188 and 18F-FDG PET/CT were 6 and 4, respectively, for the 6 pancreatic cancer patients diagnosed with lymph node metastases by postoperative histopathology, and the SUVmax of 68Ga-N188 and 18F-FDG in lymph node metastases were 2.25±1.12 and 4.02±1.27. Conclusion:68Ga-N188 PET/CT can be used for imaging diagnosis of tumor primary lesion and lymph node metastases of pancreatic cancer.
5.The study of molecular mechanism of regulation of IL-10 on proliferation and differentiation of HaCaT cells
Xueli Yin ; Bo Jia ; Li Liu ; Mingcong Li ; Jun Zhang ; Zhen Yang ; Hongmei Bai ; Weikang Hu ; Sumei Zhang ; Shengquan Zhang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2023;58(6):890-895
Objective:
To investigate the effects of interleukin ( IL) -10 on the proliferation of HaCaT cells and CaCl2 induced expression of differentiation markers and its possible molecular mechanisms.
Methods:
HaCaT cells were treated with various concentrations of IL-10 (0,3,10,30 ng / ml) for different time (0,24,48,72 h) ,cell proliferation was measured using MTS,and cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry.HaCaT cells were pretreated with IL-10 (final concentration 10 ng / ml) for 1 h,then incubated with or without CaCl2 (final concentration 1. 2 mmol / L) for 24,48,72 h ,Western blot was performed to detect the effect of IL-10 on the expression of HaCaT keratinocyte differentiation markers.After pretreatment of HaCaT cells with PD98059,an inhibitor of mitogen-activated kinase-ERK1 /2,and LY294002,an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol kinase-serine / threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) ,the total RNA and proteins were extracted separately,real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were used to examine the influence of IL-10 on the expression of differentiation markers (Keratin1,Keratin5,Involucrin) .
Results :
MTS results revealed that IL-10 (30 ng / ml and lower doses) did not alter the proliferation of HaCaT cells in 72 h.Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that IL-10 had no significant influence on cell cycle progression.The results of Western blot showed that IL-10 upregulated the expression of differentiation markers Involucrin,while there was no significant effect on Keratin1 and Keratin5 .Mechanism research analysis demonstrated that IL-10 could activate ERK1 /2 and AKT ,increase their phosphorylation levels ; RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that PD98059 and LY294002 partially blocked IL-10 induced Involucrin expression.
Conclusion
At a particular concentration range,IL-10 has little effect on HaCaT proliferation ,but it partially upregulates the expression of differentiation marker Involucrin via the MAPKs-ERK1 /2 and PI3K-AKT pathways.
6.Preliminary study of the role of IL-18/IL-18BP in mediating cytotoxic ability of NK-92MI cells against endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models
Qiang MENG ; Wenjie ZHANG ; Weikang WU ; Kunwei NIU ; Long YANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Kaishan TAO
Organ Transplantation 2023;14(1):75-
Objective To evaluate the role and potential mechanism of interleukin (IL)-18/IL-18 binding protein (BP) in mediating the killing effect of natural killer (NK)-92MI cells upon endothelial cells from α-1, 3- galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GTKO) porcine models. Methods NK-92MI cells were divided into the NK, NK+IL-18, NK+GTKO, IL-18+NK+GTKO and IL-18+IL-18BP+NK+GTKO groups. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of inflammation-related genes in NK-92MI cells were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The killing effect of NK-92MI cells on endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. The apoptosis of endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression levels of proteins with killing effect and apoptosis-related proteins were determined by Western blot. Results Compared with the NK, NK+IL-18 and NK+GTKO groups, the expression levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-8, IL-3, IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) mRNA were up-regulated in NK-92MI cells in the IL-18+NK+GTKO group, and the differences were statistically significant (all
7.A consensus on the management of allergy in kindergartens and primary schools
Chinese Journal of School Health 2023;44(2):167-172
Abstract
Allergic diseases can occur in all systems of the body, covering the whole life cycle, from children to adults and to old age, can be lifelong onset and even fatal in severe cases. Children account for the largest proportion of the victims of allergic disease, Children s allergies start from scratch, ranging from mild to severe, from less to more, from single to multiple systems and systemic performance, so the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases in children is of great importance, which can not only prevent high risk allergic conditions from developing into allergic diseases, but also further block the process of allergy. At present, there is no consensus on the management system of allergic children in kindergartens and primary schools. The "Consensus on Allergy Management and Prevention in Kindergartens and Primary Schools", which includes the organizational structure, system construction and management of allergic children, provides evidence informed recommendations for the long term comprehensive management of allergic children in kindergartens and primary schools, and provides a basis for the establishment of the prevention system for allergic children.
8.Clinical imaging features and prognosis of von Hippel-Lindau syndrome associated with pancreatic lesions
Qiuzheng CHEN ; Jingcheng ZHOU ; Zonghao LIU ; Xiaochao GUO ; Weikang LIU ; Xiaodong TIAN ; Kan GONG ; Yinmo YANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2023;22(5):650-656
Objective:To investigate the clinical imaging features and prognosis of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome associated with pancreatic lesions.Method:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 161 patients with VHL syndrome who were admitted to Peking University First Hospital from September 2010 to August 2022 were collected. There were 83 males and 78 females, with age of onset as 27.0(range, 8.0-66.0)years. Observation indicators: (1) imaging results of VHL syndrome associated with pancreatic lesions; (2) clinical characteristics of VHL syndrome associated with pancreatic lesions; (3) comparison of clinicopathological factors in patients with VHL syndrome associated with pancreatic cystic lesions; (4) comparison of clinicopathological factors in patients with VHL syndrome associated with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs). (5) Treatment and prognosis of patients with VHL syndrome associated with pancreatic lesions. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range), and comparison between groups was conducted using the non-parameter test. Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Results:(1) Imaging results of VHL syndrome associated with pancreatic lesions. Of the 161 patients with VHL syndrome, there were 151 patients associated with pancreatic lesions and 10 patients not associated with pancreatic lesions. Of the 151 patients with VHL syndrome associated with pancreatic lesions, there were 136 patient with pancreatic cystic lesions and 34 patients with pNENs, 22 patients with both pNENs and pancreatic cystic lesions, and the type of pancreatic lesions could not be accurately determined in 3 cases. (2) Clinical characteristics of VHL syndrome associated with pancreatic lesions. The age of onset in 151 patients with VHL syndrome associated with pancreatic lesions was 33.0(range, 14.0-68.0)years. Cases with gene site mutation of exon 1, exon 2, exon 3 and other types of gene site was 51, 16, 43 and 41, respectively. There were 116 patients of VHL type 1 and 35 patients of VHL type 2. There were 92 patients with family history of VHL syndrome and 59 patients without family history of VHL syndrome. There were 127 patients combined with renal cell carcinoma, 112 patients combined with central nervous system lesions, 46 patients combined with retinal hemangioblastoma. Patients may combined with multiple lesions. (3) Comparison of clinicopathological factors in patients with VHL syndrome associated with pancreatic cystic lesions. The age of onset, VHL syndrome type (VHL1 type, VHL2 type) and cases combined with renal cell carcinoma were 32.5(range, 14.0-68.0)years, 110, 26 and 115 in 136 patients with VHL syndrome associated with pancreatic cystic lesions, versus 22.0(range, 8.0-64.0)years, 13, 12 and 14 in 25 patients with VHL syndrome not associated with pancreatic cystic lesions, showing significant differences in the above indicators between them ( Z=-3.384, χ2=9.770, 10.815, P<0.05). (4) Comparison of clinicopathological factors in patients with VHL syndrome associated with pNENs. The age of onset, gene mutation sites (exon 1, exon 2, exon 3, other types of gene site) and VHL syndrome type (VHL1 type, VHL2 type) were 33.5(range, 14.0-64.0)years, 12, 5, 14, 3 and 18, 16 in 34 patients with VHL syndrome associated with pNENs, versus 27.0(range, 9.0-66.0)years, 41, 12, 32, 42 and 105, 22 in 127 patients with VHL syndrome not associated with pNENs, showing significant differences in the above indicators between them ( Z=-4.030, χ2=8.814, 13.152, P<0.05). (5) Treatment and prognosis of patients with VHL syndrome associated with pancreatic lesions. Of the 161 patients with VHL syndrome, 3 patients underwent surgical treatment, and the remaining patients were followed up. All 161 patients with VHL syndrome were followed up for 6 (range, 1-12)years, in which 15 patients died and 146 patients alive during the follow-up. The follow-up time of 3 patients undergoing surgical treatment was 4, 14, 9 years, respectively, and all of them were alive. Conclusions:The clinical imaging features of pancreatic lesions related to VHL syndrome are cystic lesions and pNENs, which with the characteristics of multiple lesions and benign tumors. Such patients usually do not requiring surgical treatment and have good prognosis.
9.Application of supramolecular peptide self-assembly in biomedicine.
Weikang YU ; Shanshan ZHANG ; Zhanyi YANG ; Jiajun WANG ; Anshan SHAN
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2021;37(7):2240-2255
In recent years, peptide self-assembly has received much attention because of its ability to form regular and ordered structures with diverse functions. Self-assembled peptides can form aggregates with defined structures under specific conditions. They show different characteristics and advantages (e.g., good biocompatibility and high stability) compared with monomeric peptides, which form the basis for potential application in the fields of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and antiseptics. In this paper, the molecular mechanisms, types and influencing factors of forming self-assembled peptides were reviewed, followed by introducing the latest advances on fibrous peptide hydrogels and self-assembled antimicrobial peptides. Furthermore, the challenges and perspectives for peptide self-assembly technology were discussed.
Drug Delivery Systems
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Hydrogels
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Peptides
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Tissue Engineering
10.Characterization and identification of Lactobacillus fermentum 4,6-α-glucosyltransferase and its products.
Lufei SHENG ; Weikang YANG ; Jing WU ; Sheng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2021;37(12):4363-4372
4,6-α-glucosyltransferases (4,6-α-GTs), which converts amylose into α(1-6) bonds-containing α-glucan, possesses great application potential in enzymatic synthesis of dietary fiber. Primers were designed according to the conserved motifs existing in the amino acid sequence of 4,6-α-GTs, and used to amplify a putative GTFB-Like 4,6-α-GTs gene (named as gtf16) from the genomic DNA of Lactobacillus. The gtf16 gene was cloned into the plasmid pET15b, expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), followed by purification and characterization. The optimum pH and the optimum temperature of the purified enzyme were 5.0 and 40 °C, respectively. The biotransformation product of this enzyme was systematically characterized by thin-layer chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, and hydrolysis reaction. The Gtf16-catalyzed product shows a similar structure to that of the isomalto/malto-polysaccharide (IMMP), which is the amylose-derived product catalyzed by GtfB from Lactobacillus reuteri 121. Moreover, The Gtf16-catalyzed product contains up to 75% of α(1-6) bonds and has an average molecular weight of 23 793 Da. Furthermore, the content of the anti-digestive components was 88.22% upon hydrolysis with digestive enzymes.
Bacterial Proteins/genetics*
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Glucans
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Glucosyltransferases/genetics*
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Lactobacillus fermentum/enzymology*


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