1.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head via Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway: A Review
Yaqi ZHANG ; Bo LI ; Jiancheng TANG ; Ran DING ; Cheng HUANG ; Yaping XU ; Qidong ZHANG ; Weiguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):141-149
Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a severe musculoskeletal disorder often induced by the prolonged or excessive use of glucocorticoids. Characterized by ischemia of bone cells, necrosis, and trabecular fractures, SONFH is accompanied by pain, femoral head collapse, and joint dysfunction, which can lead to disability in severe cases. The pathogenesis of SONFH involves hormone-induced osteoblast apoptosis, bone microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of the disease. Modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway can promote Akt phosphorylation, thereby stimulating the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts, promoting angiogenesis in BMECs, and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. The research on the treatment of SONFH with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained increasing attention. Recent studies have shown that TCM monomers and compounds have potential therapeutic effect on SONFH by intervening in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These studies not only provide a scientific basis for the application of TCM in the treatment of SONFH but also offer new ideas for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This review summarized the progress in Chinese and international research on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in SONFH over the past five years. It involved the composition and transmission mechanisms of the signaling pathway, as well as its regulatory effects on osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, osteoclasts, BMECs, and other cells. Additionally, the review explored the TCM understanding of SONFH and the application of TCM monomers and compounds in the intervention of the PI3K/Akt pathway. By systematically analyzing and organizing these research findings, this article aimed to provide references and point out directions for the clinical prevention and treatment of SONFH and promote further development of TCM in this field. With in-depth research on the PI3K/Akt pathway and the modern application of TCM, it is expected to bring safer and more effective treatment options for patients with SONFH.
2.Relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective among patients with comorbid diabetes
YU Dandan ; ZHANG Yaping ; XU Huilin ; HE Dandan ; LIANG Tongtong ; YANG Jiali ; LI Jun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):130-134
Objective:
To examine the relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective among patients with comorbid diabetes, so as to provide the evidence for improving self-management behaviors among patients with comorbid diabetes.
Methods:
The patients with comorbid diabetes who were registered in the chronic disease health management system of Minhang District, Shanghai Municipality in 2021, followed up regularly, and lived in Meilong Town were recruited. Demographic information and family history of diabetes were collected through questionnaire surveys. Time perspective and self-management behaviors were assessed using the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory and Diabetes Self-Management Behavior Scale, respectively. The relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective was analyzed using a multivariable ordinal logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 907 patients with comorbid diabetes were enrolled, including 472 males (52.04%) and 435 females (47.96%). There were 652 cases aged 65 years and above, accounting for 71.89%. In terms of the types of time perspective, 280 patients were future-oriented (30.87%), 236 were balanced (26.02%), 162 were sensation-seeking (17.86%), 123 were fatalistic (13.56%), and 106 were negative (11.69%). In terms of the self-management behaviors, 46 patients were good (5.07%), 643 were moderate (70.89%), and 218 were poor (24.04%). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, gender, educational level, marital status, occupation status, monthly income, and family history of diabetes, the patients with comorbid diabetes who had a future-oriented time perspective had better self-management behaviors (OR=1.874, 95%CI: 1.204-2.915).
Conclusion
The self-management behaviors among patients with comorbid diabetes are moderate to poor, and patients with a future-oriented time perspective can better engage in self-management behaviors.
3.Zishen Tiaogan Prescription Treats Diminished Ovarian Reserve in Rats via Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Zhongtong LI ; Yaping ZHANG ; Chen YOU ; Qingqing LI ; Yingjie WANG ; Siwen OU ; Taomei XUE ; Chuqi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):72-80
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Zishen Tiaogan prescription on the oxidative stress injury in the rat model of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and explore the role of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight female SD rats were randomly assigned into a normal group (n=12) and a modeling group (n=36). The rats in the modeling group received subcutaneous injection of galactose (350 mg·kg-1) combined with immobilization stress daily. After 28 days of modeling, 6 rats in the normal group and 6 rats in the modeling group were sacrificed to examine the modeling results. The successfully modeled rats were assigned into model, estradiol valerate (0.09 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (6.39, 12.78, 25.56 g·kg-1, respectively) Zishen Tiaogan prescription groups. The intervention lasted for 4 weeks with 6 animals per group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the estrous cycle and the pathological changes in the ovarian tissue. The ovarian index was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of sex hormones and oxidative stress-related indexes. Western blot and real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of Nrf2, Keap1 and HO-1 in the ovarian tissue. The positive expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in the ovarian tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed reduced follicles in the ovary, loose arrangement of the follicle granule layer, declined levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol (E2) in the serum, elevated levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (P<0.01), lowered levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) (P<0.01), and increased accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P<0.01). In addition, the modeling led to up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Keap1 (P<0.01), the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.01), the mRNA expression of Nrf2 was significantly decreased (P<0.05), the mRNA expression of HO-1 was significantly decreased (P<0.01), in the ovarian tissue. Compared with model group, the estradiol valerate and low-, medium-, and high-dose Zishen Tiaogan prescription groups showed increases in the ovarian index (P<0.01) and serum E2 and AMH levels (P<0.01), declined levels of FSH and LH (P<0.01), increased follicles in the ovary, elevated levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH, and reduced accumulation of MDA (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, these groups showcased down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Keap1 (P<0.01), the expression of Nrf2 protein was significantly increased (P<0.01), the expression level of HO-1 protein was increased (P<0.05,P<0.01), and increased positive expression of SOD2 (P<0.01). ConclusionZishen Tiaogan prescription can regulate the serum levels of hormones, down-regulate the expression of Keap1, up-regulate the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD2, enhance the antioxidant capacity, and reduce the peroxidation damage in the ovarian tissue to improve the ovarian reserve function in the rat model of DOR. High-dose Zishen Tiaogan prescription demonstrated the best effect and the mechanism is associated with the regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
4.Zishen Tiaogan Prescription Treats Diminished Ovarian Reserve in Rats via Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Zhongtong LI ; Yaping ZHANG ; Chen YOU ; Qingqing LI ; Yingjie WANG ; Siwen OU ; Taomei XUE ; Chuqi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):72-80
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Zishen Tiaogan prescription on the oxidative stress injury in the rat model of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and explore the role of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight female SD rats were randomly assigned into a normal group (n=12) and a modeling group (n=36). The rats in the modeling group received subcutaneous injection of galactose (350 mg·kg-1) combined with immobilization stress daily. After 28 days of modeling, 6 rats in the normal group and 6 rats in the modeling group were sacrificed to examine the modeling results. The successfully modeled rats were assigned into model, estradiol valerate (0.09 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (6.39, 12.78, 25.56 g·kg-1, respectively) Zishen Tiaogan prescription groups. The intervention lasted for 4 weeks with 6 animals per group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the estrous cycle and the pathological changes in the ovarian tissue. The ovarian index was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of sex hormones and oxidative stress-related indexes. Western blot and real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of Nrf2, Keap1 and HO-1 in the ovarian tissue. The positive expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in the ovarian tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed reduced follicles in the ovary, loose arrangement of the follicle granule layer, declined levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol (E2) in the serum, elevated levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (P<0.01), lowered levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) (P<0.01), and increased accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P<0.01). In addition, the modeling led to up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Keap1 (P<0.01), the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.01), the mRNA expression of Nrf2 was significantly decreased (P<0.05), the mRNA expression of HO-1 was significantly decreased (P<0.01), in the ovarian tissue. Compared with model group, the estradiol valerate and low-, medium-, and high-dose Zishen Tiaogan prescription groups showed increases in the ovarian index (P<0.01) and serum E2 and AMH levels (P<0.01), declined levels of FSH and LH (P<0.01), increased follicles in the ovary, elevated levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH, and reduced accumulation of MDA (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, these groups showcased down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Keap1 (P<0.01), the expression of Nrf2 protein was significantly increased (P<0.01), the expression level of HO-1 protein was increased (P<0.05,P<0.01), and increased positive expression of SOD2 (P<0.01). ConclusionZishen Tiaogan prescription can regulate the serum levels of hormones, down-regulate the expression of Keap1, up-regulate the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD2, enhance the antioxidant capacity, and reduce the peroxidation damage in the ovarian tissue to improve the ovarian reserve function in the rat model of DOR. High-dose Zishen Tiaogan prescription demonstrated the best effect and the mechanism is associated with the regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
5.Current Status and Prospects of Gene Therapy for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Wanqing LU ; Yixuan LI ; Miao HE ; Xinlun TIAN ; Yaping LIU
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(3):377-383
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetically heterogeneous disease characterized by structural or functional abnormalities of motile cilia. It often presents clinically with recurrent respiratory infections, situs inversus, hydrocephalus, and infertility. Currently, there is no clinical treatment to directly restore ciliary motility in PCD patients.In recent years, researchers have explored gene therapy methods such as gene replacement, gene editing, and RNA replacement
6.Clinical features of hepatitis B virus-related early-onset and late-onset liver cancer: A comparative analysis
Songlian LIU ; Bo LI ; Yaping WANG ; Aiqi LU ; Chujing LI ; Lihua LIN ; Qikai NING ; Ganqiu LIN ; Pei ZHOU ; Yujuan GUAN ; Jianping LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1837-1844
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical features of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related early-onset liver cancer and those with late-onset liver cancer, to assess the severity of the disease, and to provide a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for 695 patients who were diagnosed with HBV-related liver cancer for the first time in Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, from January 2019 to August 2023, among whom 93 had early-onset liver cancer (defined as an age of50 years for female patients and40 years for male patients) and 602 had late-onset liver cancer (defined as an age of ≥50 years for female patients and ≥40 years for male patients). Related clinical data were collected, including demographic data, clinical symptoms at initial diagnosis, comorbidities, smoking history, drinking history, family history, routine blood test results, biochemical parameters of liver function, serum alpha-fetoprotein(AFP), virological indicators, coagulation function, and imaging findings. The pan-inflammatory indices neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) were calculated, as well as FIB-4 index, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), S index, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, albumin-bilirubin (AIBL) grade, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test were used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsThere were significant differences between the two groups in the proportion of male patients and the incidence rates of diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver disease (χ2=6.357, 15.230, 11.467, and 14.204, all P0.05), and compared with the late-onset liver cancer group, the early-onset liver cancer group had a significantly higher proportion of patients progressing to liver cancer without underlying cirrhosis (χ2=24.657, P0.001) and a significantly higher proportion of patients with advanced BCLC stage (χ2=6.172, P=0.046). For the overall population, the most common clinical symptoms included abdominal distension, abdominal pain, poor appetite, weakness, a reduction in body weight, edema of both lower limbs, jaundice, yellow urine, and nausea, and 55 patients (7.9%) had no obvious symptoms at the time of diagnosis and were found to have liver cancer by routine reexamination, physical examination suggesting an increase in AFP, or radiological examination indicating hepatic space-occupying lesion; compared with the late-onset liver cancer group, the patients in the early-onset liver cancer group were more likely to have the symptoms of abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and jaundice (all P0.05). Compared with the late-onset liver cancer group, the early-onset liver cancer group had a significantly larger tumor diameter (Z=2.845, P=0.034), with higher prevalence rates of multiple tumors and intrahepatic, perihepatic, or distant metastasis (χ2=5.889 and 4.079, both P0.05), and there were significant differences between the two groups in tumor location and size (χ2=3.948 and 11.317, both P0.05). Compared with the late-onset liver cancer group, the early-onset liver cancer group had significantly lower FIB-4 index, proportion of patients with HBsAg ≤1 500 IU/mL, and levels of LMR and Cr (all P0.05), as well as significantly higher positive rate of HBeAg and levels of log10 HBV DNA, AFP, WBC, Hb, PLT, NLR, PLR, TBil, ALT, Alb, and TC (all P0.05). ConclusionCompared with late-onset liver cancer, patients with early-onset liver cancer tend to develop liver cancer without liver cirrhosis and have multiple tumors, obvious clinical symptoms, and advanced BCLC stage, which indicates a poor prognosis.
7.Effects of warm acupuncture on post-stroke cognitive impairment based on the theory of intestinal flora
Yaping XIAO ; Xiujuan LI ; Yang WU ; Ziyan MIAO ; Xianglai NIU ; Yu ZHOU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):37-41
Objective:To observe the effects of warm acupuncture on post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) based on the theory of intestinal flora.Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. 60 patients with PSCI in the Department of Acupuncture and Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the observation objects, and were divided into 2 groups by random number table, with 30 cases in each group. On the basis of cognitive rehabilitation training, the treatment group was given warm acupuncture treatment, and the control group was given routine acupuncture treatment. 2 groups were treated for 4 weeks as 1 course, and a total of 4 courses were treated. Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) was used to assess patients' cognitive function before and after treatment, and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was used to assess patients' intelligence level. The numbers of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria in fecal samples were calculated, and plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were detected by ELISA to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results:During the study, 1 case was lost in each of the two groups, and finally 29 cases were included in the curative effect statistics. The total effective rate was 79.3% (23/29) in the treatment group and 65.5% (19/29) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=43.39, P<0.05). After treatment, MoCA score [(24.23±1.36) vs. (21.26±1.30), t=3.12] and MMSE score [(25.35±1.24) vs. (21.52±1.22), t=3.25] in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05); Bifidobacterium [(9.20±1.25) LgCFU/g vs. (7.23±1.21) LgCFU/g, t=2.98], Lactic acid bacteria [(8.24±1.12) LgCFU/g vs. (6.25±1.22) LgCFU/g, t=2.92], and the level of GABA [(283.80±83.54) mmol/L vs. (264.76±61.38) mmol/L, t=10.54] were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:Warm acupuncture and moxibustion can effectively regulate the number of intestinal beneficial bacteria in PSCI patients, increase the level of GABA, promote brain tissue repair and improve cognitive function.
8.Discussion on the medication law of Wang Xugao for the treatment of phlegm-drinking disease based on data mining
Baixiao CHEN ; Ying ZHONG ; Canmei LI ; Yangling HUANG ; Shifeng LIN ; Yaping ZHANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):97-102
Objective:To explore the prescription ideas of treating phlegm-drinking disease in Wang Xugao Lin Zheng Yi An; To analyze the medication law of Wang Xugao's clinical treatment of phlegm-drinking disease. Methods:The database was established based on the medical records of the chapter of phlegm, fluid retention and liver wind and phlegm fire contained in Wang Xugao Lin Zheng Yi An. Excel 2017 software was used to analyze the frequency, taste and meridian tropism of all Chinese materia medica. For Chinese materia medica with frequency≥10, IBM SPSS Modeler 18 software was used to analyze the association rules based on Apriori algorithm, and SPSS 25.0 software was used for cluster analysis based on Ochiai algorithm. Results:A total of 80 medical cases were included, involving 114 prescriptions, including 191 flavors of Chinese materia medica . High-frequency Chinese materia medica mainly included Poria, Pinelliae Rhizoma, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Armeniacae Semen Amarum, etc. The main properties in Wang Xugao's medication for the treatment of phlegm-drink disease were warm, followed by cold and mild. The main tastes were sweet, bitter and pungent. Drugs mainly belong to the lung meridian and spleen, stomach, liver, kidney meridians; several core medicinal pairs were obtained, such as Farfarae Flos - Armeniacae Semen Amarum, Pinelliae Rhizoma - Zingiberis Rhizoma, Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis - Haliotidis Concha, etc. Eight groups of core drug combinations could be sorted out by clustering analysis.Conclusions:In the treatment of phlegm-drinking disease, Wang Xugao paid attention to the simultaneous treatment of multiple viscera to coordinate the balance between the viscera, emphasized the complex etiology of phlegm-drinking disease combined with cold, fire and dampness, attached importance to the treatment of healthy qi to retreat pathogens, the regulation of three-energizer to regulate qi flow. The treatment of three-energizer, promoting yang and reducing phlegm, clearing liver and dispelling wind are the main methods. Medication mainly chooses properties of sweet and warm, with bitter and pungent.
9.Technical guideline for intra-prepontine cisternal drug delivery via spinal puncture through subarachnoid catheterization
Xinning LI ; Yaping WANG ; Dingquan ZOU ; Wei ZHANG ; Xin LI ; Peiyao HE ; Haocheng ZHOU ; Tongbiao YANG ; Jun ZHU ; Bo HONG ; Yu ZHANG ; Yanying XIAO
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2024;49(1):1-10
Objective:The distribution characteristics of intrathecal drugs and the limitation of current catheterization techniques make traditional intrathecal analgesic treatment nearly useless for refractory craniofacial pain,such as trigemina neuralgia.This technical guideline aims to promote the widespread and standardize the application of intra-prepontine cisternal drug delivery via spinal puncture and catheterization. Methods:A modified Delphi approach was used to work for this guideline.On the issues related to the intra-prepontine cisternal targeted drug delivery technique,the working group consulted 10 experts from the field with 3 rounds of email feedback and 3 rounds of conference discussion. Results:For the efficacy and safety of the intra-prepontine cisternal targeted drug delivery technique,a consensus was formed on 7 topics(with an agreement rate of more than 80%),including the principles of the technique,indications and contraindications,patient preparation,surgical specifications for intra-prepontine cisternal catheter placement,analgesic dosage coordination,analgesic management,and prevention and treatment of complications. Conclusion:Utilizing the intra-prepontine cisternal drug infusion system to manage refractory craniofacial pain could provide advantages in terms of minimally invasive,secure,and effective treatment.This application can not only alleviate the suffering of individuals experiencing the prolonged pain but also support the maintenance of quality of life and dignity in their final moments,justifiing its widespread dissemination and standardized adoption in domestic and international professional fields.
10.Analysisof drug resistance mechanism and characteristics of carbon-resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa
Yaping WANG ; Julaiti MAIWULIDAN ; Zhongwen ZHANG ; Yuzhen LI ; Lingqing XU ; Weihong WEN
Modern Hospital 2024;24(1):144-148
Objective To explore the drug resistance mechanism and characteristics of carbopenem-resistant pseudo-monas aeruginosa(CRPA)in our hospital.Methods BD phoenix 100 automatic bacterial identification and drug sensitivity an-alyzer was used to identify and detect the drug sensitivity of the strains.The minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)of ceftazi-dime/acibactam was detected by micro broth dilution method.The modified carbapenem inactivation method(mCIM)and colloi-dal gold immunochromatography were used to detect the carbapenemase phenotype of the strains.The whole genome sequencing was used to detect the carbapenemase resistance gene and ST typing of the screened positive strains.Results A total of 22 strains of clinically isolated CRPA were collected,of which the antibacterial drugs with the lowest resistance rate were ceftidine/avibatan(22.7% ),followed by gentamicin and amikacin(27.3% ),pyracillin/tazobactam(59.09% ),cefuroxime(63.6% ).Ceftazide and aminotransferrane(77.27% ),ciprofloxacin(86.36% ),levofloxacin(95.45% ).There are a total of 5 strains(22.7% )of carbapenems in 22 CRPA by phenotypic detection.The whole genome sequencing results show that 4 strains of ST549 CRPA carry metal β-lactamase IMP-45 and serine β-lactamase OXA-1,OXA-50,one strain is ST245 CRPA carries metal β-lactamase NDM-1,that is,all five CRPA strains produce metal β-lactamase.Conclusion The resistance rate of CRPA to ceftazidime/avibactam is low in our hospital.Carbapenemase-producing is not the main mechanism of CRPA resistance to car-bapenems,while metal β-Lactamase-producing is the main mechanism of CRPA resistance to ceftazidime avibactam.


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