1.Effect and Mechanism of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus Lignans on Behavior of Schizophrenic Mice
Jiaqi LI ; Xi CHEN ; Siwei WANG ; Qi WANG ; Yiting LIU ; Ziyan GUO ; Zilong LUN ; Chengyi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):65-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans on schizophrenia induced by dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) in mice and to clarify its mechanism. MethodsMale mice of 4-6 weeks old were randomized into blank, model, positive drug, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (40, 80, 160 mg·kg-1, respectively) Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans groups. The blank group was administrated with distilled water, and the other groups were injected with 0.5 mg·kg-1 MK-801 to induce schizophrenia symptoms. Meanwhile, risperidone was injected at 0.2 mg·kg-1 in the positive drug group, and mice in the intervention groups were injected with corresponding drugs for 14 consecutive days. The behavioral changes of mice were observed by autonomous activity test, open field test, forced swimming test, and water maze test. The levels of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the brain and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in peripheral blood were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the prefrontal lobe of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the changes of the hippocampal tissue were observed by Nissl staining. The protein levels of silencing information regulatory factor 1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box protein O3a (FoxO3a) in the hippocampus of mice were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, low, medium, and high doses of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans reduced the total number of autonomous activities, total distance in the open field test, immobile time in the forced swimming test, and levels of TNF-α and NF-κB in peripheral blood (P<0.05), while increasing the number of platform crossings in the water maze test and DA and 5-HT levels in the brain tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, risperidone and low, medium, and high doses of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans improve the neural cell morphology in the CA1 region, with full cells in neatly dense arrangement and exhibiting clear membrane boundary. Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans inhibited the expression of SIRT 1 and FoxO3a in the hippocampus (P<0.05). ConclusionTo sum up, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans may improve the behavior of schizophrenic mice by activating the SIRT1/FoxO3a signaling pathway to exert neuroprotective effects.
2.Research progress on the regulation of JNK signaling pathway by traditional Chinese medicine for intervention in central nervous system diseases
Hongwei WANG ; Mingliang QIAO ; Chenyi ZHAO ; Pei ZHU ; Zilong WEI ; Yi MENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):257-262
The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, a key member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, plays a central role in the pathogenesis and progression of central nervous system (CNS) diseases by regulating core biological processes such as apoptosis, inflammatory responses, synaptic plasticity, and autophagy. This article sorts out and analyzes relevant literature published domestically and internationally in recent years, summarizing the mechanisms of action of the JNK signaling pathway in common CNS diseases and the research progress in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions in CNS diseases through the regulation of the JNK signaling pathway. Studies have shown that active components of TCM, such as berberine, paeoniflorin, and astragaloside Ⅳ, as well as compound formulations like Heixiaoyao san, Ditan tang, and Buyang huanwu tang, can exert neuroprotective effects in various CNS disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and epilepsy, by inhibiting the aberrant activation of the JNK signaling pathway, thereby alleviating neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis, while improving synaptic function and cognitive behavioral deficits, regulating autophagy, and maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity.
3.Biomechanical characteristics of lower extremities during counter movement jump in male patients with functional ankle instability
Zilong WANG ; Xin MENG ; Zhiqi ZHANG ; Yu XIE ; Lingyue MENG ; Qiuxia ZHANG ; Lingyu KONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):478-485
BACKGROUND:As the end bearing joint of the human body,the ankle joint bears the top-down pressure of the body,which leads to the ankle joint is easy to be damaged in the movement,can induce functional ankle instability,which negatively affects daily life.The study of lower extremity biomechanics in patients with functional ankle instability during counter movement jump is of great significance for scientific training,prevention of ankle injury,and clinical rehabilitation after injury. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the kinetics and kinematics of lower limbs in the longitudinal jumping of functional ankle instability population. METHODS:From March to September 2023,15 male patients with functional ankle instability and 15 healthy people,aged 22-28 years old,were recruited in Soochow University.All subjects completed counter movement jump experiment.Vicon infrared high-speed motion capture system and Kistler three-dimensional force measuring table were used to simultaneously collect the lower limb kinematics and kinetics indexes of the two groups of subjects at the take-off stage of counter movement jump,the instant off the ground,the initial landing moment and the peak moment of vertical ground reaction force. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)At the instant off the ground,the affected side of the functional ankle instability group showed smaller knee internal rotation moment(P=0.020)and smaller ankle internal rotation moment(P=0.009)compared with the affected side of the healthy control group.(2)At the moment of landing,the affected side of the functional ankle instability group showed a smaller hip flexion angle than the affected side of the healthy control group(P=0.039).Compared with the healthy control group,functional ankle instability group showed smaller hip abduction angle(P=0.022),smaller knee varus angle(P=0.010),larger knee external rotation angle(P=0.021),smaller ankle varus angle(P=0.004),and smaller external ankle rotation angle(P=0.008).(3)At the peak of vertical ground reaction force,functional ankle instability group showed a smaller ankle varus angle than healthy control group(P=0.044).(4)The results showed that the lower limb biomechanical characteristics of the patients with functional ankle instability were abnormal compared with the healthy people during counter movement jump,which mainly showed the changes of the kinematics and kinetics indexes of the lower limb joints in the sagittal plane and the frontal plane at the moment of lift-off and landing.These changes reflect that people with functional ankle instability adopt rigid take-off and landing patterns when performing counter movement jump,tend to transfer the load of the affected ankle joint to other joints of the lower limb,and show compensatory phenomenon of the healthy lower limb.Therefore,detection and correction of abnormal biomechanical features should be a part of rehabilitation training for those with functional ankle instability.
4.Treating premature ejaculation combined with anxiety and depression based on the "four-dimensional integration" of the "holism of body and spirit" theory
Yi WEI ; Zhiming HONG ; Junfeng QIU ; Zilong CHEN ; Hao KUANG ; Yangling ZENG ; Quan WANG ; Wenbin ZHOU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):418-423
Premature ejaculation refers to a sexual dysfunction in which men experience a short intravaginal ejaculation latency and a lack of control over ejaculation during sexual activity. The onset of this condition is often accompanied by anxiety and depression, which can seriously affect the quality of the patient′s sexual life and the relationship between partners. Based on the "integration of body and spirit" theory in traditional Chinese medicine, our team believes that this condition is a comorbidity of physical and spiritual factors. We propose that the core pathogenesis of this disease lies in the "loss of form and essence, impairment of spirit, and depression of the mind, "while the primary treatment principle involves "nourishing form and regulating spirit." As a result, a new diagnosis and treatment approach of "four-dimensional integration" is summarized in this study. The disease is treated through the four dimensions of shape, body, spirit, and emotion. Traditional Chinese medicine is used to adjust the shape in cases where the physical form is damaged. For individuals with depression of heart and liver qi, the treatment focuses on soothing the heart and smoothing liver qi, and the modified Wangyou Powder and Xuanzhi Decoction is used. In cases where the heart and kidney function are compromised, the treatment involves nourishing both the heart and kidney while restoring interaction between the heart and the kidney, and modified Jihuo Yansi Elixir is used. To reduce the sensitivity of the glans penis, the patient′s body is washed with a traditional Chinese medicine formula, and a delicate fumigation formula is decocted for external washing. For those who are not in tune with their god, psychological counseling can be used to regulate their spirit and advocate "self-partner" and psychotherapy. If there are issues with intimacy, partners should focus on cooperating during foreplay, sexual intercourse, and post-coital interactions. Overall, the treatment aims to harmonize the body and spirit, addressing both physical and psychological factors through a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach. This method provides new perspectives and ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
5.Correlation between beverage dependence and sleep quality among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1125-1129
Objective:
To explore the relationship between beverage dependence and sleep quality among college students, providing empirical evidence for improving their sleep quality.
Methods:
From December 2024 to January 2025, a convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among 3 974 college students from four universities in Anhui Province. The Beverage Addiction Scale for College Students (BASCS) was used to assess beverage dependence, and the Self rating Scale of Sleep(SRSS) was used to evaluate sleep quality. A multivariate Logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between beverage dependence and sleep quality, and a restricted cubic spline model was used to examine the dose response relationship between the two.
Results:
The positive rate of beverage dependence symptoms among college students was 7.6%, with positive rates of 9.6%, 13.8%, and 7.4% for the withdrawal symptoms, health effects, and dependence symptoms dimensions, respectively. The detection rate of sleep disorders was 23.6%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for covariates such as grade, gender, and body mass index, compared with the no beverage dependence group, students with positive beverage dependence symptoms had a higher risk of sleep disorders( OR =3.71, 95% CI =2.87-4.80, P <0.01). The OR (95% CI ) for sleep disorders among students with positive symptoms in the withdrawal symptoms, health effects, and dependence symptoms dimensions were 2.80(2.22-3.53), 2.38(1.95-2.91), and 2.45(1.89-3.18)(all P <0.01). Further analysis using a restricted cubic spline model revealed that the overall beverage dependence score and its three dimensional scores were approximately linearly related to the risk of sleep disorders among college students (all nonlinear P >0.05).
Conclusions
Beverage dependence is associated with sleep quality among college students. Schools should take multiple approaches, such as health education on beverage awareness, to improve students sleep quality.
6.Triangular Wave tACS Improves Working Memory Performance by Enhancing Brain Activity in the Early Stage of Encoding.
Jianxu ZHANG ; Jian OUYANG ; Tiantian LIU ; Xinyue WANG ; Binbin GAO ; Jinyan ZHANG ; Manli LUO ; Anshun KANG ; Zilong YAN ; Li WANG ; Guangying PEI ; Shintaro FUNAHASHI ; Jinglong WU ; Jian ZHANG ; Tianyi YAN
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(7):1213-1228
Working memory is an executive memory process that includes encoding, maintenance, and retrieval. These processes can be modulated by transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with sinusoidal waves. However, little is known about the impact of the rate of current change on working memory. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of two types of tACS with different rates of current change on working memory performance and brain activity. We applied a randomized, single-blind design and divided 81 young participants who received triangular wave tACS, sinusoidal wave tACS, or sham stimulation into three groups. Participants performed n-back tasks, and electroencephalograms were recorded before, during, and after active or sham stimulation. Compared to the baseline, working memory performance (accuracy and response time) improved after stimulation under all stimulation conditions. According to drift-diffusion model analysis, triangular wave tACS significantly increased the efficiency of non-target information processing. In addition, compared with sham conditions, triangular wave tACS reduced alpha power oscillations in the occipital lobe throughout the encoding period, while sinusoidal wave tACS increased theta power in the central frontal region only during the later encoding period. The brain network connectivity results showed that triangular wave tACS improved the clustering coefficient, local efficiency, and node degree intensity in the early encoding stage, and these parameters were positively correlated with the non-target drift rate and decision starting point. Our findings on how tACS modulates working memory indicate that triangular wave tACS significantly enhances brain network connectivity during the early encoding stage, demonstrating an improvement in the efficiency of working memory processing. In contrast, sinusoidal wave tACS increased the theta power during the later encoding stage, suggesting its potential critical role in late-stage information processing. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential mechanisms by which tACS modulates working memory.
Humans
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Memory, Short-Term/physiology*
;
Male
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Female
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Young Adult
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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation/methods*
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Brain/physiology*
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Adult
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Electroencephalography
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Single-Blind Method
7.Regulatory Effect of Xiaoyaosan Combined with Pirfenidone on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Depression in Rats Based on p38 MAPK/NF-κB Inflammatory Pathway
Zilong CUI ; Bitao ZHANG ; Peijian FAN ; Yuanyuan LI ; Shaoxian WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):1-11
ObjectiveTo observe the mechanism of chronic psychological stress aggravating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in rats and the regulatory effect of Xiaoyaosan. MethodSixty SD rats were acclimatized for one week and then randomly divided into five groups: sham operation group, IPF group, IPF and depression model group, pirfenidone group, and pirfenidone + Xiaoyaosan group, with 12 rats in each group. The IPF group was induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (5 mg·kg-1) and administered 0.9% sodium chloride solution intragastrically. The model group was induced with bleomycin (5 mg·kg-1) combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress to establish a rat model of IPF and depression and administered 0.9% sodium chloride solution intragastrically. Concurrently, the pirfenidone group was administered pirfenidone aqueous solution (50 mg·kg-1) intragastrically, and the pirfenidone + Xiaoyaosan group was administered pirfenidone aqueous solution (50 mg·kg-1) and Xiaoyaosan decoction (19.27 g·kg-1) intragastrically. The experiment lasted for four weeks. Various parameters, including body weight, food intake, sucrose consumption rate, open field behavior, lung function, lung coefficient, pathological changes in lung tissue, and hydroxyproline (HYP) content were compared among the groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum cortisol (CORT), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, and serotonin (5-HT) levels in serum and hippocampus. The levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum and lung tissue were also measured. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and nuclear transcription factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in lung tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins related to the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. ResultCompared with the normal group, IPF and depression model group showed slow weight gain, reduced food intake, decreased sucrose consumption rate, reduced total distance and average speed of movement in the open field test, weakened lung function, increased lung coefficient (P<0.01), significant inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, collagen fiber deposition by Masson staining, and increased HYP content (P<0.01). There were elevated levels of serum CORT, CRH, and ACTH (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased protein and mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum and lung tissue, decreased 5-HT levels in serum and hippocampus, and increased relative expression of p-p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65 proteins in lung tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the IPF and depression model group, the depression and IPF of rats in the pirfenidone + Xiaoyaosan group were effectively ameliorated, as evidenced by faster weight gain, increased food intake and sucrose consumption rate, increased total distance and average speed of movement in the open field test, enhanced lung function, reduced lung coefficient (P<0.01), decreased inflammatory cell infiltration by HE staining, reduced collagen fiber deposition by Masson staining in lung tissue, and decreased HYP content (P<0.01). Decreased serum CORT, CRH, and ACTH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased protein and mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum and lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased 5-HT levels in serum and hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased relative expression of p-p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65 proteins in lung tissue were also noted (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the effects of Xiaoyaosan + pirfenidone being more significant. ConclusionChronic unpredictable stress exacerbates the progression of IPF in rats. The combination of Xiaoyaosan and pirfenidone not only improves depressive-like behavior but also alleviates pulmonary fibrosis, potentially through the regulation of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibition of excessive expression of inflammatory factors.
8.Role of AQP4 in dexmedetomidine-induced reduction of blood-brain barrier permeability in mechanically ventilated mice: relationship with PKC
Min QU ; Wenbo SUN ; Xiuqing ZHANG ; Wang LIU ; Lei CHEN ; Zilong QI ; Dongdong HUANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(3):318-323
Objective:To evaluate the role of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in dexmedetomidine-induced reduction of blood-brain barrier permeability in mechanically ventilated mice and the relationship with protein kinase C (PKC).Methods:One hundred and fifty clean-grade healthy male C57BL6 mice, weighing 20-25 g, aged 8-12 weeks, were divided into 5 groups ( n=30 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), mechanical ventilation group (group V), LY317615 group (group L), dexmedetomidine group (group D), and dexmedetomidine+ PMA group (group DP). Group C spontaneously breathed air for 6 h. The animals were mechanically ventilated for 6 h in group V. PKC inhibitor LY3176 15 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before mechanical ventilation in group L. Dexmedetomidine 50 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before mechanical ventilation in D and DP groups. PKC activator PMA 15 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 60 min before mechanical ventilation in group DP. Mice were anesthetized at 1 day after mechanical ventilation, then sacrificed and hippocampal tissues were taken for microscopic examination of pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas (with a light microscope). Brain tissues were also taken to measure the water content and content of Evans blue (EB) and to detect the expression of PKC and AQP4 (by Western blot). The cognitive function was evaluated using a novel object recognition task at 3 days after mechanical ventilation. Results:Compared with group C, the water content and EB content of brain tissues were significantly increased after mechanical ventilation, the expression of PKC and AQP4 in brain tissues was up-regulated, the percentage of novel object exploration and discrimination index were decreased ( P<0.05), and the histopathological damage in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas was aggravated in group V and group DP. Compared with group V, the water content and EB content of brain tissues were significantly decreased after mechanical ventilation, the expression of PKC and AQP4 in brain tissues was down-regulated, the percentage of novel object exploration and discrimination index were increased ( P<0.05), and the histopathological damage in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas was significantly attenuated in group D and group L. Compared with group D, the water content and EB content of brain tissues were significantly increased after mechanical ventilation, the expression of PKC and AQP4 in brain tissues was up-regulated, the percentage of novel object exploration and discrimination index were decreased ( P<0.05), and the histopathological damage in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas was aggravated in group DP. Conclusions:AQP4 is involved in dexmedetomidine-induced reduction of blood-brain barrier permeability in mechanically ventilated mice, and the mechanism is related to inhibiting activation of PKC.
9.Digestive System Injury Induced by Tripterygium wilfordii and How to Reduce Toxicity and Enhance Efficacy: A Review
Yuanyuan LI ; Bitao ZHANG ; Zilong CUI ; Honghong LI ; Shaoxian WANG ; Zhenbin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):203-211
Tripterygium wilfordii is widely used in the treatment of immune system disease and has a remarkable curative effect. Triptolide and Tripterygium glycosides are the most commonly used active ingredients in clinical practice, but their treatment window is narrow and there are many side effects. The damage involves the reproductive system, blood system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, etc. Based on clinical observations and literature summaries, the symptoms of adverse reactions mostly occur in the digestive system (liver and gastrointestinal tract). Relevant scholars have launched a lot of studies of the manifestations of liver injury induced by T. wilfordii and the mechanism of liver injury. The mechanism is mainly related to liver cell apoptosis, induction of oxidative stress, immune injury, excessive autophagy of liver cells, abnormal fatty acid metabolism, and abnormal enzyme metabolism in liver tissues. This article reviewed and summarized relevant literature on gastrointestinal injury caused by T. wilfordii, but there are few studies on the manifestations and mechanisms of adverse reactions, which still need further research by scholars. In addition, this article also summarized the research on how to reduce toxicity and enhance efficacy of prescriptions prepared from T. wilfordii in the digestive system, mainly involving compatibility with western medicines (Methotrexate, Leflunomide, Iguratimod, etc.), use along or combination with Chinese medicines (single Chinese medicine, Chinese medicine monomers, and Chinese medicine compounds), acupuncture and moxibustion (electroacupuncture and moxibustion), dosage form improvement (glycol plastid gel, self-dissolving microneedle, solid lipid nanoparticles, gastric floating sustained-release capsules, etc.), processing (steaming, stir-frying, radish seed processing, money grass processing, licorice processing, etc.), and other methods to reduce toxicity. To sum up, this article analyzed the manifestations, mechanisms, and methods of reducing toxicity and enhancing efficacy of T. wilfordii-induced liver injury and gastrointestinal injury by sorting out relevant literature, in order to provide a reference for the clinical application of T. wilfordii and some research ideas for the future in-depth study of T. wilfordii-induced digestive system injury.
10.Relationship between zinc finger protein A20, CTGF and FibroScan and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients
Song ZHANG ; Zilong ZHAO ; Qian HU ; Jian LI ; Xiaojing WANG ; Huijie GENG ; Haiyan KANG ; Dianxing SUN ; Zhengrong GUO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(3):133-136
Objective Studies on the expression and location of zinc finger protein A20 (A20) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in liver tissues of patients with chronic hepatitis B were conducted, and the relationship between them and liver fibrosis was determined by FibroScan. Methods Studies on A20 and CTGF in liver tissues of 160 patients with chronic hepatitis B were conducted in accordance with the stage of pathological fibrosis and inflammation of the liver, and quantitative immunohistochemistry test was conducted, and statistical analysis was conducted by FibroScan. Results The expressions of A20 and CTGF in liver tissues increased with the aggravation of liver pathological fibrosis and inflammation, and there were significant differences between each stage and the control group (P<0.05), and there were significant differences between adjacent groups (P<0.05). Studies have shown that FibroScan increases along with pathological fibrosis and inflammation in the liver. There are significant differences between the stage and the control group (P<0.05), and no significant differences between the adjacent groups (P>0.05). There was positive correlation between liver A20 and CTGF, r=0.796 (P<0.05). Conclusions In patients with chronic hepatitis B, A20, CTGF and FibroScan are positively correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis, and A20 and CTGF are also positively correlated with the degree of liver inflammation, which can be used as indicators to evaluate the degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis, and further guide the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis treatment of patients.


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