scholarly journals A Network Pharmacology to Explore the Mechanism of Calculus Bovis in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Fangchen Liu ◽  
Ling Li ◽  
Jian Chen ◽  
Ying Wu ◽  
Yongbing Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Second Messengers ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Stroke Treatment

Background. Calculus Bovis is a valuable Chinese medicine, which is widely used in the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke. The present study is aimed at investigating its target and the mechanism involved in ischemic stroke treatment by network pharmacology. Methods. Effective compounds of Calculus Bovis were collected using methods of network pharmacology and using the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Potential compound targets were searched in the TCMSP and SwissTargetPrediction databases. Ischemic stroke-related disease targets were searched in the Drugbank, DisGeNet, OMIM, and TTD databases. These two types of targets were uploaded to the STRING database, and a network of their interaction (PPI) was built with its characteristics calculated, aiming to reveal a number of key targets. Hub genes were selected using a plug-in of the Cytoscape software, and Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes and pathway enrichment analyses of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were conducted using the clusterProfiler package of R language. Results. Among 12 compounds, deoxycorticosterone, methyl cholate, and biliverdin were potentially effective components. A total of 344 Calculus Bovis compound targets and 590 ischemic stroke targets were found with 92 overlapping targets, including hub genes such as TP53, AKT, PIK2CA, MAPK3, MMP9, and MMP2. Biological functions of Calculus Bovis are associated with protein hydrolyzation, phosphorylation of serine/threonine residues of protein substrates, peptide bond hydrolyzation of peptides and proteins, hydrolyzation of intracellular second messengers, antioxidation and reduction, RNA transcription, and other biological processes. Conclusion. Calculus Bovis may play a role in ischemic stroke by activating PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways, which are involved in regulating inflammatory response, cell apoptosis, and proliferation.

scholarly journals A Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Anti-Lung Cancer Effect of Dipsaci Radix

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiayan Wu ◽  
Shengkun Hong ◽  
Xiankuan Xie ◽  
Wangmi Liu
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Interaction Network ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Pathway Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Hub Genes ◽  
Active Compounds

Objective. Dipsaci Radix (DR) has been used to treat fracture and osteoporosis. Recent reports have shown that myeloid cells from bone marrow can promote the proliferation of lung cancer. However, the action and mechanism of DR has not been well defined in lung cancer. The aim of the present study was to define molecular mechanisms of DR as a potential therapeutic approach to treat lung cancer. Methods. Active compounds of DR with oral bioavailability ≥30% and drug-likeness index ≥0.18 were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform. The potential target genes of the active compounds and bone were identified by PharmMapper and GeneCards, respectively. The compound-target network and protein-protein interaction network were built by Cytoscape software and Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes webserver, respectively. GO analysis and pathway enrichment analysis were performed using R software. Results. Our study demonstrated that DR had 6 active compounds, including gentisin, sitosterol, Sylvestroside III, 3,5-Di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, cauloside A, and japonine. There were 254 target genes related to these active compounds as well as to bone. SRC, AKT1, and GRB2 were the top 3 hub genes. Metabolisms and signaling pathways associated with these hub genes were significantly enriched. Conclusions. This study indicated that DR could exhibit the anti-lung cancer effect by affecting multiple targets and multiple pathways. It reflects the traditional Chinese medicine characterized by multicomponents and multitargets. DR could be considered as a candidate for clinical anticancer therapy by regulating bone physiological functions.

scholarly journals Integrated Analysis of the Mechanisms of Da-Chai-Hu Decoction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by a Network Pharmacology Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beida Ren ◽  
Ling Tan ◽  
Yiliang Xiong ◽  
Wenting Ji ◽  
Jie Mu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Active Components

Background. The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased year by year, which not only seriously affects people’s quality of life, but also imposes a heavy economic burden on the family, society, and country. Currently, the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of T2DM are still unclear. Therefore, exploration of a precise multitarget treatment strategy is urgent. Here, we attempt to screen out the active components, effective targets, and functional pathways of therapeutic drugs through network pharmacology with taking advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas for multitarget holistic treatment of diseases to clarify the potential therapeutic mechanism of TCM formulas and provide a systematic and clear thought for T2DM treatment. Methods. First, we screened the active components of Da-Chai-Hu Decoction (DCHD) by absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME/T) calculation. Second, we predicted and screened the active components of DCHD and its therapeutic targets for T2DM relying on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Analysis Platform (TCMSP database) and Text Mining Tool (GoPubMed database), while using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) to obtain T2DM targets. Third, we constructed a network of the active component-target, target-pathway of DCHD using Cytoscape software (http://cytoscape.org/,ver.3.5.1) and then analyzed gene function, related biological processes, and signal pathways through the DAVID database. Results. We screened 77 active components from 1278 DCHD components and 116 effective targets from 253 ones. After matching the targets of T2DM, we obtained 38 important targets and 7 core targets were selected through further analysis. Through enrichment analysis, we found that these important targets were mainly involved in many biological processes such as oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction, and apoptosis. After analyzing the relevant pathways, the synthetic pathway for the treatment of T2DM was obtained, which provided a diagnosis-treatment idea for DCHD in the treatment of T2DM. Conclusions. This article reveals the mechanism of DCHD in the treatment of T2DM related to inflammatory response and apoptosis through network pharmacology, which lays a foundation for further elucidation of drugs effective targets.

scholarly journals Investigation of the Mechanism of Zishen Yutai Pills on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Yingyin Chen ◽  
Xinyi Chai ◽  
Ying Zhao ◽  
Xinqian Yang ◽  
Caiting Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Ovary Syndrome

Background. Zishen Yutai Pills (ZSYTP) is a prescription based on traditional Chinese medicine used to treat kidney-deficient pattern in traditional Chinese medicine. It is also widely used clinically for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with positive results. This study aims to explore the potential pharmacological mechanism of ZSYTP for the treatment of PCOS by a network pharmacology approach. Methods. Compounds were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine and TCM Database@ Taiwan, and the corresponding targets were retrieved from PubChem, Swiss Target Prediction, STITCH, and DrugBank. Meanwhile, PCOS targets were retrieved from the GeneCards database, the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database, National Center for Biotechnology Information Database, and DrugBank. Subsequently, multiple network construction and gene enrichment analyses were conducted with Cytoscape 3.8.2 software. Based on the previous results in the study, molecular docking simulations were done. Results. 205 active compounds and 478 ZSYTP target genes were obtained after screening by ADME consideration. 1881 disease-related targets were obtained after removing duplicates. 148 intersection target genes between drug and disease targets were isolated. Gene ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis highlighted multiple gene functions and different signaling pathways to treat PCOS. Further molecular docking demonstrated the practicality of in vivo action of ZSYTP to a certain extent. Conclusions. It is possible that the pharmacological effect of ZSYTP on PCOS is linked to the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, improving insulin resistance, the variation on gene expression such as RNA splicing, and regulation of mRNA metabolic process. This study paves the way for further research investigating its mechanisms.

scholarly journals Network pharmacology for the identification of phytochemicals in traditional Chinese medicine for COVID-19 that may regulate interleukin-6

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Liang ◽  
Wenhao Niu ◽  
Feng Wu ◽  
Wenyue Cao ◽  
Zonggui Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Binding Affinity ◽  
Ursolic Acid ◽  
Interleukin 6 ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Biological Processes

Objective: “Three formulas and three medicines,” namely, Jinhua Qinggan Granule, Lianhua Qingwen Capsule, Xuebijing Injection, Qingfei Paidu Decoction, HuaShi BaiDu Formula, and XuanFei BaiDu Granule, were proven to be effective for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment. This study aimed to identify the active chemical constituents of this traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and investigate their mechanisms through interleukin-6 (IL-6) integrating network pharmacological approaches.Methods: We collected the compounds from all herbal ingredients of the previously mentioned TCM, but those that could downregulate IL-6 were screened through the network pharmacology approach. Then, we modeled molecular docking to evaluate the binding affinity between compounds and IL-6. Furthermore, we analyzed the biological processes and pathways of compounds. Lastly, we screened out the core genes of compounds through the construction of the protein-protein interaction network and the excavation of gene clusters of compounds.Results: The network pharmacology research showed that TCM could decrease IL-6 using several compounds, such as quercetin, ursolic acid, luteolin, and rutin. Molecular docking results showed that the molecular binding affinity with IL-6 of all compounds except γ-aminobutyric acid was < −5.0 kJ/mol, indicating the potential of numerous active compounds in TCM to directly interact with IL-6, leading to an anti-inflammation effect. Finally, Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to topologize the biological processes and pathways of compounds, revealing potential mechanisms for COVID-19 treatment.Conclusion: These results indicated the positive effect of TCM on the prevention and rehabilitation of COVID-19 in at-risk people. Quercetin, ursolic acid, luteolin, and rutin could inhibit COVID-19 by downregulating IL-6.

A Network Pharmacology Approach to Explore the Underlying Mechanism of Tufuling Qiwei Tangsan in Treating Psoriasis

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolei Ma ◽  
Yinan Lu ◽  
Yang Lu ◽  
Zhili Pei
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Active Compounds

Background: Tufuling Qiwei Tangsan (TQTS) is a commonly used Mongolian medicine preparation against psoriasis in China. However, its mechanism of action and molecular targets for the treatment of psoriasis is still unclear. Network pharmacology can reveal the synergistic mechanism of drugs at the molecular, target and pathway levels, and is suitable for the complex study of traditional Chinese medicine formulations. However, it is rarely involved in the application of Mongolian medicine with the same holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine. Method: In this paper, the active compounds of TQTS were collected and their targets were identified. Psoriasis-related targets were obtained by analyzing the differential expressed genes between psoriasis patients and healthy individuals. Then, the network concerning the interactions of potential targets of TQTS with well-known psoriasis-related targets was built. The core targets were selected according to topological parameters. And the enrichment analysis was carried out to explore the mechanism of action of TQTS. Moreover, molecular docking was performed to study the interaction between the selected ligands and receptors related to psoriasis. Result and Conclusion: Eighty-five active compounds of TQTS were screened, with corresponding 270 targets, and 313 differentially expressed genes were identified. Additionally, enrichment analysis showed that the targets of TQTS for treating psoriasis were mainly concentrated in multiple biological processes, including apoptosis, growth factor response,etc., and related pathways including PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathway, and so on. Genes such as NFKB1, TP53 and MAPK1 are the key genes in the gene pathway network of TQTS against psoriasis. The 4 main active components of TQTS have certain binding activity with 13 potential targets, and the stability of interaction with AKT1 is the best, which indicate the potential mechanism of TQTS on psoriasis.

A network pharmacology approach to explore the mechanisms of action of Epimrdii Herba-Coicis Semen for treatment of Alzheimer's disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuxuan Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Venn Diagram ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Parameters ◽  
Neuron Death

Abstract Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can treat diseases through its “multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway” mechanisms. Especially have advantages in the treatment of diseases with complicated pathogenesis, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen is one of the common methods of Chinese Medicine to treat AD. The TCM combination of Epimrdii Herba and Coicis Semen can be used as the main drugs of a prescription for tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen. However, the mechanisms for Epimrdii Herba-Coicis Semen (EH-CS) to treat AD is vague. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms of EH-CS on AD using a network pharmacological method.Methods: We retrieved the chemical compounds and targets of Epimrdii Herba-Coicis Semen from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). We screened the active ingredients based on the pharmacokinetic parameters (ADME). The Human Gene Database (GeenCards) was used to obtain disease targets of Alzheimer’s disease. Then we drew a venn diagram to obtain common targets of Chinese medicine and disease. Based on the topological properties, we screened the key targets. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database, and the "Traditional Chinese Medicine-active ingredient-target" network was constructed using Cytoscape software. The key targets were respectively uploaded to the Metascape and DAVID database for GO and KEGG pathway analysis.Results: We obtained 31 active compounds for EH-CS. Flavonoids play important roles in the treatment of AD. A total of 29 key targets, including AKT1, MAPK1, and TP53, etc. The biological processes involve response to lipopolysaccharide, neuron death, neuroinflammatory response, etc. The main pathways include TNF signaling pathways, MAPK signaling pathways, PI3K-Akt signaling pathways and other signaling pathways.Conclusion: The network pharmacology method is an effective tool for exploring the mechanisms of TCM. Based on network pharmacology, this study systematically explained the potential mechanisms of EH-CS on AD. It provides a valuable reference for the development of AD drugs.

scholarly journals The Mechanisms of Yinchensini Decoction in Treating Hepatitis B were Explored by Network Pharmacology and Existing Literatures

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xun Zhang ◽  
Xudong Liu ◽  
Xingqiu Liang ◽  
Xia Liu ◽  
Jian Liang
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Combined Application ◽  
Chemokine Signaling

Abstract As one of the classic traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for treating hepatitis B and its related diseases, Yinchensini Decoction has been widely accepted after the thousands of years of spread. However, until now, the underlying molecular mechanisms are remained unclear. Therefore, this study adopts the method of network pharmacology to explore the mechanisms of Yinchensini Decoction in the treatment of hepatitis B. Due to the limitation of experimental conditions, we finally decided to verify the explored mechanisms in the way of existing literatures. The components and related targets of Yinchensini Decoction were screened by the TCMSP database, the targets were converted into gene symols through uniform ID conversion in the Uniprot database. The gene targets of hepatitis B were screened out through the GeneCards database, the gene targets of Yinchensini Decoction for the treatment of hepatitis B were obtained by intersecting the gene targets of Yinchensini Decoction with those of hepatitis B. The STRING database was used to analyze the protein-protein interaction of the intersecting genes, and the metascape database was used to analyze the Gene Ontology and the KEGG pathway of the intersecting genes. Cytoscape3.8.2 was used for mapping various networks and for the specific analysis of various networks. The results show that: quercetin, kaempferol, beta-sitosterol, naringenin, Licochalcone a are the main active ingredients of the Yinchensini Decoction in the treatment of hepatitis B. The main gene targets of these components are TP53, TNF, IFNG, IL6, IL10, MYC, IKBKB, BCL2, STAT1, CHUK. The main mechanisms of these components are MAPK signaling, PI3K signaling, TGFB signaling, JAK-STAT signaling, TLR signaling, RLR signaling, IFN Signaling, chemokine signaling, cell cycle, apoptosis, transcription. In addition, through the analysis of relevant data in the network, about the specific disease of hepatitis B, the herbs in Yinchensini Decoction are ranked according to their importance: yinchen > gancao > ganjiang, fuzi, which are very consistent with the concept of the traditional Chinese medicine theory. Finally, the mechanisms of Yinchensini Decoction through network pharmacology in the treatment of hepatitis B were verified by the relevant literatures. To sum up, the combined application of network pharmacology and relevant literatures validation provides a new practical research strategy for the study of the mechanisms of complex traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions or extremely dangerous substances.

scholarly journals Exploring the mechanism of (-)-Epicatechin on premature ovarian insufficiency based on network pharmacology and experimental evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Yan ◽  
Qi Zhao ◽  
Huanpeng Gao ◽  
Xiaomei Wang ◽  
Ke Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Ontology ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Pathway Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Abstract Methods: Relevant potential targets for EC were obtained based on Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database (TCMSP), a bioinformatics analysis tool for molecular mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) and STITCH databases. The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) and GeneCards databases were utilized to screen the known POI-related targets, while Cytoscape software was used for network construction and visualization. Then, the Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis were carried out by the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) database. Furthermore, KGN cells were performed to validate the predicted results in oxidative stress (OS) model, and antioxidant effect was examined. Results: A total of 70 potential common targets for EC in the treatment of POI were obtained through network pharmacology. Metabolic process, response to stimulus and antioxidant activity occupied a leading position of Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT), TNF, estrogen, VEGF and MAPK signaling pathways were significantly enriched. In addition, cell experiments showed that EC exhibited antioxidant effects in an H2O2-mediated OS model in ovarian granulosa cells by regulating the expression of PI3K/AKT/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and multiple downstream antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: EC could regulate multiple signaling pathways and several biological processes (BPs). EC had the ability to down-regulate elevated OS level through the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway and represented a potential novel treatment for POI.

scholarly journals Key CMM Combinations in Prescriptions for Treating Mastitis and Working Mechanism Analysis Based on Network Pharmacology

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diyao Wu ◽  
Xinyou Zhang ◽  
Liping Liu ◽  
Yongkun Guo
Keyword(s):  
Data Mining ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Working Mechanism ◽  
Target Disease

Aims. Using both data mining and network pharmacology methods, this paper aims to construct a molecule-target-disease network for medicines used for treating mastitis, mine out targets, and signaling pathways related to mastitis and explore the mechanism of Chinese materia medica (CMM) prescriptions in treating mastitis. Methods. A total of 131 CMM prescriptions for treating mastitis were collected from clinical practice and related literatures. A database of prescriptions for treating mastitis (DPTM) was then constructed. Based on data mining method, Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System (TCMISS) was employed to mine out high-frequency CMM and key CMM combinations in DPTM. Subsequently, TCM Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Database (TCM-ID) were searched for the targets of ingredients of high-frequency CMM. Then, Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of TCM (BATMAN-TCM) was searched for diseases and signaling pathways corresponding to the targets of key CMM combinations. The obtained results were denoted as results 1. In addition, human disease database MalaCards was searched for targets and signaling pathways related to mastitis. The obtained results were denoted as results 2. Results 1 and 2 were compared to obtain targets and signaling pathways included in both results, namely, mastitis-related targets of TCMs and mastitis-related signaling pathways that CMM involves in. Then, the biological functions of these targets and signaling pathways were investigated, on which basis the mechanism of CMM prescriptions in treating mastitis was explored. Results. A total of 12 key TCM combinations were identified. Taraxaci Herba, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Alba, semen citri reticulatae, etc. were CMM with the highest frequency of use for treating mastitis. The potential targets of these high-frequency CMM in treating mastitis were intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), and lactotransferrin. The potential signaling pathways that key CMM combinations may involve in during mastitis treatment were NF-κB signaling pathway, immune system, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. Conclusions. From a perspective of network pharmacology, molecule-target-disease analysis may serve as an entry point for the research of mechanism of CMM. On this basis, we studied the mechanism of CMM prescriptions in treating mastitis by data mining and comparison of results. Our work thus provides a new idea and method for studying the working mechanism of CMM prescriptions.

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