Bio Available Silica challenge anyone? So Easy
- Thread starter vevster
- Start date
babydollhair
Member
The Sweetest B
New Member
I have officially started to take mines today. I am about to manicure/pedicure as well so I will be watching my nails. Generally my nails grow and are quite strong but the last couple of months not much growth. My diet has also been in the toilet. Doing a complete overhaul.
I've started taking something called SILICA-OK : Does this count. I didn't know about this challenge until today.
Each tablet typically provides: Vitamin E 5mg (50% RDA) / Vitamin C 20mg (33% RDA) / Beta-Carotene 1mg - Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 1.4mg (100% RDA) / Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1.6mg (100% RDA) / Vitamin B6 2mg (100% RDA) / Biotin 150µg (100% RDA) / Zinc 2mg (13% RDA) / Selenium 25µg - Also provides: Organic silica 8mg.
Each tablet typically provides: Vitamin E 5mg (50% RDA) / Vitamin C 20mg (33% RDA) / Beta-Carotene 1mg - Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 1.4mg (100% RDA) / Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1.6mg (100% RDA) / Vitamin B6 2mg (100% RDA) / Biotin 150µg (100% RDA) / Zinc 2mg (13% RDA) / Selenium 25µg - Also provides: Organic silica 8mg.
vevster
Well-Known Member
The challenge is ongoing... welcome!
vevster
Well-Known Member
Nope, this is not a silica challege but an Alta Silica challenge, a specific brand of food based bio available silica.I've started taking something called SILICA-OK : Does this count. I didn't know about this challenge until today.
Each tablet typically provides: Vitamin E 5mg (50% RDA) / Vitamin C 20mg (33% RDA) / Beta-Carotene 1mg - Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 1.4mg (100% RDA) / Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1.6mg (100% RDA) / Vitamin B6 2mg (100% RDA) / Biotin 150µg (100% RDA) / Zinc 2mg (13% RDA) / Selenium 25µg - Also provides: Organic silica 8mg.
Stiletto_Diva
Well-Known Member
Just started taking mine today!! can't wait to see the results
blueenigma
New Member
To the original poster, the Silica that you recommend is NOT the bioavailable kind that you perhaps are looking for. The brand you linked to has BIOFLAVANOIDS, which is not the same. The Bio AVAILABLE form (which is the only form that has overcome the natural unstable nature of silicone) is the BioSil that can be found at the Vitamin Shoppe. The brand that you linked to is the LEAST absorbable form, as is all "Silica" formulations. Silica is the most unstable, least biologically available form of silicone. However, it was utilized in the past before technological advances were able to stabilize it, and create Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic acid (oftentimes referred to simply as ch-OSA). I would suggest a challenge using the ch-OSA, since your body is able to absorb/use more of the silicone in the product. Silica, which is derived from Horsetail, decomposes before the body can utilize much of it. It explains why the ch-OSA only requires five TINY drops, and lasts 120 days!! (one 1 ounce bottle) and the pills are several large caps, and the bottle lasts 30 days.
Maybe I should start as BioSil challenge???
Just picked up a bottle today (24 bucks at Vitamin Shoppe)
Maybe I should start as BioSil challenge???
Just picked up a bottle today (24 bucks at Vitamin Shoppe)
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The Sweetest B
New Member
I've started taking something called SILICA-OK : Does this count. I didn't know about this challenge until today.
Each tablet typically provides: Vitamin E 5mg (50% RDA) / Vitamin C 20mg (33% RDA) / Beta-Carotene 1mg - Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 1.4mg (100% RDA) / Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1.6mg (100% RDA) / Vitamin B6 2mg (100% RDA) / Biotin 150µg (100% RDA) / Zinc 2mg (13% RDA) / Selenium 25µg - Also provides: Organic silica 8mg.
I am no professional but looking at the ingredients Silica is last on the list and only 8mg. The Alta Silica has 500mg per pill derived from Springtime Horsetail obtained through a specail process. I am taking 3 pills which will give me 1500mg per day
blueenigma
New Member
no. i was writing to the Original poster.
But let me explain further. The one I wrote about is called BioSil, and Silica is not on the ingredient list at all. It is not a Silica based product, like the one recommended by the original poster. It is a pure Silicon product, which is what Silica attempts to be. The ingredients of the BioSil (Advanced Collagen Generator) is: Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid. Period. It is not a Silica product, which is an inferior way to introduce Silicon into the body.
Horestail extract, no matter who makes it, is ALWAYS a less efficient product. It is an unstable form, which is partially decomposed before the body can utilize it. Moreover, Horsetail contains trace amounts of nicotine. Silica products-via Horsetail extraction- were made back when it was unknown how to capitalize on Silicon without destoying its beneficial properties. Although it was always known to be less than optimal, it was what was known at the time. In other words, it was better to get SOME benefit than none.
As time progressed, scientists learned how to capture the benefits of Silicon without losing much of its Collagen-producing properties. Thus was born Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid. There is no Silica or Horsetail extraction process involved. There is no horestail involved. In fact, it is a vegetarian formula. You must have searched a different brand from the one I have. The name is BioSil (by Natrol). Perhaps Vitamin Shoppe's website will have it, but I am not sure because I walked into the store and purchased it. Also, other stores might sell it as well.
The box is White and pale green. It looks like a medicinal package. It is not the Jarrow brand, which is also good, and has the same ingredients as the one I am referring to. They are BOTH the most potent, most effective form of Silicon.
Regarding the Mlligrams in the Alta, the dosage (in milligrams) that you are looking at refers to the MG's of HORSETAIL, not the silica. The silica amount will (should) be in parenthesis. You are not getting 500mg's of Silica. The Silica is always a lesser, extracted amount.
But let me explain further. The one I wrote about is called BioSil, and Silica is not on the ingredient list at all. It is not a Silica based product, like the one recommended by the original poster. It is a pure Silicon product, which is what Silica attempts to be. The ingredients of the BioSil (Advanced Collagen Generator) is: Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid. Period. It is not a Silica product, which is an inferior way to introduce Silicon into the body.
Horestail extract, no matter who makes it, is ALWAYS a less efficient product. It is an unstable form, which is partially decomposed before the body can utilize it. Moreover, Horsetail contains trace amounts of nicotine. Silica products-via Horsetail extraction- were made back when it was unknown how to capitalize on Silicon without destoying its beneficial properties. Although it was always known to be less than optimal, it was what was known at the time. In other words, it was better to get SOME benefit than none.
As time progressed, scientists learned how to capture the benefits of Silicon without losing much of its Collagen-producing properties. Thus was born Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid. There is no Silica or Horsetail extraction process involved. There is no horestail involved. In fact, it is a vegetarian formula. You must have searched a different brand from the one I have. The name is BioSil (by Natrol). Perhaps Vitamin Shoppe's website will have it, but I am not sure because I walked into the store and purchased it. Also, other stores might sell it as well.
The box is White and pale green. It looks like a medicinal package. It is not the Jarrow brand, which is also good, and has the same ingredients as the one I am referring to. They are BOTH the most potent, most effective form of Silicon.
Regarding the Mlligrams in the Alta, the dosage (in milligrams) that you are looking at refers to the MG's of HORSETAIL, not the silica. The silica amount will (should) be in parenthesis. You are not getting 500mg's of Silica. The Silica is always a lesser, extracted amount.
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vevster
Well-Known Member
I know the diff between bioflavanoids and something being bio available. I have had great success with this product, so I started this thread. By all means start your own challenge! My thread will continue on.To the original poster, the Silica that you recommend is NOT the bioavailable kind that you perhaps are looking for. The brand you linked to has BIOFLAVANOIDS, which is not the same. The Bio AVAILABLE form (which is the only form that has overcome the natural unstable nature of silicone) is the BioSil that can be found at the Vitamin Shoppe. The brand that you linked to is the LEAST absorbable form, as is all "Silica" formulations. Silica is the most unstable, least biologically available form of silicone. However, it was utilized in the past before technological advances were able to stabilize it, and create Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic acid (oftentimes referred to simply as ch-OSA). I would suggest a challenge using the ch-OSA, since your body is able to absorb/use more of the silicone in the product. Silica, which is derived from Horsetail, decomposes before the body can utilize much of it. It explains why the ch-OSA only requires five TINY drops, and lasts 120 days!! (one 1 ounce bottle) and the pills are several large caps, and the bottle lasts 30 days.
Maybe I should start as BioSil challenge???
ETA: Your only 2 posts are on my thread, trying to bash this supplement that has helped a lot of us??? This thread is 29 pages long! That is suspect....... There are women on this board that take biosil and I don't jump in there telling them they are taking the wrong thing... to each his own....
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soonergirl
Well-Known Member
hey vevster how are ya missy??? I am starting today and cannot wait girl!! I will start with 3 a day...cant wait for the results!! love this thread... and btw dont sweat the small stuff ok???? 
eshille
New Member
vevster...new to the forum and read your support of Alta Silica...ordered some today and am looking forward to ingesting it...
I was aware looking at the description of the product that it's basis was primarily horsetail, which by the way is the original form of silica offered to the public for consumption.
The book: Silica: The Forgotten Nutrient suggests one should alternate the types/forms of silica taken over time.
I've taken Biosil liquid (which has stuffiums floating around in the mouth)and Vegetal Silica. I was not impressed with Biosil and had greater success with the Vegetal Silica...now I'm looking forward to Alta Silica
Not joining the challenge...just commenting.
Take Care
I was aware looking at the description of the product that it's basis was primarily horsetail, which by the way is the original form of silica offered to the public for consumption.
The book: Silica: The Forgotten Nutrient suggests one should alternate the types/forms of silica taken over time.
I've taken Biosil liquid (which has stuffiums floating around in the mouth)and Vegetal Silica. I was not impressed with Biosil and had greater success with the Vegetal Silica...now I'm looking forward to Alta Silica
Not joining the challenge...just commenting.
Take Care
africa
Member
Anyone in the mood for a novel?
So I started taking Alta Silica on April 10. I started with 5 or 6 pills/day the first week and have tapered off to 3 per day during my second week. I have also been taking a multi-vitamin, either Nutrilite Hair Skin and Nails or Andrew Lessman's, and biotin consistently for over a year.
After five or six days, I started to notice some differences. I have my hair in braids most of the time and my kitchen is usually super dry. It seemed like my new growth generally felt more moisturized and I could especially tell with the hairs at my nape.
I wanted to come in and post right away when I noticed this but decided to wait a little bit to make sure it wasn't some fluke. I'm pretty sure it's the silica now because my hair has kept this more moisturized/flexible feeling through shampoos and sweating because of exercise--things that usually make my hair dryer. I know the silica isn't actually moisturzing my hair, but I don't know how else to describe it. The hair at my roots (that's all I can tell because the other hair is braided up) doesn't seem as dry and my nape especially, doesn't have that parched feeling. The only thing that has changed is me taking the silica.
Last week I noticed the skin on my legs didn't have the fish scaley appearance when I don't put enough lotion on
. I wanted to see exactly how silica was affecting my skin so I actually went without to see if it made ashynes disappear 
. Not quite, but it didn't' thave that fish scaley look.
And lastly my nails...Its hard for me to tell because the biotin usually makes my nails grow really long anyway. And its too early to say whether silica has accelerated my growth but it has affected my hair and skin for sure.
I took Biosil for over three months starting in the Spring of 06 and I noticed nothing new with my hair, skin, and nails even though I took it everyday. I am usually low key on this forum but I had to post my results in case anyone was on the fence about trying it. I am that impressed with it so far. I'll continue to monitor how things go and post again if there are any new developments
So I started taking Alta Silica on April 10. I started with 5 or 6 pills/day the first week and have tapered off to 3 per day during my second week. I have also been taking a multi-vitamin, either Nutrilite Hair Skin and Nails or Andrew Lessman's, and biotin consistently for over a year.
After five or six days, I started to notice some differences. I have my hair in braids most of the time and my kitchen is usually super dry. It seemed like my new growth generally felt more moisturized and I could especially tell with the hairs at my nape.
I wanted to come in and post right away when I noticed this but decided to wait a little bit to make sure it wasn't some fluke. I'm pretty sure it's the silica now because my hair has kept this more moisturized/flexible feeling through shampoos and sweating because of exercise--things that usually make my hair dryer. I know the silica isn't actually moisturzing my hair, but I don't know how else to describe it. The hair at my roots (that's all I can tell because the other hair is braided up) doesn't seem as dry and my nape especially, doesn't have that parched feeling. The only thing that has changed is me taking the silica.
Last week I noticed the skin on my legs didn't have the fish scaley appearance when I don't put enough lotion on
. I wanted to see exactly how silica was affecting my skin so I actually went without to see if it made ashynes disappear . Not quite, but it didn't' thave that fish scaley look.And lastly my nails...Its hard for me to tell because the biotin usually makes my nails grow really long anyway. And its too early to say whether silica has accelerated my growth but it has affected my hair and skin for sure.
I took Biosil for over three months starting in the Spring of 06 and I noticed nothing new with my hair, skin, and nails even though I took it everyday. I am usually low key on this forum but I had to post my results in case anyone was on the fence about trying it. I am that impressed with it so far
. I'll continue to monitor how things go and post again if there are any new developments
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vevster
Well-Known Member
Fabulous!!!Anyone in the mood for a novel?
So I started taking Alta Silica on April 10. I started with 5 or 6 pills/day the first week and have tapered off to 3 per day during my second week. I have also been taking a multi-vitamin, either Nutrilite Hair Skin and Nails or Andrew Lessman's, and biotin consistently for over a year.
After five or six days, I started to notice some differences. I have my hair in braids most of the time and my kitchen is usually super dry. It seemed like my new growth generally felt more moisturized and I could especially tell with the hairs at my nape.
I wanted to come in and post right away when I noticed this but decided to wait a little bit to make sure it wasn't some fluke. I'm pretty sure it's the silica now because my hair has kept this more moisturized/flexible feeling through shampoos and sweating because of exercise--things that usually make my hair dryer. I know the silica isn't actually moisturzing my hair, but I don't know how else to describe it. The hair at my roots (that's all I can tell because the other hair is braided up) doesn't seem as dry and my nape especially, doesn't have that parched feeling. The only thing that has changed is me taking the silica.
Last week I noticed the skin on my legs didn't have the fish scaley appearance when I don't put enough lotion on
And lastly my nails...Its hard for me to tell because the biotin usually makes my nails grow really long anyway. And its too early to say whether silica has accelerated my growth but it has affected my hair and skin for sure.
I took Biosil for over three months starting in the Spring of 06 and I noticed nothing new with my hair, skin, and nails even though I took it everyday. I am usually low key on this forum but I had to post my results in case anyone was on the fence about trying it. I am that impressed with it so far
vevster
Well-Known Member
hey vevster how are ya missy??? I am starting today and cannot wait girl!! I will start with 3 a day...cant wait for the results!! love this thread... and btw dont sweat the small stuff ok????
Thanks a lot!!! Good luck with the Silica!!!
vevster
Well-Known Member
Thanks for posting!Anyone in the mood for a novel?
So I started taking Alta Silica on April 10. I started with 5 or 6 pills/day the first week and have tapered off to 3 per day during my second week. I have also been taking a multi-vitamin, either Nutrilite Hair Skin and Nails or Andrew Lessman's, and biotin consistently for over a year.
After five or six days, I started to notice some differences. I have my hair in braids most of the time and my kitchen is usually super dry. It seemed like my new growth generally felt more moisturized and I could especially tell with the hairs at my nape.
I wanted to come in and post right away when I noticed this but decided to wait a little bit to make sure it wasn't some fluke. I'm pretty sure it's the silica now because my hair has kept this more moisturized/flexible feeling through shampoos and sweating because of exercise--things that usually make my hair dryer. I know the silica isn't actually moisturzing my hair, but I don't know how else to describe it. The hair at my roots (that's all I can tell because the other hair is braided up) doesn't seem as dry and my nape especially, doesn't have that parched feeling. The only thing that has changed is me taking the silica.
Last week I noticed the skin on my legs didn't have the fish scaley appearance when I don't put enough lotion on
And lastly my nails...Its hard for me to tell because the biotin usually makes my nails grow really long anyway. And its too early to say whether silica has accelerated my growth but it has affected my hair and skin for sure.
I took Biosil for over three months starting in the Spring of 06 and I noticed nothing new with my hair, skin, and nails even though I took it everyday. I am usually low key on this forum but I had to post my results in case anyone was on the fence about trying it. I am that impressed with it so far
africa
Member
Thanks for posting!
Thank you for sharing information about the supplement with us
. I'm surprised to have received great results so soon and had to share. I'm glad I gave silica another shot.
EbonyEyes
Well-Known Member
Hang in there girl! I pray everything works out well and its something easy they can fix. Are you anemic? That can slow down the transporation of Red blood cells in the body.... which could thus slow down the carrying of other nutrients... Don't get me to speculating....I sho ain't no MD(Just ONEBLESSEDRN
Thank you ladies for your support. I got my lab work back. My doctor left a message saying that everything was normal with the exception of the HCT count (part of the complete blood count). She said mine was 33.8 and it is supposed to be 35 or higher (some say women should be 36 or higher). She said that my count is a little off but it's not enough to make me tired and weak.
I called her back and she told me that she is going to order another lab test to check iron levels and B-12 levels. She said if that test comes back normal then it's most likely nothing metabolically wrong with me that is causing my tiredness and weakness.
I'm still taking 6 alta silica a day and my nails still haven't improved. I spoke with a lady from Alta Silica company named Marcia a few minutes ago. She was soooooo nice. I asked how she was and she said "Hungry! But let me know what I can do for you." I told her my situation with my nails and how I've been taking the Alta Silica with no improvement and she says that sounds a like classic remedial dosage need. She recommended that I take 12 a day for about a week and then drop down to 9 the next week. She thinks that the high dosage for a couple weeks will give my nails just what it needs. She asked for my name, told me my name was beautiful (smile!), and asked me to please call her specifically after a couple weeks with a status update on my nails. I'm overwhelmed at how kind she was and how much she cared about my situation despite being hungry!
Awesome company representation! Though I don't yet have a testimony on the effects of the Alta Silica, I do have a testimony on how this company really cares about its customers!
As usual, I'll keep ya'll posted on my health!
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AtlantaJJ
Well-Known Member
\
Awwww thank you for the update, I've been thinking about you.... No disrespect to your doctor, but do some research on thodr HCT numnrtd and what it means. My ferritin level (a portion of iron count ) was 22 at one point. I think the low end of the "normal" range was in the 20's so I was told that was normal. Well after doing some research I found that a woman's ferritin level should be in the 70's to grow healthy hair!!! So I'm a little leary about those ranges. I want to know what's optimal number. I don't want to be at the low range of anything if you know what I mean. I'm glad she's going to order more blood work.
It's really good to hear about the great customer service at Alta!! That's interesting 12 per day!! It could be just what you need. I'm tempted to up mine to 6 a day I just have to remember to take them! LOL Imma do better, I had a bad week this week with eating and drinking my water, taking my supplements.
How are you feeling these days? Better I hope, the weather is getting better, are you getting outside and getting some sun?
EbonyEyes
Well-Known Member
Wow! I just read up a bit on the ranges for ferritin levels and the range is huge! Thanks so much for that insight on normal ranges. I did some preliminary research and found what some consider to be the normal ranges for HCT. There are various ranges being used: 35%-47%, 37-48%, 37-47%, 36-48%, and 36.1-44.3%, being listed as normal ranges.
My mom mentioned that I should do some research on sublingual B-12 to increase my energy.
I'm going to try doing the 12 tablets in one week and 9 in the next week to see what happens. My body just might need a little push! I pray there is an improvement in my nails. Starting in week 3, I'm going to go back to the maintenance dose of 3 tablets a day.
I'm feeling pretty badly. Spring is supposed to be a great time to be outdoors but my body can't handle too much of that. I have terrible allergies. What I hate about allergies is that I feel sick all the time.
Thanks again for taking the time to help me out. It means so much!
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vevster
Well-Known Member
Awesome! That is what I like about threads like this.. everyone contributing and all of us learning!!!!
vevster
Well-Known Member
12 per day is the therapeutic dose...
Princess4real
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the info on the ferritin level. Take a look at the last paragraph about iron. I never heard of a ferritin level.
http://www.heralopecia.com/nar/articles/diet.php
In this day and age, numerous trend or fad diets have come and gone, and many have placed an emphasis on restrictions of certain types of foods, including protein and more popularly, carbohydrates.
A ferritin level of 70 is considered healthy for a woman, but usually a level of 100 is necessary for good hair growth.
Iron can be taken as tablet supplements, through red meat, dark meat of chicken or turkey, liver, green leafy veggies and dried fruits. Dairy, caffeine and calcium can decrease iron absorption, while vitamin C and L-lysine help your body absorb iron.
blueenigma
New Member
wow. I had a feeling my comment would be perceived as offensive, although that was not my intention. I was simply making a point to inform about the bioavailability, not to shortchange your efforts in any way. And I certainly did not intend to "bash" your thread. I thought this was a board about sharing information/ideas/findings. By all means, rock on. I am not into the internet fight thing. It's not my style. I enjoy this board, and have been surfing it for some time without posting. I will continue to use the board because I think it is fun and informative. See you around.
vevster
Well-Known Member
EbonyEyes
Well-Known Member
UPDATE on Lab Results!!!
Ya'll won't believe what my ferritin (iron) level is....It is a 20!
That is super low! For all I know, that could be the key as to why my nails are suffering the way they are and the reason I am so tired. I'm surprised my hair is doing okay.
My doctor told me that I should take one over-the-counter iron tablet a day. She recommended Slow Fe because of its high potency and its gentleness on the stomach. Hopefully one a day will do the trick.
AtlantaJJ, what iron supplement did your doctor recommend? Was it over the counter? How much iron are you taking daily?
My doctor wants me to supplement with the iron for 3 months and then redo the blood test.
I'm hopeful that increasing my iron intake without overdoing it will be the key and then the Alta silica can work its magic!
Ya'll won't believe what my ferritin (iron) level is....It is a 20!
That is super low! For all I know, that could be the key as to why my nails are suffering the way they are and the reason I am so tired. I'm surprised my hair is doing okay.
My doctor told me that I should take one over-the-counter iron tablet a day. She recommended Slow Fe because of its high potency and its gentleness on the stomach. Hopefully one a day will do the trick.
AtlantaJJ, what iron supplement did your doctor recommend? Was it over the counter? How much iron are you taking daily?
My doctor wants me to supplement with the iron for 3 months and then redo the blood test.
I'm hopeful that increasing my iron intake without overdoing it will be the key and then the Alta silica can work its magic!
Stiletto_Diva
Well-Known Member
So i've been taking the silica for a little over a week and I think I'm already starting to see a difference
I'm not sure if its just my eyes playing tricks on me, or if its because I know the silica is suppose to make my hair grow so i'm imagining the growth. but i've already had one person say that my hair looks longer and another person say that they can really notice my new growth now ( since i'm transitioning this is a good thing). neither one of these people know that i'm taking silica so maybe it isn't just my imagination.
i've been taking three capsules a day since 4-27-08. i'm thinking about revving it up to 4 a day but i'm not sure.
my nails haven't been growing fast but i do notice they are longer than they were a week ago. i'm not sure if its from natural growth or not but so far i have no complaints.
I'm not sure if its just my eyes playing tricks on me, or if its because I know the silica is suppose to make my hair grow so i'm imagining the growth. but i've already had one person say that my hair looks longer and another person say that they can really notice my new growth now ( since i'm transitioning this is a good thing). neither one of these people know that i'm taking silica so maybe it isn't just my imagination.
i've been taking three capsules a day since 4-27-08. i'm thinking about revving it up to 4 a day but i'm not sure.
my nails haven't been growing fast but i do notice they are longer than they were a week ago. i'm not sure if its from natural growth or not but so far i have no complaints.
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