1.Research Progress on the Role of Programmed Cell Death in Flap Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Jiwei ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Xinshan WANG ; Xingzhang YAO ; Zhenxing JIANG ; Zhijun HE ; Tao LIU ; Jianliang LI ; Hui YAO ; Jie AN ; Qiuyue ZHAO ; Xiaotao WEI ; M Rayan GHAZI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):851-861
Flap transplantation is a critical surgical strategy for the reconstruction of tissue defects caused by trauma, tumor resection, and congenital malformations, and its survival rate directly determines surgical efficacy and patient prognosis. Following transplantation, flaps inevitably undergo ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, during which oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and metabolic disturbances are intricately intertwined, ultimately leading to cellular injury and tissue necrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that multiple forms of programmed cell death—including apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and PANoptosis—play central roles in flap I/R injury. The extensive crosstalk and molecular interactions among these pathways form a highly complex cell death network. Specifically, apoptosis is mediated by the imbalance of Bcl-2 family proteins and the activation of cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease (caspase) cascades; pyroptosis is driven by the NLRP3-caspase-1-GSDMD axis, resulting in membrane pore formation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines; ferroptosis is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and dysfunction of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4); necroptosis is triggered by the receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)-RIPK3-MLKL signaling complex, leading to membrane rupture; and PANoptosis represents an integrated form of inflammatory cell death that coordinates multiple death pathways. Importantly, these forms of programmed cell death are not independent but are interconnected through extensive signaling crosstalk. Key regulatory molecules, including caspase-8, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), collectively modulate the dynamic balance among these pathways. Therefore, the multidimensional interplay and spatiotemporal dynamics of programmed cell death constitute a fundamental pathological basis of flap I/R injury. This review systematically summarizes the latest advances in the mechanisms and interactions of various programmed cell death pathways in flap I/R injury, aiming to elucidate the underlying regulatory network. These insights may provide novel theoretical foundations for optimizing flap protection strategies, improving flap survival, and promoting tissue repair.
2.Effects of Modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on Mice with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury by Regulating PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway-mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy
Li GUO ; Hengwen CHEN ; Cun ZHAN ; Zhenzhen YING ; Zuomin WU ; Shaoju JIN ; Shangmei CAO ; Shengming HUANG ; Jin WANG ; Xiaotao YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):34-43
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI) in mice via the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1/E3 ubiquitin ligase (PINK1/Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy, and to explore the underlying mechanism by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang improves CI/RI. MethodsSeventy-two male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 12 per group): Sham-operated group, middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups (8.84, 17.68, 35.36 g·kg-1·d-1), and an aspirin group (13.00 mg·kg-1·d-1). Neurological deficit scores were assessed using the Zea-Longa method. Cerebral infarct volume ratio was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Histopathological changes and neuronal injury in brain tissues were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in brain tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ), and p62 in brain tissues were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the MCAO/R model group showed significantly increased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Severe cortical injury on the infarct side was observed, characterized by decreased neuronal density, cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear pyknosis, a marked reduction in Nissl bodies, dissolution of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm of some pyramidal neurons, and blurred cellular boundaries. The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased significantly (P<0.01). Mitochondria exhibited cristae membrane rupture and matrix vacuolation, with rupture of the outer mitochondrial membrane and formation of autophagosomes, the number of which increased significantly. Serum SOD activity decreased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content increased significantly (P<0.01). In infarcted brain tissues of model mice, the relative mRNA expression and protein levels of PINK1, Parkin and LC3B were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas p62 mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed significantly decreased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Neuronal density increased significantly, cytoplasmic vacuolation was alleviated, nuclear morphology tended to be more regular and clearer, Nissl body density increased significantly with reduced dissolution and improved contour clarity. The mitochondrial cristae structure was partially restored, with some mitochondria showing autophagosome encapsulation, and the degree of mitochondrial damage was alleviated. Serum SOD activity increased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content decreased significantly. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while p62 mRNA and protein expression in the low- and medium-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. ConclusionModified Buyang Huanwu Tang can upregulate the protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ and downregulate p62 protein expression, suggesting that it may improve CI/RI by regulating the expression of proteins related to the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Regulation of the mitophagy pathway may be one of the mechanisms by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang alleviates CI/RI in mice.
3.Mechanism of Liuwei dihuang pill promoting tendon-bone healing by regulating cell crosstalk through Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Peng ZHANG ; Honglüe TAN ; Xiaotao SHI ; Xiao WANG ; Peizhao WANG ; Yanhao YUAN ; Renkun ZHAO ; Guorui CAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1722-1727
OBJECTIVE To explore the mecha nism by which Liuwei dihuang pill promotes tendon-bone healing by regulating the interaction between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and macrophages through Wnt/ β -catenin pathway. METHODS BMSCs were co-cultured with macrophages at a ratio of 1∶4 and divided into control group, 10% drug-containing serum group, 20% drug-containing serum group, Wnt/ β -catenin pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1) group, and 20% drug-containing serum+DKK-1 group. After 48 hours of cell co-culture and 14 days of osteogenic induction, the CD86 and CD206 positive cell rates in macrophages, the proportion of calcium nodule positive staining area in BMSCs, the levels of osteocalcin (OCN) and oncostatin M (OSM) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in cell supernatant, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of OCN, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), OSM, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), β -catenin in cells were detected. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between LRP5 and β -catenin protein expression with OCN, RUNX2, OSM protein expression, and CD206 positive cell rate, respectively. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the CD86 positive cell rates in the 10% drug-containing serum group and the 20% drug-containing serum group were significantly reduced, while the CD206 positive cell rate, proportion of calcium nodule positive staining area, OCN level, OSM level, ALP activity, and mRNA and protein expression levels of OCN, RUNX2, OSM, LRP5, β -catenin were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Compared with the 20% drug-containing serum group, the changes in the above indicators in the 20% drug-containing serum+DKK-1 group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05). The protein expression of LRP5 and β -catenin was positively correlated with the pro tein expression of OCN, RUNX2, OSM, and CD206 positive cell rate. CONCLUSIONS Liuwei dihuang pill can activate the Wnt/ β -catenin pathway, induce M2 polarization of macrophages and secretion of OSM, promote osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization of BMSCs, and synergistically promote tendon-bone healing.
4.Mechanism of Liuwei dihuang pill promoting tendon-bone healing by regulating cell crosstalk through Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Peng ZHANG ; Honglüe TAN ; Xiaotao SHI ; Xiao WANG ; Peizhao WANG ; Yanhao YUAN ; Renkun ZHAO ; Guorui CAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1722-1727
OBJECTIVE To explore the mecha nism by which Liuwei dihuang pill promotes tendon-bone healing by regulating the interaction between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and macrophages through Wnt/ β -catenin pathway. METHODS BMSCs were co-cultured with macrophages at a ratio of 1∶4 and divided into control group, 10% drug-containing serum group, 20% drug-containing serum group, Wnt/ β -catenin pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1) group, and 20% drug-containing serum+DKK-1 group. After 48 hours of cell co-culture and 14 days of osteogenic induction, the CD86 and CD206 positive cell rates in macrophages, the proportion of calcium nodule positive staining area in BMSCs, the levels of osteocalcin (OCN) and oncostatin M (OSM) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in cell supernatant, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of OCN, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), OSM, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), β -catenin in cells were detected. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between LRP5 and β -catenin protein expression with OCN, RUNX2, OSM protein expression, and CD206 positive cell rate, respectively. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the CD86 positive cell rates in the 10% drug-containing serum group and the 20% drug-containing serum group were significantly reduced, while the CD206 positive cell rate, proportion of calcium nodule positive staining area, OCN level, OSM level, ALP activity, and mRNA and protein expression levels of OCN, RUNX2, OSM, LRP5, β -catenin were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Compared with the 20% drug-containing serum group, the changes in the above indicators in the 20% drug-containing serum+DKK-1 group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05). The protein expression of LRP5 and β -catenin was positively correlated with the pro tein expression of OCN, RUNX2, OSM, and CD206 positive cell rate. CONCLUSIONS Liuwei dihuang pill can activate the Wnt/ β -catenin pathway, induce M2 polarization of macrophages and secretion of OSM, promote osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization of BMSCs, and synergistically promote tendon-bone healing.
5.Optimization of the forming process and establishment of a physical fingerprint for Kaixin granules
Zuomin WU ; Yunzhi WANG ; Meng NING ; Shuxian BAI ; Huifen MA ; Zhishen XIE ; Zhenqiang ZHANG ; Xiaotao YU ; Jingyuan DONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(20):2673-2678
OBJECTIVE To optimize the forming process of Kaixin granules and establish its physical fingerprint.METHODS Using particle forming rate, hygroscopicity rate, dissolution rate, and angle of repose as indices, the key process parameters of the granule forming process were determined by Plackett-Burman design. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) combined with the entropy weight method was used to comprehensively weight the indices, and the forming process of Kaixin granules was optimized and validated by Box-Behnken response surface methodology. A physical fingerprint of Kaixin granules was established based on the following physical indices: angle of repose, Hausner ratio, bulk density, tapped density, moisture content, hygroscopicity ratio, and relative uniformity index, with similarity evaluation was performed. Cluster analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were performed using SPSS 20.0 and the SPSSPRO online analysis platform, respectively.RESULTS The key process parameters were ethanol volume fraction, ethanol amount, and the drug-excipient ratio. The optimal forming conditions were as follows: ethanol volume fraction of 87%, ethanol amount of 27%, and a drug-excipient ratio of 1∶1. Validation showed that the average comprehensive scores of three batches were 97.82, with an RSD of 0.19%. The similarity of the physical fingerprints of ten batches of Kaixin granules prepared under the optimal forming process were greater than 0.98. The results of cluster analysis showed that the ten batches were divided into two groups: S4, S5, S7, S8 and S10 in one cluster, and S1-S3, S6 and S9 in another. The variable importance in projection values of Hausner ratio, relative uniformity index, bulk density, and moisture content were greater than 1.CONCLUSIONS The optimized forming process is stable and feasible. The established physical fingerprint can effectively characterize the overall physical properties of Kaixin granules. Hausner ratio, relative uniformity index, bulk density, and moisture content are the key physical indices.
6.Development and validation of the rapid health aging assessment scale for the Chinese population
Bingqi YE ; Jialu YANG ; Jianhua LI ; Wunong CHEN ; Jianhua YE ; Xiaotao ZHOU ; Yong WANG ; Siqi LI ; Qi ZHANG ; Wanying ZHAO ; Jiayi SONG ; Chun WANG ; Yan LIU ; Min XIA
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1078-1083
Objective:To develop a rapid assessment scale for healthy aging suitable for the Chinese population.Methods:Based on existing healthy aging assessment scales, national standards, and expert consensus, an initial Healthy Aging Rapid Assessment Scale was drafted through two rounds of expert consultation. A pre-survey was conducted with 3 220 subjects recruited from Guangzhou between July 2023 and July 2024. Items were screened through item analysis and exploratory factor analysis to form the final scale. Reliability and validity of the final scale were validated across five cities: Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Baoding, and Chuxiong.Results:The initial version comprised 36 items, while the finalized scale contained 18 items across three dimensions: metabolic health, mental health, and cognitive health. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.71 to 0.81 across all study sites. The Spearman-Brown coefficient varied between 0.91-0.96, Cronbach′s α between 0.77-0.83, comparative fit index (CFI) between 0.90-0.98, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) between 0.90-0.99, and root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) between 0.03-0.09. For the three dimensions, reliability and validity metrics demonstrated consistency: Spearman-Brown coefficients 0.87-0.99, Cronbach′s α 0.77-0.83, CFI 0.90-0.98, GFI 0.90-0.99, and RMSEA 0.03-0.09 across four regions.Conclusion:The developed Healthy Aging Rapid Assessment Scale for the Chinese population exhibits robust reliability and validity.
7.Efficacy of Weiyan Tongluo Granules in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis of Spleen Deficiency and Blood Stasis Type:A Multi-Center,Double-Blind,Double-Dummy,Randomized Controlled Trial
Xiaotao JIANG ; Jie LIN ; Yushan ZOU ; Zehong YANG ; Jinglin PAN ; Zhekun XIONG ; Changlong WANG ; Yuancheng HUANG ; Shuye WANG ; Yanhua YAN ; Junhui ZHENG ; Yi WEN ; Fengbin LIU ; Peiwu LI
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(6):822-831
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Weiyan Tongluo Granules in treating chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)and explore its potential mechanisms.METHODS From June 2020 to December 2022,100 CAG patients with spleen defi-ciency and blood stasis syndrome were enrolled and randomly divided into a trial group(n=50)and a control group(n=50)using a random number table.The trial group received Weiyan Tongluo Granules plus a folic acid placebo,while the control group received fo-lic acid tablets plus a traditional Chinese medicine granule placebo.The treatment course for both groups was 24 weeks,with 8 and 10 dropouts in the trial and control groups,respectively.Post-treatment comparisons included OLGA/OLGIM staging reversal rates,low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia regression rate,SSDPRO-CG(Patient-Reported Outcome Scale for Chronic Gastritis in Spleen-Stomach Diseases)scores,TCM syndrome scores,and safety indicators.Serum levels of PG I,PGⅡ,PGR,and G-17 were measured via ELISA before and after treatment.Gastric mucosal p-NF-κB and CDX2 protein expression levels were analyzed by Western blot,while mRNA levels of IL-1β,IL-6,VIL1,and MUC2 were quantified via qPCR.RESULTS After treatment,the trial group showed sig-nificantly higher OLGA and OLGIM stage reversal rates than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01),though no significant difference was observed in low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia regression.Both groups exhibited significant improvements in physiological domain scores and total SSDPRO-CG scores(P<0.01),with the trial group outperforming the control group in physiological,independence,psychological domains,and total scores(P<0.05,P<0.01).TCM syndrome scores(total and sub-items:gastric distension,pain,poor appetite,bloating)decreased significantly in both groups(P<0.01),while the trial group showed greater reductions in loose stools and dull complexion(P<0.01).After-treatment,the trial group had significantly lower TCM syndrome scores than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Serum PG I,PGⅡ,PGR,G-17,gastric mucosal p-NF-κB,CDX2,and IL-1β,IL-6,VIL1,MUC2 mRNA levels improved significantly in the trial group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the control group improved only in PGⅡ(P<0.05,P<0.01).The trial group's improvements in these biomarkers surpassed the control group's(P<0.05,P<0.01).No treatment-related adverse events occurred in either group.CONCLUSION Weiyan Tongluo Granules ameliorate gastric mucosal pathology,clinical symptoms,psychological state,and quality of life in CAG patients without significant adverse effects.Its mechanism may involve sup-pressing the NF-κB pathway to reduce IL-1β and IL-6 expression,downregulating CDX2 to inhibit VIL1 and MUC2 transcription,thereby reversing the vicious cycle of inflammation-intestinal metaplasia.
8.Development and validation of the rapid health aging assessment scale for the Chinese population
Bingqi YE ; Jialu YANG ; Jianhua LI ; Wunong CHEN ; Jianhua YE ; Xiaotao ZHOU ; Yong WANG ; Siqi LI ; Qi ZHANG ; Wanying ZHAO ; Jiayi SONG ; Chun WANG ; Yan LIU ; Min XIA
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1078-1083
Objective:To develop a rapid assessment scale for healthy aging suitable for the Chinese population.Methods:Based on existing healthy aging assessment scales, national standards, and expert consensus, an initial Healthy Aging Rapid Assessment Scale was drafted through two rounds of expert consultation. A pre-survey was conducted with 3 220 subjects recruited from Guangzhou between July 2023 and July 2024. Items were screened through item analysis and exploratory factor analysis to form the final scale. Reliability and validity of the final scale were validated across five cities: Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Baoding, and Chuxiong.Results:The initial version comprised 36 items, while the finalized scale contained 18 items across three dimensions: metabolic health, mental health, and cognitive health. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.71 to 0.81 across all study sites. The Spearman-Brown coefficient varied between 0.91-0.96, Cronbach′s α between 0.77-0.83, comparative fit index (CFI) between 0.90-0.98, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) between 0.90-0.99, and root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) between 0.03-0.09. For the three dimensions, reliability and validity metrics demonstrated consistency: Spearman-Brown coefficients 0.87-0.99, Cronbach′s α 0.77-0.83, CFI 0.90-0.98, GFI 0.90-0.99, and RMSEA 0.03-0.09 across four regions.Conclusion:The developed Healthy Aging Rapid Assessment Scale for the Chinese population exhibits robust reliability and validity.
9.Exploration on the Synovial Hyperplasia of Rheumatoid Arthritis from the Theory of"Yang Transforming Qi and Yin Forming Elements"
Xiaojun SU ; Huan WANG ; Wenju ZHU ; Qian HE ; Ying GUO ; Qiang BAO ; Huijun YANG ; Haidong WANG ; Xuemei TIAN ; Xiaotao YE
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(4):24-27
Synovium is the target organ of rheumatoid arthritis.The excessive proliferation of synovial cells and insufficient apoptosis lead to synovial hyperplasia,which in turn causes damage to the surrounding tissues of the joint and bone destruction."Yang transforming qi and yin forming elements"is derived from Su Wen and is a highly summarized description of the functions of yin and yang,which runs through the entire course of the disease.This article elucidated the theoretical connotation of"yang transforming qi and yin forming elements"and its connection with synovial hyperplasia,proposing that the insufficiency of"yang transforming qi"is the root of synovial hyperplasia,while the excess of"yin forming elements"is the manifestation of synovial hyperplasia.Based on this,it put forward that"assisting yang qi as the priority,and according to the bias of pathogenic factors of yin,supplementing the method of reducing yin forming elements"is an important principle for treating this disease,which could provide new ideas for the treatment of the disease.
10.Risk factors for future exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with no history of exacerbation in the past year
Dingding DENG ; Aiyun JIANG ; Shao WANG ; Xiaotao ZHANG ; Fangfang DAI ; Jun ZHU ; Ping CHEN ; Qing SONG ; Rui ZHAO
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(6):821-825
Objective:To analyze the risk factors associated with future exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have no history of exacerbation in the past year.Methods:COPD patients with no exacerbation history in the past year, registered in the RealDTC study from January 2018 to December 2023, were enrolled. Demographic data, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea questionnaire scores, forced expiratory volume in the first second predicted of percentage (FEV 1%pred), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1) to forced vital capacity (FVC), Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification, GOLD groups, and inhaled medication regimens were collected. All patients were followed up for one year, and the number of exacerbations was recorded. Patients were divided into an exacerbation group and a non-exacerbation group based on the occurrence of exacerbations during the follow-up period. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the influencing factors for exacerbations in COPD patients. Results:A total of 2 901 COPD patients were included, among which 633 patients (21.8%) experienced exacerbations during the follow-up period. Compared with the non-exacerbation group, patients in the exacerbation group were older, with higher CAT and mMRC scores, lower body mass index (BMI), FEV 1%pred, and FEV 1/FVC. The proportions of patients with high school education or above and those using long-acting β 2-agonist (LABA) + long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) medications were also lower (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age ( OR=1.010, 95% CI: 1.000-1.021), CAT score ≥20 ( OR=1.415, 95% CI: 1.074-1.865), education level of junior high school or below ( OR=1.243, 95% CI: 1.003-1.540), LABA + LAMA inhalation ( OR=0.605, 95% CI: 0.432-0.848), and BMI ( OR=0.969, 95% CI: 0.943-0.995) were independent risk factors for future exacerbations in COPD patients with no exacerbation history in the past year (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The risk of future exacerbations remains high in COPD patients with no exacerbation history in the past year. High CAT scores, low education levels, and low BMI are associated with future exacerbations. Clinicians should pay close attention to the management of such patients and implement appropriate interventions.

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