1.Effect of Gypenosides on MAFLD Mice and Its Molecular Mechanism Based on Classical/Non-classical Ferroptosis Pathways
Yu LIU ; Yupeng PEI ; Jiaxin WANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Xiaofei SUN ; Qun WANG ; Peng CUI ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):99-107
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of gypenosides (GPs) on liver lipid deposition in metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) mice and its mechanism based on classical/non-classical ferroptosis. MethodsEight male C57BL/6 mice in a blank group and 32 male apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE-/-) mice were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose GPs (GPs-L) group, a high-dose GPs (GPs-H) group, and a simvastatin (SV) group. Starting from the second week, mice in the blank group were given a maintenance diet, and the other four groups were fed a high-fat diet daily. After eight weeks of feeding, mice in the GPs-L and GPs-H groups were given GPs of 1.487 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 2.973 mg·kg-1·d-1, respectively, and mice in the SV group were given simvastatin of 2.275 mg·kg-1·d-1. Mice in the blank group and the model group were given saline of equal volume by gavage for four weeks. The content of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum of mice in each group was detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The level of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and TG in the mouse liver was measured by the kit. The change in liver tissue structure and lipid deposition was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining. The levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Fe2+ in serum, as well as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] in the liver were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) in the liver of mice was observed by the immunohistochemical (IHC) method, and the expression of genes and proteins related to classical and non-classical ferroptosis pathways was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression analysis system. ResultsCompared with those in the blank group, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver in the model group were significantly increased, and the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The liver tissue structure changed, and there were fat vacuoles of different sizes and a large number of red lipid droplets, with obvious lipid deposition. The level of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly decreased, while the level of MDA and Fe2+ in serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT/SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase (GPX4), p62, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and FSP1 were significantly decreased, and the mRNA and protein expressions of tumor antigen (p53), spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1), arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), and Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein-1 (Keap1) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the level of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver of mice in the GPs-L, GPs-H, and SV groups were decreased, while the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The liver tissue structure and lipid deposition were improved. The levels of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly increased, while the levels of MDA and Fe2+ in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of xCT, GPX4, p62, Nrf2, and FSP1 were significantly increased, while the mRNA and protein expressions of p53, SAT1, ALOX15, and Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGPs can interfere with liver lipid deposition in MAFLD mice through classical/non-classical ferroptosis pathways.
2.Effect of Gypenosides on MAFLD Mice and Its Molecular Mechanism Based on Classical/Non-classical Ferroptosis Pathways
Yu LIU ; Yupeng PEI ; Jiaxin WANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Xiaofei SUN ; Qun WANG ; Peng CUI ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):99-107
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of gypenosides (GPs) on liver lipid deposition in metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) mice and its mechanism based on classical/non-classical ferroptosis. MethodsEight male C57BL/6 mice in a blank group and 32 male apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE-/-) mice were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose GPs (GPs-L) group, a high-dose GPs (GPs-H) group, and a simvastatin (SV) group. Starting from the second week, mice in the blank group were given a maintenance diet, and the other four groups were fed a high-fat diet daily. After eight weeks of feeding, mice in the GPs-L and GPs-H groups were given GPs of 1.487 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 2.973 mg·kg-1·d-1, respectively, and mice in the SV group were given simvastatin of 2.275 mg·kg-1·d-1. Mice in the blank group and the model group were given saline of equal volume by gavage for four weeks. The content of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum of mice in each group was detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The level of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and TG in the mouse liver was measured by the kit. The change in liver tissue structure and lipid deposition was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining. The levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Fe2+ in serum, as well as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] in the liver were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) in the liver of mice was observed by the immunohistochemical (IHC) method, and the expression of genes and proteins related to classical and non-classical ferroptosis pathways was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Wes automated protein expression analysis system. ResultsCompared with those in the blank group, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver in the model group were significantly increased, and the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The liver tissue structure changed, and there were fat vacuoles of different sizes and a large number of red lipid droplets, with obvious lipid deposition. The level of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly decreased, while the level of MDA and Fe2+ in serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT/SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase (GPX4), p62, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and FSP1 were significantly decreased, and the mRNA and protein expressions of tumor antigen (p53), spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1), arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), and Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein-1 (Keap1) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the level of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in serum and TG and NEFA in the liver of mice in the GPs-L, GPs-H, and SV groups were decreased, while the level of HDL-C in serum was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The liver tissue structure and lipid deposition were improved. The levels of CoQ10 and GSH in serum and NADH in the liver were significantly increased, while the levels of MDA and Fe2+ in serum were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of xCT, GPX4, p62, Nrf2, and FSP1 were significantly increased, while the mRNA and protein expressions of p53, SAT1, ALOX15, and Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGPs can interfere with liver lipid deposition in MAFLD mice through classical/non-classical ferroptosis pathways.
3.NK cell-specific knockout of UTX modulates pulmonary metastasis of melanoma in a sex-dependent manner
Pei HUANG ; Hongchen WANG ; He HUANG ; Jiaxin XIE ; Yu WU ; Simin ZHOU ; Xinyi LIAO ; Xiao GUAN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(8):807-815
Objective To explore the role of X chromosome encoded epigenetic regulator UTX in NK cell-mediated anti-tumor activity.Methods Male Ncr1-iCre mice were crossed with female UTXfl/fl mice to generate F1 Ncr1-iCre+UTXfl/-male mice,which were further crossed with female UTXfl/fl mice to obtain male Ncr1-iCre-UTX fl/-control mice(M-Con)and NK-specific deletion of UTX male mice Ncr1-iCre+UTXfl/-(M-KO),as well as female Ncr1-iCre-UTXfl/fl control mice(F-Con)and UTX-deficient female mice Ncr1-iCre+UTXfl/fl(F-KO).UTX-deficient mice were injected with melanoma cell line B16F10 via tail vein to observe pulmonary metastatic tumor nodules.Moreover,flow cytometry was applied to detect the proportion and quantity of pulmonary NK cells(CD3-CD19-NK1.1+),maturation makers KLRG1 and CD11b,activation receptors NKG2D and CD69,and effector molecules,including perforin,granzyme B,CD107a,and IFN-γ.Then pulmonary NK cells were sorted and co-cultured with B16F10 cells,and the apoptosis of the melanoma cells was measured with flow cytometry.Results Compared with the M-Con mice,the M-KO mice presented less number of pulmonary tumor nodules(P<0.05),increased proportion and quantity of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment(P<0.01),though no obvious changes in the ratio of NK maturation makers KLRG1 to CD11b,enhanced expression level of cytotoxic molecule perforin(P<0.01),but no changes in the expression of effector molecule granzyme B,degranulation marker CD107a and cytokine IFN-γ in NK cells.Co-culture of NK cells and B16F10 cells promoted the apoptosis of tumor cells(P<0.05).Compared with the F-Con mice,the F-KO mice had no statistical difference in the number of pulmonary tumor nodules,but larger proportion and number of NK cells(P<0.05),decreased ratio of KLRG1 to CD11b(P<0.01),elevated level of perforin but decreased levels of granzyme B,CD107a and IFN-γ in NK cells(P<0.01).The co-culture of NK cells and B16F10 cells reduced the apoptosis of tumor cells in F-KO female mice(P<0.05).Conclusion NK-specific deletion of UTX regulates pulmonary metastasis of melanoma in a sex-dependent manner.
4.Role of hippocampal UQCRC1 in cognitive dysfunction after global cerebral ischemia in mice
Jiaxin LI ; Fuhai BAI ; Zonghong LONG ; Min ZHANG ; Jie PEI ; Yan LIU ; Minlin CHEN ; Shanshan ZHANG ; Hong LI
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(12):1499-1504
Objective:To evalaute the role of hippocampal ubiquinol cytochrome C reductase core protein 1 (UQCRC1) in cognitive dysfunction after global cerebral ischemia (GCI) in mice.Methods:Forty SPF healthy male C57BL/6J mice, aged 12 weeks, weighing 22-26 g, were selected, and 20 of them were divided into 2 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group and GCI1 group. The other 20 mice were divided into 2 groups ( n=10 each) by the random number table method: GCI2 group and GCI+ UQCRC1 overexpression group (GCI+ UQCRC1 group). In Sham group, the skin was directly sutured after exposing both common carotid arteries. Global cerebral ischemia was induced by occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries for 20 min in GCI1, GCI2 and GCI+ UQCRC1 group, and lentivirus VSVG-Lentivirus-hSyn-EGFP-P2A-UQCRC1-WPRE-pA 500 nl was injected into the bilateral hippocampus at 2 weeks before developing the model in GCI+ UQCRC1 group. The novel object recognition task was carried out on the 2nd day following completion of model development, and the percentage of time spent exploring the novel object was calculated. The fear conditioning test was carried out on days 3-4 after completion of model development, and the freezing time was recorded. Morris water maze test was performed on days 5-10 after completion of model development, and the escape latency and time spent in the target quadrant were recorded. After the Morris water maze test, the expression of UQCRC1 in the hippocampal CA1 region was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Results:Compared with Sham group, the percentage of time spent exploring the novel object was significantly decreased, the percentage of freezing time in training and test stages was decreased, the escape latency on days 6-9 was prolonged, the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant was decreased, and the expression of UQCRC1 in the hippocampal CA1 was down-regulated in GCI1 group ( P<0.05). Compared with GCI2 group, the percentage of time spent exploring the novel object was significantly increased, the percentage of freezing time in training and test stages was increased, the escape latency on days 6-9 was shortened, the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant was increased, and the expression of UQCRC1 in the hippocampal CA1 region was up-regulated in GCI+ UQCRC1 group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Hippocampal UQCRC1 is involved in the process of cognitive dysfunction following GCI in mice.
5.Characteristics of blood microbiota in high altitude polycythemia patients by 16S rRNA gene sequencing
Pei HUANG ; He HUANG ; Shenwei XIE ; Yu WU ; Zhifeng ZHONG ; Huaping DONG ; Simin ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Jiaxin XIE
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(10):1075-1082
Objective To investigate the changes in blood microbiota in patients with high altitude polycythemia(HAPC)and the correlation with the risk of HAPC.Methods A cross-sectional trial was carried out among 41 HAPC patients(HAPC group)and 41 healthy plateau individuals(control group)who took physical examination in the Health Management Department of No.953 Hospital of PLA Army in 2021.High-throughput sequencing technology was used to detect the V3-V4 variable region of the 16S ribosomal RNA(16S rRNA)gene in the blood smaples,and the composition and difference of the blood microbiota were compared and analyzed between the 2 groups.Results All the participants were male and Han people,and there were no significant differences in baseline data such as age,body mass index and plateau migration time between the 2 groups(P>0.05).The α-diversity of blood microbiota in the HAPC group,including the Simpson index(0.931±0.005 vs 0.907±0.008,P<0.05),Goods Coverage index(0.998±0.001 vs 0.997±0.001,P<0.001)and Pielou index(0.597±0.011 vs 0.567±0.009,P<0.05)were significantly higher than those in the control group.Meanwhile,obvious difference was observed in the β diversity between the 2 groups(P<0.01).The relative abundance analysis of bacteria showed that Pelomonas(0.046±0.004 vs 0.033±0.003,P<0.05),Azospirillum(0.046±0.006 vs 0.021±0.003,P<0.01),Acidovorax(0.032± 0.003 vs 0.019±0.002,Azospirillum(0.046±0.006 vs 0.021±0.003,P<0.01)and Acidovorax(0.032± 0.003 vs 0.019±0.002,P<0.05)were statistically higher in the HAPC group than the control group.LEfSe analysis showed that the characteristic blood microbiota of the HAPC group were α-Proteobacteria,and those of control group were Trichospiridae.Conclusion Significant changes are found in diversity,relative abundance and characteristic bacteria of the blood microbiota between the HAPC patients and healthy people at the high altitude,which might be closely associated with the occurrence and development of HAPC.
6.Clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of gallbladder sarcomatoid carcinoma: An analysis of 16 cases
Yashu ZHOU ; Yihui MA ; Jiaxin PEI ; Yuanyuan MENG ; Peng GUO ; Xiyue LIANG ; Taiying LU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(4):767-772
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinicopathological features, diagnosis and treatment methods, and prognosis of gallbladder sarcomatoid carcinoma (GBSC). MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 16 patients with GBSC who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2015 to April 2023, including general information, clinical manifestations, imaging features, pathological features, and treatment modality, and follow-up was performed for all patients. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to perform the survival analysis and plot the survival curve, and the Log-rank test was used for comparison between groups. ResultsAmong the 16 patients, there were 6 male patients and 10 female patients, with a mean age of 62.9±8.4 years. The main clinical manifestations were right upper abdominal pain in 13 patients (81.3%), nausea in 5 patients (31.3%), abdominal distension in 4 patients (25.0%), poor appetite in 3 patients (18.8%), weakness in 2 patients (12.5%), fever in 2 patients (12.5%), and jaundice in 1 patient (6.3%), and 3 patients were asymptomatic and were found to have this disease by physical examination. Of all patients, 81.3% (13/16) were in the advanced stage (stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ) at the time of initial diagnosis. Histopathological examination showed that some cancer cells were spindle-shaped under the microscope, with marked nuclear division and noticeable heteromorphism. Immunohistochemistry showed a positive expression rate of 100% (16/16) for Vimentin, AE1/AE3, and CK8/18, and Ki-67 proliferation index was highly expressed in 81.3% (13/16) of the patients (≥50%), with a median of 70% (range 20% — 90%). All 16 patients underwent surgical treatment, with radical surgery in 11 patients and palliative surgery in 5 patients, among whom 9 received R0 resection, 2 received R1 resection, and 5 received R2 resection, and 7 patients received adjuvant therapy after surgery. Effective follow-up was achieved for all 16 patients, with a follow-up time of 0.5 — 26.0 months and a median follow-up time of 11.0 months. By the end of follow-up, 2 patients survived and 14 patients died due to tumor recurrence or metastasis, with a median survival time of 10.0 months, and the 1- and 2-year cumulative survival rates after surgery were 31.3% and 8.3%, respectively. The prognostic analysis showed that TNM stage (χ2=6.727, P=0.009), surgical approach (χ2=7.508, P=0.006), margin condition (χ2=7.934, P=0.005), and adjuvant therapy (χ2=4.608, P=0.032) were associated with the prognosis of patients. ConclusionThe clinical manifestations of GBSC lack specificity, and a confirmed diagnosis relies on immunohistochemical analysis. Most patients are in the advanced disease at the time of initial diagnosis and tend to have a poor prognosis. There are currently no targeted therapies for this disease, and radical surgery with negative margins and adjuvant therapy can improve the survival rate of patients.
7.Summary Analysis of National Surveillance on Kashin-Beck Disease from 1990 to 2023
Cui SILU ; Liu HUI ; Pei JUNRUI ; Li JIAXIN ; Jiao ZHE ; Deng QING ; Liu NING ; Cao YANHONG ; Yu JUN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(9):1056-1066
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and epidemic situation of children with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in China,and provide the basis for formulating prevention and control measures. Methods Fixed-point monitoring,moving-point monitoring,and full coverage of monitoring were promoted successively from 1990 to 2023. Some children (7-12 years old) underwent clinical and right-hand X-ray examinations every year. According to the KBD diagnosis criteria,clinical and X-ray assessments were used to confirm the diagnosis. Results In 1990,the national KBD detectable rate was 21.01%. X-ray detection decreased to below 10% in 2003 and below 5% in 2007. Between 2010 and 2018,the prevalence of KBD in children was less than 0.4%,which fluctuated at a low level,and has decreased to 0% since 2019. Spatial epidemiological analysis indicated a spatial clustering of adult patients prevalence rate in the KBD areas. Conclusion The evaluation results of the elimination of KBD in China over the last 5 years showed that all villages in the monitored areas have reached the elimination standard. While the adult KBD patients still need for policy consideration and care.
8.Role of hippocampal UQCRC1 in cognitive dysfunction after global cerebral ischemia in mice
Jiaxin LI ; Fuhai BAI ; Zonghong LONG ; Min ZHANG ; Jie PEI ; Yan LIU ; Minlin CHEN ; Shanshan ZHANG ; Hong LI
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(12):1499-1504
Objective:To evalaute the role of hippocampal ubiquinol cytochrome C reductase core protein 1 (UQCRC1) in cognitive dysfunction after global cerebral ischemia (GCI) in mice.Methods:Forty SPF healthy male C57BL/6J mice, aged 12 weeks, weighing 22-26 g, were selected, and 20 of them were divided into 2 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group and GCI1 group. The other 20 mice were divided into 2 groups ( n=10 each) by the random number table method: GCI2 group and GCI+ UQCRC1 overexpression group (GCI+ UQCRC1 group). In Sham group, the skin was directly sutured after exposing both common carotid arteries. Global cerebral ischemia was induced by occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries for 20 min in GCI1, GCI2 and GCI+ UQCRC1 group, and lentivirus VSVG-Lentivirus-hSyn-EGFP-P2A-UQCRC1-WPRE-pA 500 nl was injected into the bilateral hippocampus at 2 weeks before developing the model in GCI+ UQCRC1 group. The novel object recognition task was carried out on the 2nd day following completion of model development, and the percentage of time spent exploring the novel object was calculated. The fear conditioning test was carried out on days 3-4 after completion of model development, and the freezing time was recorded. Morris water maze test was performed on days 5-10 after completion of model development, and the escape latency and time spent in the target quadrant were recorded. After the Morris water maze test, the expression of UQCRC1 in the hippocampal CA1 region was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Results:Compared with Sham group, the percentage of time spent exploring the novel object was significantly decreased, the percentage of freezing time in training and test stages was decreased, the escape latency on days 6-9 was prolonged, the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant was decreased, and the expression of UQCRC1 in the hippocampal CA1 was down-regulated in GCI1 group ( P<0.05). Compared with GCI2 group, the percentage of time spent exploring the novel object was significantly increased, the percentage of freezing time in training and test stages was increased, the escape latency on days 6-9 was shortened, the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant was increased, and the expression of UQCRC1 in the hippocampal CA1 region was up-regulated in GCI+ UQCRC1 group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Hippocampal UQCRC1 is involved in the process of cognitive dysfunction following GCI in mice.
9.Research advances on improving the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in wound repair
Yuren DUAN ; Yuchen ZHAO ; Wenyu SONG ; Jiaxin WANG ; Jie PEI ; Xiaobing WANG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2023;39(7):695-700
How to promote high-quality wound healing is a common problem for plastic surgery and burn physicians. In recent years, numerous animal studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promote wound repair through multiple mechanisms and are promising cell-free therapeutic agents with broad prospect of application. How to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes, optimize their drug delivery strategy, and improve their biological properties are the challenges to be overcome in order to move from basic research to clinical application of exosome therapy for wound repair. This article focuses on methods to improve the wound repair potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes, and reviews the recent research advances on improving the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in wound repair from three aspects, including pretreatment of parental mesenchymal stem cells, hydrogel bio-scaffold loaded with exosomes, and engineered exosomes, to provide a reference for further clinical studies.
10.Exploration and practice on the "golden course" construction of high altitude military hygiene course in military medical university
Yu WU ; Huaijun TIAN ; Jiaxin XIE ; Simin ZHOU ; Zhifeng ZHONG ; Huaping DONG ; Pei HUANG ; Peng LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2023;22(11):1657-1660
High Altitude Military Hygiene is the professional core course of high-altitude medicine, which is significant to the cultivation of military medical talents urgently needed by plateau troops. Under the background of "golden course" construction and army curriculum reform, aiming at the problems such as outdated content of course materials, single teaching mode and insufficient capacity of practical courses, we actively explored the effective path of "golden course" construction, including the renovation of the curriculum-construction concept, the optimization and reorganization of the teaching content, the expansion of case teaching and equipment teaching methods, and the implementation of curriculum ideological and political education and examination reforms. The reform has further improved the learning effect of students and the level of curriculum construction, and also provided beneficial reference for the construction of similar courses in military colleges and universities.

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