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Ghazi-Noori AR, Woodham RD, Rezaei H, Sharif MS, Bramon E, Ritter P, Bauer M, Young AH, Fu CHY. Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation in bipolar depression: an open-label treatment study of clinical outcomes, acceptability and adverse events. Int J Bipolar Disord 2024; 12:30. [PMID: 39162912 PMCID: PMC11336151 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-024-00352-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current treatments for bipolar depression have limited effectiveness, tolerability and acceptability. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a novel non-invasive brain stimulation method that has demonstrated treatment efficacy for major depressive episodes. tDCS is portable, safe, and individuals like having sessions at home. We developed a home-based protocol with real-time remote supervision. In the present study, we have examined the clinical outcomes, acceptability and feasibility of home-based tDCS treatment in bipolar depression. RESULTS Participants were 44 individuals with bipolar disorder (31 women), mean age 47.27 ± 12.89 years, in current depressive episode of at least moderate severity (mean Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score 24.59 ± 2.64). tDCS was provided in bilateral frontal montage, F3 anode, F4 cathode, 2 mA, for 30 min, in a 6-week trial, for total 21 sessions, a follow up visit was conducted 5 months from baseline. Participants maintained their current treatment (psychotherapy, antidepressant or mood stabilising medication) or maintained being medication-free. A research team member was present by video conference at each session. 93.2% participants (n = 41) completed the 6-week treatment and 72.7% of participants (n = 32) completed the 5 month follow up. There was a significant improvement in depressive symptoms following treatment (mean MADRS 8.77 ± 5.37) which was maintained at the 5 month follow up (mean MADRS 10.86 ± 6.90), rate of clinical response was 77.3% (MADRS improvement of 50% or greater from baseline), and rate of clinical remission was 47.7% (MADRS rating of 9 or less). Acceptability was endorsed as "very acceptable" or "quite acceptable" by all participants. No participants developed mania or hypomania. CONCLUSIONS In summary, home-based tDCS with real-time supervision was associated with significant clinical improvements and high acceptability in bipolar depression. Due to the open-label design, efficacy findings are preliminary. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT05436613 registered on 23 June 2022 https//www. CLINICALTRIALS gov/study/NCT05436613.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali-Reza Ghazi-Noori
- School of Psychology, University of East London, Arthur Edwards Building, Water Lane, London, E15 4LZ, UK
| | - Rachel D Woodham
- School of Psychology, University of East London, Arthur Edwards Building, Water Lane, London, E15 4LZ, UK
| | - Hakimeh Rezaei
- School of Psychology, University of East London, Arthur Edwards Building, Water Lane, London, E15 4LZ, UK
- Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mhd Saeed Sharif
- School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Elvira Bramon
- Department of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Allan H Young
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham, UK
| | - Cynthia H Y Fu
- School of Psychology, University of East London, Arthur Edwards Building, Water Lane, London, E15 4LZ, UK.
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, London, UK.
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Kochanowski B, Kageki-Bonnert K, Pinkerton EA, Dougherty DD, Chou T. A Review of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Medication and Psychotherapy for Depression. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2024; 32:77-95. [PMID: 38728568 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVES After participating in this CME activity, the psychiatrist should be better able to:• Compare and contrast therapies used in combination with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for treating MDD. BACKGROUND Noninvasive neuromodulation, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), has emerged as a major area for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). This review has two primary aims: (1) to review the current literature on combining TMS and tDCS with other therapies, such as psychotherapy and psychopharmacological interventions, and (2) to discuss the efficacy, feasibility, limitations, and future directions of these combined treatments for MDD. METHOD This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched three databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, and Cochrane Library. The last search date was December 5, 2023. RESULTS The initial search revealed 2,519 records. After screening and full-text review, 58 studies (7 TMS plus psychotherapy, 32 TMS plus medication, 7 tDCS plus psychotherapy, 12 tDCS plus medication) were included. CONCLUSIONS The current literature on tDCS and TMS paired with psychotherapy provides initial support for integrating mindfulness interventions with both TMS and tDCS. Adding TMS or tDCS to stable doses of ongoing medications can decrease MDD symptoms; however, benzodiazepines may interfere with TMS and tDCS response, and antipsychotics can interfere with TMS response. Pairing citalopram with TMS and sertraline with tDCS can lead to greater MDD symptom reduction compared to using these medications alone. Future studies need to enroll larger samples, include randomized controlled study designs, create more uniform protocols for combined treatment delivery, and explore mechanisms and predictors of change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Kochanowski
- From Harvard Medical School, Division of Neurotherapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
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Dragon K, Abdelnaim MA, Weber FC, Heuschert M, Englert L, Langguth B, Hebel T, Schecklmann M. Treating depression at home with transcranial direct current stimulation: a feasibility study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1335243. [PMID: 38501089 PMCID: PMC10944921 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1335243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Treating major depressive disorder (MDD) with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) devices at home has various logistic advantages compared to tDCS treatment in the clinic. However, preliminary (controlled) studies showed side effects such as skin lesions and difficulties in the implementation of home-based tDCS. Thus, more data are needed regarding the feasibility and possible disadvantages of home-based tDCS. Methods Ten outpatients (23-69 years) with an acute depressive episode were included for this one-arm feasibility study testing home-based tDCS. All patients self-administered prefrontal tDCS (2 mA, 20 min, anodal left, cathodal right) at home on 30 consecutive working days supported by video consultations. Correct implementation of the home-based treatment was analyzed with tDCS recordings. Feasibility was examined by treatment compliance. For additional analyses of effectiveness, three depression scores were used: Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS-21), Major Depression Inventory (MDI), and the subscale depression of the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS). Furthermore, usability was measured with the user experience questionnaire (UEQ). Tolerability was analyzed by the number of reported adverse events (AEs). Results Eight patients did not stick to the protocol. AEs were minimal. Four patients responded to the home treatment according to the MDI. Usability was judged positive by the patients. Conclusions Regular video consultations or other safety concepts are recommended regardless of the number of video sessions actually conducted. Home-based tDCS seems to be safe and handy in our feasibility study, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Dragon
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mohamed A. Abdelnaim
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Franziska C. Weber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Heuschert
- University Medical Center, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Leon Englert
- University Medical Center, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Berthold Langguth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Hebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schecklmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Hsu CW, Chou PH, Brunoni AR, Hung KC, Tseng PT, Liang CS, Carvalho AF, Vieta E, Tu YK, Lin PY, Chu CS, Hsu TW, Chen YCB, Li CT. Comparing different non-invasive brain stimulation interventions for bipolar depression treatment: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 156:105483. [PMID: 38056187 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a promising treatment for bipolar depression. We systematically searched for randomized controlled trials on NIBS for treating bipolar depression (INPLASY No: 202340019). Eighteen articles (N = 617) were eligible for network meta-analysis. Effect sizes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over F3 plus cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation over F4 (a-tDCS-F3 +c-tDCS-F4; SMD = -1.18, 95%CIs = -1.66 to -0.69, N = 77), high-definition tDCS over F3 (HD-tDCS-F3; -1.17, -2.00 to -0.35, 25), high frequency deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-dTMS; -0.81, -1.62 to -0.001, 25), and high frequency repetitive TMS over F3 plus low frequency repetitive TMS over F4 (HF-rTMS-F3 +LF-rTMS-F4; -0.77, -1.43 to -0.11, 38) significantly improved depressive symptoms compared to sham controls. Only a-tDCS-F3 +c-tDCS-F4 (OR = 4.53, 95%CIs = 1.51-13.65) and HF-rTMS-F3 +LF-rTMS-F4 (4.69, 1.02-21.56) showed higher response rates. No active NIBS interventions exhibited significant differences in dropout or side effect rates, compared with sham controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Han Chou
- Dr. Chou's Mental Health Clinic; Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, China Medical University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Andre R Brunoni
- Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation, National Institute of Biomarkers in Psychiatry, Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27), Departamento e Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina da University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Medicina da University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kuo-Chuan Hung
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Tao Tseng
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Institute of Precision Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Sung Liang
- Department of Psychiatry, Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment (IMPACT) Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Yu-Kang Tu
- Institute of Health Data Analytics & Statistics, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Yen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Che-Sheng Chu
- Center for Geriatric and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, E-Da Dachang Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Chieh Brian Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Ta Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Brain Science and Brain Research Center, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Kumpf U, Ezim H, Stadler M, Burkhardt G, Palm U, Dechantsreiter E, Padberg F. Transcranial direct current stimulation as treatment for major depression in a home treatment setting (HomeDC trial): study protocol and methodology of a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:197. [PMID: 38102647 PMCID: PMC10722795 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01423-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of prefrontal cortex regions has been reported to exert therapeutic effects in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Due to its beneficial safety profile, its easy mode of application, and its cost-effectiveness, tDCS has recently been proposed for treatment at home. This would offer new chances for regionally widespread and long-term application. However, tDCS at home must meet the new methodological challenges of handling and adherence. At the same time, data from randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating this mode of application are still lacking. In this pilot RCT, we therefore investigate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of a new antidepressant tDCS application set-up. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The HomeDC trial will be conducted as a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design trial. Thirty-two study participants with MDD will be randomly assigned to active or sham tDCS groups. Participants will self-administer prefrontal tDCS for 6 weeks. Active tDCS will be conducted with anode over F3, cathode over F4, for 5 sessions/week, with a duration of 30 min/day, and 2 mA stimulation intensity. Sham tDCS, conversely, follows an identical protocol in regard to electrode montage and timing, but with no electric stimulation between the ramp-in and ramp-out periods. Both conditions will be administered either as a monotherapy or an adjunctive treatment to a stable dose of antidepressant medication. Adjunctive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electric field (E-field) modelling will be conducted at baseline. Primary outcome is feasibility based on successfully completed stimulations and drop-out rates. The intervention is considered feasible when 20 out of 30 sessions have been fully conducted by at least 75% of the participants. Effectiveness and safety will be assessed as secondary outcomes. DISCUSSION In the HomeDC trial, the technical requirements for a placebo-controlled tDCS study in a home-based treatment setting have been established. The trial addresses the crucial points of the home-based tDCS treatment approach: uniform electrode positioning, frequent monitoring of stimulation parameters, adherence, and ensuring an appropriate home treatment environment. This study will further identify constraints and drawbacks of this novel mode of treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION www. CLINICALTRIALS gov . TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05172505. Registration date: 12/13/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Kumpf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Harry Ezim
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Stadler
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerrit Burkhardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Palm
- Medicalpark Chiemseeblick, Bernau-Felden, Germany
| | - Esther Dechantsreiter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Padberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
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Kumpf U, Palm U, Eder J, Ezim H, Stadler M, Burkhardt G, Dechantsreiter E, Padberg F. TDCS at home for depressive disorders: an updated systematic review and lessons learned from a prematurely terminated randomized controlled pilot study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1403-1420. [PMID: 37191697 PMCID: PMC10185954 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01620-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at home for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) is the subject of current clinical trials. This is due to its positive safety profile, cost-effectiveness, and potential scalability for a wide outreach in clinical practice. Here, we provide a systematic review of the available studies and also a report on the results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on tDCS at home for the treatment of MDD. This trial had to be prematurely terminated due to safety concerns. The HomeDC trial is a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Patients with MDD (DSM-5) were randomized to active or sham tDCS. Patients conducted tDCS at home for 6 weeks with 5 sessions/week (30 min at 2 mA) anode over F3, cathode over F4. Sham tDCS resembled active tDCS, with ramp-in and ramp-out periods, but without intermittent stimulation. The study was prematurely terminated due to an accumulation of adverse events (AEs, skin lesions), so that only 11 patients were included. Feasibility was good. Safety monitoring was not sufficient enough to detect or prevent AEs within an appropriate timeframe. Regarding antidepressant effects, the reduction in depression scales over time was significant. However, active tDCS was not superior to sham tDCS in this regard. Both the conclusions from this review and the HomeDC trial show that there are several critical issues with the use of tDCS at home that need to be addressed. Nevertheless the array of transcranial electric simulation (TES) methods that this mode of application offers, including tDCS, is highly interesting and warrants further investigation in high quality RCTs. TRIAL REGISTRATION www. CLINICALTRIALS gov . TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05172505. Registration date: 12/13/2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05172505 . *Consider, if feasible to do so, reporting the number of records identified from each database or register searched (rather than the total number across all databases/registers) **If automation tools were used, indicate how many records were excluded by a human and how many were excluded by automation tools From: Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71 . For more information, visit: http://www.prisma-statement.org/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Kumpf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Palm
- Medicalpark Chiemseeblick, Bernau-Felden, Germany
| | - Julia Eder
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Harry Ezim
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Stadler
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerrit Burkhardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Esther Dechantsreiter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Padberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
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