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  • The heart attack-preventing drug that could steal aspirin’s crown – The Times

    The heart attack-preventing drug that could steal aspirin’s crown – The Times

    1. The heart attack-preventing drug that could steal aspirin’s crown  The Times
    2. Doctors find drug that is better than aspirin at preventing heart attacks  The Guardian
    3. Why some heart disease patients may now be given blood thinner clopidogrel  The Independent
    4. Hyperactive blood platelets linked to heart attacks despite standard drug therapy  Medical Xpress
    5. Clopidogrel Found to Reduce Major Cardiovascular Events More Effectively Than Aspirin in CAD Patients  geneonline.com

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  • Adverse events during pregnancy, circulating metabolites, and congenital malformations: a Mendelian randomization study | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

    Adverse events during pregnancy, circulating metabolites, and congenital malformations: a Mendelian randomization study | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

    Study design

    MR is a specialized analytical method that employs genetic instrumental variables (IVs), specifically single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), to assess the effects of risk factors on various outcomes, including diseases [11]. This MR study consists of two analytical phases (Fig. 1). In the first phase, the causal impacts of nine adverse events during pregnancy on six congenital malformations in offspring were investigated using a Two-Sample MR approach. In the second phase, the mediating role of circulating metabolites in the causal pathways between adverse events during pregnancy and these congenital outcomes was evaluated using a Two-Step Two-Sample MR approach.

    Fig. 1

    Overview of the study design. The flow diagram of conducting the two-step MR, which involved the adverse events during pregnancy, circulating metabolites, and congenital malformations

    The study employs a two-sample MR design. To ensure accuracy and rigor, the instrumental variables must satisfy three core assumptions [11]: (1) the IVs are closely associated with the exposure; (2) the IVs are independent of confounding factors; (3) the IVs influence the outcome exclusively through the exposure. This study adheres to the guidelines of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Using Mendelian Randomization (STROBE-MR) [12].

    All MR analysis was conducted with the packages “TwoSampleMR”, “MendelianRandomization”, “MRPRESSO”, “MRInstruments”, and “ieugwasr” in R software (version 4.3.0).

    Data source

    The GWAS datasets provide reliable instrumental tools for MR analysis. Summary statistics for adverse events during pregnancy were obtained from the UK Biobank and accessed through the Pan UKBB portal (Pan UKBB) [13] (Supplementary Table 1). Summary statistics on congenital malformations were sourced from the Finn Biobank (Supplementary Table 2).

    For this study, data on 249 nuclear magnetic resonance circulating metabolites from 121,000 participants of European ancestry were utilized. These included absolute concentrations of 168 biomarkers and 81 biomarker ratios, predominantly encompassing lipids and lipoprotein particles sub-fractions (accounting for 81% of the data). Additional measured biomarkers included cholesterol, amino acids, esterified cholesterol, apolipoproteins, fatty acids, free cholesterol, lipoprotein particle size, ketone bodies, choline, glycolysis-related compounds, phospholipids, and triglycerides. These metabolite profiles were generated by Nightingale Health [14]. The full GWAS summary statistics for these biomarkers are publicly available in the IEU Open-GWAS Project database under the GWAS identifier’met-d'(Supplementary Table 3).

    Instrumental variables selection

    Initially, this study employed a significance threshold of P < 5e-8 to identify SNPs highly associated with the exposure factors. However, due to a limited number of SNPs associated with adverse events during pregnancy, which compromised the reliability of the results, a more lenient cutoff of P < 1e-5 was adopted. For the selection of SNPs related to circulating metabolites, the stricter significance threshold of P < 5e-8 was maintained. This analysis conducted a clumping procedure to filter independent SNPs, applying a window size of 10,000 kb and an r2 < 0.01 threshold to assess linkage disequilibrium (LD). Palindromic SNPs were excluded due to alignment uncertainties in the same orientation for both exposure and outcome. The F-statistic, which integrates the magnitude and precision of the genetic impact on the trait:

    $$F=frac{{R}^{2}(N-2)}{1- {R}^{2}}$$

    where R2 signifies the proportion of the trait’s variance elucidated by the SNP, and N denotes the sample size of the GWAS encompassing SNPs associated with the trait [15]. The R2 values were estimated using the formula:

    $${R}^{2}=2*EAF*left(1-EAFright)* {beta }^{2}$$

    The effect allele frequency (EAF) of the SNP is denoted as EAF, and β represents the estimated effect of the SNP on the trait. SNPs with an F-statistic less than 10 were excluded, as an F-statistic greater than 10 indicated ample strength, ensuring the credibility of the SNPs.

    Statistical analyses

    MR analysis to estimate the effects of the adverse events during pregnancy on the congenital malformation

    Two-Sample MR was utilized to estimate the effect of adverse events during pregnancy on congenital malformations. The Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method served as the primary analysis technique, offering the most precise and powerful estimates assuming all genetic variants are valid instruments. To comprehensively evaluate potential relationships, additional robust methods were employed, including MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode.

    MR-Egger regression, which is typically used to detect publication bias in meta-analyses, was also applied to assess directional pleiotropy among different genetic variants [16]. This study utilized the MR-Egger intercept approach to detect horizontal pleiotropy [17]. Should horizontal pleiotropy be detected, outliers were removed, and the IVW method was reapplied to aggregate the effect sizes of each SNP.

    Mediation MR analysis linking the adverse events during pregnancy with congenital malformation via circulating metabolites

    Two-step MR was utilized to estimate the mediation effect of circulating metabolites on the relationship between adverse events during pregnancy and congenital malformations. Initially, the impact of adverse events during pregnancy on 168 metabolites was quantified, denoted as (βexp-med). Subsequently, the analysis assessed the influence of circulating metabolites—those that exhibited statistically significant associations with adverse events during pregnancy—on the congenital malformations, represented as (βmed-out).

    The indirect effect of the exposure (adverse events during pregnancy) on the outcome (congenital malformations) mediated through metabolites was calculated as the product of βexp-med and βmed-out:

    $${beta }_{indirect}={beta }_{exp-med}*{beta }_{med-out}$$

    Furthermore, the direct effect of the exposure on the outcome, specifically refers to the component of the exposure’s effect on the outcome that is independent of the proposed mediator—the circulating metabolites, was computed using the equation:

    $${beta }_{direct}={beta }_{exp-out}-{beta }_{indirect}$$

    Sensitivity analysis

    In the analysis assessing the impact of adverse events during pregnancy on congenital malformations, several sensitivity analysis methods were employed to ensure the robustness of the findings. These included the MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. Additionally, MR-Egger regression was utilized to evaluate potential biases arising from gene pleiotropy, with the intercept serving as an indicator of such bias. To further quantify the heterogeneity among SNPs, Cochrane’s Q statistic was applied both for the IVW method and the MR-Egger approach.

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  • ESC 2025: digital outpatient tech reduces heart failure readmission

    ESC 2025: digital outpatient tech reduces heart failure readmission

    KiActiv’s digital cardiac rehabilitation programme has significantly reduced heart failure (HF) hospital readmissions while cutting healthcare costs.

    The 12-week therapy, which offers HF outpatients personalised daily physical activity regimens to help reduce the risk of cardiac event recurrence upon discharge, has been seen to reduce HF readmissions by 70% after 90 days.

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    Novel data presented at the 2025 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) conference from a programme at the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has also revealed the technology’s potential to improve the mental well-being and quality of life of patients, offering improvements in 74% and 58% of patients, respectively.

    Notably, KiActiv also appeared to be superior to standard face-to-face HF cardiac rehabilitation programmes that are generally used by UK hospitals, with patient uptake being six-fold higher than traditional methods.

    The positive early outcomes of this programme follow the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) call to conditionally recommend the technology to adult cardiovascular disease outpatients for cardiac rehabilitation in August 2025.

    This aligns with the NHS’ recently announced 10-Year Plan, which will see the public health body transition from analogue to digital, utilising technology to empower patients to pursue self-care treatment options.

    According to Dr Rajiv Sankaranarayanan, consultant cardiologist at the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and presenter of KiActiv’s ESC abstract, the technology is believed to be a “world-first” and will support efforts to boost patient rehabilitation rates outside of the hospital setting.

    Though the findings from this programme are based on KiActiv’s potential in HF outpatients, the technology’s creator, Tommy Parker, has touted the programme’s efficacy in other long-term conditions such as diabetes, obesity, long Covid and chronic fatigue syndrome.

    According to a NICE assessment, the technology will save the NHS £43.40 per £1 spent after ten years – highlighting its potential to reduce treatment costs for the public health service.

    Moving forward, KiActiv will work to solidify its footing in the ever-growing digital health market, which GlobalData, parent company of Medical Device Network, valued at $7bn in 2024.

    The shift towards patient-centric and convenient outpatient options will likely further drive up the sector’s value, with GlobalData’s analysts forecasting that the market will be worth $22bn by 2034.

    Currently, Oracle Health – formerly the Cerner Corporation – dominates the market, making just over 21% of the industry’s total revenue during 2024. This is followed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Medtronic, who earned $606m and $496m, respectively, in the same year.

    Meanwhile, the UK digital health market was worth $249.6m in 2023.

    Medical Device Network Excellence Awards – The Benefits of Entering

    Gain the recognition you deserve! The Medical Device Network Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving medical devices advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

    Nominate Now



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  • Samsung Could Unveil 3 More Major Products Later This Month – PCMag

    1. Samsung Could Unveil 3 More Major Products Later This Month  PCMag
    2. Exclusive: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE’s Full Design, Colors & Features  Android Headlines
    3. Top Galaxy S25 FE features you should be excited about  SamMobile
    4. Samsung’s Premium AI Tablets And Next Big Phone Coming Soon – What To Expect From Galaxy Unpacked Event?  news24online.com
    5. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE gets listed in Europe, full specs and official images outed – GSMArena.com news  GSMArena.com

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  • Built for Every Challenge – Samsung Newsroom South Africa

    Built for Every Challenge – Samsung Newsroom South Africa

    Samsung Electronics officially launched the Galaxy A07 on 1 September 2025, the latest addition to its popular Galaxy A Series range. Designed to be tough, reliable, and immersive, the Galaxy A07 is built to deliver creativity and affordability, it’s the first love for a new generation of mobile users.

     

    With its durable design, slim and sleek appearance, big immersive screen, and ample storage, the new Galaxy A07 is made to support cost-conscious South Africans seeking a reliable feature rich device through everyday milestones.

     

    Understanding that affordability is key for first-time smartphone owners, the Galaxy A07 delivers advanced technology accessible to more South Africans. The Galaxy A Series is often the very first smartphone for young people, one they can truly call their own. The first binge-watch, the first win. Owning the Galaxy A07, is the beginning of independence, self-expression, and connection. Durable enough to handle the daily grind, powerful enough to keep up with ambition, and affordable enough to put it within reach, it’s the kind of first smartphone you never forget. The one you always look back on as your first love – your first Galaxy.

     

    “Samsung’s Galaxy A Series has always been about empowering young people to own their journeys with devices that deliver both performance and style,” says Justin Hume, Vice President: Mobile eXperience at Samsung Africa. “The new Galaxy A07 embodies that vision – it’s durable, powerful, and ready to stand by your side through every challenge. We believe it will be the smartphone that many young people will fall in love with, not just because of how it looks, but because of how it supports their everyday hustle.”

     

    The Galaxy A07 blends affordable innovation with the performance and durability that Samsung is known for;

    • Tough and Durable – IP54-rated splash and dust resistance ensures the device can keep up with busy, on-the-go lifestyles.
    • 6.7” Big Screen – A large, immersive, and bright 90Hz display that is perfect for streaming content, gaming, split-screen multitasking, or digital art creation.
    • Large Storage and Memory128GB of internal memory with 4+4GB RAM provides plenty of room for photos, apps, and videos, while keeping performance smooth.
    • Power That Lasts – A long-lasting battery designed to keep up with busy student life and endless scrolling.

     

    Whether it’s watching your favourite series, staying productive on the go, or creating viral-worthy content, the Galaxy A07 is always ready for action.

     

    The Galaxy A07 is designed for those navigating the exciting challenges of school, work, or creative exploration. As students, young professionals, and creators chase their goals, the Galaxy A07 promises to be the device that keeps pace with their ambition.

     

    More than just a phone, the Galaxy A07 is an everyday companion – reliable, sleek, and powerful enough to handle whatever comes next.

     

    The Samsung Galaxy A07 is available at Samsung retail and online stores, Samsung Shop App, retailers and network operators.

     

    

     

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  • Best Labor Day Samsung TV deal: Record-low price on Samsung 85-inch Neo QLED 4K TV

    Best Labor Day Samsung TV deal: Record-low price on Samsung 85-inch Neo QLED 4K TV

    SAVE 13%: As of Sept. 1, you can get the 85-inch Samsung Class Neo QLED 4K Mini LED Smart TV (2025) for just $1,697.99. That’s the best-ever price for Labor Day.


    If you’ve been dreaming of a TV that delivers a true theater-like experience, Amazon has a limited-time deal on the massive 85-inch Samsung Neo QLED QN70F 4K Mini LED Smart TV. This TV, which is part of Samsung’s 2025 lineup, is on sale for $1,697.99, down from $1,947.99. That’s a 13% discount and a $250 price cut. (It’s also a new record-low price, according to our trusty price-tracking tool, camelcamelcamel.)

    A sweet perk with this deal is the free “Deluxe Delivery and Unpack” option from Amazon. This service delivers the TV to your room of choice, unboxes it, and removes the packaging for free. You can also opt for a “Television Unpacking and Haul Away” service for $69.99 if you want them to take your old set off your hands.

    SEE ALSO:

    Amazon’s Labor Day sale is live with lowest-ever prices on Apple, Samsung, and much more

    Reviewers describe the picture quality as “stunningly vivid” and “almost holographic,” which is definitely a compliment considering how snarky most Amazon reviewers get. It’s powered by the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, which uses 20 AI neural networks to enhance picture quality to 4K and optimize sound for top-notch viewing performance.

    Mashable Deals

    For gamers and sports fans, this TV offers smooth visuals and lightning-fast speeds for VRR gaming at up to 4K 144Hz with the Motion Xcelerator 144Hz feature. It’s also great for streaming with thousands of free channels and built-in Alexa, so you can control your TV with just your voice.

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  • Clinical Outcomes of a Multicenter Study Following Implantation of an

    Clinical Outcomes of a Multicenter Study Following Implantation of an

    Introduction

    The advances in cataract surgery in terms of techniques, instruments and intraocular lenses (IOL) has led to a great improvement in quality of life and vision for patients. In addition, presbyopia correcting or high performance IOLs have minimised spectacle dependence for some daily activities, especially those involving intermediate and near vision. Trifocal IOLs create three focal points to provide good outcomes at far, intermediate and near distances, while extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOLs create a continuous area of focus, optimising intermediate vision. A systematic review and meta-analysis based on 22 publications enrolling 2200 eyes compared the outcomes of trifocal IOLs and EDOF IOLs in patients undergoing IOL implantation after cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange.1 This study concluded that trifocal lenses improved near visual acuity compared to EDOF IOLs but no difference was reported in terms of far and intermediate visual acuity. Specifically, when the defocus curve was analysed, the trifocal lenses showed favourable outcomes for near vision, whereas the EDOF lenses had better results for intermediate vision. EDOF IOLs are a new approach in the armamentarium available to cataract and refractive surgeons. Also, new IOLs, namely advanced monofocal or monofocal plus or enhanced monofocal lenses, have been launched onto the market that provide a relatively good depth of focus although this is not comparable to that produced by EDOF IOLs.

    The Isopure Serenity IOL (BVI, Inc., Waltham, USA) is a lens recently launched onto the market with an optical aspheric design based on an isofocal concept.2 This IOL is identical to the Isopure 1.2.3 IOL except for the haptic-design, which has a double C-loop posterior angulated haptic platform. This POD platform is used in other IOL models from the same company. Over the last 5 years, a number of clinical studies have analysed the Isopure 1.2.3 IOL, reporting good outcomes in terms of refraction, visual acuity, optical quality, photic phenomena and patient-reported questionnaires.3–15 These studies analysed samples containing from 22 up to 183 eyes with follow-up periods from 1 to 12 months. Taking into account these studies, we consider that this lens is an effective choice for our patients and provides them with good vision at far distance and functional intermediate vision due to the extended-range of vision created. The purpose of this multicentre study is to analyse the refractive accuracy and vision at different distances in subjects implanted with the new Isopure Serenity IOL.

    Methods

    This is a multicentre-prospective open-label clinical study. The study was carried out in accordance with the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by each of the local Review Boards (IRB) of the different centers participating in the study: Centre For Sight, Nihonbashi Cataract-Clinic, Institut Ophtalmologique de l’Ouest Jules Verne, Centre Ophtalmologique Kléber, Clinique Beau Soleil, Hospital CHU Ambroise Paré, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital and Università degli studi di Milano. Patients signed informed consent to participate in the study. The inclusion criteria considered patients aged 45 years or older on the treatment day that were bilaterally implanted with Isopure Serenity IOLs, with a maximum time of 30 days between the first and second eye treatment. The exclusion criteria considered patients who had undergone previous intraocular surgery, diagnosed with degenerative visual disorders such as age-related macular degeneration or cystoid macular oedema, patients for whom in-the-bag implantation was not possible, and patients who experienced surgical complications (eg, posterior capsule rupture).

    Isopure Serenity Intraocular Lens

    All the eyes in this study were implanted with the posterior chamber hydrophobic Isopure Serenity IOL (non-toric or toric model PODS49P/PODST49P, Figure 1). This IOL model is made of GFY material (hydrophobic acrylic with refractive index of 1.53 and an Abbe number of 42, with blue light and UV filters). The IOL, with optical and overall diameters of 6.00 mm and 11.4 mm, respectively, has a posterior angulated POD double C-loop haptic platform with RidgeTech. The RidgeTech wavy structures are prone to limit the problematic of the mutual attachment of the two trailing haptics during lens implantation with standard injection systems. The IOL is manufactured in spherical powers ranging from +10 D to +30 D (0.50 D steps) and from +31 D to +35 D (1.00 D steps); the cylindrical power (IOL plane) is manufactured for the following powers: 1.00/1.50/2.25/3.00/3.75/4.50/5.25/6.00 D. The Medicel Accuject 2.1/2.2 injection system is employed to implant the IOL model. Swept-source optical biometry with the IOL Master 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) and Anterior (Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany) devices was employed with the Barrett-Universal II, Barrett TK and Holladay 2 formulas.

    Figure 1 Posterior chamber hydrophobic Isopure Serenity intraocular lens. Left: lens design with sizes; right: photography.

    Refraction Accuracy and Visual Performance at Different Distances

    All the data was recorded at least 3 months post-surgery. Refraction was recorded in all the eyes. Vector analysis was carried out using the double-angle plot tool.16 For visual performance, the monocular-uncorrected-distance-visual acuity (UDVA), corrected-distance-visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected-intermediate-visual acuity (UIVA), distance-corrected-intermediate-visual acuity (DCIVA) both at 80 cm and 66 cm, uncorrected-near-visual acuity (UNVA), and distance-corrected-near-visual acuity (DCNVA) at 40 cm were measured. In addition, binocular photopic defocus curves were measured from +1.00 D to –4.00 D (25 cm) in 0.5 D steps. Any possible adverse event was registered.

    The information recorded from all the subjects was registered into an Excel spreadsheet (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, USA) to provide mean, standard deviation and ranges for all the variables studied. In addition, several graphs to report standard outcomes after IOL surgery were created.17

    Results

    In this multicentre clinical study, 108 eyes (54 subjects) were implanted with the Isopure Serenity IOL. Table 1 shows the patient demographics and preoperative main characteristics. Specifically, the average age of the subjects was 72.13±8.60 years (from 47 to 88 years); and 39 patients were female. The average IOL power was +21.40±3.85 D, ranging from +10.00 to +29.00 D. No related adverse IOL events were reported.

    Table 1 Demographic Characteristics of Participants Shown as Means, Standard Deviations (SD) and Ranges

    Refractive Outcomes

    Figure 2 plots the refractive accuracy of the surgery for the postoperative spherical equivalent refraction (A) and the refractive cylinder (B). In our cohort, 79.63% of eyes were within ±0.50 D and 98.15% of eyes were within ±1.00D of the target spherical equivalent. In relation to refractive astigmatism, 72.22% and 96.30% of eyes showed a refractive cylinder of ≤0.50 D and ≤1.00 D, respectively. The average refractive spherical equivalent and cylinder values were –0.06±0.44 D and –0.37±0.44 D, respectively. Vector analysis was performed; Figure 3 shows the outcomes for preoperative corneal astigmatism prior to the surgery (Figure 3A) and the postoperative refractive astigmatism post-IOL implantation (Figure 3B). Note that the mean absolute of the corneal astigmatism before IOL implantation was 0.63±0.35 D and that of the refractive cylinder was 0.38±0.43 D after the intervention, showing its postoperative reduction.

    Figure 2 Distribution of postoperative spherical equivalent refraction (A) and refractive cylinder (B) post-Isopure Serenity intraocular lens implantation.

    Figure 3 Double-angle plots for preoperative corneal astigmatism (A) and postoperative refractive astigmatism (B) post-Isopure Serenity intraocular lens implantation. Centroids, mean absolute values with standard deviations, 95% confidence ellipse of the centroid and 95% confidence ellipse of the dataset are also shown.

    Far, Intermediate and Near Visual Acuity Outcomes

    For visual acuity outcomes, Figure 4 was plotted. This figure plots the cumulative percentage of eyes post-surgery with given UDVA and CDVA (Figure 4A), UIVA and DCIVA (Figure 4B), and UNVA and DCNVA (Figure 4C) values. We can see that 68.41% and 98.15% of eyes showed a UDVA and CDVA of 20/20 or better, respectively, with 88.89% and 99.07% of eyes achieving a UDVA and CDVA of 20/25 or better, respectively (see Figure 4A). Specifically, the average values for UDVA and CDVA were 0.02±0.11 logMAR and –0.04±0.05 logMAR, respectively. Mean visual acuities are illustrated in Table 2 (note that some values were not recorded for the whole sample). For intermediate vision, Figure 4B shows that 77.14% and 39.39% of eyes achieved a DCIVA of 20/32 or better at 80 cm and 66 cm, respectively, and 90% and 72.73% eyes achieved a DCIVA of 20/40 or better at 80 and 66 cm, respectively. The average values for DCIVA were 0.19±0.10 and 0.28±0.11 logMAR, at 80 cm and at 66 cm, respectively (see Table 2, which also shows the mean values for UIVA). At near distance (40 cm), Figure 4C shows that 25% and 15.15% of eyes had a UNVA and DCNVA of 20/32 or better, respectively, with 39.81% and 31.82% achieving a UNVA and DCNVA of 20/40 or better, respectively. The average values for UNVA and DCNVA were 0.37±0.15 logMAR and 0.40±0.13 logMAR, respectively (see Table 2).

    Table 2 Monocular Visual Acuity Outcomes (logMAR) for Eyes Implanted with the Isopure Serenity Toric Intraocular Lens (IOL) Shown as Means, Standard Deviations (SD) and Ranges at 3 months of Follow-Up

    Figure 4 Cumulative proportion of eyes post-Isopure Serenity intraocular lens implantation with a given postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (A), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) and distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity (DCIVA) at 80 and 66 cm (B), and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) and distance-corrected visual acuity (DCNVA) at 40 cm (C).

    Defocus Curve

    Figure 5 plots the photopic binocular through-focus, best-corrected visual acuity from +1.0 D to –4.0 D in the whole cohort. Note that there is a peak of best visual acuity (–0.05±0.06 logMAR) at far distance focus of the IOL, ie, 0 D of vergence, with its value reducing with increased lens power, showing a broad range of functional vision from far distance down to vergences of around 1.75 D (with reference to 0.20 logMAR). This figure also shows binocular values from different studies3,5,8,9 with the Isopure 1.2.3 IOL illustrated for comparative purposes. It should be considered that these values were estimated from the different graphs published in their respective studies.

    Figure 5 Mean photopic binocular logMAR visual acuity with best correction for distance as a function of the chart vergence from +1.0 D to –4.0 D post-Isopure Serenity intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The error bars represent the standard deviation. The right y-axis shows Snellen acuity in feet. Distance (cm) is shown in the upper x-axis for intermediate distances. Binocular values from different studies with the Isopure 1.2.3. IOL are depicted for comparative purposes. Note that these values were estimated from the graphs published in the different studies. All the curves were smoothed for graphical representation.

    Discussion

    Some clinical publications have reported the visual and refractive outcomes of eyes implanted with the Isopure 1.2.3 IOL,3–15 reporting good visual performance for this lens at different distances and excellent refractive accuracy when implanted. The objective of this multicentre-study was to analyse the visual and refractive outcomes in a cohort of eyes implanted with the new model, the Isopure Serenity IOL, which uses 4 C loop haptics as opposed to 4 closed loop haptics with the prior model.

    Refractive Accuracy

    A key indicator of IOL performance is the predictability of the postoperative refractive outcome. Figure 2 plots the accuracy for the spherical equivalent and cylinder at the last postoperative visit for our sample. The percentage of eyes within ±1.00 D of the spherical equivalent and ≤1.00 D of the refractive cylinder were high: 98.15% and 96.30%, respectively. Spherical equivalent outcomes were excellent (–0.06±0.44 D) as was mean refractive astigmatism (–0.37±0.44 D). The reduction of refractive astigmatism is evident with the scatter plot (Figure 3) revealing a centroid mean of 0.20±0.54D. By contrast, EUREQUO outcomes, which analysed more than 280,000 cataract and refractive procedures, reported 72.7% of eyes as being within ±0.50D and 93% of eyes within ±1.00D.18 In order to compare our outcomes with previous publications using the Isopure 1.2.3 IOL, we created Table 3. This table indicates some studies that published refractive and visual outcomes based on a minimum of number of eyes and follow-up times (40 eyes and 3 months of follow-up). Bova and Vita4 recruited the smallest sample of eyes (n=42) and Bernabeu-Arias et al5 the largest (n=183). Bova and Vita4 published outcomes with the longest follow-up period (1 year). Our results largely agree with those found by other colleagues for the Isopure 1.2.3. IOL. For example, we obtained, together with Ang et al8 the lowest mean spherical equivalent value (–0.06 D), with the refractive astigmatism being similar to that recorded in other studies, between a quarter to close to half of a dioptre. The number of eyes with a spherical equivalent within ±0.50 D and ±1.00 D were similar to those found by our colleagues (from 73.2%5 to 84.62%,8 and 95.7%5 and 99.23%,8 respectively). This was also similar for the refractive astigmatism ≤0.50D and ≤1.00D: Ang et al8 found 74.6% and 96.2%, respectively. Perez-Sanz et al19 analysed the tolerance of residual astigmatism of the Isopure 1.2.3 IOL with comparison to the monofocal Micropure IOL (BVI Inc). They found that the performance of the two models was quite similar for 2- and 3-mm pupils, while the Isopure exhibits a significant reduction in optical quality for a 4.5-mm pupil in comparison with the monofocal lens. However, no statistically significant differences were reported between the lenses when visual performance was examined for any power of induced astigmatism. They concluded that the tolerance to residual astigmatism for the Isopure model was similar to that of the monofocal Micropure lens with a pupil of up to 3.5-mm. They reported that tolerance was worse for the Isopure when the residual astigmatism was induced at 90° versus 180°. Based on our results, we consider that the performance of the Serenity Isopure is similar to the Isopure 123.

    Table 3 Refractive and Monocular Visual Outcomes of Several Clinical Studies Carried Out on Patients Implanted with the Isopure 1.2.3. Intraocular Lens and the Current Study with the Isopure Serenity Intraocular Lens. This Table Considers Studies with a Minimum of 40 Eyes and 3 Months of Follow-Up

    Visual Acuity

    Focusing now on visual acuity, our results showed that this IOL model provides good far distance visual acuity with functional intermediate vision. Table 2 shows the mean values for the different distances and Figure 3 plots the different cumulative percentages. The CDVA values in our trial exceed that of the real-world data reported by EUREQUO20 based on more than 368,000 cataract operations. Specifically, EUREQUO20 reported that a CDVA of ≥20/40 and ≥20/20 was obtained in 94.3% and 61.3% of the cases, respectively, versus 100% and 98.15%, respectively, with this study. The average values for UDVA and CDVA in our study were 0.02±0.11 logMAR and –0.04±0.05 logMAR, respectively. Compared with previous publications on the Isopure 1.2.3, IOL we can see from Table 3 that the mean values are comparable and about 20/20 (although in our case and for Ang et al8 they were better than 20/20: –0.04±0.05 logMAR and –0.01±0.08 logMAR, respectively). At intermediate vision, our mean DCIVA was slightly worse than that reported by Ang et al8 at 80 cm, and also at 66 cm when compared with these authors and Bova and Vita.4 This may be partially explained by differences between the sample size and follow-up period. For near vision, unfortunately, there were no mean DCNVA values reported that could be compared with our sample. The cumulative percentages of visual acuity at different distances were reported by Bernabeu-Arias et al5 and Ang et al8 both studies with a similar follow-up period (4–6 months). For CDVA, our percentage of eyes ≥20/20 was better than that reported by those authors (98.15% versus 76.57%5 and 84.6%8). At 80 cm our value was comparable to that reported by Bernabeu-Arias et al5 and both were worse (about 77%) than that reported by Ang et al8 (about 95%) for cumulative values ≥20/32. At 66 cm, our percentage was lower than in those two studies, with Ang et al8 showing the best outcomes (about 72%). For near vision, our value was better than that published by Bernabeu-Arias et al5 (about 32% versus 22%, for a DCNVA of ≥20/40). These results correlate with the expected outcomes for good vision at far distance with functional intermediate vision due to the extended range of vision created with the isofocal concept based on a polynomial complex surface design.

    Defocus Curve

    An important parameter in IOLs aiming to give vision at different distances is the defocus curve, which illustrates visual acuity as a function of distance/vergence and compares outcomes in this study with previous reports on the Isopure 123. The Isopure Serenity IOL demonstrated good visual performance across a range of distances. For example, the average binocular defocus curve revealed a visual acuity peak located at 0 D (–0.05±0.06logMAR), while maintaining good vision through intermediate defocus levels and reaching the 0.2 logMAR threshold at about –1.75 D of vergence (see Figure 5). The graph of our outcomes exhibits reducing values in a continuous way, proving that there was gap in vision at intermediate distances (from 100 to 67 cm). This level of performance is of practical benefit to its patients, who should be able to comfortably carry out tasks such as viewing a car dashboard or computer monitor without the need for refractive correction. Figure 5 also includes the outcomes obtained in previous studies3,5,8,9 of the Isopure 1.2.3 IOL. These studies consider samples from 173 to 745 patients and follow-up periods from 39 to 4–63,8 months. The outcomes of the Isopure Serenity IOL model obtained in our study broadly agree with them, and we consider that the two IOL models perform similarly. The best visual acuity reported by all the studies, as expected, is at 0 D of vergence (far vision), this being about 0 logMAR for Bernabeu-Arias et al5 and Mencucci et al9 and better, about –0.05 logMAR, for Ang et al8 and this study. All the studies show a smooth reduction in visual acuity as a function of vergence (closer distances), with no gaps from far to near vision. The depth of focus considering a 0.2 logMAR limit for all studies in the figure was about 1.50 D for Bernabeu-Arias et al5 and Mencucci et al9 and about 1.75 D for Ang et al8 and in our study. The difference, about 0.25 D, is minimal and, therefore, we consider that both IOL models offer the same depth-of-focus when implanted.

    While the follow-up period of 3 months is a limitation, it is sufficient to consider lens performance, which is similar to its predecessor. Contrast sensitivity testing and aberrometry along with patient reported outcome measures are useful outcomes measures, which should be included in future studies.

    Conclusions

    In summary, we conclude that the clinical outcomes of this multicentre study indicate that Isopure Serenity IOL implantation allows accurate refractive outcomes and good far distance and functional intermediate vision. Future clinical studies with larger samples and, when possible, longer follow-ups would be desirable to ratify the present outcomes.

    Acknowledgment

    We thank Filippo Confalonieri, Alessandro Gaeta, Silvia Sonego, Alfonso Strianese, Paolo Vinciguerra and Silvia Zappa for collaborating in this study.

    Funding

    There is no funding to report.

    Disclosure

    Dr Sheraz Daya is a consultant for BVI, Ndek, Rayner, Bausch and Lomb, Tarsus, Oysterpoint; equity holder of Exclens, and owner of Infinite Medical Ventures. Dr Camile Bosc is a consultant for BVI; personal fees and/or non-financial support from BVI and Hoya. Dr Christophe Chassain reports royalties from BVI for designing the PODeye Platform. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

    References

    1. Karam M, Alkhowaiter N, Alkhabbaz A, et al. Extended depth of focus versus trifocal for intraocular lens implantation: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2023;251:52–70. doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2023.01.024

    2. Gutiérrez DF, Briones BS, Díaz DC, Celestino SM. Refractive multifocal intraocular lens with optimised optical quality in a range of focus and method to produce it. Patent EP2941222A1. 2013.

    3. Stodulka P, Slovak M. Visual performance of a polynomial extended depth of focus intraocular lens. Open J Ophthalmol. 2021;11:214–228. doi:10.4236/ojoph.2021.113017

    4. Bova A, Vita S. Clinical and aberrometric evaluation of a new monofocal iol with intermediate vision improvement. J Ophthalmol. 2022;2022:4119698. doi:10.1155/2022/4119698

    5. Bernabeu-Arias G, Beckers S, Rincón-Rosales JL, Tañá-Rivero P, Bilbao-Calabuig R. Visual performance at different distances after implantation of an isofocal optic design intraocular lens. J Refract Surg. 2023;39(3):150–157. doi:10.3928/1081597X-20230124-02

    6. Tomagova N, Elahi S, Vandekerckhove K. Clinical outcomes of a new non-diffractive extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens targeted for mini-monovision. Clin Ophthalmol. 2023;17:981–990. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S405267

    7. Lesieur G, Dupeyre P. A comparative evaluation of three extended depth of focus intraocular lenses. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2023;33(6):2106–2113. doi:10.1177/11206721231154818

    8. Ang RET, Stodulka P, Poyales F. Prospective randomized single-masked study of bilateral isofocal optic-design or monofocal intraocular lenses. Clin Ophthalmol. 2023;17:2231–2242. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S425352

    9. Mencucci R, Morelli A, Cennamo M, Roszkowska AM, Favuzza E. Enhanced monofocal intraocular lenses: a retrospective, comparative study between three different models. J Clin Med. 2023;12(10):3588. doi:10.3390/jcm12103588

    10. Pérez-Sanz L, Charbel C, Poyales F, Garzón N. Influence of isofocal intraocular lenses on objective refraction based on autorefraction and aberrometry. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2023;261(10):2863–2872. doi:10.1007/s00417-023-06102-4

    11. Danzinger V, Schartmüller D, Schwarzenbacher L, et al. Clinical prospective intra-individual comparison after mix-and-match implantation of a monofocal EDOF and a diffractive trifocal IOL. Eye. 2024;38(2):321–327. doi:10.1038/s41433-023-02682-x

    12. Danzinger V, Schartmüller D, Lisy M, et al. Fellow-eye comparison of monocular visual outcomes following monofocal Extended Depth-of-Focus (EDOF) and trifocal EDOF intraocular lens implantation. Am J Ophthalmol. 2024;267:76–83. doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2024.05.029

    13. Fernández-Núñez S, Pérez-Sanz L, Gómez-Pedrero JA, García-Montero M, Albarrán-Diego C, Garzón N. Optical quality in vitro and in vivo of an extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens with isofocal design. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2024;262(12):3905–3913. doi:10.1007/s00417-024-06590-y

    14. Assaf AH, Samy H, Fawky N, Kamel MA. Evaluation of visual outcomes, postoperative angle alpha, and angle kappa after implantation of isofocal intraocular lenses. Clin Ophthalmol. 2024;18:2879–2890. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S478471

    15. Baoud Ould Haddi I, Flores Cervantes D, Dorronzoro Ramírez E, Blázquez Sánchez V, Bonnin Arias C. Comparison of visual function with three intraocular lenses under different illumination conditions. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2025;48(3):104429. doi:10.1016/j.jfo.2025.104429

    16. Abulafia A, Koch DD, Holladay JT, Wang L, Hill W. Pursuing perfection in intraocular lens calculations: IV. Rethinking astigmatism analysis for intraocular lens-based surgery: suggested terminology, analysis, and standards for outcome reports. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2018;44(10):1169–1174. doi:10.1016/j.jcrs.2018.07.027

    17. Reinstein DZ, Archer TJ, Srinivasan S, et al. Standard for reporting refractive outcomes of intraocular lens-based refractive surgery. J Refract Surg. 2017;33(4):218–222. doi:10.3928/1081597X-20170302-01

    18. Lundström M, Dickman M, Henry Y, et al. Risk factors for refractive error after cataract surgery: analysis of 282,811 cataract extractions reported to the European registry of quality outcomes for cataract and refractive surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2018;44(4):447–452. doi:10.1016/j.jcrs.2018.01.031

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    20. Lundström M, Barry P, Henry Y, Rosen P, Stenevi U. Visual outcome of cataract surgery; study from the European registry of quality outcomes for cataract and refractive surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2013;39(5):673–679. doi:10.1016/j.jcrs.2012.11.026

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  • Heavy rain lashes Islamabad, Rawalpindi

    Heavy rain lashes Islamabad, Rawalpindi



    This collage shows submerged roads and parking lot following heavy rains in Islamabad, September 1, 2025. — Screengrab via Geo News

    The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) and district administration said on Monday that they are ready to handle any situation as heavy rains hit Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid warning of flooding.

    According to Wasa’s spokesperson, 40 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in Islamabad’s Saidpur and 66 millimetres in Golra. In Rawalpindi, 25 millimetres was recorded at Shamsabad, 35 millimetres at Pirwadhai, and 60 millimetres in New Katarian.

    The spokesperson said continuous monitoring of Nullah Lai and other drains across the city was under way. At Katarian, water in Nullah Lai rose to 13 feet, while at Gawalmandi it reached four feet.

    Wasa Managing Director Saleem Ashraf said a rain emergency had been enforced, with staff and heavy machinery deployed in the field. “We are fully monitoring the rainfall and have taken all necessary precautions to deal with any situation,” he said.

    Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rawalpindi Hassan Waqar Cheema inspected several areas and confirmed that an advanced warning system had been activated.

    He said WASA and other civic agencies had been placed on high alert while the Pakistan Meteorological Department had forecast further heavy rainfall.

    The DC added that staff with machinery had been deployed in low-lying areas and digital as well as manual monitoring of Nullah Lai was being carried out. He urged citizens to avoid going near drains and water reservoirs.

    Rescue 1122 teams have also been stationed in vulnerable neighbourhoods to ensure swift assistance in case of emergencies. The DC said the twin cities have so far received a total of 70 millimetres of rainfall.

    Torrential monsoon rains have ravaged Pakistan this week, with further heavy downpours forecast for this weekend. This monsoon season so far, 863 people have died in Pakistan, according to the National Disaster Management Authority. The flooded east of the country is home to half of the 240 million population and serves as the country’s breadbasket, with widespread damage to crops from the deluge.

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  • Structural heart disease guidelines updated following Edwards trial results

    Structural heart disease guidelines updated following Edwards trial results

    The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has updated its care guidelines for valvular heart disease, due in large part to recent trial results from Edwards Lifesciences.

    Announced at the ESC Congress 2025, taking place in Madrid, Spain, from 29 August to 1 September, the updated guidelines now recommend that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) be considered, even for asymptomatic patients, marking a shift from the previous “watchful waiting” advisement.

    The amended guidelines were largely informed by data from Edwards’ EARLY TAVR trial (NCT03042104). Edwards is currently the only company with an approved TAVR indication in the US and Europe for asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS).

    Edwards’ CEO Bernard Zovighian called the ESC’s updated guidelines “important advancements” for structural heart disease patients.

    The ESC’s guidelines are also updated to reduce the TAVR age threshold to 70, down from 75 and above, claimed by Edwards to reflect the strong confidence in TAVR’s “long-term safety, efficacy and durability”.

    Zovighian commented: “Consistent with our strategy, the combination of new clinical evidence, indication expansions and guideline changes enables improved clinical outcomes, expanded patient access and overall benefits to the healthcare system.”

    First published in the New England Journal of Medicine in October 2024, Edwards’ EARLY TAVR trial demonstrated that asymptomatic severe AS patients randomised to the company’s TAVR experienced superior outcomes versus the prior guideline-recommended approach of clinical surveillance (watchful waiting).

    Involving 24,000 patients with severe AS, Edwards’ trial demonstrated that prompt intervention resulted in an average of 2.2 fewer days spent in hospitals during patients’ treatment, 80% fewer heart failure hospitalisations one year after treatment, and cost reductions of $36,000 per patient after one year.

    At a median follow-up of 3.8 years, data showed that 26.8% of the 455 patients in the trial’s TAVR arm experienced death, stroke or unplanned cardiovascular hospitalisation versus 45.3% of the 446 patients in the clinical surveillance arm.

    According to GlobalData analysis, the global TAVR market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% and is forecast to reach a valuation of $14.9bn by 2034, up from $6.8bn in 2024. Edwards currently holds global and US market shares of 61% and 75.1%, respectively, as per a GlobalData market model.

    While Edwards dominates the TAVR market for now, Medtronic is on the rise. The rival medtech company recently released two-year results from its SMART trial [NCT04722250] that compared its Evolut TAVR system to Edwards’ SAPIEN. The data revealed that Evolut led to significantly less bioprosthetic valve dysfunction, five times less prosthetic valve thrombosis, and nine times less haemodynamic structural valve dysfunction than the SAPIEN system.

    According to GlobalData analysis, the Evolut system could become the preferred option among healthcare professionals for patients with symptomatic severe AS and small aortic annulus categories, as evaluated in the trial.

    “ESC 2025: Structural heart disease guidelines updated following Edwards trial results” was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand.

     


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  • Glutamate Regulates Pediatric Brain Tumor Growth

    Glutamate Regulates Pediatric Brain Tumor Growth


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    The most common type of brain tumor in children, pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), accounts for about 15% of all pediatric brain tumors. Although this type of tumor is usually not life-threatening, the unchecked growth of tumor cells can disrupt normal brain development and function. Current treatments focus mainly on removing the tumor cells, but recent studies have shown that non-cancerous cells, such as nerve cells, also play a role in brain tumor formation and growth, suggesting novel approaches to treating these cancers.

    Scientists have long known that a nerve cell signaling chemical called glutamate can increase growth of cancers throughout the body, but despite years of investigation, they haven’t figured out exactly how this happens, or how to stop it. Now, an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has uncovered how glutamate regulates pediatric brain tumor growth. Using tumor cells isolated from patient PA samples, they found that PA cells hijack the function of proteins on cells’ surface that normally respond to glutamate, called glutamate receptors. Instead of transmitting glutamate’s typical electrical signal, these receptors are reprogrammed to send signals to increase cell growth.

    They also observed that drugs that block these glutamate receptors — including memantine, which is approved to treat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease — reduced human pediatric brain tumor growth in mice, a finding that points to a potential new treatment opportunity.

    The results appear September 1 in Neuron.

    “With these kinds of pediatric brain tumors, we just don’t have that many tools in our toolbox for treating patients,” said senior author David Gutmann, MD, PhD, the Donald O. Schnuck Family Professor of Neurology at WashU Medicine. Gutmann treats patients at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “The potential to repurpose drugs that are already in use for other neurological disorders means we may have another trick up our sleeves for treating patients.”

    The research team, which included first author Corina Anastasaki, PhD, a research assistant professor of neurology at WashU Medicine, also showed for the first time that glutamate receptors abnormally couple with growth receptors in PAs to fuel the tumors. The findings offer a roadmap for future studies to explore if the same process is happening in different types of cancers.

    New uses for familiar tools

    Glutamate is what is known as a neurotransmitter, a molecule that nerve cells, including neurons in the brain, use to communicate with each other. On their path to understand how glutamate helps brain tumors grow, Gutmann, who is also the director of the Neurofibromatosis Center at WashU Medicine, and Anastasaki worked closely with collaborators across WashU Medicine — including in neurosurgery, pediatrics, genetics, neuropathology, biostatistics and more — to acquire and analyze samples of PAs that had been surgically removed. They found that these PA cells had unusually high levels of glutamate receptors.

    By testing how glutamate affected these tumors, the researchers discovered that glutamate increased PA cell numbers by kicking off a chain reaction inside the tumor cells that urged cells to divide. These findings suggest that tumor cells exploit normal brain-cell interactions to spur their own growth.

    “This novel mechanism for tumor growth combines two normal but unconnected brain processes — growth and electrical signaling — in an aberrant way,” Anastasaki said. “Now that we’ve figured out how these cells work and grow, the sky’s the limit for looking at other neurotransmitters and the different avenues of communication between neurons and cancer cells. Understanding that will tell us why tumors grow and behave the way they do. That may lead to us treating them very differently.”

    Such new treatments might come from familiar sources. The researchers showed that inhibiting glutamate receptors of tumor cells in mice with PAs — either with medications or by genetically altering the cells — reduced tumor growth. This points to a potential opportunity to repurpose glutamate receptor-targeting drugs such as memantine for the treatment of PAs.

    The next steps are to determine whether such medications are safe to use in children with brain tumors and in what amounts they would be effective, Gutmann noted, which will require clinical trials.

    “This study provides compelling preclinical data to look at medications that are otherwise safe and approved to treat other neurological conditions,” Gutmann said. “That would enable new therapeutic approaches and could help minimize the damage to a child’s developing brain by reducing engagement between brain cells and tumor cells.”

    Reference: Anastasaki C, Mu R, Kernan CM, et al. Aberrant coupling of glutamate and tyrosine kinase receptors enables neuronal control of brain-tumor growth. Neuron. 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2025.08.005

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