1.Investigation of Histochemical Characteristics and Selected Quality Parameters of Asian Yarrow (Achillea asiatica Serg.)
Erdenechimeg J ; Nurdana B ; Densmaa L ; Khongorzul Ch ; Tuyatsetseg B ; Jargal Ts ; Ehkhjin G ; Uranbaigalin S ; Amarjargal Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;91(1):6-11
Background:
Plants of the genus Achillea are widely used in both traditional and modern medicine and are known to
be rich in biologically active secondary metabolites. Numerous phytochemical and histochemical studies have been con
ducted on Achillea millefolium L.; however, Achillea asiatica Serg., which is widely distributed in Mongolia, remains
comparatively underexplored. Therefore, investigating the distribution of biologically active compounds, the content of
polyphenolic compounds, and the optimal extraction conditions of this species is of significant scientific and practical
importance.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to identify biologically active compounds in Achillea asiatica Serg. using histochemical
methods, to determine the content of polyphenolic compounds and optimal extraction conditions, and to evaluate the total
and internal absorption coefficients of the plant raw material.
Materials and Methods:
The aerial parts of Achillea asiatica Serg. were collected in August 2025 from Erdene soum,
Tuv province, Mongolia. Histochemical analysis was performed on transverse stem sections and flower petals using
potassium dichromate, ferric chloride (III), methylene blue, Lugol’s iodine, and Dragendorff’s reagent, followed by ob
servation under a light microscope. The total polyphenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and
expressed as gallic acid equivalents. Extraction experiments were conducted using powdered plant material sieved to par
ticle sizes of 1, 2, and 3 mm and extracted with 20–80% ethanol. In addition, the total and internal absorption coefficients
of the plant material were determined according to standard procedures.
Results:
Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of essential oils, polyphenolic compounds (tannins and flavo
noids), and starch, while alkaloids were not detected. Polyphenolic compounds were observed in both stems and flow
ers, with more pronounced accumulation in the vascular tissues. The highest total polyphenolic content (0.421%) was
obtained from the 1 mm particle-size fraction extracted with 70–80% ethanol. Using 60% ethanol, the total absorption
coefficient of the plant material was determined to be 5.74, and the internal absorption coefficient was 1.885.
Conclution
Achillea asiatica Serg. is rich in polyphenolic compounds, and their anatomical distribution is closely as
sociated with the plant’s protective and biological functions. The use of 1 mm particle-size material and 70–80% ethanol
was identified as the most suitable condition for extracting polyphenolic compounds. These findings provide a scientific
basis for the standardization of Achillea asiatica Serg. as a medicinal and phytopharmaceutical raw material and support
its further pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigation.
2.Ethnobotanical study of plant-derived medicinal raw materials used for skin diseases
Nurdana B ; Densmaa L ; Khongorzul Ch ; Tuyaatsetseg B ; Erdenechimeg J ; Ariunzayaa D ; Uranbaigal S ; Daariimaa Kh ; Amarjargal Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;96(6):26-31
Background:
Skin diseases are highly prevalent worldwide. Although plant-derived medicinal materials continue to be used among Mongolians for the traditional and household management of dermatological conditions, studies that systematically quantify their frequency of use, informant consensus, and cultural significance remain limited.
Aim:
To determine the traditional knowledge, patterns of use, and cultural significance of plant-derived medicinal materials used for dermatological conditions among residents of Ulaanbaatar using quantitative ethnobotanical indices.
Materials and Methods:
Information was collected on the diversity of plant species used for dermatological conditions, modes and frequency of use, perceived effectiveness, adverse effects, and methods of preparation and processing. The collected data were evaluated using quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including the Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Fidelity Level (FL), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Rank Order Priority (ROP), Cultural Importance Index (CII), Jaccard Index (JI), and Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (SDI). Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel 2016. The study was conducted with the approval of the Research Ethics Review Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (Approval Protocol No. 25-06/03-03 and Ethical Opinion Protocol No. 26/03-B02).
Result:
A total of 73 plant species belonging to 36 families were documented, with species from the Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Apiaceae, and Liliaceae families being predominant. Regarding modes of use, 29.6% of the remedies were prepared as infusions or decoctions and applied as washes or topical applications, 18.9% involved the direct application of plant juice, and 18.1% were applied as mashed plant material or poultices. Aloe barbadensis showed the highest ethnobotanical importance, with UV= 0.19, RFC=0.128, CII=0.19, RPL=1.00, and ROP=100. Nugaraa altan tovch, Gobi thyme, yashilduu sea buckthorn, and greater plantain were also highly ranked. The Informant Consensus Factor was highest for thermal burns (ICF=0.82), followed by open wounds (ICF=0.77) and pustular acne (ICF=0.76). Eighteen species overlapped with the 126 medicinal materials recorded in traditional medicinal prescriptions, yielding a Jaccard Index of JI=10%. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was H′=3.4184, with an evenness value of E=0.7967. Among the informants, 40.8% reported a reduction in symptoms, while 61.9% reported no adverse effects associated with the use of plant-derived medicinal materials.
Conclusion
1. Among residents of Ulaanbaatar, information was documented on the use of 73 plant species belonging to 36 families for skin diseases. Knowledge of these plants was transmitted mainly within families, and topical methods of use, including washing with herbal infusions, rinsing, and direct application of expressed plant juice, were predominant.
2. According to the quantitative ethnobotanical indices, Aloe vera showed the highest values for use, citation frequency, and cultural importance. Matricaria chamomilla L., Thymus gobicus Tschern., Hippophae rhamnoides L., and Plantago major L. also ranked highly. The highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) values were observed for thermal burns, open skin wounds, and acne vulgaris.
3.Microstructural and Histochemical Study of the Medicinal Plant Ephedra przewalskii Stapf.
Amarjargal Ts ; Maralgua A ; Ariunaa D ; Tuyatsetseg B ; Khongorzul Ch ; Erdenechimeg J ; Uranbaigal S ; Ariunzaya D ; Enkhjin G ; Daariimaa Kh
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):134-139
Background:
Ephedra przewalskii Stapf. is a perennial shrubby plant of the family Ephedraceae, naturally distributed in the dry and cold desert regions of Mongolia. In traditional medicine, the stems and roots of this plant have been used as decoctions for the treatment of gastrointestinal spasms, abdominal distension, urinary retention, and general fatigue. Members of the Ephedraceae family are known to contain sympathomimetic alkaloids such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which exert strong physiological effects on the central nervous system, respiratory tract, and cardiovascular system. However, detailed information on the tissue- and cell-level localization of biologically active compounds and the microstructural characteristics of E. przewalskii remains limited.
Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the microanatomical structure and histochemical characteristics of the stem and root of Ephedra przewalskii Stapf., with particular emphasis on the localization of biologically active compounds.
Materials and Methods:
Plant samples were collected in July from Chandmani soum, Govi-Altai province, Mongolia. The collected material was air-dried in the shade and softened using Ostrich and Fleming solution prior to sectioning. Transverse sections of the stem and root were prepared using a hand microtome and examined under an Olympus light microscope. Histochemical analyses were performed using standard reagents to detect alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, essential oils, polysaccharides, and starch.
Results:
The stem epidermis consisted of thin-walled, quadrangular cells with a surface covered by spherical protuberances. The stomatal apparatus exhibited a tetracytic structure, and photosynthetic activity was primarily localized in the stem chlorenchyma. The vascular bundles were collateral, with phloem located externally and xylem internally. Idioblasts containing reddish-brown crystalline inclusions were observed in the central pith of the stem. The root showed a polyarch central cylinder, with uniformly distributed, rounded parenchymal cells, and idioblasts similar to those observed in the stem. Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and tannins in the stem, predominantly localized in parenchymal and chlorenchymal tissues. In the root, polysaccharides, tannins, and starch were detected, whereas alkaloid accumulation was more prominent in the stem parenchyma.
Conclusion
The microscopic examination of Ephedra przewalskii Stapf. revealed the characteristic structures of the stem epidermis, stomata, chlorenchyma, vascular tissues, and crystal-containing idioblasts, as well as a polyarch central cylinder in the root. Histochemical reactions detected flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, starch, and polysaccharides in the stem, whereas tannins, starch, and polysaccharides were identified in the root. These findings provide a comprehensive characterization of the anatomical and chemical features of the different plant organs.
4.Molecular docking analysis of interactions between flavonoids and the Neh1 Domain of NRF2
Amarjargal Ts ; Maralgua A ; Ariunaa D ; Tuyatsetseg B ; Khongorzul Ch ; Erdenechimeg J ; Uranbaigal S ; Ariunzaya D ; Enkhjin G ; Daariimaa Kh
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;97(7):175-179
Background:
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in regulating cellular responses to oxidative stress and xenobiotic exposure. However, excessive NRF2 activation can enhance cancer cell survival and contribute to chemoresistance. Therefore, increasing attention has been directed toward naturally occurring flavonoids that may modulate NRF2 activity. Molecular docking provides a computational approach for predicting potential interactions between flavonoids and NRF2 and may help identify candidate compounds for further investigation in cancer therapy.
Objective:
To evaluate the potential interactions of five naturally occurring flavonoids—daidzin, rutin, luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin—with the Neh1 domain of NRF2 using molecular docking and to identify promising candidates for further investigation based on docking scores and ligand efficiency.
Materials and Methods:
The potential interactions of five natural flavonoids, namely daidzin, rutin, luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin, with the target region of NRF2 were investigated using molecular docking. Three-dimensional structures of the flavonoids were retrieved from the PubChem database, while the NRF2 protein structure was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Molecular docking calculations were performed using the CB-Dock2 web platform, which incorporates the AutoDock Vina algorithm.
Results:
The docking scores of the selected flavonoids ranged from −64.9 to −77.2. Daidzin exhibited the most favorable docking score (−77.2), followed by apigenin (−72.0) and luteolin (−71.4), whereas rutin showed the least favorable score (−64.9). The calculated RMSD values ranged from 14.766 to 15.344 Å, with relatively small differences among the ligands. Daidzin and apigenin exhibited comparatively lower RMSD values. The reported pose-clustering analysis indicated that all ligands occupied similar binding regions. In terms of ligand efficiency, apigenin (−2.40), luteolin (−2.30), and quercetin (−2.20) showed comparatively favorable values. Although daidzin had the most favorable docking score, its ligand efficiency relative to molecular size was comparatively lower.
Conclusion
The results suggest that daidzin and apigenin may be candidate compounds for further investigation of potential interactions with the Neh1 domain of NRF2. However, these findings are based solely on computational analysis. Further molecular dynamics simulations and experimental studies are required to validate the predicted interactions and determine their actual effects on NRF2 activity.
5.Planned endoscopic examination of the abdomen for pancreatic necrosis and advanced peritonitis
Lochin Ts ; Baasanjav N ; Byambakhuu B ; Erdenechimeg J
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;196(2):32-36
Introduction:
We classify peritonitis as end-stage if it lasts for more than 72 hours or more than three days. At this
point, the pleural effusion of the posterior abdominal wall, the pleural layer of the gastrointestinal
tract, and the dimples of the esophagus are all scattered with pus. During the first operation, it is very
difficult to completely cleanse these abscesses. After the operation, pus will collect in the abdomen
and abscesses will form, which will require another operation. If this postoperative complication is
not diagnosed in time and operated again (relaparotomy), many other complications can occur and
the risk of death is high. 48-hour relaparotomy mortality is higher than early surgery (21.8% -76.8%).
Necrotic pancreatitis is chronic peritonitis (an abscess of the lower extremities) in which only non-pancreatic adipose tissue, sebum glands, pericardial effusions, pericardial effusions, and kidney
adipose tissue become necrotic.
Purpose:
Endoscopic surveillance for chronic pleurisy with pancreatic necrosis
Objectives:
1. Endoscopic monitoring of the postoperative course of pancreatic necrosis.
2. Calculate the results of washing and cleaning using binoculars.
Method:
Patients with advanced peritoneal inflammation and necrotizing pancreatitis should be selected for
reoperation. After removing the dead pancreatic tissue (necrosectomy), all layers of the abdomen are
temporarily closed. A 6 mm short tube with surgical rubber is cut into the small pancreas, inserted 2
cm deep into the standard abdomen and sutured to the skin. Or use a silicone tube 4 - 5 cm long.
Result:
The study was carried out on 56 patients in 2016-2020. The mean age was 50 (89%) for men, 6 (11%)
for women, and 47.5 ± 8.6.
Conclusion
1. Endoscopic follow-up showed 19 (76%) persistent postoperative peritonitis and re-clearance,
and 6 (24%) patients were not diagnosed with persistent peritonitis.
2. 25 (50%) cases of persistent peritonitis after surgery were washed 1-3 times. This method has
proven to be a safe and easy procedure and can be used in any urban or rural hospital.
6.Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) signs of unstable plaques of coronary artery disease
Badamsed Ts ; Delgertsretseg D ; Jargalsaikhan S ; Erdenechimeg E ; Sodgerel B ; Bayaraa T ; Galsumiya L ; Natsagdorj U ; Pilmaa Yo
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;197(3):48-51
Background:
The American Heart Association estimates that more than 1 million people die each
year from acute coronary heart disease and half a million from acute coronary syndrome, and
that $ 115 billion a year is spent on diagnosing and treating coronary heart disease [Word Health
Organization, 2013].
Goal:
In this study we aimed to using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to
diagnose unstable plaques in coronary artery disease.
Material and methods:
From 2018 to 2021, we performed a coronary computed tomography
angiography (CCTA) scan with a Philips Ingenuity 64-slice computed tomography (64 MD-CT)
device and examined 47 patients diagnosed with unstable coronary artery disease at the Reference
centre on Diagnostic Imaging named after R.Purev State Laureate, People’s physician and Honorary
professor of the State Third Central Hospital.
Common statistical measurements such as means and standard errors were calculated. Probability
of results were checked using Student’s test.
Result:
In studying signs of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to diagnose unstable
plaques in coronary artery disease that coronary artery diameters more widening to compared healthy
artery 16(34.0%±6.9), low density sites clarify in plaque (lower than +30HU)- 14(29.8%±6.7), small
calcification detect in plaque 36 (74.5%±6.4), ring liked additional density (lower than +130 HU)
sees in edge of plaque (Halo sign)-9(19.2%±5.8), plaque edge roughness, erosion liked changes- 18
(38.3%±7.1), rupture of intima (dissection)- 8(17.0%±5.5).
Conclusion
We detect that computed tomography angiography (CCTA)’s specific signs of unstable
plaque of coronary artery disease are coronary artery diameters widening, low density sites clarify in
plaque (lower than +30HU), small calcification detect in plaque, ring liked additional density (lower
than +130 HU) sees in edge of plaque (Halo sign), plaque edge roughness, erosion liked changes
and rupture of intima.
7.The study on patient satisfaction with the general hospital of Selenge province
Bayasgalanmunkh B ; Otgontogoo O ; Erdenetsetseg N ; Adiyakhatan Ts ; Gantuya O ; Soninbayar Ts ; Erdenechimeg Ts
Innovation 2019;13(1):10-17
Background:
In the network of health sector reform, improving the quality and safety of
service, organizational development, and ethics and responsibility of doctors and health
professionals is a priority issue. To bring this, the patient satisfaction is an important matter.
Materials and methods:
This study was carried out using a cross-sectional study design with
quantitative and qualitative method. To collect data and materials of the study, we used
questionnaires from Appendix No.2 of Order 13 of the Minister of Health dated 13 January,
2014.
Results:
84 (61.8%) of inpatients evaluated hospital care as a good, while 117 of 197 outpatients
(59.4%) evaluated hospital care as an average. The general satisfaction of patients is good for
inpatients and average for outpatients.
Discussion
The patient satisfaction was different depending on the department, gender,
age and age group for inpatients, while satisfaction was not dependent on age group for
outpatients.
8.The study on employee satisfaction with the general hospital of Selenge province
Bayasgalanmunkh B ; Otgontogoo O ; Erdenetsetseg N ; Adiyakhatan Ts ; Gantuya O ; Soninbayar Ts ; Erdenechimeg Ts
Innovation 2019;13(1):18-24
Background:
In the network of health sector reform, improving the quality and safety of
service, organizational development, and ethics and responsibility of doctors and health
professionals is a priority issue. Therefore, it is important to study the satisfaction and needs
of healthcare workers, who have essential role in the quality and accessibility of health care
service, as well as in social and economic development.
Materials and methods:
This study was carried out using a cross-sectional study design
with quantitative method. The questionnaires were conducted from 63 people who were
working in the general hospital of Selenge province. To collect data and materials of the
study, we used questionnaires from Appendix No.1 of Order 13 of the Minister of Health dated
13 January, 2014.
Results:
The Satisfaction score of doctors and healthcare workers which was evaluated by
themselves was generally 1.74 ± 0.47 or average, meanwhile 1.62 ± 0.41 or good for each
group.
Conclusion
The employee satisfaction with the General Hospital of Selenge aimag is good.
The satisfaction of doctors and healthcare workers is not dependent on the age group,
gender, position, and seniority.
9.Current status of Cancer Incidence and Mortality, mean annual 2008-2012 in Mongolia
Undarmaa T ; Tubshingerel S ; Erdenechimeg S ; Badamsuren TS ; Tumurbaatar L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2016;177(3):25-37
National cancer center of Mongolia has responsibility to produce National cancer registry annual reportwhich is collected cancer reports from primary, secondary and tertiary level of government hospitals andprivate hospitals, laboratories. MCR and indicators of incidence and mortality are important for planningand evaluation of all levels for cancer control, primary prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine ASR and ASMRs of cancer incidence and deaths in Mongoliafrom 2008 to 2012 for comparing the results of data.Material and MethodsData on new cancer cases diagnosed in 2008-2012 in permanent residents of Mongolia, collected bycancer registry of the National Cancer Center, were used for the analysis. Incidence and mortality rateswere calculated as mean annual numbers per 100,000 residents. ASRs (Age-standardized incidencerate) and ASMRs (Age-standardized mortality rates) were calculated by the direct method from agespecificincidence and mortality rates, weighted to the World Population standard.ResultsFirst five most frequent cancers (liver, stomach, lung, esophagus, cervix uteri) comprise 76% of all newcancer cases.In males, the most frequent cancer site was liver, followed by stomach, lung, esophageal, colon andrectal cancer. In females, liver is in the first place, followed by stomach, cervical, lung, esophagealcancer.Mean annual crude incidence rate of all cancer sites was 155 per 100 000 population,in males 165, infamale 165 in 2008-2012 years.During this period, mean annual age-standardized incidence rate of all cancer sites was 218,3 per 100000 population, for male 258.9 in female 188.1with higher percentage of men.As we age, morbidity of the cancer increases approximately 2 fold in both sexes and also study revealsmen has more tendency to have cancer than women
10.Minor strokes: clinical characteristics, methods of diagnostics, and principles of prevention of its complications into major stroke
Baasanjav D ; Erdenechimeg YA ; Ariunaa J ; Оuyngerel B ; Sarantsetseg T ; Bolormaa D ; Chimeglkham B ; Byambasuren TS ; Khandsuren B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2013;163(1):122-134
BackgroundEarly detection of minor strokes and their treatment that aim to prevent from complications into severe strokes is a process of secondary prevention. There is a need to extensively use image diagnostics (CT, MRI) because signs are obscure, at times without focal neurological sign but can have special mental or psychological syndromes. The start of minor stroke studies in Mongolia will enable further deepening of these studies in future and give an impetus to identification of theoreticaland practical aspects together with further improvement of diagnostics, treatment and prevention of minor strokes.GoalTo develop and introduce the diagnostic criteria of ischemic and hemorrhagic minor strokes in accordance to the concepts of minor strokes and to treat minor stokes in order to prevent complications into severe strokes.Materials and MethodCurrently there are no globally accepted diagnostic criteria for minor stroke. We support the 1981 WHO criteria of minor strokes as strokes neurological signs of which disappear in relatively short period of time. There is a general notion that it should mean all light forms of stroke other than severe strokes. In cases of neurological signs of a minor stroke, complete recovery and elimination of the symptoms take up to 3 weeks. Most scholars tend to consider ischemic lacunar strokes (arising from occlusion of arteriole vessels deep in the brain and with size of 0.5-20 mm) as minor strokes. We maintained the concept that characteristic features of these strokes are their limited focal areas and the following neurological symptoms: pure motor, pure sensory, light ataxia, etc. We also duly considered a suggestion (D. German, L. G. Koshchug et al, 2008 ) to define minor hemorrhagic strokes as strokes with diameter less than 2 cm and blood volume less than 5 cm3.We identified 60 patients with minor strokes, involved in monitoring using special research template (with a term of at least 1.5years) and involved in pathogenesis treatment. In the treatment, we maintained a principle of differential diagnosis of ischemic stroke symptoms. Specifically, we differentiated the following: signs related to an atherotromb, cardio-embolic, lacunar, hemodynamic, hemorheologic pathogenesis. To verify the diagnoses, we used MRT and CT image tests. We executed paraclinic tests in order to identify risk factors: Doppler-duplex-sonography, brain angiography, blood lipid fraction, ECG, EchoCG, heart Holter, blood hemorheology test, and identified the most affecting factors (hereditary factors, excess weight, smoking etc).Results: Our study identified the following clinical forms: lacunar stroke, non-lacunar minor stroke, and hemorrhagic minor stroke. Among the minor strokes, the lacunar stroke dominates (48%), the nonlacunar stroke is the next (27.7%), and the hemorrhagic was found to be the least common 25%. From among a host of risk factors, arterial hypertension is dominant (86%) either alone or in combination with such other diseases as diabetes, atherosclerosis etc. Diabetes occurrence was 5 cases (8,3%) which is fewer than in some foreign studies.The clinic of minor stroke also varies. The strength and expression of their symptoms compared with those of severe strokes are unique in the following:- Relatively lighter and recover faster as a result of treatment even in acute forms,- Some are without specific clinical signs (“silent stroke”).- Some minor strokes have micro focal signs, for example, “pure motor”, pure sensory, ataxia etc, in other words, the signs are limited.- In cases of lacunar strokes, predominantly deep brain arterioles are damaged.- Whereas in non-lacun strokes, embolic, ateroma, thrombotic mechanisms are predominant suchas distal branches of big artery. - In cases of hemorrhagic minor strokes, arteriopathy distortions occur not only in depth of brain but also in any small lobar vessels of brain.- Focal lesions have some variations by their pathological locations and minor stroke signs.In non-lacunar strokes (25%), the focal damages predominantly occur in branches of large intra/extra cranial arteries. In cases of lacunars strokes, the focal lesion is not in branches of large intracranial vessels, but is predominantly in basal ganglia, deep white matter, thalamus, pons and in area of deep penetrating arterial vessels. However, focal infarcts in cerebella may occur in any form of minor strokes.ConclusionAccording our study there were identified 3 subtypes of minor stroke. The finding is that lacunars and hemorrhagic minor strokes are more likely to give grounds to severe strokes. From this, it can be concluded that there are specific factors in the population of Mongolia to affect the genesis of minor strokes, namely, arterial hypertension which is directly related with these forms of minor strokes. We appropriate the WHO criteria of minor stroke that is neurological signs of a minor stroke, complete recovery and elimination of the symptoms take up to 3 weeks. In treatment of minor stroke, we suggest that minor strokes should be treating by pathogenetic therapy. Namely, antihypertensive therapy for lacunar infarction, anti-aggregation therapy for nonlacunar infarction and haemostatic and antihypertensive therapy for hemorrhagic minor stroke.
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