1.Phlorizin Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in T2DM Rats by Modulating IRS-1/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Nuer AILI ; Qingyu CAO ; Huan LIU ; Junwei HE ; Weihong ZHONG ; Lan CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):139-148
ObjectiveTo observe the pharmacodynamic efficacy of phlorizin in improving hepatic glycolipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) rats and to explore its mechanism of action based on the insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsA high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) were used to establish T2DM rat models. The rats were randomly assigned into six groups: the blank control group, model group, metformin group (300 mg·kg-1), and phlorizin high-dose (100 mg·kg-1) and low-dose groups (25 mg·kg-1). The rats were given intragastric administration for 6 weeks. The changes in body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were observed, and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glycated serum protein (GSP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The levels of fasting insulin (FINS), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by the biochemical assays. The pancreas index, liver index, and insulin resistance index were calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the pathological changes in liver and pancreatic tissues. The immunofluorescence method was used to detect the changes in insulin and glucagon in pancreatic tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression of related proteins in the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway of liver tissue and its downstream glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) proteins. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the body weight of rats in the model group continued to decrease, while the FBG level increased significantly. The area under the OGTT blood glucose curve (AUC), GSP, TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, pancreatic index and liver index increased significantly, while the levels of HDL-C, SOD, and FINS decreased significantly (P0.05, P0.01). Histological results showed that the pancreatic islets of rats in the model group exhibited atrophy and severe structural abnormalities. The insulin-positive β-cells decreased significantly (P0.01), while the glucagon-positive α-cells increased significantly (P0.01). Inflammatory cell infiltration and partial necrosis were observed in the liver tissues of the model group rats. The expressions of p-IRS-1/IRS-1, p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β, and p-FoxO1/FoxO1 proteins in the liver of the model group increased significantly (P0.01), while the expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt proteins decreased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the diabetic symptoms of rats in all administration groups were improved. The changes in body weight and FBG were close to those of the blank control group. The levels of OGTT-AUC, GSP, TC, TG, LDL-C, MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and the pancreatic index, liver index were obviously reduced (P0.05, P0.01), while the levels of HDL-C, SOD, and FINS obviously increased (P0.05, P0.01). The pathological changes of the pancreas and liver in rats in all treatment groups were effectively improved. The insulin-positive β-cells in the pancreas increased significantly (P0.01), while the glucagon-positive α-cells decreased significantly (P0.01). The protein expressions of p-IRS-1/IRS-1, p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β, and p-FoxO1/FoxO1 in the liver were significantly reduced (P0.01), while the protein expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt significantly increased (P0.01). ConclusionPhlorizin reversed the weight loss and abnormal increase of FBG in T2DM rats, improved blood lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory levels, alleviated insulin resistance, and had certain protective effects on the liver and pancreas. The hypoglycemic mechanism may involve regulating the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to inhibit the activities of GSK-3β and FoxO1, thereby promoting liver glycogen synthesis and suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis, ultimately improving glycolipid metabolism disorders.
2.Phlorizin Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in T2DM Rats by Modulating IRS-1/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Nuer AILI ; Qingyu CAO ; Huan LIU ; Junwei HE ; Weihong ZHONG ; Lan CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):139-148
ObjectiveTo observe the pharmacodynamic efficacy of phlorizin in improving hepatic glycolipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) rats and to explore its mechanism of action based on the insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsA high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) were used to establish T2DM rat models. The rats were randomly assigned into six groups: the blank control group, model group, metformin group (300 mg·kg-1), and phlorizin high-dose (100 mg·kg-1) and low-dose groups (25 mg·kg-1). The rats were given intragastric administration for 6 weeks. The changes in body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were observed, and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glycated serum protein (GSP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The levels of fasting insulin (FINS), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by the biochemical assays. The pancreas index, liver index, and insulin resistance index were calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the pathological changes in liver and pancreatic tissues. The immunofluorescence method was used to detect the changes in insulin and glucagon in pancreatic tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression of related proteins in the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway of liver tissue and its downstream glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) proteins. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the body weight of rats in the model group continued to decrease, while the FBG level increased significantly. The area under the OGTT blood glucose curve (AUC), GSP, TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, pancreatic index and liver index increased significantly, while the levels of HDL-C, SOD, and FINS decreased significantly (P0.05, P0.01). Histological results showed that the pancreatic islets of rats in the model group exhibited atrophy and severe structural abnormalities. The insulin-positive β-cells decreased significantly (P0.01), while the glucagon-positive α-cells increased significantly (P0.01). Inflammatory cell infiltration and partial necrosis were observed in the liver tissues of the model group rats. The expressions of p-IRS-1/IRS-1, p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β, and p-FoxO1/FoxO1 proteins in the liver of the model group increased significantly (P0.01), while the expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt proteins decreased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the diabetic symptoms of rats in all administration groups were improved. The changes in body weight and FBG were close to those of the blank control group. The levels of OGTT-AUC, GSP, TC, TG, LDL-C, MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and the pancreatic index, liver index were obviously reduced (P0.05, P0.01), while the levels of HDL-C, SOD, and FINS obviously increased (P0.05, P0.01). The pathological changes of the pancreas and liver in rats in all treatment groups were effectively improved. The insulin-positive β-cells in the pancreas increased significantly (P0.01), while the glucagon-positive α-cells decreased significantly (P0.01). The protein expressions of p-IRS-1/IRS-1, p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β, and p-FoxO1/FoxO1 in the liver were significantly reduced (P0.01), while the protein expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt significantly increased (P0.01). ConclusionPhlorizin reversed the weight loss and abnormal increase of FBG in T2DM rats, improved blood lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory levels, alleviated insulin resistance, and had certain protective effects on the liver and pancreas. The hypoglycemic mechanism may involve regulating the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to inhibit the activities of GSK-3β and FoxO1, thereby promoting liver glycogen synthesis and suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis, ultimately improving glycolipid metabolism disorders.
3.Application of Recombinant Collagen in Biomedicine
Huan HU ; Hong ZHANG ; Jian WANG ; Li-Wen WANG ; Qian LIU ; Ning-Wen CHENG ; Xin-Yue ZHANG ; Yun-Lan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):395-416
Collagen is a major structural protein in the matrix of animal cells and the most widely distributed and abundant functional protein in mammals. Collagen’s good biocompatibility, biodegradability and biological activity make it a very valuable biomaterial. According to the source of collagen, it can be broadly categorized into two types: one is animal collagen; the other is recombinant collagen. Animal collagen is mainly extracted and purified from animal connective tissues by chemical methods, such as acid, alkali and enzyme methods, etc. Recombinant collagen refers to collagen produced by gene splicing technology, where the amino acid sequence is first designed and improved according to one’s own needs, and the gene sequence of improved recombinant collagen is highly consistent with that of human beings, and then the designed gene sequence is cloned into the appropriate vector, and then transferred to the appropriate expression vector. The designed gene sequence is cloned into a suitable vector, and then transferred to a suitable expression system for full expression, and finally the target protein is obtained by extraction and purification technology. Recombinant collagen has excellent histocompatibility and water solubility, can be directly absorbed by the human body and participate in the construction of collagen, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, cell growth, wound healing and site filling, etc., which has demonstrated significant effects, and has become the focus of the development of modern biomedical materials. This paper firstly elaborates the structure, type, and tissue distribution of human collagen, as well as the associated genetic diseases of different types of collagen, then introduces the specific process of producing animal source collagen and recombinant collagen, explains the advantages of recombinant collagen production method, and then introduces the various systems of expressing recombinant collagen, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and finally briefly introduces the application of animal collagen, focusing on the use of animal collagen in the development of biopharmaceutical materials. In terms of application, it focuses on the use of animal disease models exploring the application effects of recombinant collagen in wound hemostasis, wound repair, corneal therapy, female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD), vaginal atrophy (VA) and vaginal dryness, thin endometritis (TE), chronic endometritis (CE), bone tissue regeneration in vivo, cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer (BC) and anti-aging. The mechanism of action of recombinant collagen in the treatment of FPFD and CE was introduced, and the clinical application and curative effect of recombinant collagen in skin burn, skin wound, dermatitis, acne and menopausal urogenital syndrome (GSM) were summarized. From the exploratory studies and clinical applications, it is evident that recombinant collagen has demonstrated surprising effects in the treatment of all types of diseases, such as reducing inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, increasing collagen deposition, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. At the end of the review, the challenges faced by recombinant collagen are summarized: to develop new recombinant collagen types and dosage forms, to explore the mechanism of action of recombinant collagen, and to provide an outlook for the future development and application of recombinant collagen.
4.Batch identification methods for model mice
You JIN ; Lan NI ; Qi WEI ; Huan ZHAO ; Jingang HE
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(1):86-91
Objective To establish an efficient DNA extraction method for the batch identification of genotypes in model mice.Methods We extracted total DNA from transgenic mouse tails using four methods:alkaline simplified group,alkaline routine group,protease K cleavage group and DNA extraction kit group.The purity and concentration of DNA obtained by the four methods were measured,the effects of gel electrophoresis were evaluated,and the time and experimental costs of the four methods were compared.Results The protease K cleavage method produced the highest concentration of DNA,followed by the simplified alkaline boiling and routine alkaline boiling method.The reagent kit produced the highest DNA purity,followed by the simplified alkaline boiling method.The DNA templates obtained by the four method could be amplified by polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis to obtain clear DNA target bands.In addition,the DNA template extracted by the simplified alkaline boiling method could be used for gene identification after storage at-20℃for 1 month,as well as requiring the least time and lowest costs.Conclusions The simplified alkaline boiling method is currently the simplest,fastest,and most economical DNA template-extraction method for batch identification of genotypes in model mice.
5.Construction of a recombinant adenovirus for Mycobacterium tuberculosis c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase expression and induction of humoral immunity
Jia-hao HU ; Huan-huan NING ; Meng-juan DONG ; Yan-zhi LU ; Ting DAI ; Cong-yue ZHANG ; Zi-qing XU ; Shu-yu WANG ; Zheng-yan ZHOU ; Yin-lan BAI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):364-369
A recombinant adenovirus(rAd)for expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was constructed,and its induced humoral immune response was detected.The codon-optimized gene of M.tb CnpB was cloned into the adenoviral plasmid pcADV.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was transfected into HEK293T cells,and expression was detected with Western blot.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB and the backbone plasmid were co-transfected into HEK293T cells to obtain the recombinant adenovirus rAd-CnpB.rAd-CnpB was amplified in HEK293T cells,and the target protein expression of rAd-CnpB was detected with Western blot and immunofluorescence.Mice were immunized with rAd-CnpB intranasally,and their sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were collected.ELISA was used to detect levels of antigen-specific antibodies.Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing indicated that the recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was successfully constructed and led to protein expression in eukaryotic cells.rAd-CnpB was packaged and produced in HEK293T cells.After amplification and purification,rAd-CnpB with a titer of 5.53×1010 PFU/mL was obtained.rAd-CnpB led to CnpB expression in HEK293T cells.Intranasal immunization with rAd-CnpB increased levels of IgG and secretory IgA in BALF and led to high levels of IgG in sera.rAd-CnpB,the recombinant adenovirus for expression of c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was successfully constructed,and was found to induce antigen-specific humoral and mucosal immune responses through mucosal immunization.Thus,rAd-CnpB may be used in further research on new TB vaccine strategies.
6.Regulation of white adipose tissue in mice by immunization with recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin with c-di-AMP adjuvant
Meng-juan DONG ; Yu-xiao CHANG ; Huan-huan NING ; Yan-zhi LU ; Jian KANG ; Ming-ze XU ; Ting DAI ; Jia-ling LI ; Le-ran HAO ; Lin-na ZHANG ; Yin-lan BAI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):370-375
This study assessed the role and mechanism of the recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin vaccine(rBCG)with c-di-AMP adjuvant in regulating metabolism and immunity in epididymal white adipose(eWAT)in mice.Male C57BL/6 mice were intravenously immunized with BCG and rBCG,and their body weights were monitored.eWAT was isolated from the mice,and the stromal vascular fractions(SVFs)cell number was counted with a hemocytometer.Sections of mouse adipose tissue were prepared,and the size,number,and morphology of eWAT adipocytes and crown-like structure(CLS)formation were compared under a microscope after HE staining.The transcription levels of lipid metabolism-associated factors,cytokines and aging-associated genes in each group were determined with qRT-PCR.The body weights of mice gradually increased after immunization with BCG and rBCG.The proportions of eWAT increased,and the SVFs cell number decreased,in rBCG immunized mice.HE staining indicated that BCG immunization promoted hyperplasia,whereas rBCG immunization promoted hypertrophy of eWAT adipocytes;moreover,both BCG and rBCG immunization induced CLS formation in eWAT.The qRT-PCR results indicated that rBCG immunization inhibited the expression of genes associated with lipolysis and energy expenditure in eWAT.BCG immunization had little effect on cytokine transcription,whereas rBCG significantly induced the transcription of IFN-γ and IL-1Ra,and inhibited that of IL-15 and IL-2,but did not induce the expression of aging-associated genes.Thus,rBCG immunization induced eWAT adipocyte hypertrophy,which was associated with the inhibition of eWAT lipolysis and the regulation of cytokine expression.
7.Comparison of water swallowing test and standard swallowing assessment for screening swallowing disorder risk in elderly patients
Huan XING ; Xingyu LIU ; Lan YANG ; Zhaojun YAO
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(7):1693-1696
Objective To compare the screening efficacy of the Water Swallow Test and the Standard-ized Swallowing Assessment for identifying swallowing disorder risk in elderly inpatients,providing reference for selecting appropriate clinical screening tools.Methods Using convenience sampling,240 elderly inpatients admitted from March to November 2023 were enrolled.Swallowing function was evaluated using the Water Swallow Test,Standardized Swallowing Assessment,and the Eating Assessment Tool.With the Eating As-sessment Tool as the diagnostic standard,Bayes discriminant analysis and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were employed to compare the screening capabilities of the Water Swallow Test and Standard-ized Swallowing Assessment for swallowing disorder risk in elderly hospitalized patients.Results A total of 240 questionnaires were distributed,and 226 valid questionnaires were recovered,with an effective recovery rate of 94.17%.The incidence of swallowing disorders in elderly patients was screened using Water Swallow Test,Standardized Swallowing Assessment,and The Eating Assessment Tool,with rates of 6.2%,31.0%,and 14.2%,respectively;The Kappa values for consistency between Water Swallow Test and The Eating As-sessment Tool,and between Standardized Swallowing Assessment and The Eating Assessment Tool were 0.381 and 0.392,respectively(both P<0.01);The areas under the ROC curves for Water Swallow Test and Standardized Swallowing Assessment were 0.839(95%CI:0.784 to 0.884)and 0.821(95%CI:0.765 to 0.869),respectively,with no statistically significant difference(Z=0.326,P=0.744);The cross validation accuracy of risk prediction for swallowing disorders was 88.5%and 77.9%,respectively;The cutoff values were 1.5 grades and 18.5 points,respectively;The sensitivity was 0.875 and 0.813,the specificity was 0.737 and 0.773,and the Youden index was 0.612 and 0.586,respectively.Conclusion Water Swallow Test and Standardized Swallowing Assessment have average ability to screen for the risk of swallowing disorders in eld-erly patients;Water Swallow Test has higher predictive efficiency for the risk of swallowing disorders,making it more suitable for screening the risk of swallowing disorders in elderly patients.
8.In Vivo Electrochemical Analysis of Brain Neurochemistry:Opportunities and Challenges in Clinical Applications
Ke LI ; Huan WEI ; Ran LIU ; Yi-Fei XUE ; Li-Juan LI ; Li-Juan HOU ; Lan-Qun MAO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):311-327
Neuroscience,a cutting-edge field in interdisciplinary research,consistently draws considerable research interest,of which quantitatively probing the neurochemical dynamics is essential for brain science research.In vivoelectrochemical analysis,featuring with high sensitivity,high spatiotemporal resolution,free from transfection,and designable electrode/solution interfaces,provides important tools for in vivo neurochemicals sensing.Fast scan cyclic voltammetry combined with microelectrodes can not only enable precise detection of dopamine but also is compatible with existing neurosurgical equipment.This offers new opportunities for the clinical application of in vivo electrochemical analysis and paves new avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases.This review summarized recent progress of in vivo electrochemical techniques for brain neurochemistry and addressed key clinical challenges and their potential solutions.
9.Construction and application of an early in-hospital temperature management protocol for patients with heat stroke
Lan CHEN ; Huimin MA ; Yuan FANG ; Huan ZHANG ; Jingnan REN ; Liyun LU ; Xiangliang WU ; Chang LIU ; Dingping JIN ; Xiuqin FENG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(5):561-568
Objective This study aims to develop an early in-hospital temperature management protocol for heat stroke patients and assess its effectiveness,providing guidance for rapid cooling and precise target temperature control.Methods The protocol was developed through a Delphi expert consultation combined with expert panel meetings.A multi-center,non-randomized,historical control study was conducted,utilizing convenience sampling to select heat stroke patients from the emergency departments of 7 tertiary hospitals in Zhejiang Province,China,between June and August 2024 as an experimental group.The protocol was implemented in this group,while the control group consisted of heat stroke patients treated between June and August 2022,prior to protocol implementation.Cooling rates,target temperature attainment rates,and clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups.Results The final protocol included 6 primary indicators,23 secondary indicators,and 56 tertiary indicators.After protocol implementation,the experimental group achieved a cooling rate of 0.08(0.05~0.09)℃/min within 0.5 hours,significantly higher than the control group,which had a rate of 0.04(0.02~0.06)℃/min(P<0.001).The target temperature attainment rates at 0.5 hours and 2.0 hours were 55.93%and 98.31%,respectively,significantly higher than the rates of 15.87%and 61.11%in the control group(P<0.001).The mechanical ventilation rate,hospitalization rate,ICU admission rate,and mortality rate in the experimental group were 25.42%,61.02%,44.07%,and 8.47%,respectively.Logistic regression analysis revealed that the early in-hospital temperature management protocol significantly reduced the risk of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization in heat stroke patients,with odds ratios(ORs)of 0.294 and 0.300,respectively(both P<0.05).Conclusion The developed protocol for early in-hospital temperature management in heat stroke patients is scientific,systematic,and practical.It improves cooling rates and target temperature attainment,thereby enhancing the prognosis of heat stroke patients.
10.Caffeic acid alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by directly targeting Keap1N532/M550 and promoting its degradation.
Ying ZHANG ; Huan LAN ; Wenjuan ZHAI ; Lin JIANG ; Xiaotong XIA ; Fang LIU ; Lin ZHANG ; Jinjun WU ; Zhongqiu LIU ; Caiyan WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(11):101219-101219
Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease-related death worldwide. Nonetheless, existing therapeutic approaches for MI are hampered by issues such as reliance on pharmacological agents and suboptimal patient adherence. Caffeic acid (CA) is a bioactive polyphenolic compound with important anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant functions. Still, its specific role and mechanism in treating cardiovascular disease remain to be further studied. In recent years, a large number of studies have shown that the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Keap1/Nrf2) pathway is a key factor in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, H2O2-induced oxidative stress model of H9c2 cells and left anterior descending branch (LAD) conjunctival induced acute myocardial infarction reperfusion (AMI/R) model were used to evaluate the protective effect of CA on the heart. The interaction between CA and Keap1 was analyzed by CA-labeled fluorescence probe, target fishing, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), protein crystallography and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Our results suggested that CA binds Keap1 and degrades Keap1 in a p62-dependent manner, further promoting nuclear transcription of Nrf2 and thus effectively reducing oxidative stress. In addition, based on the three-dimensional eutectic structure, it was confirmed that CA directly targets Keap1 protein by interacting with residues M550 and N532, inducing conformation changes in Keap1 protein. We also found that the CA analog chlorogenic acid (GCA) can bind Keap1. In conclusion, this study elucidates a novel molecular mechanism and structural basis for the protective effects of CA against oxidative damage via the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.

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