1.The mechanism of Laggerae Herba in improving chronic heart failure by inhibiting ferroptosis through the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Jinling XIAO ; Kai HUANG ; Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jing HAN ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Fanghe LI ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):343-353
Objective:
To investigate the role and mechanism of the heat-clearing and detoxifying drug Laggerae Herba in regulating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2(Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and improve chronic heart failure induced by transverse aortic arch constriction in mice.
Methods:
Twenty-four male ICR mice were divided into the sham (n=6) and transverse aortic arch constriction groups (n=18) according to the random number table method. The transverse aortic arch constriction group underwent transverse aortic constriction surgery to establish models. After modeling, the transverse aortic arch constriction group was further divided into the model, captopril, and Laggerae Herba groups according to the random number table method, with six mice per group. The captopril (15 mg/kg) and Laggerae Herba groups (1.95 g/kg) received the corresponding drugs by gavage, whereas the sham operation and model groups were administered the same volume of ultrapure water by gavage once a day for four consecutive weeks. After treatment, the cardiac function indexes of mice in each group were detected using ultrasound. The heart mass and tibia length were measured to calculate the ratio of heart weight to tibia length. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the pathological changes in myocardial tissue. Masson staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial cell hypertrophy. Prussian blue staining was used to observe the iron deposition in myocardial tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and glutathione (GSH) contents in mice serum. Colorimetry was used to detect the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mice serum. Western blotting was used to detect the Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) protein expressions in mice cardiac tissue.
Results:
Compared with the sham group, in the model group, the ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) of mice decreased, the left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) increased, the left ventricular anterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVAWs) and left ventricular posterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVPWs) decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length increased, the myocardial tissue morphology changed, myocardial fibrosis increased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells increased, iron deposition appeared in myocardial tissue, the serum NT-proBNP and MDA levels increased, the GSH level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, in the captopril and Laggerae Herba groups, the EF, FS, and LVAWs increased, the LVESV and LVESD decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length decreased, the myocardial cells were arranged neatly, the degree of myocardial fibrosis decreased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells decreased, the serum NT-proBNP level decreased, and the GSH level increased. Compared with the model group, the LVPWs increased, the iron deposition in myocardial tissue decreased, the serum MDA level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue increased (P<0.05) in the Laggerae Herba group.
Conclusion
Laggerae Herba improves the cardiac function of mice with chronic heart failure caused by transverse aortic arch constriction, reduces the pathological remodeling of the heart, and reduces fibrosis. Its mechanism may be related to Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway-mediated ferroptosis.
2.The impact of postpartum depression on maternal responsiveness in infant care
Shuzhen LI ; Fang WANG ; Ke WANG ; Su LIU ; Qian WEI ; Qing YANG ; Leilei LIU ; Huijing SHI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):271-275
ObjectiveTo analyze the impact of maternal postpartum depression (PPD) at 2 months postpartum on caregiving for infants aged2 to 24 months, and to provide a scientific basis for future maternal and infant healthcare services. MethodsBased on the Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort, 1 060 mother-child pairs were selected from those fully participating in follow-up visits at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months postpartum. Pregnancy and childbirth-related information was collected using standardized questionnaire surveys and hospital obstetric and maternity records. The Edinburgh postpartum depression scale was used to assess the maternal postpartum depressive symptoms at 2 months postpartum. At 2, 6, 12, and 24 months postpartum, questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the maternal responsiveness in caregiving and the provision of early learning opportunities for infants. Scores for responsive caregiving and early learning opportunities at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months were grouped based on the 25th percentile (P25) of total scores. The mixed-effects model was used to analyze the longitudinal impact of maternal postpartum depression at 2 months on the caregiving of 2 to 24-month-old infants. ResultsThe longitudinal results from the mixed-effects model did not show an impact of maternal PPD on infant responsive caregiving within 12 months and early learning opportunities within24 months. However, cross-sectional analysis revealed that, compared to the non-PPD group, the risk of low responsive caregiving at 2 months in the PPD group was 93% higher (OR=1.931, 95%CI: 1.113‒3.364, P=0.019). The risks for low provision of early learning opportunities at2 months and 24 months increased by 59% (OR=1.589, 95%CI: 1.082‒2.324, P=0.017) and 60% (OR=1.598, 95%CI:1.120‒2.279, P=0.010), respectively. ConclusionMaternal postpartum depression increases the risk of low responsive caregiving at 2 months, but its long-term effects warrant further research.
3.Analysis of current situation and countermeasures of sex education in special education schools in Luzhou
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):802-805
Objective:
To analyze the implementation status and challenges of sex education in special education schools, so as to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective promotion strategies.
Methods:
From November 2023 to January 2024, a census survey was conducted among 120 in service teachers from 7 special education schools in Luzhou. The questionnaire covered the current status of sex education in schools, teachers attitudes and knowledge toward sex education, and their coping methods for students inappropriate sexual behaviors.
Results:
About 77.5% of teachers reported having provided sex education to students, but 93.2% indicated a lack of specialized sex education textbooks for special children, 90.4% reported no full time teachers for sex education, and the methods of sex education were relatively limited (50.0% mainly based on lecture method). Nearly 95.8% of teachers held a positive attitude toward sex education, with 98.3% supporting its implementation. Only 26.7% of teachers demonstrated a good grasp of sex education knowledge, with the best understood topic being "recognition and protection of private parts" (21.6%). When dealing with students inappropriate sexual behaviors, the active response rate of teachers was 23.9%, with the highest active response rate observed for "intentionally hugging or kissing the opposite sex" (39.7%).
Conclusions
The special education schools in Luzhou lack comprehensive sex education curricula, teaching materials and full time teachers, sufficient knowledge among teachers, and adequate proactive responses to students inappropriate sexual behaviors. Greater emphasis should be placed on sex education for special children, including the training of dedicated teachers, to provide comprehensive and high quality sex education services for special children.
4.Interpretation of Chinese Expert Consensus on Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Management of Wilson Disease-related Renal Damage
Wenming YANG ; Ke DIAO ; Hu XI ; Zhihong RAO ; Taohua WEI ; Yulong YANG ; Shuzhen FANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):168-176
Wilson disease is a copper metabolism disorder caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, which encodes a copper-transporting ATPase β, and can result in multisystem damage. The kidneys are the third most commonly affected organs after the liver and brain. In recent years, numerous diagnostic and treatment guidelines for Wilson disease have emerged. However, most of these focus primarily on hepatic and neurological manifestations and their management, with limited coverage of renal involvement. The high incidence, low awareness, and lack of clinical specificity of Wilson disease-related renal damage (WDRD) have made early detection and intervention particularly challenging in clinical practice. To further optimize the treatment of patients with WDRD, improve clinical diagnosis and management, and enhance patients' quality of life, the Neurology Committee of the Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine, in April 2024, initiated a revision of the first expert consensus on the integrated diagnosis, treatment, and management of WDRD. This effort brought together experts in hepatology, encephalopathy (neurology), and nephrology from many tertiary-level grade A hospitals and research institutions across China. Through comprehensive literature review and integration of frontline clinical experience, the expert group jointly developed Chinese Expert Consensus on Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Management of Wilson Disease-related Renal Damage (hereinafter referred to as the "Consensus"). This article provides a detailed interpretation of the Consensus in terms of diagnostic criteria, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation and treatment classification, and comprehensive disease management, aiming to better guide clinical application. Regarding diagnostic criteria, the Consensus integrates the latest standards in China and abroad, highlights the importance of biochemical diagnosis, and compensates for the limitations of genetic testing. In the area of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, the Consensus refines four major syndrome types, introduces a newly defined syndrome, i.e., phlegm, blood stasis, and heat accumulation, and elaborates on treatment principles, prescriptions, and clinical modification rules for each syndrome. For comprehensive disease management, the Consensus emphasizes multi-dimensional intervention strategies, including diet, exercise, emotional regulation, medication, and medical care, with the goal of maximally controlling the progression of renal dysfunction and helping patients achieve a better quality of life.
5.Establishment and evaluation of an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction integrating disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis
Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Feng JIANG ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jinling XIAO ; Fanghe LI ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Wei WANG ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):501-515
Objective:
This study aimed to construct an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis and to evaluate it comprehensively.
Methods:
The HFpEF mouse model was constructed using a combination of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and a high-fat diet. According to the random number table method, SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control, L-NAME, high-fat diet, and model groups, 10 in each group. Comprehensive observations and data collection on macroscopic signs (e.g., fur condition, mental state, stool and urine, oral and nasal condition, paw and body condition, etc.) and cardiac function were performed after 10 and 16 weeks of model induction. Additionally, the syndrome evolution was elucidated based on diagnostic criteria for clinical syndromes of heart failure. Furthermore, pathological and molecular biological examinations of myocardial tissue were performed to assess the stability and reliability of the model.
Results:
Mice in the model group showed typical characteristics of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, as well as syndrome of internal heat accumulation, including lethargy, slow response, dull paw color and oral/nasal color, exercise intolerance, abnormal platelet activation, dry feces, and dark yellow urine. The time window for these syndromes was between 10 and 16 weeks post-modeling. Cardiac function assessments revealed severe diastolic dysfunction, concentric myocardial hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis in the model group. Pathological examinations showed a significantly increased collagen deposition in the myocardial interstitium, enlarged cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, and sparse coronary microvasculature in the model group. Molecular biological analyses indicated marked activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammatory pathway and significantly elevated inflammation levels in the myocardial tissue of the model group. Although mice in the L-NAME and high-fat diet groups also showed certain manifestations of qi deficiency syndrome, the substantial cardiac damage was relatively limited compared to the control group.
Conclusion
This study has constructed an animal model of HFpEF that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of this model are consistent with the manifestations of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, toxin syndrome, and syndrome of internal heat accumulation. Moreover, it can stably simulate the HFpEF state and reflect phenotypic changes in human disease. This model provides a suitable experimental platform to explore the pathogenesis of HFpEF, evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment regimens, and promote in-depth research on TCM syndromes of heart failure.
6.Value of preoperative vascular ultrasound parameters in predicting postoperative lower extremity deep venous thrombosis in patients with gynecological malignant tumors
Wenhui GAO ; Weiwei ZHANG ; Nirong WANG ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Jinghua DAI ; Xinhui LI ; Jian-Feng WEI ; Shuzhen YU
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(8):937-940
Objective:To evaluate the value of preoperative vascular ultrasound parameters in predicting the postoperative lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with gynecological malignant tumors.Methods:Ninety-nine patients with gynecological malignant tumors, aged>18 yr, with body mass index<30 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ, scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia, were selected. Vascular ultrasound examination was performed before surgery. The flow velocity and diameter of common femoral vein (CFV), deep femoral vein (DFV), popliteal vein (POV), and intermuscular vein (IMV) were recorded. Ultrasound examination of lower limb veins (including anterior tibial vein, posterior tibial vein, IMV, CFV, DFV, POV) were conducted at 1-8 days after surgery to determine whether a DVT occurred. The receiver operating charcateristic curve was used to evaluate the accuracy of each indicator in predicting the lower extremity DVT, and the cut-off value was determined based on the maximum principle of Jorden index. Results:The incidence of lower extremity DVT was 13.1%. The area under the curve (95% confidence interval) of the preoperative CFV flow velocity and diameter, DFV flow velocity and diameter, POV flow velocity and diameter, IMV flow velocity and diameter in predicting the lower extremity DVT were 0.769 (0.616-0.923) and 0.800 (0.644-0.950), 0.797 (0.641-0.954) and 0.771 (0.596-0.945), 0.806 (0.645-0.968) and 0.754 (0.606-0.903), 0.764 (0.615-0.914) and 0.818 (0.645-0.990), respectively ( P<0.05), and the predicted cut-off values were 27.13 cm/s and 11.93 mm, 19.31 cm/s and 10.15 mm, 16.04 cm/s and 8.79 mm, 14.39 cm/s and 8.68 mm, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity were 90.0%, 71.4% and 90.0%, 74.3%; 90.0%, 74.3% and 90.0%, 68.6%; 90.0%, 82.9% and 90.0%, 72.9%; 90.0%, 70.0% and 80.0%, 87.1%, respectively. Conclusions:Preoperative vascular vascular ultrasound parameters can accurately predict the occurrence of postoperative lower extremity DVT in patients with gynecological malignant tumors.
7.Efficacy and safety of omalizumab in the treatment of chronic urticaria in children: a retrospective study
Shuzhen YUE ; Ye SHU ; Yangyang LUO ; Keyao LI ; Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Jianping TANG ; Zhu WEI
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2024;57(4):354-358
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in the treatment of chronic urticaria in children.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted. Patients with chronic urticaria were collected from the Department of Dermatology, Hunan Children′s Hospital from January to December 2021, and divided into a control group and a combination group according to different medication regimens. The patients in the combination group received subcutaneous injections of omalizumab (150 mg, once every 4 weeks) combined with conventional-dosage antihistamines, while the patients in the control group were only treated with double-dosage or multiple types of antihistamines. The course of treatment was 3 to 6 months. The clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after the start of treatment, and the recurrence was evaluated at 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment.Results:A total of 46 children with chronic urticaria were collected. There were 23 children (13 males and 10 females) in the combination group, aged from 6 to 17 years and including 16 aged from 6 to 12 years and 7 aged from 13 to 17 years; according to the total serum IgE levels before treatment, the patients in the combination group were divided into an increased IgE subgroup (11 cases) and a normal IgE subgroup (12 cases). In the control group, there were 13 males and 10 females, aged from 6.33 to 16 years and including 15 aged from 6 to 12 years and 8 aged from 13 to 17 years. At 3, 6, and 12 months after the start of treatment, the response rates in the combination group were all 86.96% (20/23), which were all significantly higher than those in the control group (52.17% [12/23], 56.52% [13/23], 56.52% [13/23], P = 0.010, 0.022, 0.022, respectively). In the combination group, the response rates at 3, 6, and 12 months after the start of treatment were all 14/16 in the children aged 6 to 12 years and 6/7 in those aged 13 to 17 years, and there were no significant differences between the two age groups (all χ2 = 0.01, P = 0.907) ; in the control group, the response rates were 5/15, 6/15 and 5/15 respectively in the children aged 6 to 12 years, which were all significantly lower than those in the combination group ( P = 0.002, 0.006, 0.006, respectively). In the combination group, the response rates at 3, 6, and 12 months after the start of treatment were all 9/11 in the increased IgE subgroup and 11/12 in the normal IgE subgroup, and there were no significant differences between the two subgroups (all P = 0.484). During the treatment, no serious adverse reactions were observed in the combination group or control group, and mild somnolence only occurred in 2 children in the control group. At 3 months after the end of treatment, no recurrence was observed in 16 patients in the combination group, 2 out of 6 patients experienced recurrence in the control group, and the recurrence rate was lower in the combination group than in the control group ( P = 0.030) ; at 6 months after the end of treatment, no recurrence was observed in 16 patients in the combination group, 3 out of 6 patients experienced recurrence in the control group, and the recurrence rate was lower in the combination group than in the control group ( P = 0.022) . Conclusion:Omalizumab combined with conventional-dosage antihistamines could improve the clinical efficacy and reduce the recurrence rate in the treatment of chronic urticaria in children, with few adverse reactions.
8.Background, design, and preliminary implementation of China prospective multicenter birth cohort
Si ZHOU ; Liping GUAN ; Hanbo ZHANG ; Wenzhi YANG ; Qiaoling GENG ; Niya ZHOU ; Wenrui ZHAO ; Jia LI ; Zhiguang ZHAO ; Xi PU ; Dan ZHENG ; Hua JIN ; Fei HOU ; Jie GAO ; Wendi WANG ; Xiaohua WANG ; Aiju LIU ; Luming SUN ; Jing YI ; Zhang MAO ; Zhixu QIU ; Shuzhen WU ; Dongqun HUANG ; Xiaohang CHEN ; Fengxiang WEI ; Lianshuai ZHENG ; Xiao YANG ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Zhongjun LI ; Qingsong LIU ; Leilei WANG ; Lijian ZHAO ; Hongbo QI
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2024;27(9):750-755
China prospective multicenter birth cohort (Prospective Omics Health Atlas birth cohort, POHA birth cohort) study was officially launched in 2022. This study, in collaboration with 12 participating units, aims to establish a high-quality, multidimensional cohort comprising 20 000 naturally conceived families and assisted reproductive families. The study involves long-term follow-up of parents and offspring, with corresponding biological samples collected at key time points. Through multi-omics testing and analysis, the study aims to conduct multi-omics big data research across the entire maternal and infant life cycle. The goal is to identify new biomarkers for maternal and infant diseases and provide scientific evidence for risk prediction related to maternal diseases and neonatal health.
9.Expert Consensus on Clinical Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine:Aural Vertigo
Yingdi GONG ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Wei FENG ; Daxin LIU ; Jiaxi WANG ; Jianhua LIU ; Yu ZHANG ; Shusheng GONG ; Guopeng WANG ; Chunying XU ; Xin MA ; Bo LI ; Shuzhen GUO ; Mingxia ZHANG ; Jinfeng LIU ; Jihua GUO ; Zhengkui CAO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhonghai XIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):215-222
Aural vertigo frequently encountered in the otolaryngology department of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mainly involves peripheral vestibular diseases of Western medicine, such as Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular neuritis, and vestibular migraine, being a hot research topic in both TCM and Western medicine. Western medical therapies alone have unsatisfactory effects on recurrent aural vertigo, aural vertigo affecting the quality of life, aural vertigo not relieved after surgery, aural vertigo with complex causes, and children's aural vertigo. The literature records and clinical practice have proven that TCM demonstrates unique advantages in the treatment of aural vertigo. The China Association of Chinese medicine sponsored the "17th youth salon on the diseases responding specifically to TCM: Aural vertigo" and invited vertigo experts of TCM and Western medicine to discuss the difficulties and advantages of TCM diagnosis and treatment of aural vertigo. The experts deeply discussed the achievements and contributions of TCM and Western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of aural vertigo, the control and mitigation of the symptoms, and the solutions to disease recurrence. The discussion clarified the positioning and advantages of TCM treatment and provided guidance for clinical and basic research on aural vertigo.
10.Clinical effect of plating after lengthening to assist the consolidation of tibial shortening in children
Shuzhen DENG ; Zhe FU ; Wuzeng WEI ; Kan WANG ; Zhaoqiang CHEN ; Zhongli ZHANG ; Jianping YANG ; Yongcheng HU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2024;44(6):362-371
Objective:To explore the clinical effect of plating after lengthening to assist the consolidation of tibial shortening deformity in children.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 10 children with tibial shortening who were treated with circular external fixator lengthening and replacement with plate-assisted internal fixation (study group) in the Department of Pediatric Orthopedics of Tianjin Hospital from November 2019 to October 2022, and 16 children who were treated by circular external fixator only during the same period were enrolled as the external fixator group (control group). Among the 26 cases, there were 15 males and 11 females, 10 left knees and 16 right knees. The average age at the time of surgery was 8.8±4.7 years (range 5.1-13.8 years). The gender, side, age at the time of surgery were compared between the two groups. The extension length, external fixator index, healing index, Kolcaba comfort scale score, knee and ankle joint range of motion, complications and average total hospitalization costs were recorded.Results:There were no significant differences in gender, side, age at the time of surgery between the study group and control group. The extended lengths were 5.44±1.25 cm and 5.78±1.11 cm respectively without significant difference ( t=0.096, P=0.096). The external fixator index and healing index were 17.86±2.94 d/cm vs. 50.97±7.03 d/cm and 40.94±6.63 d/cm vs. 45.24±5.98 d/cm in study group and the control group with significant differences ( t=13.299, P<0.001; t=1.289, P=0.033). The Kolcaba comfort scale score of the children in the study group was higher than that of the control group, with significant difference ( t=6.821, P=0.001). Comparing the range of motion of the knee and ankle joints between the two groups, there were no significant differences before surgery, at the end of extension surgery, and at the final follow-up. When the extension end was healed, the range of motion of the knee joint was137.89°±4.40° vs. 114.09°±13.60° and ankle joint was 64.35°±5.50° vs. 56.65°±8.86° in the study group and control group with significant difference ( t=17.235, P<0.001; t=7.821, P=0.002). In the study group, 4 cases had pin tract infection, but no refracture occurred; in the control group, pin tract infection occurred in 13 cases, and refracture occurred in 2 cases after removal of the external fixator. The average total hospitalization cost of the study group was higher than that of the control group with significant difference ( t=3.745, P=0.036). Conclusion:The clinical effect of replacing plate-assisted internal fixator during the mineralization period of tibial shortening in children is reliable, and can significantly shorten the time for using external fixator. It is beneficial to the healing of the extended end of the osteotomy and the functional recovery of the knee and ankle joints. Being more comfortable for children with fewer complications, it is applicable for children who need long-distance extension, multiple extensions with limited joint function, poor tolerance for external fixators and low treatment compliance.


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