1.Diabetic Kidney Disease and Gut-kidney Axis: A Review
Yingchao WANG ; Yexin CHEN ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Xingru PAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):310-320
With the rising incidence of diabetes, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become a significant global health burden. Although current prevention and treatment strategies can partially delay the progression of DKD, the risk of patients advancing to end-stage renal disease remains high. Since the concept of the "gut-kidney axis" was first introduced at the International Congress on Dialysis in 2011, research on the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of DKD has received increasing attention. This review summarizes the current research on gut microbiota, explores the mechanisms through which it contributes to DKD development, and outlines clinical approaches for DKD prevention and treatment based on the "gut-kidney axis" theory. Evidence indicates that dietary interventions, intake of probiotics or prebiotics, use of metformin and novel antidiabetic drugs, and application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formulas can effectively improve gut microbiota composition, influence metabolite production, and restore the intestinal mucosal barrier. These interventions can further regulate intestinal innate immunity and inflammatory responses, thereby modulating the progression of DKD. Despite challenges posed by the traditional oral administration of water-decocted TCM compound formulas and the complexity of their ingredients, increasing evidence suggests that TCM may indirectly affect the occurrence and development of DKD by modulating gut microbiota. This finding provides a new perspective on the potential mechanisms of TCM in DKD treatment and may offer novel strategies for DKD prevention and therapy.
2.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Qigui Didang Decoction in Treatment of Stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ Diabetic Kidney Disease with Kidney Collateral Stasis Syndrome in Real World
Yingchao WANG ; Jiaqi WANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiannan ZHOU ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):162-169
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of Qigui Didang decoction in the treatment of kidney collateral stasis syndrome in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in a real-world setting. MethodsPatients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome admitted to Beijing Aerospace General Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected for clinical study. According to treatment methods, patients were divided into the Qigui Didang decoction group (Qigui Didang decoction + conventional treatment) and the control group (conventional treatment alone). A 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to reduce bias caused by confounding factors. Clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, renal function indicators, mRNA expression related to pathway mechanisms, glycolipid metabolism indices, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. ResultsA total of 120 patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome were included, including 62 cases in the Qigui Didang Decoction group and 58 cases in the control group. Before matching, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in DKD stage, baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), 24-hour urine total protein (24 h-UTP), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P<0.05). After matching, 47 cases were included in each group, and there was no statistically significant difference in baseline data between the two groups. After matching, the total clinical effective rate of the Qigui Didang decoction group was significantly higher than that of the control group (χ2=4.681, P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms in the Qigui Didang decoction group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, serum creatinine (SCr), 24 h-UTP, and UACR levels were significantly decreased, while eGFR was significantly increased in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the mRNA expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) was significantly upregulated, while the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor suppressor protein p53 (p53) was significantly downregulated in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2 hPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were increased (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionQigui Didang decoction combined with conventional treatment can significantly improve renal function, glycolipid metabolism, and TCM syndromes in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome, with good safety. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Sirt1/NF-κB/p53 signaling pathway.
3.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Qigui Didang Decoction in Treatment of Stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ Diabetic Kidney Disease with Kidney Collateral Stasis Syndrome in Real World
Yingchao WANG ; Jiaqi WANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiannan ZHOU ; Jiangteng LIU ; Zhichao RUAN ; Weijun HUANG ; Jinxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):162-169
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of Qigui Didang decoction in the treatment of kidney collateral stasis syndrome in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in a real-world setting. MethodsPatients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome admitted to Beijing Aerospace General Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected for clinical study. According to treatment methods, patients were divided into the Qigui Didang decoction group (Qigui Didang decoction + conventional treatment) and the control group (conventional treatment alone). A 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to reduce bias caused by confounding factors. Clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, renal function indicators, mRNA expression related to pathway mechanisms, glycolipid metabolism indices, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. ResultsA total of 120 patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome were included, including 62 cases in the Qigui Didang Decoction group and 58 cases in the control group. Before matching, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in DKD stage, baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), 24-hour urine total protein (24 h-UTP), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P<0.05). After matching, 47 cases were included in each group, and there was no statistically significant difference in baseline data between the two groups. After matching, the total clinical effective rate of the Qigui Didang decoction group was significantly higher than that of the control group (χ2=4.681, P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the scores of primary and secondary TCM symptoms in the Qigui Didang decoction group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, serum creatinine (SCr), 24 h-UTP, and UACR levels were significantly decreased, while eGFR was significantly increased in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, the mRNA expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) was significantly upregulated, while the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and tumor suppressor protein p53 (p53) was significantly downregulated in the Qigui Didang decoction group (P<0.05). Compared with data before treatment, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2 hPG), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were increased (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionQigui Didang decoction combined with conventional treatment can significantly improve renal function, glycolipid metabolism, and TCM syndromes in patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ DKD with kidney collateral stasis syndrome, with good safety. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Sirt1/NF-κB/p53 signaling pathway.
4.LU Fang's Clinical Experience in Differentiation and Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from the Perspective of Heat-Toxin and Blood-Stasis in the Collaterals
Yingchao NIU ; Yongzhu PIAO ; Xiang GENG ; Zhihui GAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Huibin WU ; Zhilong WANG ; Shuangshuang GE ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):16-20
This paper summarizes Professor LU Fang's clinical experience in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the differentiation and treatment of heat-toxin and blood-stasis in the collaterals. SLE is generally characterized by deficiency in origin with excess in manifestation. The core pathogenesis is heat-toxin obstructing the collaterals. During the acute active stage, the predominant pattern is blazing heat-toxin causing blood stasis, while in the chronic remitting stage, the main pattern is toxic stasis blocking the collaterals with qi and yin deficiency. Clinical treatment follows the basic principle that treat with salty-cold herbs, when heat invades internally and that assist with acrid-dispersing herbs when stasis obstructs the collaterals. The self-formulated Yimian Decoction (抑免汤) serves as the base formula and is applied in stages. During the acute active stage, it is often combined with herbs for clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and resolving stasis, and unblocking the collaterals. In the chronic remitting stage, it is often combined with herbs for activating blood circulation and unblocking the collaterals, as well as tonifying qi and nourishing yin.
5.Etiology and Pathogenesis, Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment, and Medication Rules of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Fengfeng ZHANG ; Qianwen YANG ; Yexin CHEN ; Yingchao WANG ; Zongjiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):246-253
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays a unique role in improving clinical symptoms, reducing proteinuria, and delaying the initiation of dialysis. Over time, scholars have held diverse views on the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies of DKD. This paper systematically reviews the etiology and pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation and treatment, and medication rules of DKD, aiming to provide a reference for clinical practice. Regarding etiology, DKD is closely related to insufficient innate endowment, improper diet, emotional disorders, overexertion, and prolonged diabetes. Its pathogenesis evolves dynamically. Specifically, early stage is characterized by Yin deficiency with dryness-heat and subtle discharge. Middle stage involves both Qi and Yin deficiency with dampness and blood stasis. Late stage presents Yin and Yang deficiency with intrinsic turbidity toxins. Blood stasis and sugar toxicity are the core pathological factors, persisting throughout the disease course and accelerating renal collateral damage and fibrosis. In terms of diagnosis and treatment, contemporary scholars advocate stage-specific treatment, emphasize the integration of prevention and therapy, recommend whole-course management, and support comprehensive TCM and Western medicine approaches. Analysis of medication rules shows that treatment consistently addresses the core principle of deficiency at the root and excess at the surface, strengthens the body while dispelling pathogenic factors, emphasizes promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, consolidates the kidney and astringes essence, clears Fu-organs and eliminates turbidity and toxins, invigorates the spleen, replenishes Qi, protects the stomach, and advocates treatment based on pathogenic wind. Further refinement of the academic thoughts of classical TCM masters and research into innovative pathogenesis theories and clinically effective prescriptions are needed to enhance TCM's ability to prevent and treat major clinical diseases, including DKD.
6.Digital biopsy for liver diseases: A review of technological advances and application prospects
Yang ZHOU ; Zhenwei CHEN ; Hanying SHI ; Kongying LIN ; Yingchao WANG ; Yongyi ZENG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2207-2212
Digital biopsy for liver diseases is characterized by the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and large-scale liver disease data, through which intelligent analytics are applied to support clinical decision-making and full-cycle management. This article reviews the AI technical framework based on standardized data governance and centered on multimodal large medical models, covering the application of natural language processing, knowledge map, generative AI, and large language models in the establishment of databases for specialty diseases, diagnosis, prognosis prediction, treatment, and automated medical documentation. This article also discusses the application prospects of this framework in medical education, scientific research, and healthcare management. Although this technique shows broad application potential, it still faces challenges in areas such as multi-center data integration, model interpretability, ethics, and data security. In the future, a smart ecosystem with closed-loop optimization and human-AI collaboration should be established to promote the comprehensive implementation of digital biopsy in the whole process of medicine, education, research, and management, thereby providing help for the precise prevention and control and holistic health management of liver diseases.
7.Prediction of Placenta Accreta Spectrum by MRI Imaging Based on Deep Learning
Xiao LING ; Yurui HU ; Yingchao WANG
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(3):230-236
Objective:To explore the value of deep learning imageomics based on MRI sagittal T2WI images in predicting placenta accreta spectrum in high-risk pregnant women.Methods:The complete data of 265 pregnant women who underwent MRI due to suspected placenta implantation in The Second Hospital&Clinical Medical School,Lanzhou University and Zhangye People's Hospital Affiliated to Hexi University from January 2019 to De-cember 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were randomly divided into training group(n=172)and validation group(n=93)at 7∶3.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the independent risk factors among clinical and imaging characteristics.Radiomics features were extracted based on sagittal T2WI images.Using the DenseNet-121 model as the basic model for deep learning feature extraction,traditional clinical model,radiomic model and deep learning model were constructed to predict PAS.The diagnostic efficiency of each model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC).Finally,the model with the highest performance was determined as the optimal model.Results:In both the training and validation groups,the PAS group and normal group exhibited statistically significant differences(P<0.05)in terms of the number of cesarean section≥2,history of placenta previa,and placental thickness>40 mm.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that cesarean section history,placental thickness and placenta previa were independent risk factors for predicting PAS.Among all the models constructed,the diagnostic performance of the combination model of deep learning combined with clinic was higher than the other three models.The AUC in training group and verification group were 0.96(95%CI 0.93-0.98)and 0.91(95%CI 0.87-0.95)respectively.Conclusions:The combined clinical model of deep learning based on MRI may have better performance in the di-agnosis of PAS than clinical or traditional radiomic models.
8.Application of Guided Care nursing model intervention in postoperative rehabilitation of total knee arthroplasty patients
Yingchao TANG ; Xuan WEI ; Ruijuan LI ; Fuxiao WANG ; Yanmei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(17):2325-2329
Objective:To explore the impact of the Guided Care nursing model on exercise adherence and knee joint function recovery in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) .Methods:A total of 106 TKA patients from Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital, selected by convenience sampling between January 2023 and January 2024, were randomly assigned to the observation group and the control group (53 patients in each group) . The control group received routine nursing care, while the observation group received Guided Care nursing model intervention in addition to the routine care. Exercise adherence (assessed using the Orthopedic Patients' Exercise Adherence Scale) , knee joint function recovery [assessed using the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score (HSS) and Range of Motion (ROM) ] , and postoperative complication rates were compared between the two groups.Results:After intervention, the observation group showed significantly higher total scores for exercise adherence, HSS scores, and ROM compared to the control group ( P<0.05) . Additionally, the total postoperative complication rate in the observation group was lower than that of the control group, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The Guided Care nursing model intervention effectively improves exercise adherence in TKA patients, accelerates knee joint function recovery, and reduces postoperative complications.
9.Changes of Macrophages and Hemophagocytes in Bone Marrow of Patients with Multiple Myeloma before and after Chemotherapy and Their Correlation with Clinical Prognostic Value
Ting WANG ; Bingyun ZHANG ; Xiuhui CHEN ; Hongyue XU ; Mingli SUN ; Yingchao LIU ; Xueyong ZHANG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(3):150-157,163
Objective To investigate the changes of macrophages and hemophagocytes in bone marrow smears of patients with multiple myeloma(MM)before and after chemotherapy and their correlation with clinical prognostic value.Methods A total of 300 MM patients treated in Liaocheng Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from June 2018 to June 2023 were selected as the study objects.All patients received at least 3 courses of chemotherapy and were divided into the remission group(n=214)and the non-remission group(n=86)according to the clinical effect.Immunoglobulin(Ig)A,IgG,CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,interleukin(IL-2),IL-4,IL-6,IL-17,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,transforming growth factor(TGF)-β,macrophages and hemophagocytes were detected in the two groups and compared between the two groups.COX regression was used to analyze the relationship between immunological indexes and non-remission of chemotherapy.The relationship between macrophages and hemophagocytes and non-remission of chemotherapy was analyzed by restricted cubic spline.The multiplicative interaction of macrophages and hemophagocytes on non-remission of chemotherapy was analyzed using an unconditioned Logistic regression model,and the additive interaction was analyzed using the interaction calculation table.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis of macrophages and hemophagocytes alone or in combination to determine the value of chemotherapy non-remission.Results The overall response rate(ORR)and non-response rate(NRR)of MM patients were 71.33%and 28.67%respectively.Compared with before treatment,IgA,IgG,CD8+,IL-6,IL-17,TNF-α,TGF-β,macrophages and hemophagocytes were significantly decreased in both groups after treatment(tslow=9.252~61.177,tnot slow=4.057~35.797).CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+,IL-2 and IL-4 were significantly increased(tslow=9.706~33.940,tnot slow=4.227~16.167),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).After treatment,compared with the remission group,IgA,IgG,CD8+,IL-6,IL-17,TNF-α,TGF-β,macrophages and hemophagocytes in the non-remission group were significantly higher than those in remission group(t=3.362~30.028),CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+,IL-2 and IL-4 were significantly lower than those in remission group(t=3.736~13.998).and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).After adjusting the influence of other factors by COX regression,the trend test of macrophages and hemophagocytes was still statistically significant the trend test of macrophages and hemophagocytes was still statistically significant(P<0.05).Patients with≥5 macrophages/tablet and≥3 hemophagocytes/tablet had a significantly increased risk of non-remission from chemotherapy(P<0.05).There were additive(OR=6.157,95%CI:3.768~12.978)and multiplicative(OR=5.648,95%CI:1.035~17.492)interactions between macrophages and hemophagocytes in the non-remission of chemotherapy.Compared with the single judgment of macrophages and hemophagocytes,the combination of the two has the highest accuracy in determining chemotherapy non-remission(P<0.05).Conclusion Macrophages and hemophagocytic cells in MM patients after chemotherapy are significantly lower than those before chemotherapy,with≥5 macrophages/tablet and≥3 hemocyte phages/tablet,indicating that the risk of non-remission in patients with chemotherapy increased significantly,and the combination of the two can accurately judge the clinical efficacy.
10.Observation on analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided high fascia iliac compartment block for tourniquet-related pain following total knee arthroplasty.
Qingqing YU ; Yingchao TANG ; Haiyu FU ; Li JIANG ; Benjing SONG ; Wei WANG ; Qingyun XIE ; Song CHEN
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(8):1045-1050
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided high fascia iliaca compartment block (HFICB) in managing tourniquet-related pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
METHODS:
A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 84 patients with severe knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis who underwent unilateral TKA between March 2024 and December 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups ( n=42) using a random number table. In the trial group, ultrasound-guided HFICB was performed preoperatively, with 0.2% ropivacaine injected into the fascia iliaca compartment. No intervention was administered in the control group. Baseline characteristics, including gender, age, surgical side, body mass index, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at rest and during movement, showed no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). In both groups, a tourniquet was applied after osteotomy and before pulsed lavage, and removed after the closure of the first layer of the joint capsule. Postoperative assessments were conducted at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours, including VAS scores at the tourniquet site (at rest and during movement), Bromage motor block scores, Ramsay sedation scores, and Bruggrmann comfort scale (BCS) scores to evaluate patient comfort. Additionally, the average tramadol consumption and incidence of nausea and vomiting within 48 hours postoperatively were recorded and compared.
RESULTS:
In the trial group and control group, VAS scores during movement at the tourniquet site significantly improved at all postoperative time points compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05). VAS scores at rest increased transiently at 6 hours after operation in both groups, and then gradually decreased to the preoperative level. Except that there was no significant difference at 48 hours after operation in the trial group ( P>0.05), there were significant differences at other time points of two groups compared to preoperative score ( P<0.05). Except for VAS score at rest at 6 hours, VAS score during movement at 48 hours, and BCS comfort score at 48 hours ( P>0.05), the trial group showed significantly better outcomes than the control group in terms of VAS score at rest, VAS score during movement, Ramsay sedation scores, and BCS comfort scores at all other time points ( P<0.05). No significant difference was found in Bromage motor block scores between the groups ( P>0.05). Tramadol was used in 3 patients in the trial group and 7 patients in the control group within 48 hours after operation, the dosage was (133.30±14.19) mg and (172.40±22.29) mg, showing significant difference ( P<0.05). Nausea and vomiting occurred in 4 patients (9.5%) in the trial group and 3 patients (7.1%) in the control group, with no significant difference in incidence between groups ( P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Ultrasound-guided HFICB provides effective analgesia for tourniquet-related pain following TKA, facilitates early postoperative functional recovery of the knee joint, and may serve as a valuable clinical option for postoperative pain management in TKA patients.
Humans
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Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects*
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Nerve Block/methods*
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Male
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Female
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Pain, Postoperative/etiology*
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Tourniquets/adverse effects*
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Prospective Studies
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Middle Aged
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Ropivacaine/administration & dosage*
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Aged
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Ultrasonography, Interventional
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Anesthetics, Local/administration & dosage*
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Pain Measurement
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Fascia
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Osteoarthritis, Knee/surgery*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/surgery*

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