1.Compact Fundus Imaging System Using Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensing for High-speed Auto-focus
Zhe-Kai LIN ; Long CHEN ; Geng-Yong ZHENG ; Jin-Tian HUANG ; Jia-Xin DONG ; Shang-Pan YANG ; Wen-Zheng DING ; Ding-An HAN ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Ya-Guang ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1076-1086
ObjectiveThe widespread adoption of portable fundus cameras for primary care and community screening is hindered by limitations in current autofocus(AF) technologies. Image-based methods relying on sharpness evaluation require iterative searches, resulting in slow convergence, while projection-based techniques are susceptible to optical artifacts and calibration errors. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel AF system based on direct wavefront sensing, designed to deliver simultaneous high speed, high precision, and operational robustness within the compact form factor essential for portable ophthalmic devices. MethodsOur approach fundamentally reimagines the AF process by directly measuring the ocular wavefront aberration. We developed a custom portable fundus camera integrating a miniaturized Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) into the optical path. An 850 nm laser diode projects a point source onto the retina via oblique illumination to minimize corneal reflections. Light scattered from this spot carries the eye’s refractive error through the imaging optics and is directed to the SHWS, positioned at a plane optically conjugate to the primary color CMOS imaging sensor. A microlens array within the SHWS samples the incident wavefront, generating a pattern of focal spots on a CCD. Real-time centroid analysis of these spots provides a map of local wavefront slopes. These measurements are processed through a singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to fit a Zernike polynomial basis set, enabling real-time reconstruction of the wavefront phase. The defocus component (S) is extracted from the second-order Zernike coefficients, providing a direct, quantitative measure of the refractive error in diopters. This value serves as a precise error signal in a closed-loop control system, which commands a voice-coil actuated focusing lens to its null position in a single, deterministic step, eliminating the need for iterative search algorithms. ResultsComprehensive evaluation demonstrated the system’s high performance. Testing on a calibrated model eye (OEMI-7) established a highly linear relationship between the computed defocus S and the focusing lens position across a ±20 Diopter (D) compensation range, achievable within a 5 mm mechanical travel. The system achieved a focusing precision of 0.08 D, corresponding to an 18-fold improvement over a conventional projection spot-size method tested under identical conditions. The total focus acquisition time, encompassing wavefront measurement, computation, and lens actuation, averaged under 0.5 s. Clinical validation with 25 human volunteers (50 eyes, refractive range -15 D to +10 D) confirmed practical efficacy. The wavefront-sensing AF succeeded in 92% of attempts with a mean time of 0.5 s, substantially outperforming a projection-based benchmark which achieved only a 32% success rate with an average time of 4.25 s. The system provided instantaneous directional guidance and maintained stability during minor ocular movements. Objective assessment of image quality, via amplitude contrast of retinal vasculature, showed consistent and significant enhancement following AF correction across the entire tested diopter range. ConclusionThis work successfully implements and validates a direct wavefront-sensing autofocus paradigm for portable fundus cameras. By directly quantifying and compensating for the optical defocus aberration, this method bypasses the fundamental limitations of image-processing and projection-based techniques, enabling rapid, precise, and deterministic diopter compensation. The developed system delivers an exceptional combination of a wide operational range (±20 D), high accuracy (0.08 D), fast convergence (0.5 s), and a compact physical footprint. This technology provides a practical and high-performance focusing solution capable of enhancing the reliability, throughput, and diagnostic utility of portable retinal imaging in large-scale screening applications. Future efforts will be directed towards system cost optimization and performance adaptation for diverse ocular conditions.
2.Effects and mechanisms of oliceridine fumarate on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly rats through TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Dong XIE ; Xiaoying GENG ; Yushan ZHU ; Zhengxiang LI ; Hengjie YUAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1434-1439
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of oliceridine fumarate (TRV130) in improving postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly rats based on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into the control group (normal saline), the model group (normal saline), the TRV130 group (2.8 mg/kg), the TLR4/NF-κB pathway inhibitor (TAK-242) group (3 mg/kg), the β -arrestin inhibitor (Barbadin) group (3 mg/kg), and the traditional opioid drug (morphine) group (2.8 mg/kg), with 15 rats in each group. Except for the control group, POCD models were established in all other groups. From the first day after surgery, drugs/normal saline were administered via caudal vein injection once daily for 3 consecutive days. After the last administration, the pathological damage of hippocampal tissue was observed; the cognitive function, serum inflammatory factor levels, hippocampal neurons apoptosis rate, and the expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related mRNA and protein in hippocampal tissue were detected. RESULTS In the model group, the neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were disordered and sparse, with decreased number, pyknotic and fragmented nuclei accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the control group, the escape latency, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β, hippocampal neurons apoptosis rate, average fluorescence intensities of Iba-1 and GFAP, mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65, and their protein expression/phosphorylation levels in hippocampal tissue were significantly increased/elevated in the model group ( P <0.05); the time spent in the target quadrant and the number of platform crossings were significantly shortened/decreased ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the cognitive function, pathological, inflammatory, and apoptosis-related indicators were significantly improved in the TRV130 group, TAK-242 group, and Barbadin group ( P <0.05); the mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 and their protein expression/phosphorylation levels were significantly decreased in the TRV130 group and TAK-242 group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS TRV130 may improve POCD in elderly rats by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and alleviating postoperative central nervous system inflammatory responses.
3.UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with network pharmacology reveals effect and mechanism of Gentianella turkestanorum total extract in ameliorating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Wu DAI ; Dong-Xuan ZHENG ; Ruo-Yu GENG ; Li-Mei WEN ; Bo-Wei JU ; Qiang HOU ; Ya-Li GUO ; Xiang GAO ; Jun-Ping HU ; Jian-Hua YANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1938-1948
This study aims to reveal the effect and mechanism of Gentianella turkestanorum total extract(GTI) in ameliorating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH). UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to identify the chemical components in GTI. SwissTarget-Prediction, GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD were utilized to screen the targets of GTI components and NASH. The common targets shared by GTI components and NASH were filtered through the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.9.0 to identify core targets, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. AutoDock was used for molecular docking of key components with core targets. A mouse model of NASH was established with a methionine-choline-deficient high-fat diet. A 4-week drug intervention was conducted, during which mouse weight was monitored, and the liver-to-brain ratio was measured at the end. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Sirius red staining, and oil red O staining were employed to observe the pathological changes in the liver tissue. The levels of various biomarkers, including aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), hydroxyproline(HYP), total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and glutathione(GSH), in the serum and liver tissue were determined. RT-qPCR was conducted to measure the mRNA levels of interleukin 1β(IL-1β), interleukin 6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), collagen type I α1 chain(COL1A1), and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). Western blotting was conducted to determine the protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and potential drug targets identified through network pharmacology. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS identified 581 chemical components of GTI, and 534 targets of GTI and 1 157 targets of NASH were screened out. The topological analysis of the common targets shared by GTI and NASH identified core targets such as IL-1β, IL-6, protein kinase B(AKT), TNF, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma(PPARG). GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the ameliorating effect of GTI on NASH was related to inflammatory responses and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT pathway. The staining results demonstrated that GTI ameliorated hepatocyte vacuolation, swelling, ballooning, and lipid accumulation in NASH mice. Compared with the model group, high doses of GTI reduced the AST, ALT, HYP, TC, and TG levels(P<0.01) while increasing the HDL-C, SOD, and GSH levels(P<0.01). RT-qPCR results showed that GTI down-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COL1A1, and α-SMA(P<0.01). Western blot results indicated that GTI down-regulated the protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K), phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT), phosphorylated inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B alpha(p-IκBα), and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)(P<0.01). In summary, GTI ameliorates inflammation, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress associated with NASH by regulating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals
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Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/genetics*
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Mice
;
Network Pharmacology
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Male
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Liver/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Humans
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Mass Spectrometry
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Molecular Docking Simulation
4.Expert consensus on evaluation index system construction for new traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) from TCM clinical practice in medical institutions.
Li LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Wei-An YUAN ; Zhong-Qi YANG ; Jun-Hua ZHANG ; Bao-He WANG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Zu-Guang YE ; Ling HAN ; Yue-Hua ZHOU ; Zi-Feng YANG ; Rui GAO ; Ming YANG ; Ting WANG ; Jie-Lai XIA ; Shi-Shan YU ; Xiao-Hui FAN ; Hua HUA ; Jia HE ; Yin LU ; Zhong WANG ; Jin-Hui DOU ; Geng LI ; Yu DONG ; Hao YU ; Li-Ping QU ; Jian-Yuan TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3474-3482
Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
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Humans
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Consensus
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Surveys and Questionnaires
5.Development of core outcome set for traditional Chinese medicine interventions in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Lu-Jie WANG ; Liang-Zhen YOU ; Chang CHANG ; Yu-Meng GENG ; Jin-Dong ZHAO ; Zhao-Hui FANG ; Ai-Juan JIANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):4071-4080
This study developed a core outcome set(COS) for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) interventions in diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN), standardizing evaluation metrics for TCM efficacy and providing a new framework for DPN treatment and management. A systematic search was conducted across databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, and PubMed, targeting clinical trial literature published between January 1, 2013, and January 1, 2023. The search focused on extracting outcome indicators and measurement tools used in TCM treatments for DPN. Retrospective data collection was performed from January 2018 to June 2023, involving 200 DPN patients hospitalized at the Department of Endocrinology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with inpatients, outpatients, their families, and nursing staff to further refine and enhance the list of outcome indicators. After two rounds of Delphi questionnaire survey and consensus meeting, a consensus was reached. The study initially retrieved 3 421 publications, of which 170 met the inclusion criteria after review. These publications, combined with retrospective analysis and semi-structured interviews, supplemented the list of indicators. After two rounds of Delphi surveys, experts agreed on 24 indicators and 6 measurement tools. The final COS determined by expert consensus meeting included 5 domains and 13 outcome indicators: neurological function signs, quality of life, TCM syndrome score, nerve conduction velocity, current perception threshold test, fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, complete blood count, urinalysis, liver function test, kidney function test, and electrocardiogram.
Humans
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Diabetic Neuropathies/drug therapy*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Retrospective Studies
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Treatment Outcome
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Male
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Female
6.Research progress in traditional Chinese medicine treatment of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome by regulating neuro-endocrine-immune system.
Xiao YANG ; Jia-Geng GUO ; Yu DUAN ; Zhen-Dong QIU ; Min-Qi CHEN ; Wei WEI ; Xiao-Tao HOU ; Er-Wei HAO ; Jia-Gang DENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4153-4165
Kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome is a common geriatric disease that underlies chronic conditions such as diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, and osteoporosis. As age progresses, the kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome showcases increasingly pronounced manifestations, emerging as a key factor in the comorbidities experienced by elderly patients and affecting their quality of life and overall health status. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has been extensively utilized in the treatment of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome, with Epimedii Folium, Cinnamomi Cortex, and Lycii Fructus widely used in clinical settings. Despite the complexity of the molecular mechanisms involved in treating kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome, the potential therapeutic value of TCM remains compelling. Delving into the mechanisms of TCM treatment of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome by regulating the neuro-endocrine-immune system can provide a scientific basis for targeted treatments of this syndrome and lay a foundation for the modernization of TCM. The pathophysiology of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome involves multiple systems, including the interaction of the neuro-endocrine-immune system, the decline in renal function, the intensification of oxidative stress responses, and energy metabolism disorders. Understanding these mechanisms and their interrelationships can help untangle the etiology of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome, aiding clinicians in making more precise diagnoses and treatments. Furthermore, the research on the specific applications of TCM in research on these pathological mechanisms can enhance the international recognition and status of TCM, enabling it to exert a greater global influence.
Humans
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Yang Deficiency/physiopathology*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Kidney Diseases/physiopathology*
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Neurosecretory Systems/physiopathology*
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Animals
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Kidney/physiopathology*
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Endocrine System/physiopathology*
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Immune System/physiopathology*
7.2024 annual report of interventional treatment for congenital heart disease
Changdong ZHANG ; Yucheng ZHONG ; Geng LI ; Jun TIAN ; Gejun ZHANG ; Nianguo DONG ; Yuan FENG ; Daxin ZHOU ; Yongjian WU ; Lianglong CHEN ; Xiaoke SHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(07):909-918
In recent years, with the continuous development and increasing maturity of interventional techniques, interventional treatment for congenital heart disease (CHD) has been progressively disseminated to county- and city-level hospitals in China. Concurrently, the standardized management of adult CHD (particularly patent foramen ovale) and the lifelong management of complex CHD are gaining increasing clinical attention, while the emergence of new techniques and products continuously advances the discipline. This article aims to review the new progress made in the field of interventional treatment for congenital heart disease in China during 2024. It specifically reviews and analyzes the following key aspects: (1) annual statistics on interventional closure procedures for CHD; (2) recent insights into patent foramen ovale closure; (3) advances in transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement; (4) interventional treatment and lifelong management strategies for complex CHD; (5) new interventional techniques for acquired heart disease; and (6) the application of artificial intelligence in CHD management. Through the synthesis and discussion of these topics, this article seeks to provide a detailed analysis of the current landscape of interventional treatment for CHD in China and project its future development trends.
8.Retraction Note: Fluoxetine is Neuroprotective in Early Brain Injury via its Anti-inflammatory and Anti-apoptotic Effects in a Rat Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model.
Hui-Min HU ; Bin LI ; Xiao-Dong WANG ; Yun-Shan GUO ; Hua HUI ; Hai-Ping ZHANG ; Biao WANG ; Da-Geng HUANG ; Ding-Jun HAO
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(11):2106-2106
9.Expert consensus on peri-implant keratinized mucosa augmentation at second-stage surgery.
Shiwen ZHANG ; Rui SHENG ; Zhen FAN ; Fang WANG ; Ping DI ; Junyu SHI ; Duohong ZOU ; Dehua LI ; Yufeng ZHANG ; Zhuofan CHEN ; Guoli YANG ; Wei GENG ; Lin WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Yuanding HUANG ; Baohong ZHAO ; Chunbo TANG ; Dong WU ; Shulan XU ; Cheng YANG ; Yongbin MOU ; Jiacai HE ; Xingmei YANG ; Zhen TAN ; Xiaoxiao CAI ; Jiang CHEN ; Hongchang LAI ; Zuolin WANG ; Quan YUAN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):51-51
Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans
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Consensus
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Dental Implants
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Mouth Mucosa/surgery*
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Keratins
10.Current Status and Optimization Strategies for Investigator Initiated Trial on Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Malignant Tumors Conducted by Western Medicine Institutions
Xuechen GENG ; Yanmei LIU ; Qianqian BU ; Qinchang ZHANG ; Dong ZHANG ; Yuquan TAO ; Liu LI ; Ling LI ; Haibo CHENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):878-882
Investigator initiated trial (IIT) represents a primary format for clinical research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). As key implementation sites for TCM-based IIT targeting malignant tumors, western medicine institutions often face unique challenges in conducting such studies, which limit their feasibility and standardization. This paper reviews the registration status of TCM-based IIT for malignancies conducted in western medical institutions and analyzes key difficulties, including complex project initiation and management processes, limited TCM knowledge and skills among western medicine physicians, and relatively low patient acceptance of TCM. From a practical perspective, the study proposes several optimization strategies. These include improving the review and management mechanisms of TCM-related IIT within western medical institutions, establishing multidisciplinary clinical research teams that integrate TCM and western medicine, and enhancing investigators' training in TCM theory and clinical skills. Additionally, the study suggests standardizing IIT operational procedures, objectifying the collection of TCM diagnostic information, refining subject recruitment methods, and increasing TCM involvement in patient follow-up and management. These investigator-oriented, TCM-featured, and operable strategies aim to promote the high-quality development of TCM-based IIT in western medicine institutions and enhance the clinical application of TCM.

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