1.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for a Patient with Gorham-Stout Disease
Jing HU ; Ying JIN ; Yan ZHANG ; Ji LI ; Wenhui WANG ; Yue CHI ; Chunxu LI ; Zhenjie ZHANG ; Yaping LIU ; Xiaotian CHU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):52-59
Gorham-Stout disease(GSD) is a rare osteolytic disorder characterized by spontaneous and progressive osteolysis, along with abnormal angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, with no new bone formation. We present a case of a 15-year-old female admitted due to " recurrent right leg pain for 5 years, 11 months after undergoing right femoral fracture surgery". Through comprehensive integration of the patient's clinical phenotype, laboratory tests, imaging findings, pathological examinations, and molecular biological test results, GSD was considered highly likely. A multidisciplinary treatment approach was conducted, including a combination of zoledronic acid and sirolimus to inhibit osteolysis, along with rehabilitation training and orthopedic intervention, providing a personalized and comprehensive treatment strategy.
2.A Case of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex with Multiple Organ Involvement Caused by TSC2 Gene Mutation
Hongli ZHANG ; Jiayuan DAI ; Yan WANG ; Weihong ZHANG ; Wenbin MA ; Hanhui FU ; Chunxia HE ; Jun ZHENG ; Wenda WANG ; Wei ZUO ; Yaping LIU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):60-67
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder primarily caused by pathogenic variants in the
3.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
4.Epidemiological investigation of a cluster of rural severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome cases and tick ecological monitoring results in Zibo City
Jun DU ; Ai-min FENG ; Bao-qiang CUI ; Tao SUN ; Yi-chuan YANG ; Yan-dong WANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):128-133
Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of a clustered outbreak of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)as well as the ecological tick monitoring results for Zibo City, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies. Methods A case definition was cited before epidemic investigations were performed. Epidemiological investigations were performed on the index cases and their close contacts. Blood samples were collected from cases and close contacts, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to detect SFTS virus(SFTSV)nucleic acid sequences. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze risk factors and develop prevention and control strategies. Results This clustered outbreak involved two index cases and six close contacts with no deaths. Case A exhibited symptom onset on July 26. SFTS was confirmed on August 2. Case B exhibited symptom onset on August 1, and SFTS was confirmed on August 3. Patient B reported a recent history of tick bites. In both index cases, the incubation period for SFTS was inferred to be 7-12 days. The time interval from symptom onset to clinical diagnosis in the two cases ranged from 2-8 days, with an average period of 5 days. SFTSV nucleic acid test result were positive for both patients, whereas all six close contacts tested negative. All captured ticks tested negative for SFTSV using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The densities of parasitic and free-living ticks in the emergency monitoring area around the cases were 12.60 and 4.65 ticks/(flag·100 m). In 2024, the average parasitic tick index and free-living tick density index were 4.21 and 2.43 ticks/(flag ·100 m)in Yiyuan County, respectively. Conclusions No evidence of human-to-human transmission was found in the assessed SFTS clusters. The infections were likely acquired through tick bites during fieldwork, and the risk of a subsequent outbreak spreading was low.
5.Effect and mechanism of Tangzhi formula in improving glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats
Jing CHEN ; Min BAI ; Fubin SHANG ; Runsheng YU ; Yan SU ; Jianfeng WANG ; Xiangdong ZHU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2112-2118
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of Tangzhi formula(TZF) on improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats.METHODS Thirty SPF-grade SD rats were used to establish a T2DM rat model through high-fat diet feeding combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After successful modeling, the rats were divided into the model group, metformin group (positive control, 0.18 g/kg), and TZF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5, 10, and 20 g/kg), with 6 rats in each group. An additional 6 rats were selected as the blank group. The rats in each group were orally administered the corresponding volume of drug solution or saline, and continuous dosing was performed for 6 weeks, once daily. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), area under the curve of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT-AUC), area under the curve of intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT-AUC), serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and oil red O staining were used to observe hepatic pathological morphology and lipid deposition. Differentially expressed proteins in liver tissues were screened by proteomics analysis, and key proteins in signaling pathways were verified by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the levels of FBG, OGTT-AUC, IPITT-AUC, LDL-C, TG, and TC in the model group were significantly increased ( P <0.05), while HDL-C level was significantly decreased ( P <0.05); the liver tissues showed disordered hepatic cords, punctate necrosis of hepatocytes, and significant lipid deposition, the NAFLD activity score and positive area of lipid droplets were significantly increased( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the above indicators in TZF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups and metformin group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05); hepatic pathological injury and lipid deposition were alleviated. Proteomics results showed that a total of 442 differentially expressed proteins were screened between the model group and the blank group, and 358 differentially expressed proteins were screened between the TZF high-dose group and the model group. Among these differentially expressed proteins, multiple proteins closely related to glucose and lipid metabolism showed a reversal trend after TZF intervention. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway was significantly enriched. The validation experiment results showed that TZF could significantly up-regulate the expression of PPARα, PPARγ, and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) in rat liver tissues ( P <0.05), and down-regulate the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) and perilipin 2 (PLIN2) ( P <0.05).CONCLUSIONS TZF can improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in T2DM rats; its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PPAR signaling pathway and the regulation of downstream lipid metabolism-related proteins SCD1, PLIN2, and ApoA1.
6.Convergent modulation of default mode network effective connectivity by modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam in patients with chronic insomnia disorder
Ke WANG ; Yiding HAN ; Haohao YAN ; Xingyan GUO ; Wuhong LIN ; Ping YAO ; Min LIU ; Min CHEN ; Longbiao CUI ; Wenbin GUO ; Dongsheng LYU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):356-366
BackgroundBoth modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam serve as effective treatments for chronic insomnia disorder (CID). Default mode network (DMN) dysfunction is recognized as the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying CID. However, it remains unclear whether the two treatments exert their therapeutic effects via convergent modulation of DMN functional connectivity. ObjectiveTo investigate the convergent remodeling characteristics of bidirectional effective connectivity (EC) of core DMN nodes with both the intra-network and the remaining whole-brain regions in CID patients with Yin-deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome following the treatment with modified Suanzaoren Decoction or estazolam, so as to provide neuroimaging evidence for the convergent neural mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of both therapies in treating CID. MethodsEighty-two patients diagnosed with CID according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorder, third edition (ICSD-3) were consecutively recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Mental Health Center from October 2020 to September 2023. Based on treatment preference, patients were assigned to receive a 6-week intervention in either the modified Suanzaoren Decoction group (n=52) or the estazolam group (n=30). Ultimately, 66 patients completed follow-up assessments (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group, n=41; estazolam group, n=25). All CID patients underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning before and after treatment. Core DMN nodes including medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), bilateral inferior parietal lobule (IPL), and precuneus (PCUN) were selected as seed regions. Granger causality analysis (GCA) was employed to assess bidirectional EC between the seed regions and both the other intra-DMN nodes and the remaining whole-brain regions. Hepatic and renal function indices were detected pre- and post-treatment to evaluate the safety profiles of both treatments. ResultsAt baseline, significant between-group differences were identified in EC from the left IPL to the left middle fronto-orbital gyrus/gyrus rectus (t=5.24, Z=4.84, voxel-level P<0.001, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF-corrected), with the modified Suanzaoren Decoction group exhibiting stronger EC than the estazolam group. No significant between-group differences were observed in EC between other core DMN nodes and remaining whole-brain regions (P>0.05). Within-group pre- to post-treatment comparisons demonstrated consistent connectivity alterations in both groups. Specifically, EC from the left IPL to the supplementary motor area (SMA) decreased after treatment (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=-6.28, Z=5.208; estazolam group: t=-5.58, Z=4.425). Conversely, EC from the SMA to the left IPL increased (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=5.89, Z=4.968; estazolam group: t=6.15, Z=4.720). Furthermore, both groups demonstrated reduced EC from the PCUN to the left IPL (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=-5.85, Z=4.94; estazolam group: t=-5.75, Z=4.515), and elevated EC from the left IPL to the PCUN (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=5.29, Z=4.579; estazolam group: t=4.55, Z=3.826) (voxel-level P<0.001, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF-corrected). No significant pre- to post-treatment differences were observed in hepatic or renal function indices in either group (P>0.05). ConclusionIn CID patients with Yin-deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome, both modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam induce convergent bidirectional remodeling of EC between the left IPL and the SMA and the PCUN. [Funded by Natural Science Fund Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (number, 2019MS08099); ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06452953]
7.Investigation of nutritional status in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relationship with the risk of sarcopenia
Qing CAO ; Yan XU ; Caiyun HOU ; Li WANG ; Huan PAN ; Min CHEN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(5):131-135
Objective To explore the nutritional status in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and analyze its relationship with the risk of sarcopenia. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 312 elderly patients with T2DM admitted to the 904th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the People's Liberation Army between January 2023 and December 2025. Based on the presence or absence of sarcopenia, the patients were classified into a sarcopenia group (121 cases) and a non-sarcopenia group (191 cases). The nutritional status and related factors were compared between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was adopted to analyze the correlation and influencing factors. Results The incidence rate of sarcopenia among elderly patients with T2DM was 38.78%. Compared with the non-sarcopenia group, the sarcopenia group had older age and higher proportions of patients with daily activity dependence, coronary heart disease, and gastrointestinal diseases. Conversely, the proportions of patients exercising ≥4 times per week and those paying attention to nutritional knowledge were lower in the sarcopenia group than those in the non-sarcopenia group (P<0.05). The body mass index (BMI), calf circumference (CC), body weight, albumin (ALB), hemoglobin (Hb), and MNA-SF score in the sarcopenia group were lower compared with those in the non-sarcopenia group (P<0.05). After logistic regression analysis, it was found that low BMI, exercising ≥4 times per week, dependence on daily activity, and low ALB and Hb were independent factors influencing sarcopenia in elderly patients with T2DM (P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence rate of sarcopenia is relatively high in elderly patients with T2DM. Low BMI, low ALB, low Hb, reduced weekly exercise frequency, and daily activity dependence are independent related factors. It is necessary to pay clinical attention to nutritional assessment and intervention.
8.The Dual Roles of ERK Signaling in Parkinson’s Disease: From Neurotoxicity to Neuroprotection
Chang-Zhi YANG ; Hui WANG ; Min YAN ; Shuai WEI ; Xue-Wen TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2316-2333
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and abnormal accumulation of α‑synuclein. Its pathogenesis involves multiple interconnected processes, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, neuroinflammation, and impaired protein homeostasis. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), a major component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling network, plays an important role in neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, stress responses, and cell death. However, accumulating evidence indicates that ERK signaling in PD is not unidirectional, as both insufficient activity and sustained overactivation have been associated with neuronal dysfunction and disease progression. In this review, we systematically summarize the evidence for the pathological and protective roles of ERK signaling in PD. Insufficient ERK activity may impair neurotrophic support, synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial homeostasis, and neuronal adaptation to stress, thereby increasing the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons. In contrast, persistent and excessive ERK activation may promote neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, autophagy-lysosomal impairment, and abnormal α-synuclein accumulation. Conversely, moderate and transient ERK activation induced by neurotrophic factors, bioactive compounds, or exercise may enhance neuronal survival, antioxidant defense, synaptic plasticity, and functional recovery. These apparently contradictory findings suggest that ERK activation itself cannot be simply classified as either neuroprotective or neurotoxic. Based on the available evidence, we propose the concept of an “ERK activity window” to explain the context-dependent effects of ERK signaling in PD. This hypothesis suggests that ERK activity needs to remain within an appropriate dynamic range to maintain neuronal homeostasis and adaptive responses. ERK activity below this range may weaken neurotrophic support and stress resistance, whereas prolonged and high-intensity activation may exceed the adaptive capacity of neurons and glial cells, thereby promoting inflammatory and degenerative processes. Importantly, this functional window should not be regarded as a fixed threshold. Its biological effects are likely determined by the intensity and duration of activation, cell type, subcellular localization, upstream stimuli, interaction with other signaling pathways, and disease stage. This framework may therefore help reconcile the apparently inconsistent findings among different PD models and experimental conditions. From a therapeutic perspective, these findings indicate that ERK should not necessarily be considered a target for simple activation or inhibition. Instead, restoring ERK signaling toward an appropriate functional state may represent a more rational strategy. Exercise is of particular interest because it can simultaneously influence neurotrophic signaling, oxidative stress, inflammation, synaptic plasticity, and ERK activity, potentially promoting adaptive remodeling of ERK signaling according to pathological conditions. Nevertheless, current evidence is predominantly derived from cellular and animal studies, and the dynamic, cell-specific, and spatial characteristics of ERK signaling remain insufficiently defined. Blood-brain barrier penetration, long-term safety, preservation of physiological ERK functions, and the lack of reliable biomarkers for monitoring brain ERK activity also limit clinical translation. Importantly, the “ERK activity window” remains a theoretical framework, and direct clinical evidence that ERK modulation can alter the progression of human PD is currently lacking. Future studies should therefore integrate longitudinal analysis, cell-specific and spatial approaches, and clinical biomarker validation to determine whether precise regulation of ERK signaling can provide a viable strategy for disease-modifying intervention in PD.
9.Analysis of Volatile Component Variations in Coptidis Rhizoma Processed with Euodiae Fructus Juice by HS-SPME-GC-MS Combined with Chemometrics and ROAV
Lin YAN ; Yun WANG ; Puling LI ; Lingbang MENG ; Zhe JIA ; Ying LI ; Ying LIU ; Min JIN ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):218-225
ObjectiveTo analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma, Euodiae Fructus juice-processed Coptidis Rhizoma (Yuhuanglian), and the processing adjuvant Euodiae Fructus juice, identify marker volatile components in the processed product, and elucidate the material basis changes during the processing with Euodiae Fructus juice. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma, Yuhuanglian, and Euodiae Fructus juice. Chemometric analysis was performed to compare volatile components among samples and screen the marker components. Finally, the relative odor activity value (ROAV) was calculated to investigate odor characteristics. ResultsA total of 127 components were detected, with 27, 75, 84 volatile components identified in Euodiae Fructus juice, raw Coptidis Rhizoma, and Yuhuanglian, respectively. Processing with Euodiae Fructus juice significantly increased the number and content of volatile components. Chemometric analysis revealed significant changes in volatile components among the three sample types, allowing clear discrimination. After processing, 39 components such as methyl octanoate and allyl propionate were introduced, while 34 components including furfural and hexanoic acid increased in content, and 11 components including butyric acid and octanal decreased. Additionally, eight components, including zingiberene, 6-methyl-6-hepten-2-one, and 5-methyl-2-hexanone, were screened as marker components of Yuhuanglian. Moreover, processing enhanced the ROAV values of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (roasted, nutty, coffee-like aroma), 3-ethylphenol, and guaiacol (smoky, woody aroma). Additionally, it incorporated 1-hepten-3-one from Euodiae Fructus juice and the newly generated 1-hexen-3-one, contributing mushroom and cucumber-like odors. The sensory profile of Yuhuanglian integrated nutty, roasted, smoky, and woody notes with the citrus and fruity aroma originally contributed by octanal. ConclusionThe processing with Euodiae Fructus juice introduced components from adjuvant, significantly altering the volatile component profile and enhancing the sensory odor characteristics of Yuhuanglian. This study provides a valuable reference for exploring the material basis of volatile components and establishing processing specifications for Yuhuanglian.
10.Analysis of Volatile Component Variations in Coptidis Rhizoma Processed with Euodiae Fructus Juice by HS-SPME-GC-MS Combined with Chemometrics and ROAV
Lin YAN ; Yun WANG ; Puling LI ; Lingbang MENG ; Zhe JIA ; Ying LI ; Ying LIU ; Min JIN ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):218-225
ObjectiveTo analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma, Euodiae Fructus juice-processed Coptidis Rhizoma (Yuhuanglian), and the processing adjuvant Euodiae Fructus juice, identify marker volatile components in the processed product, and elucidate the material basis changes during the processing with Euodiae Fructus juice. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to analyze the volatile components in raw Coptidis Rhizoma, Yuhuanglian, and Euodiae Fructus juice. Chemometric analysis was performed to compare volatile components among samples and screen the marker components. Finally, the relative odor activity value (ROAV) was calculated to investigate odor characteristics. ResultsA total of 127 components were detected, with 27, 75, 84 volatile components identified in Euodiae Fructus juice, raw Coptidis Rhizoma, and Yuhuanglian, respectively. Processing with Euodiae Fructus juice significantly increased the number and content of volatile components. Chemometric analysis revealed significant changes in volatile components among the three sample types, allowing clear discrimination. After processing, 39 components such as methyl octanoate and allyl propionate were introduced, while 34 components including furfural and hexanoic acid increased in content, and 11 components including butyric acid and octanal decreased. Additionally, eight components, including zingiberene, 6-methyl-6-hepten-2-one, and 5-methyl-2-hexanone, were screened as marker components of Yuhuanglian. Moreover, processing enhanced the ROAV values of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (roasted, nutty, coffee-like aroma), 3-ethylphenol, and guaiacol (smoky, woody aroma). Additionally, it incorporated 1-hepten-3-one from Euodiae Fructus juice and the newly generated 1-hexen-3-one, contributing mushroom and cucumber-like odors. The sensory profile of Yuhuanglian integrated nutty, roasted, smoky, and woody notes with the citrus and fruity aroma originally contributed by octanal. ConclusionThe processing with Euodiae Fructus juice introduced components from adjuvant, significantly altering the volatile component profile and enhancing the sensory odor characteristics of Yuhuanglian. This study provides a valuable reference for exploring the material basis of volatile components and establishing processing specifications for Yuhuanglian.


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