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National Center for Health Research

@nc4hr.bsky.social
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Babies use an average of about 3,000 disposable diapers each year—but do you know what’s in the #diaper touching your baby’s skin? Starting in 2029, California parents will have more information.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
E-scooters may be convenient, but they can cause serious injuries — especially in kids. Hospital admissions involving e-scooter injuries nearly doubled from 2021 to 2023. And 88% of injured riders were not wearing a helmet. #ChildSafety #ScooterSafety
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Are #GLP1 weight-loss drugs medications or a way to look and feel better? If they keep getting advertised as "lifestyle" products, your health insurance may not pay for them. A recent study found that 1M+ Americans use weight-loss drugs without a documented medical indication.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Could cutting back on #UltraProcessedFoods help #depression? Maybe — but this study was VERY small. Just 20 people enrolled, and 19 finished. Their depression and anxiety symptoms improved.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
A food package can say “sugar-free”, “low sodium”, or “low saturated fat” and still not be a healthy choice for you. Researchers examined more than 145,000 newly launched foods and drinks in the U.S. About 2 in 3 products were still classified as less healthy overall.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Should you take the Galleri multi-cancer blood screening test to help you live longer? We were glad to speak at yesterday's FDA meeting and explain why the test is no better than a coin toss. The test will tell most people who actually have cancer that they don't have cancer.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Love eyelash extensions? 👀 A new study found that 24 of 25 regular users tested had skin mites. That causes itching, irritation, and other problems. And 85% of frequent users had blocked or poorly functioning eyelid oil glands. That's not good either!
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Generic drugs save money compared to brand name drugs. Despite Pharma efforts to block generics, we've won -- generics are being approved by FDA faster than ever. But will we win the war? Most generics are as good as brand name drugs, but ProPublica found not all are.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Should #EnergyDrinks be promoted to young sports fans? Energy drinks can increase blood pressure, disrupt sleep, and affect heart rhythm in children and teens. Frequent use has killed some teenagers. www.medpagetoday.com/special-repo...
medpagetoday.com
Citing Deaths, Docs Urge NCAA to Limit Energy Drink Marketing to Kids
Pressure comes on the heels of a new Monster Energy-Big 12 athletics partnership
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Nearly 300 National Park Service emergency-response workers were sent to Washington, D.C., but it wasn't because of an emergency! They were sent to DC to repair the Reflecting Pool fiasco and renovate a golf course that Trump wants to beautify.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Here's the good news and bad news on newly approved #COVID #vaccines. The FDA approved four updated shots for 2026–2027, but generally limited them to people 65+ and younger adults and children at higher risk of severe COVID. www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdi...
medpagetoday.com
FDA Approves Four Updated COVID Shots Targeting XFG Variant
Approvals come as the CDC's vaccine advisory panel remains in legal limbo
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Most adults need about a shot glass full to cover exposed skin and should reapply at least every two hours. Bottom line: Choose broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, use enough, and reapply. Read more: www.center4research.org/sunscreen-ch...
center4research.org
Sunscreen 101: What You Need to Know - National Center for Health Research
Sun damage can start early in life and impact skin health for decades, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Learn what the evidence says about sunscreen, how it helps prevent skin cancer, how to select...
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Think SPF 100 gives you twice the protection of SPF 50? It doesn’t. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. And a higher SPF doesn’t mean you can use less sunscreen or stay outside longer.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles. And even a small outbreak can be expensive: a recent outbreak of just 10 measles cases cost nearly $500,000 to contain as health officials worked to find people who had been exposed in public places.
thehill.com
2 measles-related deaths reported in Pennsylvania
Two Pennsylvanians have died after contracting measles, the state’s health department said Tuesday. Both people, who were unvaccinated, lived in Lancaster County. The state health department said i…
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
This research saves lives and saves money. It prevents medical errors, the 3rd major cause of patient deaths! For example, a hospital unit following AHRQ recommendations reduced C. diff infections by 90% in the last 3 years! This intestinal infection can be deadly.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
What happens when our government stops studying how to prevent medical errors? The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) funds research that helps: → Prevent hospital infections → Reduce medication errors → Improve diagnoses → Help patients safely return home
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
As a breast cancer survivor, Dr. Diana Zuckerman shares her own experience of being charged for a #mammogram that her insurance policy said should be covered. Have you ever been surprised by a medical bill or an unexpected insurance charge? Tell us in the comments. #Medicare
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Yesterday, NCHR President Diana Zuckerman joined experts at a conference to discuss how #Congress can make sure the treatments we pay for actually work and don't cause harm. #FDA #DrugSafety
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
What if a simple weekly check-in could improve cancer care? For millions of Americans undergoing #CancerTreatment, symptoms such as fatigue and nausea can affect daily life and well-being. Read more here: www.pcori.org/research-res...
pcori.org
Comparing the Effectiveness of Electronic Symptom Monitoring versus Usual Care in Improving Survival among Patients with Metastatic Cancer -- The PRO-TECT Trial
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Why Here? Why Now? A cancer crisis is unfolding in Iowa, and experts are searching for answers. Is it where people live, the water they drink, or something else? And what if where YOU live and the water you drink can cause cancer, even if you don't live in Iowa? www.politico.com/news/magazin...
politico.com
‘Cancer Doesn't Care What Party You Belong To’: Poisoned Water Is Turning This Rural State Bluer
Democrats see an opening in rural states for the first time in decades. In Iowa, it’s about water.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Will the federal #TeenPregnancyPrevention (TPPP) be terminated and replaced with abstinence-only funding? www.npr.org/2026/07/08/n...
npr.org
Trump administration abruptly cancels grants for teen pregnancy prevention
Health departments, universities and nonprofit grantees had spent months adapting to President Trump's executive orders. They say the funding cut was completely unexpected.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
#ArtificialTurf is replacing natural grass on school and community fields across the country. But what are we really paying for? #Microplastics
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
A win for patients! A federal judge has temporarily blocked Trump’s 8 upcoming changes to #AffordableCareAct (ACA, also called #Obamacare) #HealthInsurance plans. www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/f...
fiercehealthcare.com
Federal judge temporarily blocks key provisions of final ACA exchange rule days before set to take effect
A federal judge in the U.S. | The lawsuit was filed in June by a group of municipalities—including Columbus, Ohio and Chicago—and two provider groups.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The National Center for Health Research is proud to endorse the Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act, which will be marked up at the #Senate #HELPCommittee tomorrow! @sanders.senate.gov
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
What is Taylor Fresh Foods, and why should you care? It’s the largest salad producer in the U.S. and parent company of #TaylorFarms, which has #recalled its shredded lettuce because of the parasite cyclospora. This parasite caused an "explosive diarrhea" outbreak in 27 states.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Decades of advice for people with #Arthritis was to “avoid high-impact exercise.” New research says that the advice was very wrong.
washingtonpost.com
If you have arthritis, these activities may lower hip-replacement risk
Research suggests high-impact exercises don’t damage your joints, even if you already have hip or knee arthritis.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to cause dangerous #AirPollution across parts of the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic through Friday. 100 million Americans live in those areas! See the map and learn more at www.cbsnews.com/news/wildfir...
cbsnews.com
Wildfires expose millions in Midwest, Northeast to dangerous smoke: "Perfect storm for really dry conditions"
Heavy smoke from several large wildfires blazing in Canada and Minnesota is expected to engulf large swaths of the Midwest and Northeast U.S. this week.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
When National Geographic asked NCHR President Dr. Diana Zuckerman to explain why #BreastImplants popularity has waned, she explained that safety had previously been ignored.
nationalgeographic.com
Breast implant removal is more popular than ever. Why?
Health concerns like "breast implant illness" are only one part of the story. The trend suggests a new interplay between American social status, fashion, and breast size.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Thousands of people in 31 States have gotten #diarrhea caused by a parasite called #cyclospora. It's nicknamed "Explosive diarrhea" www.cnn.com/2026/07/13/h...
cnn.com
Michigan says diarrhea outbreak may be linked to lettuce, salad greens as cases rise above 3,000 | CNN
An outbreak of diarrhea caused by the parasite cyclospora has risen to more than 3,000 cases in Michigan and Ohio, and the ongoing investigation suggests lettuce or salad greens may be the source.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
The #FDA approved a controversial #antidepressant Exxua. Should medications be approved when the evidence is questionable? In Episode 3 of You Can't Make This Stuff Up, Dr. Diana Zuckerman explains why this decision matters for patients—and for all of us.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
#AntibacterialSoap sounds good, but for everyday #handwashing, it isn’t better than regular soap and warm water. In fact, using antibacterial soap or solutions when they aren't needed contribute to antibiotic resistance, increasing the chances of illness. www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
washingtonpost.com
Column | The dirty secret in your soap: Antibacterial soap may be breeding superbugs
Don't fall for hygiene theater: Antibacterial products aren't better than regular soap and water.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
What we eat during the day can affect our #SleepQuality. Sleep experts say that Mediterranean-style eating may help support better sleep, while #HighlyProcessedFoods, added sugar, saturated fat, and refined carbs such as white bread and sugary foods can make sleep worse.
washingtonpost.com
Column | What a sleep expert eats in a day for better rest at night
This professor’s research has found that certain foods are associated with deep, more restorative sleep.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Think #ArtificialSweeteners are the healthier choice? A review of 21 randomized clinical trials found they may cause #BloodSugar problems that can result in #diabetes and #HeartDisease. Their impact on gut microbiome may be the reason. www.healthday.com/healthday-tv...
healthday.com
Study Raises New Questions About Artificial Sweeteners
For decades, artificial sweeteners have been promoted as a healthier alternative to sugar. But new research suggests they may come with unexpected effects on yo
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
When #Obamacare plans stopped providing subsidies for low-income earners, it became much more expensive, so many healthier people were less likely to buy coverage. That left a smaller, sicker group in need of more care.
medpagetoday.com
Obamacare Insurers Want Large Premium Increases as Enrollment Sags
Insurers are seeking a median rate increase of 14% for 2027, according to an analysis of filings
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
25 states and Washington, DC, are suing the #Trump administration over a new #Medicaid rule that makes it harder for “medically frail” people to qualify for an exemption from work requirements.
thehill.com
Dozens of states sue Trump administration over ‘frail’ Medicaid work requirement exemption
A coalition of 25 states and the District of Columbia is suing the Trump administration over a new rule implementing Medicaid work requirement exemptions for medically frail people.  According to t…
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
July 4 fireworks show celebrating our 250th birthday resulted in tourists and residents in Washington D.C. breathing unhealthy air for over 10 hours. www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
washingtonpost.com
See how bad the air quality in D.C. really got after the Freedom 250 fireworks
The amount of fine particulate matter reached levels seen during past Independence Day celebrations but stayed high through Sunday morning, according to EPA data.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
#Obamacare enrollment has dropped by 3 million people, largely because monthly premiums increased after financial subsidies expired in January. www.kff.org/quick-insigh...
kff.org
ACA Marketplace Enrollment Is Down By 3 Million After Big Jump in Premium Payments
Enrollment dropped 13% following the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits at the beginning of this year. Enrollment fell from a high of 22.1 million people in 2025 to 19.2 million people in Febr...
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
A yearly supply of the #CysticFibrosis drug, Trikafta can cost up to $346,000 in the U.S., putting it out of reach for many patients even with insurance. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/h...
nytimes.com
Loophole in Patent Law Brings ‘Miracle Drug’ to Patients Who Can’t Afford It
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
The #July4 fireworks planned for Washington, DC this year will be 40 times larger than the typical #IndependenceDay fireworks, according to the official announcement. www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
washingtonpost.com
Fireworks on Mall likely to cause hazardous air pollution, documents show
Internal modeling shows the July 4th fireworks display will cause hazardous pollution around the Mall and “very unhealthy conditions across central D.C.”
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
A #depression drug #Exxua was approved by the #FDA in 2023 based on 2 studies showing a small benefit, despite 11 studies showing it worked no better than a placebo. www.medpagetoday.com/publichealth...
medpagetoday.com
How a Drug With More Negative Than Positive Studies Won FDA Approval
Researchers urge inclusion of negative studies on drug labels
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The FIFA #WorldCup is connecting millions of people together around the world, which unfortunately can spreed diseases globally. What is being done to track disease trends to keep fans and players healthy? www.medpagetoday.com/special-repo...
medpagetoday.com
Here's How Experts Are Watching for Infectious Disease Threats During the World Cup
This could be the bellwether of mass wastewater surveillance and help prep for L.A. Olympics
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
#Medicare is starting an 18-month pilot program to cover #GLP1 drugs for #WeightLoss, such as Wegovy and Zepbound. Many people stop taking GLP-1 drugs within a year, often because side effects such as nausea and diarrhea hurt their quality of life.
washingtonpost.com
Medicare is about to cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. Here’s what to know.
The Trump administration will launch its pilot program on Wednesday. It lasts 18 months, and estimated costs to taxpayers have not been disclosed.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
The #Trump administration has reached a $450 million settlement with Chemours after the company contaminated drinking water in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey with #PFAS “forever chemicals.” thehill.com/policy/energ...
thehill.com
Trump administration settles water pollution case with ‘forever chemicals’ company for $450M
The federal government has settled a water pollution case against Chemours, which makes and uses toxic forever chemicals. The Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency and West Virginia a…
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
#Microplastics are everywhere — in our water, rural communities, and even our brains, hearts, and reproductive organs. theconversation.com/microplastic...
theconversation.com
Microplastics are everywhere in Pennsylvania’s water – but the tide may be turning
An environmental engineer who mapped microplastic pollution in three of Pennsylvania’s watersheds explains what it means for our health.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
The #SupremeCourt sided with Monsanto, the maker of #Roundup, a widely used weed killer, in a lawsuit by thousands of cancer patients exposed to the chemical.
wapo.st
Supreme Court blocks thousands of suits claiming Roundup causes cancer
The ruling restricts one of the largest waves of product liability lawsuits in the history of the nation. Weed killer Roundup was sold by chemical giant Monsanto.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Have you heard that some of the health apps promoted by the #TrumpAdministration to millions of #Medicare patients are using tracking technologies? They could send user data to companies such as Google, Meta, and TikTok. insidehealthpolicy.com/inside-teleh...
insidehealthpolicy.com
Some CMS-Recommended Health Apps Share Users’ Data With Big Tech | InsideHealthPolicy.com
Some of the health apps the Trump administration is promoting to millions of Medicare beneficiaries are using online tracking technologies to send user data to third-party companies, alarming some CMS...
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Good news! As a result of the flu outbreak in the Texas military base, the U.S. military has announced that it is reversing its policy, but only for new recruits. The Army, Navy, and Air Force are once again requiring flu shots for basic trainees, according to officials.
abcnews.com
Military services again requiring recruits to get flu shots as Air Force outbreak grows
A flu outbreak at a basic training facility for the Air Force in San Antonio, Texas, is growing to at least 222 cases and four hospitalizations.
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Rumor has it that the White House is considering Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Is she a good choice?
finance.yahoo.com
White House aide Heidi Overton emerges as top FDA commissioner pick - Bloomberg
Investing.com -- The Trump administration is zeroing in on Heidi Overton, a White House domestic policy aide and medical doctor, as a leading candidate to head the Food and Drug Administration, Bloomb...
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Blood tests for #Alzheimers disease are being promoted to people who may not need them. Before you take one, here's what you should know. #YouCantMakeThisStuffUp
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National Center for Health Research @nc4hr.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced flu #vaccinations were no longer mandatory for service members. What happened next? In one Air Force base in Texas, more than 220 troops are sick with the flu.
thehill.com
Flu cases rise to 222 at Texas base in outbreak blamed on Hegseth scrapping of vaccine mandate
More than 220 troops have contracted influenza at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, up from 160 reported last week in a major outbreak that comes less than two months after Defense Secretary Pete H…
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