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Aims/Introduction: This study aimed to identify low‐ and high‐risk diabetes groups within prediabetes populations using data from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) and UK Biobank (UKB) through a clustering‐based Unsupervised Learning (UL) approach, to inform targeted type 2 diabetes (T2D) interventions. Materials and Methods: Data from TWB and UKB, comprising clinical and genetic information, were analyzed. Prediabetes was defined by glucose thresholds, and incident T2D was identified through follow‐up data. K‐means clustering was performed on prediabetes participants using significant features determined through logistic regression and LASSO. Cluster stability was assessed using mean Jaccard similarity, silhouette score, and the elbow method. Results: We identified two stable clusters representing high‐ and low‐risk diabetes groups in both biobanks. The high‐risk clusters showed higher diabetes incidence, with 15.7% in TWB and 13.0% in UKB, compared to 7.3% and 9.1% in the low‐risk clusters, respectively. Notably, males were predominant in the high‐risk groups, constituting 76.6% in TWB and 52.7% in UKB. In TWB, the high‐risk group also exhibited significantly higher BMI, fasting glucose, and triglycerides, while UKB showed marginal significance in BMI and other metabolic indicators. Current smoking was significantly associated with increased diabetes risk in the TWB high‐risk group (P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier curves indicated significant differences in diabetes complication incidences between clusters. Conclusions: UL effectively identified risk‐specific groups within prediabetes populations, with high‐risk groups strongly associated male gender, higher BMI, smoking, and metabolic markers. Tailored preventive strategies, particularly for young males in Taiwan, are crucial to reducing T2D risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Distinctive gut microbial profiles have been observed between patients with Wilson disease (WD) and healthy individuals. Despite this, the exact relationship and influence of gut microbiota on the advancement of WD‐related liver damage remain ambiguous. This research seeks to clarify the gut microbiota characteristics in both human patients and mouse models of WD, as well as their impact on liver injury. Methods: Gut microbial features in healthy individuals, patients with WD, healthy mice and mice with early‐ and late‐stage WD were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, WD‐afflicted mice underwent treatment with either an antibiotic cocktail (with normal saline as a control) or healthy microbiota (using disease microbiota as a control). The study assessed gut microbiota composition, hepatic transcriptome profiles, liver copper concentrations and hepatic pathological injuries. Results: Patients with hepatic WD and mice with WD‐related liver injury displayed altered gut microbiota composition, notably with a significant reduction in Lactobacillus abundance. Additionally, the abundances of several gut genera, including Lactobacillus, Veillonella and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, showed significant correlations with the severity of liver injury in patients with WD. In WD mice, antibiotic treatment or transplantation of healthy microbiota altered the gut microbial structure, increased Lactobacillus abundance and modified the hepatic transcriptional profile. These interventions resulted in reduced hepatic copper concentration and alleviation of WD‐related liver injury. Conclusions: Individuals and mice with pronounced WD‐related liver injury exhibited shifts in gut microbial composition. Regulating gut microbiota through healthy microbiota transplantation emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for treating WD‐related liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel multistage expressway fast charging station (EFCS) planning problem coordinated with the dynamic regional power structure (PS) transformation. Under the prerequisite of the EFCS network's sustainable operation, network accessibility, and orderly construction, a three‐step planning method oriented to the enhancement of energy saving and emission reduction (ESER) benefits and rationalization of facility utilization is developed: (i) EV‐expanded network, (ii) multiagent‐based dynamic traffic assignment (MA‐DTA), and (iii) deployment refinement. Embedding the MA‐DTA and customized refinement strategy into the iterative planning structure enables the integration of operations and planning of the EFCS network. A numerical experiment and an empirical study in the Shandong Peninsula urban agglomeration are conducted. It demonstrates that the method can find a high‐quality solution within acceptable computation time and is applicable to realistic large‐scale EFCS planning. The planning method can effectively play the role of economy and facility in inducing EV users' charging demands, thus enhancing the overall ESER benefits. The integration of operation and planning is proven effective in reasonably matching the supply and demand of facility service and charging loads in a full‐time period. Further, the multistage EFCS planning schemes during 2025–2045 are explored, and some insightful policy implications are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral self‐discrimination plays a critical role in supramolecular chemistry and materials science. However, an ideal strategy for achieving chiral self‐discrimination remains elusive due to the inevitable nonspecific binding of incorrect enantiomers, and insufficient intrinsic optical activity of chiral molecules. Herein, a novel 1,1′‐binaphthol (BINOL) derivative with an imide group fused at the peri‐position of one naphthol scaffold is developed, which combines the dual functionalities of aggregation‐induced emission characteristic of BINOLs, and high emission of 1,8‐naphthalimides. The multiple molecular recognition between two hydroxyl groups in BINOL units and two carbonyl groups in 1,8‐naphthalimide moieties endows the precise chiral self‐discrimination behaviors. As expected, the homochiral aggregates exhibit reversible phase transitions, switching from non‐emission to bright green emission upon absorption and desorption of methanol vapor. In contrast, the heterochiral conglomerates exhibit irreversible yellow emission changes due to the impact of chiral self‐discrimination. Such chiral self‐discrimination‐induced luminescence vapochromism can be further applied to high‐level anti‐counterfeiting and data encryption. This work provides a new perspective on smart chiral organic materials based on chiral self‐discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a self‐sufficient renewable power (RP) road transport (SRPRT) system is an important future direction for transport–energy integration. More well‐developed studies must be conducted on the coordinated planning of transport, power supply, and power generation networks. This paper carries out the joint operation and planning of highway charging networks with the wind‐photovoltaic‐energy storage (HCN‐WPE) system. Under multi‐network integration and the interaction among multiple entities, a nested bi‐level optimization model is proposed to optimize the users' charging and travel behavior, charging network's deployment, and power generation system's (PGS) configuration. An H‐M‐L algorithm structure is developed, combining the heuristic algorithm, multi‐agent‐based simulation technology, and linear programming algorithm. Its convergence and applicability are verified on the Nguyen‐Dupius network. An empirical case in the Hu‐Bao‐Wu city agglomeration in China is employed to explore and discuss the managerial insights for the HCN‐WPE system. The study finds that multi‐network coordinated planning can improve the benefits of multiple entities, where the net present value, RP supply rate, and RP consumption rate increase by 12.0%, 3.2%, and 10.5%, compared to independent planning. Network‐level planning can play a management and induction role in balancing the station's load pressure. In addition, the PGS co‐configuration can leverage the complementary power supply of multiple RP generators and the peak cutting and valley filling of energy storage systems, which is essential for achieving the SRPRT goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a dynamic information fusion interactive system with a transparent display applied in the vehicle. The dynamic information fusion interactive system integrates three leading technologies: relative position acquisition, fusion information mapping, and visual field tracking adaptive information generation. For visual field tracking adaptive information generation, the position of fusion information changes as the observer's field of view varies to help observers use this system more comfortably and intuitively. The frame rate of the dynamic virtual information display can be increased from 10 to 20 Hz without increasing the AI computing power and providing observers with a better observer experience. Integrating those technologies could achieve an AR‐based interactive system on a direct‐view transparent display. Such a system can provide passengers with location‐based interactive virtual and real integration information in the mobile field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugated polymers exhibit significant potential for use in gas sensors owing to their flexibility and straightforward preparation. However, the performance of organic gas sensors based on such materials is currently suboptimal owing to their poor charge‐transport properties and limited selectivity. To address this limitation, a novel strategy that involves blending a chemically modified metal–organic framework (MOF) material, UiO‐66, with a conjugated polymer is developed. The MOF porous material is chemically modified with polar nitrogen‐containing functional groups (amino and nitro groups) to create gas molecule adsorption sites. To evaluate the impact of these modifications on the sensing performance, experiments that combined the sensing performance with a density functional theory simulation are conducted. The findings reveal that gas sensors fabricated using an amine‐functionalized MOF blended with conjugated polymers exhibit significantly higher sensitivity than home polymer devices, the sensing performance of the UiO‐66‐NH2/P3HT blend film improved by a factor of two with a sensitivity of ≈2%/ppm and an LOD of 0.001 ppt. Additionally, these devices exhibit exclusive NO2‐sensing performance for other gases such as CO2 and SO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The architectural design and fabrication of low‐cost, high‐performance organic scintillators are critical for medical imaging and material/device analysis. However, achieving large‐area and high‐transparency organic scintillators in a low‐cost and easy‐to‐implement method remains a challenge. Herein, a new design strategy for regulating the side chain length of maleimide derivatives is demonstrated to develop organic scintillators for achieving low‐cost, large‐area, and high spatial resolution in X‐ray imaging. The effective intermolecular interactions and relatively twisted molecular structure endow PAM‐M4 molecule with outstanding scintillator properties. More importantly, as demonstrated for the first time, pure organic glassy films with a diameter over 10 cm and high optical transparency can be prepared by the developed melt‐quenched method using PAM‐M4 crystal powder as a raw material. This glassy film exhibits excellent X‐ray imaging ability with a spatial resolution as high as 27.0 lp mm−1 at MTF = 0.20, which is one of the best results among reported organic scintillators. The results of this work not only develop a new design strategy for high‐performance organic scintillators but also demonstrate a reliable approach to fabricating large area screens with superior spatial resolution for medical or industrial X‐ray imaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct strategy to achieve specific treatments and reduce side effects is through cell type‐specific drug delivery. Exosomes (Exos) can be modified with folic acid (FA) to prepare drug delivery systems targeting tumor cells that highly express FA receptors. This study aimed to produce an exo drug delivery system with FA decoration and temozolomide (TMZ) loading to improve the sustained TMZ release and targeting. We used DSPE‐PEG2000‐FA to modify exos derived from astrocyte U‐87 to prepare FA‐modified exos (Astro‐exo‐FA). TMZ was encapsulated into Astro‐exo‐FA or Astro‐exo through electroporation to produce TMZ@Astro‐exo and TMZ@Astro‐exo‐FA. In vitro drug release was examined using the dialysis bag method. Through cell experiments in vitro and mouse glioma models in vivo, the effect of TMZ@Astro‐exo‐FA on U‐87 cells was determined. Exo properties were not affected by FA modification and TMZ loading. The drug release rate of TMZ@Astro‐exo‐FA was slower. TMZ@Astro‐exo‐FA uptake by U‐87 cells was higher compared to TMZ@Astro‐exo, indicating that TMZ@Astro‐exo‐FA has a stronger targeting toward U‐87 cells. TMZ@Astro‐exo‐FA remarkably reduced U‐87 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion compared with TMZ@Astro‐exo and free TMZ. Treatment with TMZ@Astro‐exo‐FA reduced the side effects of TMZ (minimal change in body weight), prolonged survival, and inhibited tumor growth in mouse glioma models, and its efficacy was stronger than that of TMZ@Astro‐exo and free TMZ. TMZ@Astro‐exo‐FA could enhance the effect of TMZ against glioma, providing novel ideas for drug targeting delivery and exploring exos as drug carriers against glioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has emerged as the third most prevalent and second deadliest cancer worldwide. Metabolic reprogramming is a key hallmark of cancer cells. Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) is over‐expressed in multiple cancers, including CRC. Although the role of PHGDH in metabolism has been extensively investigated, its effects on CRC development remains to be elucidated. In the present study, it was demonstrated that PHGDH expression was significantly up‐regulated in colorectal cancer. PHGDH expression was positively correlated with that of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and its target genes, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, in CRC cells. Knockdown of PHGDH reduced AhR levels and activity, as well as the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione. The selective AhR antagonist stemregenin 1 induced cell death through reactive oxygen species‐dependent autophagy in CRC cells. PHGDH knockdown induced CRC cell sensitivity to stemregenin 1 via the autophagy pathway. Our findings suggest that PHGDH modulates AhR signaling and the redox‐dependent autophagy pathway in CRC, and that the combination of inhibition of both PHGDH and AhR may be a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) and uric acid transporter 1 (URAT1) are involved in the production and reabsorption of uric acid, respectively. However, the currently available individual XOR‐ or URAT1‐targeted drugs have limited efficacy. Thus, strategies for combining XOR inhibitors with uricosuric drugs have been developed. Previous virtual screening identified Compounds 1–5 as hits for the potential dual inhibition of XOR/URAT1. Nevertheless, in vitro experiments yielded unsatisfactory results. The first round of optimization work on those hits was performed, and two series of compounds were designed and synthesized. Compounds of the A series exerted moderate inhibitory effects on URAT1, but extremely weak inhibitory effects on XOR. Compounds of the B series exerted strong inhibitory effects on both XOR and URAT1. B5 exhibited the greatest inhibitory activity, with similar inhibitory effects on XOR and URAT1. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of XOR was 0.012 ± 0.001 μM, equivalent to that of febuxostat (IC50 = 0.010 ± 0.001 μM). The IC50 of URAT1 was 30.24 ± 3.46 μM, equivalent to that of benzbromarone (IC50 = 24.89 ± 7.53 μM). Through this optimization, the in vitro activity of most compounds of the A and B series against XOR and URAT1 was significantly improved versus that of the hits. Compound B5 should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the quality of assessment and the utilisation of optical low vision aids (OLVAs) among people with visual impairment (VI) in Taiwan. Methods: The study included 577 participants between 4 and 100 years of age (314 males and 263 females). All participants had been certified by the Ministry of the Interior of Taiwan, indicating that they had undergone a thorough and comprehensive low vision assessment, including evaluation of visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity, colour vision, visual fields and glare disability. Furthermore, all participants who consented to refraction had received prescriptions for OLVAs. Result: All participants were prescribed one or more OLVAs such as eyeglasses, tinted lenses, magnifiers, closed‐circuit television magnifiers, telescopes, or screen magnifiers. Among the 577 individuals, 515 received correction for refractive errors, providing the best‐corrected VA (BCVA). The improvement in VA was significant at both distance and near, improving from 1.29 ± 0.55 to 1.01 ± 0.52 logMAR (p < 0.001) and from 1.29 ± 0.56 to 1.01 ± 0.52 logMAR (p < 0.001), respectively. Eyeglasses were the primary OLVAs chosen by 333 participants (64.7%), while 53.3%–80.3% of participants combined eyeglasses with other OLVAs to enhance their visual performance. Conclusions: The most commonly used and effective OLVA was eyeglasses. Skilfully utilising appropriate refractive and VA measurements is crucial for determining the most suitable and beneficial OLVA for individuals with VI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific recognition of serum proteins by scavenger receptors is critical and fundamental in many biological processes. However, the underlying mechanism of scavenger receptor‐serum protein interaction remains elusive. In this work, taking scavenger receptors class A1 (SR‐A1) as an example, we systematically investigate its interaction with human serum albumin (HSA) at different states through a combination of molecular docking and all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that native HSA can moderately bind to collagen‐like (CL) region or scavenger receptor cysteine‐rich (SRCR) region, with both electrostatic (ELE) and van der Waals (VDW) interactions, playing important roles. After maleylation, the binding energy, particularly the ELE energy, between HSA and CL region is significantly enhanced, while the binding energy between HSA and SRCR region remains nearly unchanged. Additionally, we also observe that unfolding of the secondary structures in HSA leads to a larger contact surface area between denatured HSA and CL region, but has little impact on the HSA‐SRCR region interaction. Therefore, similar to maleylated HSA, denatured HSA is also more likely to bind to the CL region of SR‐A1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence is gaining increasing popularity in structural analysis. However, at the structural system level, the appropriateness of data representation, the paucity of data, and the physical interpretability of results are rarely studied and remain profound challenges. To fill such gaps, a physics‐informed model named StructGNN‐E (i.e., structural analysis based on graph neural network [GNN]–elastic) based on the GNN architecture, which is capable of implementing the elastic analysis of structural systems without labeled data, is proposed in this study. The systems with structural topologies and member configurations are organized as graph data and later processed by a modified graph isomorphism network. Moreover, to avoid dependence on big data, a novel physics‐informed paradigm is proposed to incorporate mechanics into deep learning (DL), ensuring the theoretical correctness of the results. Numerical experiments and ablation studies demonstrate the unique effectiveness of StructGNN‐E against common DL models, with an average accuracy of 99% and excellent computational efficiency. Due to its differentiability, StructGNN‐E is promising for bidirectionally linking structural parameters and analysis results, paving the way for a new end‐to‐end structural optimization method in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a copper(I)‐catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition/protonation with selenols and α‐substituted α,β‐unsaturated thioamides is disclosed, which affords a series of chiral selenides in high to excellent enantioselectivity. As for both selenols and α‐substituted α,β‐unsaturated thioamides, the reaction enjoys broad substrate scopes. The present catalytic system is also successfully applied to asymmetric selenation of β‐substituted α,β‐unsaturated thioamides. A [Cu‐(R,RP)‐TANIAPHOS]‐SePh species is characterized by its 77Se NMR spectra, which gives a chemical shift at δ 462 ppm. Moreover, a {[Cu‐(R)‐TOL‐BINAP]‐SePh}2 species is characterized by X‐ray analysis, which confirms the formation of Cu−Se bond in the reaction. Finally, the transformations of the thioamide group to amine and thioester are demonstrated to be straightforward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is no consensus on the optimal regimen for unresectable recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), so this retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors (T-L-P) versus TACE combined with lenvatinib (T-L) or TACE alone. Method: Data were collected from 204 patients with unresectable recurrent HCC who received T-L-P, T-L, or TACE alone at three medical centers from January, 2019 to December, 2020 for analysis. The survival outcomes, tumor response, and adverse events were compared between three groups, and risk factors were further investigated. Results: The median overall survival in the T-L-P, T-L, and TACE alone groups were not reached, 25.6, and 15.7 months, respectively (p < 0.001). The median progression-free survival in the T-L-P, T-L, and TACE alone groups were 24.1, 17.3, and 13.7 months, respectively (p < 0.001). The best objective response rate in the T-L-P, T-L, and TACE alone groups were 70.4%, 48.9%, and 42.5%, respectively. The best disease control rate in the T-L-P, T-L, and TACE alone groups were 100.0%, 97.8%, and 87.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the T-L-P and T-L groups for Grade 3/4 adverse events. Conclusion: T-L-P regimen was safe and superior to T-L or TACE alone in improving survival for unresectable recurrent HCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) and Zn‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (AZHSCs) are considered promising energy‐storage alternatives to Li‐ion batteries due to the attractive merits of low‐price and high‐safety. However, the lack of suitable cathode materials always hinders their large‐scale application. Herein, amorphous K‐buserite microspheres (denoted as K‐MnOx) are reported as cathode materials for both AZIBs and AZHSCs, and the energy‐storage mechanism is systematically revealed. It is found that K‐MnOx is composed of rich amorphous K‐buserite units, which can irreversibly be transformed into amorphous Zn‐buserite units in the first discharge cycle. Innovatively, the transformed Zn‐buserite acts as active materials in the following cycles and is highly active/stable for fast Zn‐diffusion and superhigh pseudocapacitance, enabling the achievement of high‐efficiency energy storage. In the AZIBs, K‐MnOx delivers 306 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 with 102% capacity retention, while in the AZHSCs, it shows 515.0/116.0 F g−1 at 0.15/20.0 A g−1 with 92.9% capacitance retention at 5.0 A g−1 after 20 000 cycles. Besides, the power/energy density of AZHSCs device can reach up to 16.94 kW kg−1 (at 20 A g−1)/206.7 Wh kg−1 (at 0.15 A g−1). This work may provide some references for designing next‐generation aqueous energy‐storage devices with high energy/power density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenovariant is a pair of populations or species with distinct phenotypes but little to no genetic divergence, which may have resulted from strong assortative mating, hybridization, or incomplete lineage sorting that changes in the phenotype have exceeded the genotype. Previous studies had mainly tackled this issue on small, colourful reef fishes, but little effort has been made to the barely seen and solitary taxa like the morays (family Muraenidae). In the present study, three species pairs of sympatric morays from Taiwanese waters revealed as phenovariant in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) were examined from the molecular and morphological perspectives, with three dissimilar scenarios discovered: (1) no hybridization was found between the morphologically most distinct Gymnothorax intesi and Gymnothorax neglectus; (2) Gymnothorax kidako bidirectionally hybridized with Gymnothorax prionodon instead of its closely related species Gymnothorax pseudokidako; and (3) frequently bidirectional hybridization and introgression were detected between Gymnothorax pseudothyrsoideus and Gymnothorax reevesii, a species pair that overlapped in all the morphometric and meristic characters. Nevertheless, the principal component analysis indicated that each species pair has evolved significant morphological divergence, further supporting their taxonomic validities. Our results document the natural hybridization of marine eel taxa for the first time and reveal a diverse evolutionary process among the morays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Surgical treatment is the first‐line treatment for patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0 or A1 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and postoperative monitoring improves long‐term survival. We aimed to establish a reasonable short‐interval follow‐up duration for patients with HCC. Methods: The cohort for this retrospective study included 1396 HCC patients with BCLC stage 0 or A1 disease who underwent curative resection from 2013 to 2016 at five centers in China. Hazard rates for recurrence were calculated using the hazard function. Results: The recurrence rates in patients with BCLC stage 0 and A1 HCC were 46.4% and 58.0%, respectively. The hazard curve for stage 0 patients was relatively flat, and the hazard rate was consistently low (peak hazard rate 0.0163). The hazard rate curve for recurrence was initially high (peak hazard rate 0.0441) in patients with BCLC stage A1 disease and showed a rapid decreasing trend within 1 year, followed by a slow decreasing trend, reaching a low level (<0.0163) at approximately 36 months. The time to low risk was 47, 41, and 51 months in patients with cirrhosis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and satellite lesions, respectively. Conclusions: A short‐interval follow‐up of 1 year is sufficient for HCC patients with BCLC stage 0 disease, whereas a short‐interval follow‐up time of 3 years should be considered for patients with stage A1 disease. The follow‐up period should be appropriately prolonged for patients with cirrhosis, HBV infection, and satellite lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaucher disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations which destabilize the native folded form of GCase, triggering degradation and ultimately resulting in low enzyme activity. Pharmacological chaperones (PCs) which stabilize mutant GCase have been used to increase lysosomal activity through improving trafficking efficiency. By engineering their inherent basicity, we have synthesized PCs that change conformation between the ER and the lysosomal environment, thus weakening binding to GCase after its successful trafficking to the lysosome. NMR studies confirmed the conformational change while X‐ray data reveal bound conformations and binding modes. These results were further corroborated by cell studies showing increases in GCase activity when using the pH‐switchable probe at low dosing. Preliminary in vivo assays with humanized mouse models of Gaucher showed enhanced GCase activity levels in relevant tissues, including the brain, further supporting their potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An information compensation method to reduce motion sickness caused by reading information on the transparent window display has been studied and proposed. In this research, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Center of Pressure(CoP), Simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were conducted and the data analysis revealed that the information compensation based on the degree of vehicle vibration improved the comfort of reading the text information for passengers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with a PD‐1 inhibitor and TACE combined with a PD‐1 inhibitor and lenvatinib have recently been reported as promising treatments to improve the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. This study aims to compare the efficacy of these two treatments. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, and patients were recruited from two centers in China. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared, and the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were evaluated according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). Treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) were analyzed to assess safety. Results: The median follow‐up for the entire cohort was 11.4 months. Of the 103 patients included in this study, 56 received triple therapy, and 47 received doublet therapy. PFS was significantly higher in the triple therapy group than in the doublet therapy group (mPFS 22.5 vs. 14.0 months, P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained in terms of OS (P = 0.001). The ORR and DCR were also better in the triple therapy group (64.3% vs. 38.3%, P = 0.010; 85.7% vs. 57.4%, P = 0.002). The most common AEs in the triple therapy group were decreased albumin (55.3%), decreased platelet count (51.8%) and hypertension (44.6%). Conclusions: The combination of TACE with a PD‐1 inhibitor and lenvatinib in patients with BCLC stage B HCC might result in significantly improved clinical outcomes with a manageable safety profile compared with TACE with a PD‐1 inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hierarchical structure similar to "lotus leaf surface" has attracted widespread attention due to its excellent hydrophobic properties. Herein, using low‐temperature sol–gel method prepared superhydrophobic SiO2 particles with biomimetic lotus leaf micro/nanoscale hierarchical structure (BRHS), which were formed in situ on the surface of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber, and endowing PET‐based composite filter media (P‐Filter) superhydrophobic property. After different TEOS@MTES@ KH550 (TMK) modification treatments, SiO2 particles were wrapped on the P‐Filter, and the microscopic pore structure was changed significantly. When the mass ratio of TEOS/MTES (TM) reached 4/2, KH550 modified SiO2 nanoparticles displayed the widest particle size distribution. In this case, the PET (TMK@PET‐4) fibers exhibited rough morphology of BRHS, the contact angle (WCA) reached 160.9 ± 2.8°, and the shedding angle (WSA) was 5.9 ± 2.5°, which reaching a superhydrophobic state. Also, the TMK@PET‐4 filter material demonstrated best comprehensive filtration performance for PM 0.3 (η: 99.12%, ΔP: 58 Pa, QF: 0.0816), 36.96% higher than the original PET filter, and had excellent mechanical stability and self‐cleaning properties. Therefore, the presented simple method has a guiding significance in producing superhydrophobic P‐Filter, a potential value for the research and development of bag‐type dust removal materials in high‐humidity environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: Glucose metabolic disorder is the main cause for type 2 diabetes progression. Exploring the molecular mechanisms of metabolic disorder are crucial for type 2 diabetes treatment. Materials and Methods: Micro ribonucleic acid (miR)‐363, NOTCH1 and forkhead box C2 (FOXC2) expressions in high glucose (HG)‐treated HepG2 cells and the livers of type 2 diabetes mellitus rats were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels of NOTCH1, FOXC2 and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt)‐related proteins were evaluated using western blot. Lipid accumulation was determined using Oil Red O staining. Then glucose consumption, blood glucose level and glycogen content were detected using kits. Finally, dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the binding relationship between miR‐363 and NOTCH1, and the binding relationship between miR‐363 and FOXC2. Results: MiR‐363 was significantly upregulated in the livers of diabetic rats and HG‐induced HepG2 cells, whereas NOTCH1 and FOXC2 were downregulated. In HG‐induced HepG2 cells, miR‐363 inhibitor markedly increased glucose consumption and uptake, and reduced accumulation of lipid droplets. Then NOTCH1 and FOXC2 were identified as downstream targets of miR‐363. NOTCH1 overexpression or FOXC2 overexpression could ameliorate glucose and lipids metabolism disorder in type 2 diabetes model cells. In addition, we found that FOXC2 inhibition abolished the effect of NOTCH1 overexpression on HG‐induced HepG2 cells. Finally, we proved that the PI3K/Akt pathway was the downstream pathway of FOXC2. Conclusion: MiR‐363 was considered as a key regulator of glucose and lipids metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus, which regulated PI3K/Akt axis by targeting NOTCH1 and FOXC2, thus leading to hepatic glucose and lipids metabolism disorder in type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of our study was to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics and prognostic factors in patients with pulmonary acinar cell carcinoma (PACC). Methods: PACC patients diagnosed between 1975 and 2016 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The trend in PACC incidence was assessed using joinpoint regression software. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method and log‐rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the independent prognostic factors for OS and DSS. Nomograms to predict survival possibilities were constructed based on the identified independent prognostic factors. Results: A total of 2918 patients were identified with PACC. The mean age was 65.2 ± 8.95 years with a female to male of 1.6:1. The incidence of PACC steadily increased by an annual percentage change (APC) of 3.2% (95% CI 2.1–4.4, p < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age, gender, race, stage, grade, tumor size, number of positive lymph nodes, surgery, and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for survival. Nomograms specifically for PACC were constructed to predict 1‐ and 5‐year OS and DSS possibility, respectively. The concordance index (C‐index) and calibration plots showed the established nomograms had robust and accurate performance. Conclusion: PACC was rare but the incidence has been steadily increasing over the past four decades. Survival has improved in recent years. Surgery or chemotherapy could provide better OS and DSS. The established nomograms specifically for PACC were robust and accurate in predicting 1‐ and 5‐year OS and DSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cell (DFAFC) is considered as a promising liquid fuel cell. Here, the effect of palladium particle size (dPd) of anodic DFAFC catalysts on initial power density was studied. The number of electrochemically available Pd atoms on the surface of Pd nanocrystallites in the anodes were determined experimentally. The cathode potential as a function of the current density has been measured. The mathematical model describing the effect of dPd on DFAFC performance has been developed. It was assumed that: (i) Pd crystallites have shape of cuboctahedron, (ii) Pd atoms lying on edges and corners are inactive, (iii) The activity of Pd atoms lying on crystallite (111) and (100) facets do not change with dPd. The mathematical model describes well the effect of current density and dPd on fuel cell voltage and power density. The model predicts that maximum power density is reached at dPd=2.4 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skp2 is overexpressed in multiple cancers and plays a critical role in tumor development through ubiquitin/proteasome‐dependent degradation of its substrate proteins. Drugs targeting Skp2 have exhibited promising anticancer activity. Here, we identified a plant‐derived Skp2 inhibitor, betulinic acid (BA), via high‐throughput structure‐based virtual screening of a phytochemical library. BA significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through targeting Skp2‐SCF E3 ligase both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, BA binding to Skp2, especially forming H‐bonds with residue Lys145, decreases its stability by disrupting Skp1‐Skp2 interactions, thereby inhibiting the Skp2‐SCF E3 ligase and promoting the accumulation of its substrates; that is, E‐cadherin and p27. In both subcutaneous and orthotopic xenografts, BA significantly inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC through targeting Skp2‐SCF E3 ligase and upregulating p27 and E‐cadherin protein levels. Taken together, BA can be considered a valuable therapeutic candidate to inhibit metastasis of NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, which is associated with extracellular deposition of amyloid-β proteins (Aβ). It has been reported that triptolide (TP), an immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agent extracted from a Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii, shows potential neuroprotective effects pertinent to AD. However, the clinical use of TP for AD could be hampered due to its high toxicity, instability, poor water solubility, and nonspecific biodistribution after administration. In this paper, we reported a kind of multiple-coated PLGA nanoparticle with the entrapment of TP and surface coated by chitosan hydrochloride, Tween-80, PEG20000, and borneol/mentholum eutectic mixture (MC-PLGA-TP-NP) as a novel nasal brain targeting preparation for the first time. The obtained MC-PLGA-TP-NP was 147.5 ± 20.7 nm with PDI of 0.263 ± 0.075 , zeta potential of 14.62 ± 2.47 mV, and the entrapment efficiency and loading efficiency of 93.14 % ± 4.75 % and 1.17 ± 0.08 % , respectively. In comparison of TP, MC-PLGA-TP-NP showed sustained-release profile and better transcellular permeability to Caco-2 cells in vitro. In addition, our data showed that MC-PLGA-TP-NP remarkably reduced the cytotoxicity, attenuated the oxidative stress, and inhibited the increase of the intracellular Ca2+ influx in differentiated PC12 cells induced by Aβ1-42. Therefore, it can be concluded that MC-PLGA-TP-NP is a promising preparation of TP, which exerts a better neuroprotective activity in the AD cellular model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of long‐term nitrate therapy are compromised due to protein S‐Nitrosylation, which is mediated by nitric oxide (NO). This study is to determine the role of Akt S‐Nitrosylation in the recovery of heart functions after ischaemia. In recombinant Akt protein and in HEK293 cells, NO donor decreased Akt activity and induced Akt S‐Nitrosylation, but was abolished if Akt protein was mutated by replacing cysteine 296/344 with alanine (Akt‐C296/344A). In endothelial cells, NO induced Akt S‐Nitrosylation, reduced Akt activity and damaged multiple cellular functions including proliferation, migration and tube formation. These alterations were ablated if cells expressed Akt‐C296/344A mutant. In Apoe−/− mice, nitroglycerine infusion increased both Akt S‐Nitrosylation and infarct size, reduced Akt activity and capillary density, and delayed the recovery of cardiac function in ischaemic hearts, compared with mice infused with vehicle. Importantly, these in vivo effects of nitroglycerine in Apoe−/− mice were remarkably prevented by adenovirus‐mediated enforced expression of Akt‐C296/344A mutant. In conclusion, long‐term usage of organic nitrate may inactivate Akt to delay ischaemia‐induced revascularization and the recovery of cardiac function through NO‐mediated S‐Nitrosylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we discuss the ammonium nitrogen adsorption and reusability from aqueous solution by using poly(sodium acrylate) (PANa) hydrogels (Polymers 1–6) under different amount of crosslinker and initiator. The PANa hydrogels were synthesized from the neutralized acrylic acid (AA) monomer via free radical thermal polymerization by using ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator and N,N′‐methylene‐bisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker. These polymers exhibited glass transition temperatures (Tg) of 68–88°C and Td values (5% weight loss temperature) in the range of 190–221°C under nitrogen atmosphere. The PANa hydrogels had swollen ratios ranging from 387 to 4,063%, related to the crosslinking density. The final equilibrium adsorption capacity of the polymers was in the range of 20–39 ppm with an initial ammonium nitrogen concentration of 100 ppm. Among them, Polymer 3 without MBA crosslinker displayed the highest swollen characteristic along with the most efficient adsorption capacity. In comparison, the as‐prepared high crosslinking density hydrogels showed relative lower adsorption capability but higher reusability. The polymer composition in this work determines the ability to absorb and desorb ammonium nitrogen compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strophidon McClelland is a muraenid genus with characteristic appearance of a very elongated body, a large mouth cleft and anteriorly placed eyes. The nomenclature and taxonomic history of species within Strophidon are contentious and its members are easily misidentified. In the present study, species of the genus Strophidon are revised based on morphological and molecular data, and five species are considered valid, including S. dawydoffi Prokofiev, S. dorsalis (Seale), S. sathete (Hamilton), S. ui Tanaka and a new species, S. tetraporus. Strophidon tetraporussp. nov. is described based on 15 specimens from Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam with the unique characteristic of the constant presence of the fourth infraorbital pore among species of Strophidon. The intraspecific variation of vertebral formula within S. dorsalis is discussed based on molecular data. Muraena macrurus Bleeker and Thyrsoidea longissima Kaup are synonyms of S. sathete that can be distinguished from the most similar congener S. ui by a longer tail, smaller eyes and more inner maxillary and inner dentary teeth. A key to identify species of Strophidon is provided. The distribution and maximum size of each species are also re‐evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary of main observation and conclusion: In recent years, synthesis of hybrid heteroarm star polymer with precisely defined arms has evolved to be one of the most attractive topics within polymer chemistry. In this study, we present the successful synthesis of metallacycle‐linked heteroarm star polymers (HASPs) composed of crystalline poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and polyacrylate (poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) segments via combination of ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) controlled radical polymerization. Firstly, a hexagonal metallacycle containing three hydroxy groups and three chain transfer agent moieties at the alternative vertexes was designed and synthesized based on the general principle of coordination‐driven self‐assembly. Subsequently, upon combination of two orthogonal post‐assembly polymerizations, a new family of HASPs containing a well‐defined hexagonal metallacycle with precisely controlled position of polymer arms was facilely prepared. Interestingly, the obtained HASPs could spontaneously self‐assemble into large‐area and regular cubic nanoparticles in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/methanol (MeOH) mixed solvents under specific conditions as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). This study provides a simple route to the controllable preparation of HASPs, and opens up a new way for further study on self‐assembly of different HASPs systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous epidemiological and histopathological studies have demonstrated that long‐term computation of Kweichow Moutai liquor (Moutai) could induce fatty liver disease but few of these patients with fatty liver will develop hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. Moutai liquor has a different brewing technique from other white wine, which may generate various microorganisms in the unique geographical conditions and may produce plenty of vitamins, amino acids, and several essential microelements. In the current study, we evaluated the potential protective effect of Moutai liquor in alcohol‐induced liver fibrosis mouse model. Both in vivo and in vitro studies were performed for exploring the possible mechanisms in suppressing liver fibrosis by Moutai. We demonstrated that Moutai treatment induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) apoptosis and suppressed collagen deposition, as well as attenuated hepatic fibrosis. The antifibrosis mechanism of Moutai was possibly related with the inhibition of Kupffer cell and HSC activation via suppressing NFκB nuclear translocation and preventing the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. It is worth noting that although Moutai attenuates liver fibrosis, it still causes lipid metabolic abnormalities in mouse liver and induces fatty liver. Kweichow Moutai may ameliorate alcohol‐induced liver fibrosis in mice by targeting the NFκB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A protein Pascal triangle has been constructed as new type of supramolecular architecture by using the inducing ligand strategy that we previously developed for protein assemblies. Although mathematical studies on this famous geometry have a long history, no work on such Pascal triangles fabricated from native proteins has been reported so far due to their structural complexity. In this work, by carefully tuning the specific interactions between the native protein building block WGA and the inducing ligand R‐SL, a 2D Pascal‐triangle lattice with three types of triangular voids has been assembled. Moreover, a 3D crystal structure was obtained based on the 2D Pascal triangles. The distinctive carbohydrate binding sites of WGA and the intralayer as well as interlayer dimerization of RhB was the key to facilitate nanofabrication in solution. This strategy may be applied to prepare and explore various sophisticated assemblies based on native proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the characteristics of IDH and TERT promoter mutations in gliomas in Chinese patients. Methods: A total of 124 Chinese patients with gliomas were enrolled to study the frequencies of mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp). Among the 124 patients, 59 patients were enrolled to study the classification of gliomas based on mutations in IDH and TERTp. Results: Isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations are positively correlated with a good prognosis but mutations in TERTp cannot predict prognoses independently. The combined analysis of the mutations of IDH and TERTp can predict the prognosis more accurately. Patients with IDH and TERTp glioma mutations have the best prognosis, followed by only IDH mutation patients and only TERTp mutation patients, which have the worst prognosis. IDH and TERTp mutations occur frequently in males, younger patients or lower‐grade patients. In contrast, only TERTp mutations occur frequently in females, older patients or higher‐grade patients. Conclusions: Patients with IDH and TERTp glioma mutations have the best prognosis, and only IDH mutation patients and only TERTp mutation patients have the worst prognosis. Moreover, the molecular classification of gliomas by mutations of IDH and TERTp is not suitable for pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 60‐day feeding trial was conducted to estimate the effects of dietary iron (Fe) levels on growth, Fe concentration in the liver, spleen, and blood, and transferrin and hepcidin concentrations in the blood of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis). The six experimental diets were formulated to contain different Fe levels (0, 43.1, 84.2, 123.3, 162.2 and 203.1 mg/kg of dry diet) using ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) as the source. The weight gain (WG) and the specific growth ratio (SGR) of A. nobilis fed with a dietary Fe level of 123.3 mg/kg were significantly higher than that of the 0 mg/kg Fe group (p <.05). The results indicated that the growth was affected by dietary Fe levels. Regression analysis of WG and SGR at different levels of dietary Fe suggests that the appropriate dietary requirement of Fe for the bighead carp larvae is 120–134.36 mg/kg. The Fe contents in different tissues were as follows: spleen > liver > whole body. When the Fe dietary content increases to 162.2 mg/kg, the blood concentrations of Fe significantly decreased and thereafter increased, hepcidin significantly decreased and thereafter decreased, and transferrin significantly increased and thereafter decreased. The results indicate that the transferrin blood content significantly increased with decreasing hepcidin of up to 264.63 μg/ml content and thereafter decreased. It could be concluded that after transferrin saturation, hepcidin functions to maintain iron balance in the blood of A. nobilis by decreasing transferrin content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure (HF) is the end‐stage syndrome for most cardiac diseases, and the 5‐year morbidity and mortality of HF remain high. Malignant arrhythmia is the main cause of sudden death in the progression of HF. Recently, bridging integrator 1 (BIN1) was discovered as a regulator of transverse tubule function and calcium signalling in cardiomyocytes. BIN1 downregulation is linked to abnormal cardiac contraction, and it increases the possibility of malignant arrhythmias preceding HF. Because of the detectability of cardiac BIN1 in peripheral blood, BIN1 may serve as a predictor of HF and may be useful in therapy development. However, the mechanism of BIN1 downregulation in HF and how BIN1 regulates normal cardiac function under physiological conditions remain unclear. In this review, recent progress in the biological studies of BIN1‐related cardiomyocytes and the effect of cardiac dysfunction and malignant arrhythmia will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)‐related perforation leads to high morbidity and mortality. The Stapfer classification divides patients with different perforation locations and suggests management accordingly. The classification may be unknown if perforation is not detected during endoscopy. We classified patients with ERCP‐related perforation (ERP) through computed tomography (CT) and observed the clinical outcomes with varyingly invasive management. Fifty‐two cases of ERP between July 2009 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Of them, 41 who underwent CT for ERCP were included. According to their CT findings, we divided patients into air‐alone (n = 16), air‐fluid (n = 18), and fluid‐alone (n = 7) groups. Perforation severity was graded using the Clavien‐Dindo classification for surgical complications. Demographic data and clinical outcomes among different groups were analyzed. Fifteen patients (37%) had an unknown Stapfer classification. More than half of the patients in the air‐fluid group had a Clavien‐Dindo complication grade of >3. Four patients underwent surgical repair; all of them were from the air‐fluid group. All patients in the air‐ and fluid‐alone groups underwent medical treatment without need for subsequent salvage surgery. The air‐fluid group had the longest mean hospital stay (25.1 ± 21.9 days) and the exclusive two mortality cases in this study. Patients with ERCP can be divided into groups with different outcomes according to the presence of air or fluid on CT images. Because patients with both air and fluid have the worst clinical outcome, they may require more aggressive treatment than patients with either air or fluid alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ex vivo culture of mouse and human skin causes an inflammatory response characterized by production of multiple cytokines. We used ex vivo culture of mouse tail skin specimens to investigate mechanisms of this skin culture‐induced inflammatory response. Multiplex assays revealed production of interleukin 1 alpha (IL‐1α), interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), chemokine C‐X‐C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1), granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) during skin culture, and quantitative PCR revealed transcripts for these proteins were also increased. Ex vivo cultures of skin from myeloid differentiation primary response 88 deficient mice (Myd88−/−) demonstrated significantly reduced expression of transcripts for the aforementioned cytokines. The same result was observed with skin from interleukin 1 receptor type 1 deficient mice (Il1r1−/−). These data suggested the IL‐1R1/MyD88 axis is required for the skin culture‐induced inflammatory response and led us to investigate the role of IL‐1α and IL‐1β (the ligands for IL‐1R1) in this process. Addition of IL‐1α neutralizing antibody to skin cultures significantly reduced expression of Cxcl1, Il6 and Csf3. IL‐1β neutralization did not reduce levels of these transcripts. These studies suggest that IL‐1α promotes the skin the culture‐induced inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and Epstein–Barr virus DNA (EBV DNA) for diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC). The levels of CTCs and EBV DNA were measured at baseline and after first‐line chemotherapy in 148 mNPC patients prospectively enrolled between December 2014 and August 2016. We also collected 122 non‐mNPC cases within the same time frame for examining CTCs and EBV DNA at baseline. In 270 NPC patients, we observed improved specificity (86.0% vs. 41.0%) and inferior sensitivity (42.3% vs. 81.3%) of CTCs as compared to EBV DNA for diagnosis of distant metastasis. mNPC patients were stratified into unfavorable and favorable prognostic groups, respectively, based on CTC of 12 at baseline and 1 after first‐line chemotherapy and EBV DNA of 10,000 at baseline and 4,000 after first‐line chemotherapy. Conversion of baseline unfavorable CTCs and EBV DNA to favorable after first‐line chemotherapy was associated with significantly longer progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to patients with unfavorable CTCs and EBV DNA at both time points. Among patients with a complete/partial response as per imaging evaluation, favorable CTCs and EBV DNA levels after first‐line chemotherapy were associated with significantly longer PFS and OS. In conclusion, our data demonstrated the number of CTCs and EBV DNA before, after and during first‐line chemotherapy were strong predictive markers for mNPC patients. When utilized in conjunction with imaging studies, CTCs and EBV DNA could provide additional prognostic information. What's new? Endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is associated with latent infection of the oncogenic Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) and frequently metastasizes to distant lymph nodes and organs. Metastatic NPC is treated by serial administration of cytotoxic or targeted therapies and treatment response is generally assessed with serial imaging, which often fails to detect changes in tumor burden. Here, the authors show that the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and EBV DNA levels before, after, and during first‐line chemotherapy are strong predictive markers for mNPC patients. When utilized in conjunction with imaging studies, CTCs and EBV DNA could provide additional prognostic information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An emerging body of evidence has promoted the understanding of the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumorigenesis and progression, but the mediating function of miRNAs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) development remains poorly elucidated. In this study, miR‐449b‐3p was downregulated in NPC specimens (P < .001) and cells (P < .05). Cytological and animal experiments provided evidence that miR‐449b‐3p inhibited NPC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) was revealed as a direct target of miR‐449b‐3p. Rescue experiments suggested that the downregulation of ADAM17 in the miR‐449b‐3p knockdown cells partially reversed the inhibition of cell invasion and migration. Luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and Western blot analysis showed that ADAM17 could suppress the promoter activity and expression of miR‐449b‐3p by inducing NF‐κB transcriptional activity. In conclusion, our study provided new insights into the underlying mechanism of the invasion and metastasis of NPC. The novel miR‐449b‐3p/ADAM17/NF‐κB feedback loop could be a target for the clinical treatment of NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]