Open Access
ISSN:0965-0407 (print)
ISSN:1555-3906 (online)
Publication Frequency:Monthly
Oncology Research is committed to publishing high-quality, innovative research that is focused on the entire range of basic, translational, and clinical cancer research, with a particular interest in cancer therapeutics, providing a new platform for the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Science Citation Index Expanded (Clarivate Analytics): 2024 Impact Factor: 4.1; Scopus CiteScore (Impact per Publication 2024): 3.6; SNIP (Source Normalized Impact per Paper 2024): 0.673; Embase; PubMed Central; MEDLINE; EBSCO; Google Scholar; Proquest; Portico, etc.
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.069781 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Sarcoma Crossroads: Osteosarcoma, Bone Sarcoma, and Soft Tissue Sarcoma)
Abstract Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may eradicate residual malignant cells following sarcoma resection, through reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated cytotoxicity, thus improve clinical outcomes. This study aims to assess the efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) as a photosensitizer in combination with red light (RL) for PDT of bone sarcoma cells in vitro. Methods: Three bone sarcoma cell lines underwent treatment with 5-ALA and RL or sham-RL (SL). 5-ALA uptake was assessed using flow cytometry. Production of ROS was measured using CellROX Green staining and fluorescence microscopy. Cell viability was assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 assays. Results: All cell… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.067449 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances and Innovations in Colorectal Cancer Research and Treatment)
Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases. By 2050, CRC incidence is expected to rise substantially, driven by population aging and greater exposure to risk factors in developing countries. Despite advances in medicine and pharmacy, the effectiveness of available treatments remains limited, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes and critically evaluates currently available CRC therapies and explores new emerging directions. Particular attention is given to the role of immunotherapy, targeted therapies,… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070276 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances and Innovations in Colorectal Cancer Research and Treatment)
Abstract Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health burden, and Urolithin A (Uro-A) has emerged as a promising anticancer agent. This systematic review aims to synthesize current in vitro evidence on the anticancer effects of Uro-A in CRC, highlighting effective concentration ranges, exposure times, relevant outcomes, and underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the following strategy: (colorectal cancer) AND (urolithin a) OR (3,8-dihydroxy-6H-dibenzo(b,d)pyran-6-one). Eligibility criteria were defined by the PICO framework: (P) in vitro CRC cell models; (I) Uro-A alone or… More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
REVIEW
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070505 - 19 January 2026
Abstract Objectives: Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has become a key treatment for melanoma. However, the increasing number of cases of melanoma resistant to immunotherapy highlights the need to develop methods to overcome this resistance. This study aims to collect the most recent information on melanoma immunotherapy, discuss potential strategies to overcome resistance to immunotherapy, and identify areas that require further analysis. Methods: To achieve this goal, scientific publications from 2021–2024 available in PubMed and Google Scholar databases were analyzed. The databases were searched using the following terms: “melanoma”, “immunotherapy”, “Immune Checkpoint Blockade”, and More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071209 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Drug Targets in Oncology: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Innovations)
Abstract The prolonged and intricate history of oncological treatments has transitioned significantly since the introduction of chemotherapy. Substantial therapeutic benefits in cancer therapy have been achieved by the integration of conventional treatments with molecular biosciences and omics technologies. Human epidermal growth factor receptor, hormone receptors, and angiogenesis factors are among the established therapies in tumor reduction and managing side effects. Novel targeted therapies like KRAS G12C, Claudin-18 isoform 2 (CLDN18.2), Trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2), and epigenetic regulators emphasize their promise in advancing precision medicine. However, in many cases, the resistance mechanisms associated with these interventions… More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
REVIEW
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071523 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Pathology, Early Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies for Breast Cancer)
Abstract Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies among women and comprises a heterogeneous spectrum of molecular subtypes with distinct biological behaviors. Among various regulatory molecules, sphingolipids play pivotal roles in dynamically modulating fundamental cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis through metabolic interconversions, including phosphorylation, glycosylation, and the generation of sphingosine-1-phosphate. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms through which sphingolipid metabolism orchestrates cancer cell fate and drives breast cancer progression. Particular emphasis is placed on the balance between proapoptotic ceramides and pro-survival metabolites, such as sphingosine-1-phosphate, which collectively influence tumor growth More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071831 - 19 January 2026
Abstract Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular cancer, with approximately 5.2 individuals per million affected annually in the United States. It represents approximately 3% of the global malignant melanoma cases, accounting for 80% of the overall noncutaneous melanomas. Clinically, it remains silent in about 30% of the cases; when symptomatic, it generally causes metamorphopsia (painless loss or distortion of vision) and/or photopsia (flashing or flickering of light in the visual field). Discoloration of the iris, astigmatism, glaucoma, and even blindness are other, less common clinical manifestations. Several pathophysiological mechanisms underlie the development of UM.… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071891 - 19 January 2026
Abstract Parasitic infections are increasingly recognized as contributors to cancer development, yet the underlying oncogenic mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. Growing evidence from molecular oncology, immunology, and microbiome research suggests that chronic parasitic infections may drive tumorigenesis through sustained inflammation, deregulated signaling pathways, genomic instability, and the release of parasite-derived exosomes that reshape the tumor microenvironment. These insights underscore the need to integrate parasitology with cancer biology to understand infection-associated malignancies better. The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize current knowledge on how selected parasites contribute to cancer development and to highlight emerging therapeutic and… More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
REVIEW
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071940 - 19 January 2026
Abstract Lung cancer is the most common but fatal malignant tumor worldwide. Patients with lung cancer experienced a relatively low 5-year overall survival rate, and issues such as metastasis and drug resistance remain prominent challenges in its clinical management. Neddylation, a novel type of post-translational modification, was overactivated in lung cancer and was closely associated with its occurrence, development, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review systematically summarizes the biological process of neddylation and deeply explores the latest research progress on how neddylation affects lung cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance mechanisms, with a focus on More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.073265 - 19 January 2026
Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality in men, largely due to therapy resistance and metastatic progression. Increasing evidence highlights the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as a critical determinant of disease behavior. CAFs constitute a heterogeneous population originating from fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells undergoing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and adipose tissue. Through dynamic crosstalk with tumor, immune, endothelial, and adipocyte compartments, CAFs orchestrate oncogenic processes including tumor proliferation, invasion, immune evasion, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and metabolic reprogramming. This review comprehensively summarizes the cellular origins, phenotypic More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.069832 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Liquid Biopsy: A Powerful Tool for Exploring Tumor Biology)
Abstract Objectives: Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted therapies have reshaped treatment non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) paradigms, prognosis remains poor for many patients due to delayed diagnosis and resistance mechanisms. Liquid biopsy offers a minimally invasive approach to monitoring tumor evolution. Among circulating biomarkers, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAM-Ls) may provide complementary prognostic insights. The study aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of CTC and CAM-Ls dynamic in metastatic NSCLC patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 77 patients with metastatic NSCLC who underwent CTC and CAM-L evaluation via the CellSearch® system… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070116 - 19 January 2026
Abstract Objectives: Cancer treatment relies heavily on accurate diagnosis and effective monitoring of the disease. These processes often involve invasive procedures, such as colonoscopy, to detect malignant tissues, followed by molecular analyses to determine relevant biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for detecting Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Proto-Oncogene (KRAS), Neuroblastoma RAS Viral Oncogene Homolog (NRAS), and B-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B (BRAF) mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from colorectal cancer patients using liquid biopsy. Methods: ctDNA was isolated from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (n = 110) and analyzed for KRAS, BRAF,… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070392 - 19 January 2026
Abstract Objectives: Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant challenge due to the limited sensitivity of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). This study aimed to assess serum-derived extracellular vesicle-encapsulated GULP PTB domain-containing engulfment adaptor 1 (EV-GULP1) as a novel, noninvasive biomarker for HCC detection and prognosis, leveraging the potential of tumor-specific molecules carried by small extracellular vesicles (EVs). Methods: The study utilized both internal and external cohorts of HCC patients and controls. Small EVs were isolated from serum samples, then characterized and validated to confirm their identity. The expression levels of EV-GULP1 were quantified using quantitative reverse transcription… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070793 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Identification of potential targets and biomarkers for cancers and the exploration of novel molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and metastasis)
Abstract Objectives: The current treatment options and therapeutic targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype of breast cancer (BrCA), are limited. This study aimed to identify novel biomarkers and transcriptional regulatory networks (TRN) inherent in TNBC samples. Methods: We analyzed pan-cancer BrCA datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to compare triple-positive breast cancer (TPBC) with TNBC. TRN algorithms and virtual inference of protein-enriched regulon (VIPER) were used to identify master regulators and their target genes. Utilizing TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468), we validated the relationship of nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 3 (NFE2L3) and… More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071258 - 19 January 2026
Abstract Objectives: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a prevalent malignant brain tumor prone to drug resistance. We previously found a strong correlation between SH3 domain GRB2-like endophilin B1 (SH3GLB1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), which converts O2 to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Prior studies show that H2O2 redox signaling is vital for physiological processes and can drive tumor progression. Therefore, we aim to define how H2O2 signaling regulates SH3GLB1 and AKT (protein kinase B) pathways in GBM and to assess whether modulating H2O2 reverses temozolomide (TMZ) resistance. Methods: We used cultured cells and pharmacological inhibitors and activators to confirm the significance of… More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.068967 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Cancer Pharmacology)
Abstract Objectives: Acquired resistance to paclitaxel represents a critical barrier to the effective chemotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The present study aimed to elucidate the molecular and pharmacological mechanisms promoting paclitaxel resistance in NSCLC and to explore potential strategies for overcoming this resistance. Methods: Here, we report an integrated pharmacological and analytical approach to quantify paclitaxel disposition and overcome resistance in a A549/TAX cell model (paclitaxel-resistant A549 cells). Results: Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation, and apoptosis assays confirmed that A549/TAX cells exhibited marked resistance to paclitaxel relative to parental A549 cells. Based on… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.069453 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
Abstract Objectives: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a major global health concern, and Phosphoinositide-3-Kinase Regulatory Subunit 1 (PIK3R1), a regulatory subunit of the PI3K signaling pathway, may play a critical yet underexplored role in GC progression. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of PIK3R1 in GC and its association with the tumor immune microenvironment. Methods: PIK3R1 expression and its clinical relevance were analyzed using datasets from GC patients who underwent gastrectomy, including cohorts from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC). Prognostic models integrating PIK3R1 expression with clinical parameters… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070567 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Long noncoding RNAs as Tumorigenic Drivers and Therapeutic Targets)
Abstract Objective: The contribution of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with protein palmitoylation to the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unclear. This study sought to establish a prognostic signature based on palmitoylation-related lncRNAs and explore their functional implications in HCC. Methods: RNA sequencing and clinical data for HCC and normal tissues were sourced from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify lncRNAs that were co-expressed with palmitoylation-related genes. Univariate Cox regression was applied to select lncRNAs with prognostic value, followed by the construction of a predictive model using the… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.070893 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Cancer Therapeutics)
Abstract Objective: To determine whether immunotherapy can bring new hope for patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). We conducted this retrospective study to evaluate whether immunotherapy can achieve better efficacy in LS-SCLC patients. Methods: We evaluated 122 LS-SCLC patients who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or sequential chemoradiotherapy (SCRT) (Group A) and immunotherapy combined with CCRT/SCRT followed by immunotherapy (Group B), to assess the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and progression-free survival (PFS). Factors affecting prognosis were also explored using Cox analysis. The prognosis of patients with type 2 diabetes and patients with… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.071902 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances and Innovations in Colorectal Cancer Research and Treatment)
Abstract Background: Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative widely used in vaccines. This study aimed to investigate its potential antitumor effects and mechanisms in solid malignancies, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC) and melanoma. Methods: A combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches was employed. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, ATP viability, Western blotting, flow cytometry, wound-healing and Transwell assays. Subcutaneous, lung metastases, and Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (AOM/DSS)-induced colitis-associated CRC models were established to examine antitumor efficacy and safety. The functional role of mercury ions was validated using structural… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.072084 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Signaling Pathway Crosstalk in Malignant Tumors: Molecular Targets and Combinatorial Therapeutics)
Abstract Objective: While cisplatin-based chemotherapy is pivotal for advanced bladder cancer, acquired resistance remains a major obstacle. This study investigates key molecular drivers of this resistance and potential reversal strategies. Methods: We established GC (Gemcitabine and Cisplatin)-resistant T24-R and UC3-R cell lines from T24 and UM-UC-3 (UC3) cells. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses identified differentially expressed molecules. Apoptosis and cell viability were assessed by flow cytometry and CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) assays, while RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) and Western blot analyzed gene and protein expression. Immunofluorescence evaluated FAK (Focal Adhesion Kinase) phosphorylation, and a… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.072563 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances and Innovations in Colorectal Cancer Research and Treatment)
Abstract Background: The efficacy of standard 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy for colorectal cancer is limited by drug resistance and adverse effects, prompting research into esketamine, a potent ketamine variant with analgesic, antidepressant, and recently discovered anti-tumor properties, to determine if it can enhance 5-FU’s chemosensitivity. This study investigates whether esketamine synergizes with 5-FU to enhance therapeutic efficacy in colorectal adenocarcinoma cell models. Methods: We performed functional assays to evaluate proliferation (CCK-8), migration (wound healing), invasion (Transwell), and apoptosis (flow cytometry) in colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines treated with 5-FU alone or in combination with esketamine. Transcriptomic profiling was… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.072661 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advancing Cellular Therapeutics in Oncology: Innovations, Challenges, and Clinical Translation)
Abstract Background: The gut microbiome has emerged as a critical modulator of cancer immunotherapy response. However, the mechanisms by which gut-associated metabolites influence checkpoint blockade efficacy in prostate cancer (PC) remain not fully explored. The study aimed to explore how gut metabolites regulate death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade via exosomes and boost immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in PC. Methods: We recruited 70 PC patients to set up into five subgroups. The integrated multi-omics analysis was performed. In parallel, we validated the function of gut microbiome-associated metabolites on PD-L1 production and immunotherapy treatment efficacy in PC cell lines… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.073079 - 19 January 2026
Abstract Objective: Ring finger protein 145 (RNF145), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its role in HCC remains unknown. The study aimed to investigate the functions and underlying mechanisms of RNF145 in HCC. Methods: The role of RNF145 in HCC was investigated using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and in vitro experimental assays. Its oncogenic functions were assessed using the transwell migration assay and the wound-healing assay. The molecular mechanism was explored through protein immunoprecipitation and western blot analyses. Data from public databases were analyzed to correlate RNF145 expression… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.073179 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment: Emerging Insights into Cancer Progression and Therapeutics)
Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive and lethal malignancy. Metabolic reprogramming dynamically remodels the tumor microenvironment (TME) and drives HCC progression. This study investigated the mechanism through which metabolic reprogramming remodels the TME in HCC. Methods: HCC patient transcriptome data were subjected to bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed genes and immune infiltration status. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit A (SDHA) expression and M2 macrophage infiltration. SDHA-knockdown or SDHA-overexpressing HCC cells were used for in vitro experiments, including co-culturing, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blotting… More >
Open Access
CASE REPORT
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.068555 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Targets and Biomarkers in Solid Tumors)
Abstract Background: With a total of 1.46 million new cases and 396,792 deaths in 2022, prostate cancer is a major medical challenge around the world. Detecting and treating cancer at earlier, preferably localized stages can significantly increase survival rates. Here, a novel blood-based cancer screening as a pre-test in combination with targeted MRI imaging enabled the early diagnosis of prostate cancer. Case Description: We present the case of a 64-year-old man who participated in a prospective, interventional, multicenter cancer screening study where an immunological biopsy-based technique served as a part of a novel screening technique. This immunology… More >
Open Access
CASE REPORT
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.066478 - 19 January 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Unraveling cell death in solid tumors: single-cell & spatial transcriptomics illuminate therapeutic target)
Abstract Background: In clinical practice, approximately 80% of prostate cancer (PC) cases are localized and can achieve favorable outcomes with appropriate treatment. Conversely, some remaining cases exhibit an aggressive phenotype or develop resistance to therapeutic interventions, leading to tumor metastasis and a poorer prognosis. When PC metastasizes to distant sites, the bone remains the predominant location, and brain metastases are regarded as exceedingly rare. Case Description: The current study focused on a rare clinical PC case that presented multiple brain metastases after prostate surgery. The patient was initially diagnosed with PC through prostate biopsy and subsequently underwent More >
Open Access
RETRACTION
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.078459 - 19 January 2026
Abstract This article has no abstract. More >
Open Access
RETRACTION
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.078460 - 19 January 2026
Abstract This article has no abstract. More >
Open Access
RETRACTION
Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.078461 - 19 January 2026
Abstract This article has no abstract. More >
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