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Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergic disease characterized as (immunoglobulin, IgE)-mediated type I hypersensitivity disorder. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in AR. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of how Tregs are regulated by long noncoding RNA HCP5 and the regulatory role of HCP5 in IL-13-induced inflammatory response in nasal epithelial cells (NECs) from AR patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and NECs were obtained from collected blood samples and nasal epithelial tissues. CD4+ T cells and Tregs were purified using certain cell isolation kits from PBMCs and Tregs were also differentiated from CD4+ T cells using recombinant human IL-2 and TGF-β. The expression levels of HCP5, miR-16, ATXN2L, GM-CSF, eotaxin, and MUC5AC were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The interaction among HCP5, miR-16, and ATXN2L were verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. lncRNA HCP5 expression dramatically downregulated in PBMCs, CD4+ T cells, Tregs, and nasal tissues of AR patients, as well as in IL-13-treated NECs. HCP5 promoted Tregs differentiation and proliferation via targeting miR-16/ATXN2L axis. Additionally, HCP5 inhibited IL-13-induced GM-CSF, eotaxin, and MUC5AC production in NECs. HCP5 sponged miR-16 and negatively regulated its expression, and miR-16 targeted ATXN2L and inhibition of miR-16 suppressed IL-13-induced GM-CSF, eotaxin, and MUC5AC expression. HCP5/miR-16/ATXN2L axis mediated Tregs proliferation and functions in AR. Besides, the regulation of IL-13-induced dysfunction of NECs by lncRNA HCP5 depended on miR-16/ATXN2L in the inflammatory response of AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT molecular radiomics combined with a clinical model in predicting thoracic lymph node metastasis (LNM) in invasive lung adenocarcinoma (≤ 3 cm). Methods: A total of 528 lung adenocarcinoma patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Five models were developed for the prediction of thoracic LNM, including PET radiomics, CT radiomics, PET/CT radiomics, clinical and integrated PET/CT radiomics-clinical models. Ten PET/CT radiomics features and two clinical characteristics were selected for the construction of the integrated PET/CT radiomics-clinical model. The predictive performance of all models was examined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and clinical utility was validated by nomogram analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: According to ROC curve analysis, the integrated PET/CT molecular radiomics-clinical model outperformed the clinical model and the three other radiomics models, and the area under the curve (AUC) values of the integrated model were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93–0.97) in the training group and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89–0.97) in the test group. The nomogram analysis and DCA confirmed the clinical application value of this integrated model in predicting thoracic LNM. Conclusions: The integrated PET/CT molecular radiomics-clinical model proposed in this study can ensure a higher level of accuracy in predicting the thoracic LNM of clinical invasive lung adenocarcinoma (≤ 3 cm) compared with the radiomics model or clinical model alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerating the design of nucleic acid amplification methods remains a critical challenge in the development of molecular tools to identify biomarkers to diagnose both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Many of the principles that underpin these mechanisms are often complex and can require iterative optimisation. Here we focus on creating a generalisable isothermal nucleic acid amplification methodology, describing the systematic implementation of abstraction-based models for the algorithmic design and application of assays. We demonstrate the simplicity, ease and flexibility of our approach using a software tool that provides amplification schemes de novo, based upon a user-input target sequence. The abstraction of reaction network predicts multiple reaction pathways across different strategies, facilitating assay optimisation for specific applications, including the ready design of multiplexed tests for short nucleic acid sequence miRNAs or for difficult pathogenic targets, such as highly mutating viruses. Detecting nucleic acids often requires choosing between different amplification mechanisms. Here the authors present a generalisable and programmable isothermal methodology, demonstrated in clinical applications, including for multiplexed detection of short miRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to develop a clinically practical model to predict EGFR mutation in lung adenocarcinoma patients according to radiomics signatures based on PET/CT and clinical risk factors. Methods: This retrospective study included 583 lung adenocarcinoma patients, including 295 (50.60%) patients with EGFR mutation and 288 (49.40%) patients without EGFR mutation. The clinical risk factors associated with lung adenocarcinoma were collected at the same time. We developed PET/CT, CT, and PET radiomics models for the prediction of EGFR mutation using multivariate logistic regression analysis, respectively. We also constructed a combined PET/CT radiomics-clinical model by nomogram analysis. The diagnostic performance and clinical net benefit of this risk-scoring model were examined via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis while the clinical usefulness of this model was evaluated by decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: The ROC analysis showed predictive performance for the PET/CT radiomics model (AUC = 0.76), better than the PET model (AUC = 0.71, Delong test: Z = 3.03, p value = 0.002) and the CT model (AUC = 0.74, Delong test: Z = 1.66, p value = 0.098). Also, the PET/CT radiomics-clinical combined model has a better performance (AUC = 0.84) to predict EGFR mutation than the PET/CT radiomics model (AUC = 0.76, Delong test: D = 2.70, df = 790.81, p value < 0.001) or the clinical model (AUC = 0.81, Delong test: Z = 3.46, p value < 0.001). Conclusions: We demonstrated that the combined PET/CT radiomics-clinical model has an advantage to predict EGFR mutation in lung adenocarcinoma. Key Points: • Radiomics from lung tumor increase the efficiency of the prediction for EGFR mutation in clinical lung adenocarcinoma on PET/CT. • A radiomic nomogram was developed to predict EGFR mutation. • Combining PET/CT radiomics-clinical model has an advantage to predict EGFR mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the PET/CT findings in lung invasive adenocarcinoma with minor components of micropapillary or solid contents and its association with lymph node metastasis. Materials and methods: A total of 506 lung invasive adenocarcinoma (≤ 3 cm) patients who underwent a PET/CT examination and resection surgery were included. According to the proportion of solid/micropapillary components, the patients were classified into three groups: solid/micropapillary-negative (SMPN) (n = 258), solid/micropapillary-minor (SMPM; > 5% not predominant) (n = 158) and solid/micropapillary-predominant (SMPP; > 5% most dominant) (n = 90). The patients' PET/CT findings, including SUVmax, MTV, TLG and CT characteristics, and other clinical factors were compared by one-way ANOVA test. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify the most predictive findings for lymph node metastasis. Results: The value of SUVmax, MTV, TLG and tumor size was highest in SMPP group, followed by SMPM and SMPN group (P < 0.001).The areas under the curve for SUVmax, MTV and TLG for node metastasis were 0.822, 0.843 and 0.835, respectively. Univariate analysis found that the SMPP and SMPM group had more lymph node metastasis than the SMPN group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the lymph node metastasis group had higher CEA, SUVmax, MTV, TLG, tumor size and more pleural invasion (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis found that SMPP pathological type, SMPM pathological type, higher CEA and male patients were risk factors for lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Lung invasive adenocarcinoma with micropapillary or solid contents had higher SUVmax, MTV, TLG and tumor size and was associated with lymph node metastasis, even if they were not predominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium alloys are widely used in the aviation field due to the excellent properties, such as high specific-strength and high-temperature resistance. But the poor machinability of titanium alloys has brought the great difficulty to its machining process. In the cutting process of titanium alloys, tool wear is very serious, and the machining quality is difficult to be guaranteed. As a new type titanium alloy, TC21 alloy has the higher strength and its machinability is less than other titanium alloys. Aiming at the cutting defects in the cutting process of TC21 alloy, three different microstructures, including parallel, perpendicular and wavy grooves, are presented and cut on the rake surface of tools by the laser texturing method. A series of precision turning process of TC21 alloy are implemented on the precision machine using the inserts with different microstructures. The effects of the different microstructures on the chip morphology, turning force, surface morphology, and surface roughness are investigated deeply. The results demonstrates that the tool microstructures have very important role on the turning process of titanium alloys and the wavy microstructure has the best effect in improving the machinability of titanium alloy TC21. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduced an intermittent wave energy generator (IWEG) system with hydraulic power take-off (PTO) including accumulator storage parts. To convert unsteady wave energy into intermittent but stable electrical output power, theoretical models, including wave energy capture, hydraulic energy storage, and torque balance between hydraulic motor and electrical generator, have been developed. Then, the integrated IWEG simulator was constructed and tested at the Ningbo Institute of Technology. Through a series of experimental tests, the relationship between operating flow rates and pressure drops across the hydraulic motor was established. Furthermore, on the basis of the pressure drop signal, we proposed a feedback control method on the basis of the pressure drop database as the feedback control signal to eliminate the disturbance of periodic peak pressure impulse through the regulation of the opening ratio of a proportional flow valve and achieved the effective and stable electric power output, albeit intermittently. Compared with the previous complex control theories and algorithms, this method can keep the power output more stable over a wide range of operating conditions. Furthermore, experimental tests indicate that the IWEG system, with hydraulic PTO, including hydraulic accumulator and proportional flow control valve, is simple, reliable, and easy to control. Most importantly, the real-time power output is stable, and power quality and generation efficiency are significantly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) is an indolent thyroid tumor characterized by frequent RAS mutations and an absence of the BRAF V600E mutation commonly seen in classical papillary thyroid carcinoma (cPTC). The ability to differentiate potential NIFTP/follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) from cPTC at the time of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) can facilitate conservative management of NIFTP. The aim of the current study was to investigate how molecular testing may add to cytologic assessment in the pre-operative differentiation of potential NIFTP/FVPTC and cPTC. We had previously evaluated cytologists’ ability to prospectively distinguish potential NIFTP/FVPTC from cPTC in a cohort of 56 consecutive FNAs diagnosed as malignant or suspicious for malignancy. We utilized this cohort to perform molecular analysis. Detected molecular abnormalities were stratified into two groups: (1) those supporting malignancy and (2) those supporting a diagnosis of potential NIFTP/FVPTC. The cytologists’ characterization of cases and the detected molecular alterations were correlated with the final histologic diagnoses. Molecular testing was performed in 52 (93%) of the 56 cases. For the 37 cases cytologists favored to be cPTC, 31 (84%) had a molecular result that supported malignancy (28 BRAF V600E mutations, 2 NTRK1 fusions, 1 AGK-BRAF fusion). For the 8 cases that were favored to be NIFTP/FVPTC by cytologists, 7 (88%) had a molecular result that supported conservative management (1 NRAS mutation, 6 wild-type result). Seven cases were designated as cytomorphologically indeterminate for NIFTP/FVPTC or cPTC, of which 6 (86%) had a molecular result that would have aided in the pre-operative assessment of potential NIFTP/FVPTC or cPTC/malignancy. These included 3 BRAF V600E mutations in nodules that were cPTC on resection, an HRAS mutation, and a wild-type result in the 2 nodules that were NIFTP, and a TERT promoter mutation along with an NRAS mutation in a poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma. For nodules with an FNA diagnosis of suspicious for malignancy or malignant, cytologists can differentiate most cases of potential NIFTP/FVPTC from cPTC. However, molecular testing may be valuable for a subset of cases, especially those that are indeterminate for potential NIFTP/FVPTC versus cPTC based on cytologic features alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clonorchiasis sinensis and Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis are major foodborne parasitoses. Clonorchiasis sinensis is actively transmitted in some areas of China, Korea, Russia, Vietnam, etc. Currently, it is estimated that more than 200 million people are at risk of infection, 15-20 million people are infected, and 1.5-2 million show symptoms or complications. In China, it is relatively heavily transmitted in Zhujiang River Delta, including Hong Kong and Macao, and Northeast China, where many Korean people live. The transmission is related to the unhealthy habits of residents who like to have raw fish or half-raw fish. The infection of Clonorchis sinensis could result in serious liver and biliary system damages, and chronic cases may induce liver and bile duct cancers. T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis is distributed around the world except the areas where the residents have a taboo against pork for religious reasons. Recent years, the urban inhabitants infected with T. solium/ Cysticercus are increasing in China. T. solium results in intestinal diseases, and cysticercosis is a very serious disease, especially nervous system cysticercosis. Its symptoms include headache, epilepsy, sudden death, etc. Health education and health promotion, environmental reconstruction, and chemotherapy are the main control measures for these diseases. Through several decades of efforts in China, the achievements of control of clonorchiasis and T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis are great. For example, in one of the main clonorchiasis-endemic provinces, Shandong Province, clonorchiasis has been controlled. In 31 T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis-endemic counties of Henan Province, through a 6-year control program, the decline rates of T. solium taeniasis and cysticercosis were 90.8 and 96.8 %, respectively. This paper reviews the researches on the control of clonorchiasis and T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis in China past decades so as to provide references for other countries where these diseases are endemic to improve the control or elimination of clonorchiasis and T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium alloys have high corrosion resistance and specific strength, leading to a wide range of uses in a variety of industrial fields. However, machining performance is often very poor, causing serious difficulty during the cutting process. In particular, high cutting temperature and high chemical activity of titanium alloys during the cutting process lead to rapid tool wear. Within this research, specific tool microstructures cut onto the tool rake surface is explored to improve the cutting performance of titanium alloy TC21. In order to isolate the influence of particular tool microstructures on the cutting performance of titanium alloy TC21, a 3D orthogonal finite element model (OFEM) is utilized to simulate the cutting process of TC21 alloy. The impact of tool microstructure on chip formation, cutting force and temperature is thoroughly analyzed through turning simulations and experiments on titanium alloy TC21. Finally, a comprehensive comparison of cutting behaviors between textured and untextured tools during the cutting of titanium alloy TC21 was carried out. Cutting simulations indicate that tool microstructure can improve the cutting properties, reducing cutting temperature and cutting force. Research results confirm that chip serration and tool wear noticeably decreased, indicating tool texture can significantly improve cutting performance of titanium alloy TC21. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]