Systematic analysis of the role and significance of target genes of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine injections in the progression and immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine in China is an important adjuvant therapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and traditional Chinese medicines injections have a wide range of clinical applications. The purpose of this study was to identify the active ingredients and related genes of traditional Chinese medicine injections that can treat hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods: Effective small molecule components were extracted from 14 types of traditional Chinese medicines from 8 injections and the main gene targets were identified. The 968 patients with HCC were classified based on the target gene set, and the characteristics of patients with different subtypes were analyzed. Patients with two subtypes of HCC were compared with normal tissues and cirrhosis to identify important gene targets related to traditional Chinese medicines in HCC progression.Results: In this study, 138 important genes associated with traditional Chinese medicines were identified and two HCC subtypes were identified. By analyzing the differences between the two subtypes, 25 related genes were associated with HCC subtypes. Through clinical and pharmacological analysis, this study identified quercetin as an important traditional Chinese medicines small molecule and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) as an important oncogene in HCC.Conclusion: Traditional Chinese medicines injection is an important adjuvant treatment modality for HCC. SPP1 is an important oncogene in HCC

Molecular characteristics and therapeutic implications of Toll-like receptor signaling pathway in melanoma

Abstract Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes and is often considered immunogenic cancer. Toll-like receptor-related genes are expressed differently in most types of cancer, depending on the immune microenvironment inside cancer, and the key function of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) for melanoma has not been fully elucidated. Based on multi-omics data from TCGA and GEO databases, we first performed pan-cancer analysis on TLR, including CNV, SNV, and mRNA changes in TLR-related genes in multiple human cancers, as well as patient prognosis characterization. Then, we divided melanoma patients into three subgroups (clusters 1, 2, and 3) according to the expression of the TLR pathway, and explored the correlation between TLR pathway and melanoma prognosis, immune infiltration, metabolic reprogramming, and oncogene expression characteristics. Finally, through univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO algorithm, we selected six TLR-related genes to construct a survival prognostic model, divided melanoma patients into the training set, internal validation set 1, internal validation set 2, and external validation set for multiple validations, and discussed the correlation between model genes and clinical features of melanoma patients. In conclusion, we constructed a prognostic survival model based on TLR-related genes that precisely and independently demonstrated the potential to assess the prognosis and immune traits of melanoma patients, which is critical for patients’ survival

Determination and characterization of molecular heterogeneity and precision medicine strategies of patients with pancreatic cancer and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor based on oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction-related genes

BackgroundMitochondria are significant both for cellular energy production and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species formation. However, the significant functions of mitochondrial genes related to oxidative stress (MTGs-OS) in pancreatic cancer (PC) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) are yet to be investigated integrally. Therefore, in pan-cancer, particularly PC and PNET, a thorough assessment of the MTGs-OS is required.MethodsExpression patterns, prognostic significance, mutation data, methylation rates, and pathway-regulation interactions were studied to comprehensively elucidate the involvement of MTGs-OS in pan-cancer. Next, we separated the 930 PC and 226 PNET patients into 3 clusters according to MTGs-OS expression and MTGs-OS scores. LASSO regression analysis was utilized to construct a novel prognostic model for PC. qRT-PCR(Quantitative real-time PCR) experiments were performed to verify the expression levels of model genes.ResultsThe subtype associated with the poorest prognosis and lowerest MTGs-OS scores was Cluster 3, which could demonstrate the vital function of MTGs-OS for the pathophysiological processes of PC. The three clusters displayed distinct variations in the expression of conventional cancer-associated genes and the infiltration of immune cells. Similar molecular heterogeneity was observed in patients with PNET. PNET patients with S1 and S2 subtypes also showed distinct MTGs-OS scores. Given the important function of MTGs-OS in PC, a novel and robust MTGs-related prognostic signature (MTGs-RPS) was established and identified for predicting clinical outcomes for PC accurately. Patients with PC were separated into the training, internal validation, and external validation datasets at random; the expression profile of MTGs-OS was used to classify patients into high-risk (poor prognosis) or low-risk (good prognosis) categories. The variations in the tumor immune microenvironment may account for the better prognoses observed in high-risk individuals relative to low-risk ones.ConclusionsOverall, our study for the first time identified and validated eleven MTGs-OS remarkably linked to the progression of PC and PNET, and elaborated the biological function and prognostic value of MTGs-OS. Most importantly, we established a novel protocol for the prognostic evaluation and individualized treatment for patients with PC

Highly efficient oxidation of Panzhihua titanium slag for manufacturing welding grade rutile titanium dioxide

Abstract Because of the shortage of natural rutile, synthetic rutile is a widely used substitute welding materials for natural rutile owing to its excellent mechanical and thermal properties. In this work, rutile TiO2 was prepared from oxidation roasting titanium slag, which can be used as special welding materials. The phase microstructure characteristics of the raw materials and the roasted samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic analysis. Results indicated that the contents of sulfur (S) and carbon (C) in titanium slag decreased during oxidation roasting process, and the decreases of sulfur and carbon contents were mainly ascribed to the formation of corresponding oxides. XRD and FT-IR results revealed the formation of rutile TiO₂ phase after titanium slag through oxidization roasting; additionally, observed from SEM patterns, the rutile TiO₂ phase with a complex short rod-like crystal appeared in the products. Since the contents of sulfur (S), phosphorus (P) and carbon (C) element were all below 0.030% in the prepared rutile TiO₂ with the recommended roasting approach (roasted at 1100 °C for 120 min), the present work highlights that Panzhihua titanium slag is a potential resource of titanium for the manufacture of high-quality rutile TiO₂ applicable for special welding materials industry

Crystal structure and thermomechanical properties of CaO-PSZ ceramics synthesised from fused ZrO₂

Abstract Partially stabilised zirconia (PSZ) ceramics have attracted much interest because of their outstanding properties. In this study, fused ZrO₂ was treated as a raw resource for the synthesis of CaO-PSZ ceramic materials through a facile sintering process. The crystal structure and thermomechanical properties of the synthesised CaO-PSZ ceramic samples were determined using XRD and SEM. The results revealed that various process parameters had different effects on the zirconia stability rate, including the temperature changing rate during the heating and cooling stages and the temperature and isothermal time during the quenching treatment; this was primarily a result of the thermodynamic characteristics of the martensitic conversion of ZrO₂ ceramics. Secondly, the martensitic conversion process was revealed by XRD patterns, expressed as the partial conversion of c-ZrO₂ to m-ZrO₂. Meanwhile, SEM-EDAX analysis highlighted the precipitation behaviour of the CaO stabiliser and the successful preparation of CaO-PSZ ceramics by sintering, represented by the gathering phenomenon of the acicular grains and particles, as the findings matched the stability rate analysis. This study can supply a sound reference for the synthesis of CaO-PSZ ceramics from fused ZrO₂

Phase stability and microstructure morphology of microwave-sintered magnesia-partially stabilised zirconia

Abstract In this work, microwave heating approach was introduced into the preparation process of zirconia materials to overcome the tricky technical defects during the traditional electric arc furnace method. Magnesia-partially stabilised zirconia (MgO-PSZ) with enhanced stability and a uniform microstructure was prepared via microwave heating of a ZrO₂ sample manufactured by the electric arc furnace method. The effects of microwave heating on the phase stability properties, microstructure, and surface morphology of the prepared MgO-PSZ sample were evaluated via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and Scanning electron microscopy, and the obtained results suggested that the stability rate of the MgO-PSZ sample improved from the initial value of 81.19%–94.82% after microwave heating at 1300 °C for 1 h. As a result of the martensitic conversion of ZrO₂ material, the m-ZrO₂ diffraction peaks were suppressed at the same time. Additionally, a similar changing trend was noticed in the XRD pattern, Raman spectrum, and FT-IR spectrum, indicating a decrease in the m-ZrO₂ phase content in the microwave treated products. Furthermore, the microstructure on the surface of the microwave-sintered MgO-PSZ sample was improved in contrast to the raw MgO-PSZ sample, and became relatively more uniform and smooth. This study determined the optimal microwave heating conditions for the preparation of MgO-PSZ material with enhanced performance, and can provided as a good foundation for developing the further related research on zirconia materials preparing by microwave heating technology

Photoacoustic/ultrasound dual imaging of human thyroid cancers: an initial clinical study

We reported an initial clinical study of in vivo human thyroid by a photoacoustic/ultrasound handheld probe. Our dual-modality system is based on a high-end clinical ultrasound machine. Both healthy and cancerous thyroids were imaged non-invasively, and we compared the photoacoustic imaging with color Doppler ultrasound. The results of photoacoustic thyroid imaging could reveal many blood vessels that were not sensitive for Doppler ultrasound. Our study demonstrated that photoacoustic imaging could provide important complementary information for traditional ultrasound thyroid examination, which has a great potential for clinical diagnosis. (C) 2017 Optical Society of AmericaInternational S&T Cooperation Program of China [2015DFA30440]; National Natural Science Foundation of China [81301268, 81421004]; Beijing Nova Program [Z131107000413063]; The National Key Instrumentation Development Project [2013YQ030651]SCI(E)ARTICLE73449-3457

Phase microstructure and morphology evolution of MgO-PSZ ceramics during the microwave sintering process

Abstract In the present study, controllable microwave sintering was applied to prepare partially stabilised zirconia ceramics with enhanced phase composition and a more uniform structure. To reveal the phase interface properties and structural changes of PSZ ceramics during the microwave sintering process, XRD, FT-IR, Raman, and SEM characterisations were utilised. XRD analysis and Raman analysis demonstrated that the increase of sintering temperature promoted the martensite conversion. However, prolonging duration time was unconducive to the retention of the stable phase. Additionally, the FT-IR characteristic peak movement caused by the reversible phase martensite transformation was observed. Furthermore, SEM analysis found that microwave treatment improved the grain size and structure distribution of the as-received MgO-PSZ sample. This work constructed a controllable technical prototype of preparing PSZ ceramics via microwave sintering, which can provide a theoretical basis and experimental basis for further industrial production

Stability properties and structural characteristics of CaO-partially stabilized zirconia ceramics synthesized from fused ZrO₂ by microwave sintering

Abstract Partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) ceramics play a significant role as fundamental ceramics and refractory materials. In this work, a CaO-PSZ ceramics material was synthesized from fused ZrO₂ by microwave sintering. The stability properties and structural characteristics of the products were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that in a microwave field, the duration and sintering temperature presented similar influence trends for the stability properties of ZrO₂ ceramics materials, which the finding was assigned to the phase transformation of ZrO₂ with temperature change. In addition, following the microwave treatment of the fused zirconia sample at 1450 °C for 2.0 h, a cubic and monoclinic mixed phase was formed. These outcomes corresponded to the results from the SEM and energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis, demonstrating the successful preparation of the CaO-PSZ ceramics. The toughness of the ceramics was improved, which could be attributed to the formation of CaO-stabilizer-precipitated acicular crystals. The theoretical fundamentals and the practical cases presented in this paper are beneficial for the application of the microwave sintering technology in the synthesis of CaO-PSZ ceramics

Investigation on microwave carbothermal reduction behavior of low-grade pyrolusite

Abstract Applying microwave heating, in substitution for conventional industrial process heating, renders energy-saving and clean efficient for mineral reduction. In this work, the behavior of low-grade pyrolusite during microwave-assisted heating was systematically investigated, and the phase transformation of pyrolusite during the reduction process was characterized by TG-DTG-DSC and XRD; meanwhile, a model for the reduction mechanism was proposed, with a three-stage reduction process identified. Results indicated that manganese oxide (MnO) powder can be efficiently prepared, and the reduction ratio presented positive relationships with reduction temperature and heating time, obtaining with a high reduction ratio value of 94.4% achieved at 600 °C within a duration time of 40 min. XRD analysis confirmed that the phase transformation during the reduction process followed the conversion sequence as MnO2→Mn2O3→Mn3O4→MnO, and the iron oxides was almost converted to Fe3O4. It was proved that low-grade pyrolusite can be reduced effectively and efficiently to manganese oxide at lower temperature and shorter duration time by microwave heating