First Report of Clonostachys rosea Causing Bulb Rot on Fritillaria taipaiensis in China.

Taibai Beimu (Fritillaria taipaiensis) is a species of Fritillaria commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for its antitussive, expectorant, and antihypertensive properties. In April of 2021 and 2022, an incidence 10-30% of yellowing or purpling, wilting, and dying symptoms was observed on Taibai Beimu in Wanyuan, Sichuan province. Infected roots and bulbs displayed spots ranging from brown to black, along with necrotic rot. In severe cases, the entire bulbs rotted. Fifteen symptomatic bulbs were cut into 0.5 × 0.5 cm pieces, surface sterilized in 75% ethanol for 30 s and 1% sodium hypochlorite for 3 min under aseptic conditions, rinsed with sterile water 3 times, and air-dried. The segments were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25℃ for 7 days in the dark. Six Clonostachys-like monospore isolates were obtained. Colonies on PDA reached 32 to 43 mm in diameter in 7 days at 25℃ in the dark, felty to tomentose to granulose aerial mycelia with a white or light yellow appearance, and reverse colors matching. On cornmeal-dextrose agar, primary conidiophores had a Verticillium-like structure with 1 to 3 levels. Stipes were 36.1 to 236.3µm long. Phialides formed in whorls of 2 to 5, 15.3 to 45.7µm long, 1.1 to 3.4µm wide at the base, and 1.03 to 2.41µm wide near opening (n=95). Each producing a small hyaline drop of conidia. Conidia were 3.7 to 11.3µm × 2.1 to 4.1µm (n=110). Secondary conidiophores displayed Penicillium-like structures, and stipes were 23.1 to 142.3µm long. Phialides formed in compressed whorls of 4 to 8 per metula, 7.0 to 16.0µm in length, 1.3 to 3.1µm in width at the base, 1.8 to 3.6µm at the widest point, and 0.8 to 1.8µm near opening (n=50). Conidia were 3.0 to 6.4µm ×1.6 to 3.4µm (n=65). The morphology was consistent with the previous description of Clonostachys rosea (Hans-Josef et al. 1999). The ATP citrate lyase (ACL1), ß-tubulin (TUB2), translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1α), and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of three strains were amplified and sequenced using primers acl1-230up/acl1-1220low (Gräfenhan et al. 2011), T1/CYLTUB1R (Crous et al. 2004; O'Donnell and Cigelnik 1997), EF1-728F/EF2 (Carbone and Kohn 1999; O'Donnell et al. 1998), and ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), respectively. Blastn homology search showed a > 97% similarity to the ex-type strains of C. rosea (CBS710.86). All sequences have been deposited in GenBank (PP394342 to PP394350, and PP396901 to PP396903). A phylogenetic tree was constructed using Bayesian analysis based on the alignment of the combined ACL1, TUB2, tef1α, and ITS sequences through IQ-TREE. The tree displayed clustering with known strains of C. rosea. Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculating five healthy five-year-old Taibai beimu plants with a spore suspension (1.0 × 106 spores mL-1) of the strain WYEB1101, while sterilized water was used as a control. The inoculation process involved pouring the spore suspension over the wounded bulbs and covering with them sterile soil. Subsequently, all plants were cultivated in sterile soil indoors under natural conditions suitable for Taibai beimu. The pathogenicity assays were repeated twice. After 20 days of cultivation, the infected plants displayed symptoms similar to those observed in the field, while all control plants remained asymptomatic. Sequencing confirmed the re-isolation of C. rosea from the inoculated plants, satisfying Koch's hypothesis. Clonostachys rosea has been previously reported to cause root rot of Chinese medicine herb, such as Astragalus membranaceus and Gastrodia elata (Lee et al. 2020; Qi et al. 2022). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. rosea infecting Taibai Beimu in China, highlighting a potential risk to this crop.

Study on the regulatory mechanism of latent membrane protein 2A on GCNT3 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

O-Glycan synthesis enzyme glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferase 3 (GCNT3) is closely related to the occurrence and development of various cancers. However, the regulatory mechanism and function of GCNT3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are still poorly understood. This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) on GCNT3 and the biological role of GCNT3 in NPC. The results show that LMP2A can activate GCNT3 through the mTORC1 pathway, and there is a positive feedback between the mTORC1 and GCNT3. GCNT3 regulates EMT progression by forming a complex with ZEB1 to promote cell migration. GCNT3 can also promote cell proliferation. These findings indicate that targeting the LMP2A-mTORC1-GCNT3 axis may represent a novel therapeutic target in NPC.

Ferroptosis, from the virus point of view: opportunities and challenges.

Ferroptosis is a new type of cell death, which is mainly dependent on the formation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides mediated by iron. It is distinct from other forms of regulation of cell death in morphology, immunology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Various cell death mechanisms have been observed in many viral infections, and virus-induced cell death has long been considered as a double-edged sword that can inhibit or aggravate viral infections. However, understanding of the role of ferroptosis in various viral infections is limited. Special attention will be paid to the mechanisms of ferroptosis in mediating viral infection and antiviral treatment associated with ferroptosis. In this paper, we outlined the mechanism of ferroptosis. Additionally, this paper also review research on ferroptosis from the perspective of the virus, discussed the research status of ferroptosis in virus infection and classified and summarized research on the interaction between viral infections and ferroptosis.

Regulation mechanism of EBV-encoded EBER1 and LMP2A on YAP1 and the impact of YAP1 on the EBV infection status in EBV-associated gastric carcinoma.

This study aims to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in the development of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC). Here we showed that EBV can upregulate the expression and activity of YAP1 protein through its encoded latent products EBV-encoded small RNA 1 (EBER1) and latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A), enhancing the malignant characteristics of EBVaGC cells. In addition, we also showed that overexpression of YAP1 induced the expression of EBV encoding latent and lytic phase genes and proteins in the epithelial cell line AGS-EBV infected with EBV, and increased the copy number of the EBV genome, while loss of YAP1 expression reduced the aforementioned indicators. Moreover, we found that YAP1 enhanced EBV lytic reactivation induced by two known activators, 12-O-tetradecanoylhorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and sodium butyrate (NaB). These results indicated a bidirectional regulatory mechanism between EBV and YAP1 proteins, providing new experimental evidence for further understanding the regulation of EBV infection patterns and carcinogenic mechanisms in gastric cancer.

The role of pyroptosis in viral infection.

Pyroptosis, also known as inflammatory necrosis, is a form of programmed cell death, which is an important natural immune response. Pyroptosis plays a major role in combating pathogenic infections. The mechanism of pyroptosis is distinct from other forms of cell death and is characterized by its dependence on inflammatory caspases (mainly caspases 1, 4, 5, and 11). Activation of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory vesicles is involved in caspase-1 activation and cleavage, which in turn triggers cleavage and multimerization of multiple gasdermin family members, including gasdermin-D (GSDMD). This further leads to cell perforation and cellular distension, causing cell membrane rupture, resulting in a massive efflux of cell contents, which triggers inflammatory reactions. In recent years, detailed study of viral diseases, has demonstrated that pyroptosis is closely associated with the development of viral diseases. This article focuses on the mechanism of pyroptosis and the connection between pyroptosis and viral infection.

Comprehensive Analysis Based on the TCGA Database Identified SCIN as a Key DNA Methylation-Driver Gene in Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Gastric Cancer.

An important feature of EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is extensive methylation of viral and host genomes. This study aims to analyze DNA methylation-driven genes (DMDG) in EBVaGC through bioinformatics methods, providing an important bioinformatics basis for the differential diagnosis and treatment of potential methylation biomarkers in EBVaGC. We downloaded the mRNA expression profiles and methylation datasets of EBVaGC and EBV-negative gastric cancer (EBVnGC) through the TCGA database to screen methylated-differentially expressed genes (MDEGs). DNA methylation-driver genes were identified based on MethylMix algorithm and key genes were further identified by LASSO regression and Random Forest algorithm. Then, we performed gene enrichment analysis for key genes and validated them by GEO database. Gene expression differences in EBVaGC and EBVnGC cell lines was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting and in GT38 cell and SNU719 cell which all treated by 5-Aza-CdR. Finally, the effect of key gene on the migration and proliferation capacity of EBVaGC cells was determined by Transwells assay and Cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. We obtained a total of 687 hypermethylation-low expression genes (Hyper-LGs) and further obtained 53 DNA methylation-driver genes based on the MethylMix algorithm. A total of six key genes (SCIN, ETNK2, PCDH20, PPP1R3C, MATN2, and HOXA5) were identified by LASSO regression and Random Forest algorithm. Among them, SCIN expression was significantly lower in EBVaGC cell lines than in EBVnGC cell lines, and its expression was significantly recovered in EBVaGC cell lines treated with 5-Aza-CdR. Overexpression of SCIN can promote the proliferation and migration capacity of EBVaGC cells. Our study will provide some bioinformatics basis for the study of EBVaGC-related methylation. SCIN may be used as potential methylation biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of EBVaGC.

Switchable bi-functional metasurface for absorption and broadband polarization conversion in terahertz band using vanadium dioxide and photosensitive silicon.

We proposed a bi-functional switchable metasurface based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) and photosensitive silicon. The metasurface functions as a transmissive polarization converter in its insulating state with asymmetric transmission characteristics. It attains a remarkable polarization conversion rate (PCR) surpassing 90% and a notable maximum asymmetric transmission (AT) parameter value of 0.73. This performance is observed within the frequency range from 4.31 to 7.86 THz. Dynamic regulation of PCR and AT can be achieved by adjusting the conductivity of photosensitive silicon. To illustrate the underlying factor behind the broadband polarization conversion, the surface current distribution is analyzed at 5.96 THz and 6.08 THz. On the other hand, when VO2is in the metallic state, the metasurface transforms into a bidirectional absorber with near-perfect absorption in both illumination directions. Under forward incidence of terahertz waves, the absorption rates for the transverse electric and transverse magnetic waves are 99.3% at 3.54 THz and 93% at 3.56 THz, respectively. The physical mechanism of near-perfect absorption is explained using impedance matching theory and the electric field distribution. This research expands the applications of transmissive polarization converters within multifunctional metasurfaces, providing new avenues for their practical implementation.

The programed death-1/programed death ligand-1 axis and its potential as a therapeutic target for virus-associated tumours.

As an important and serious condition impacting human health, the diagnosis, and treatment of tumours is clinically vital because tumour cell immune escape sustains tumour development. Programed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) on tumour cell surfaces binds to the programed death-1 (PD-1), inhibits T cell activation, and induces apoptosis, and incapacitates cells. This allows tumour cells to evade recognition and clearance by the immune system, thereby permitting tumour occurrence, and development and poor prognosis outcomes in patients with tumours. Currently, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy has become pivotal in tumour treatment. Pathogens, especially viruses, are important factors which induce many tumours. In this article, we examine associations between Epstein-Barr virus, human papilloma virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus type 1-related tumours and PD-1/PD-L1 axis.

Multiple venous thromboembolisms in a pregnant patient carrying a novel mutation in SERPINC1 (p.M313T) that causes a transient antithrombin deficiency: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Congenital antithrombin deficiency is an autosomal dominant disease that results in deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which is mainly caused by mutations in the antithrombin gene (SERPINC1). Since SERPINC1 is highly susceptible to alterations, severe structural and functional changes that promote thrombosis may occur. Clinical presentations vary from different alterations. We report a pregnant case with novel mutation in SERPINC1 presenting transient antithrombin deficiency and multiple venous thromboembolisms. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 36-year-old pregnant patient who was diagnosed with congenital antithrombin deficiency for carrying a novel heterozygous mutation, NM_000488:exon5:c.T9 38 C:p. M313T in SERPINC1 presenting transient antithrombin deficiency and multiple venous thromboembolisms. Thrombolytic with alteplase and anticoagulant therapies with low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin were administrated. After confirming the genetic analysis and the termination of pregnancy, rivaroxaban was administrated, and the thrombosis reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Our study enriched the mutation database of SERPINC1 gene, provided some new theoretical basis for gene diagnosis and genetic counseling of patients with transient antithrombin deficiency. While it still needs for subsequent exploration of molecular pathogenesis.

Characteristics and Influence Factors of Natural Desorption in Coal Bodies from Fukang Mining Area, Xinjiang, China.

Coal body desorption characteristics are one of the key factors that influence the development of coalbed methane (CBM). In this study, 91 coal core samples from 11 CBM wells in the Fukang mining area were collected from Xinjiang, China, and the coal quality, high-pressure mercury compression, gas content, and natural desorption characteristics measurements were launched. With the detailed analyses of the differences in cumulative desorption volume, desorption ratio, and on-site average desorption rate for the coal samples with different body structures and macrolithotypes, the influence of the maximum reflectance of vitrinite, microscopic coal rock composition, and coal quality and pore characteristics on CBM desorption characteristics were discussed. The results showed that the cumulative desorption volume, desorption ratio, and desorption rate of cataclastic structure-bright coal are higher than those of primary structure-semibright coal. With the increase of RO,max and vitrinite content, the adsorption capacity of coal increases, and the increased methane concentration difference during desorption leads to an increase in cumulative desorption volume and on-site average desorption rate. The higher contents of moisture and ash yield would occupy the adsorption sites and hinder gas diffusion, which would decrease the desorption of coalbed methane. The greater porosity/pore volume ratio of medium and large pores can enhance the connectivity of pores, which increases the desorption ratio and the average desorption rate, while the higher micropore porosity/pore volume ratio can increase the gas adsorption space and the cumulative desorption volume. The pore characteristics have the most significant effect on the cumulative desorption volume and desorption ratio. The results of the study can help guide coal mine gas management and CBM development from middle-and low-rank coal reservoirs in Xinjiang.

Exploration and analysis of differentially expressed genes in Epstein–Barr virus negative and positive plasmablastic lymphoma

Objectives Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) often associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Despite recent advances in treatment, PBL still has a poor prognosis. EBV is listed as one of the human tumor viruses that may cause cancer, and is closely related to the occurrence of some nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), lymphoma and 10% of gastric cancer (GC). It is very important to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between EBV-positive and EBV-negative PBL. Through bioinformatics analysis of DEGs between EBV-positive PBL and EBV-negative PBL, we gain a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of EBV-positive PBL. Methods We selected the GSE102203 data set, and screened the DEGs between EBV-positive PBL and EBV-negative PBL. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were applied. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and screened for the hub genes. Finally, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed. Results In EBV-positive PBL, the immune-related pathway is upregulated and Cluster of differentiation 27 (CD27) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) are hub genes. Conclusions In EBV-positive PBL, EBV may affect tumorigenesis through activation of immune-related pathways and upregulation of CD27, PD-L1. Immune checkpoint blockers of CD70/CD27 and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 pathways may be one of the effective strategies for the treatment of EBV-positive PBL (AU)

Efficacy and safety of combined Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a prospective, multicenter cohort study.

Purpose: To conduct a real-world evaluation of the efficacy and safety of combined Chinese and Western medicine in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: A multicenter, prospective cohort study design was employed, enrolling 450 KOA patients (Kellgren-Lawrence score of 3 or less). The patients were divided into a Western medicine treatment group (WM group) and a combined Western and traditional Chinese medicine treatment group (WM-CM group). A 6-week treatment plan was administered, and follow-up visits occurred at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks after initiating treatment. The primary outcome indicator was the total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score after 6 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcome indicators included WOMAC subscales for pain, stiffness, and joint function, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS), and clinical effectiveness. The incidence of drug-related adverse events was used as a safety evaluation indicator. Results: A total of 419 patients were included in the final analysis: 98 in the WM group and 321 in the WM-CM group. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable, except for the incidence of stiffness symptoms and stiffness scores. After 6 weeks of treatment, the WM-CM group exhibited superior results to the WM group in improving the total WOMAC score (24.71 ± 1.38 vs. 16.36 ± 0.62, p < 0.001). The WM-CM group also outperformed the WM group in WOMAC pain and joint function scores, VAS score, PCS score, MCS score, and clinical effectiveness (p < 0.05), which was consistent with the findings of the main evaluation index. Subgroup analysis indicated that the combined Chinese and Western medicine treatment showed more pronounced benefits in patients under 65 years of age and in those with a Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) classification of 0-I. Throughout the study, no adverse effects were observed in either group. Conclusion: The combination of Chinese and Western medicine demonstrated superiority over Western medicine alone in relieving knee pain symptoms, improving knee function, and enhancing the quality of life for KOA patients with a K-L score of 3 or less. Moreover, the treatment exhibited a good safety profile. Clinical Trial Registration: (https://www.chictr.org.cn/), identifier (ChiCTR1900027175).

Effects of methylation and imprinting expression of Insulin-like growth factor 2 gene in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is a common malignant tumor associated with EBV infection. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is an imprinted gene and a key protein that regulates growth, especially during normal fetal development. Loss of imprinting (LOI), is a common epigenetic anomaly in a variety of human cancers. However, the promoter methylation, imprinting status and function of IGF2 gene in GC are unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of IGF2 in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. METHODS: The biological function of IGF2 in gastric cancer was investigated by Transwell, wound healing, CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays. IGF2 imprinting status and gene promoter methylation in gastric cancer tissues were detected by PCR-RFLP and BGS. RESULTS: The results showed that the expression of IGF2 was higher in GC tissues than adjacent tissues. IGF2 gene promoter methylation and LOI were significantly higher in EBVaGC tissues than in EBV-negative gastric cancer (EBVnGC) tissues. The high expression of IGF2 in gastric cancer can promote the migration and proliferation of gastric cancer cells. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that IGF2 is involved in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. Targeting IGF2 may be a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

Hot-Electron Dynamics Mediated Medical Diagnosis and Therapy.

Surface plasmon resonance excitation significantly enhances the absorption of light and increases the generation of "hot" electrons, i.e., conducting electrons that are raised from their steady states to excited states. These excited electrons rapidly decay and equilibrate via radiative and nonradiative damping over several hundred femtoseconds. During the hot-electron dynamics, from their generation to the ultimate nonradiative decay, the electromagnetic field enhancement, hot electron density increase, and local heating effect are sequentially induced. Over the past decade, these physical phenomena have attracted considerable attention in the biomedical field, e.g., the rapid and accurate identification of biomolecules, precise synthesis and release of drugs, and elimination of tumors. This review highlights the recent developments in the application of hot-electron dynamics in medical diagnosis and therapy, particularly fully integrated device techniques with good application prospects. In addition, we discuss the latest experimental and theoretical studies of underlying mechanisms. From a practical standpoint, the pioneering modeling analyses and quantitative measurements in the extreme near field are summarized to illustrate the quantification of hot-electron dynamics. Finally, the prospects and remaining challenges associated with biomedical engineering based on hot-electron dynamics are presented.

MiR-BART1-3p and BART18-5p inhibit cell migration, proliferation and activate autophagy in Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer by targeting erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular 2.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human tumor-associated virus that encodes various microRNAs. EBV infection causes a variety of malignant tumors, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastric cancer, etc. EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) has unique molecular characteristics from other gastric cancers, but its pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. In recent years, erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular 2 (EphA2) has been reported to be highly expressed in various cancers and promote tumor growth and metastasis. As an important cancer oncogene, EphA2 is a potential therapeutic target. However, whether EBV is involved in the regulation of EphA2 and thus affects the progression of EBVaGC remains unclear. In this study, we found that the expression of EphA2 in EBVaGC cells was significantly lower than that in EBV-negative gastric cancer (EBVnGC) cells. Additionally, overexpression of EphA2 in EBVaGC cells promoted migration and proliferation, and inhibited autophagy. EBV-miR-BART1-3p and BART18-5p were found to target the 3'-UTR of EphA2 and down-regulate its expression. Our results suggest that EBV may be involved in gastric cancer progression by targeting EphA2 through BART1-3p and BART18-5p.

Space Charge Characteristics at the Interface of Laminated Epoxy Resin.

In the design and manufacturing of epoxy resin insulation components, complex structures can be achieved through multiple pours, thereby forming the structure of interface of laminated epoxy resin. This type of interface structure is often considered a weak link in performance which can easily accumulate charges and cause electric field distortion. However, research on the interlayer interface of epoxy resin has received little attention. In this study, epoxy samples with and without interlayer interfaces were prepared, and the space charge accumulation characteristics and trap characteristics of the samples were analyzed via pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) and thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) methods. The experimental results indicate that the Maxwell-Wagner interface polarization model cannot fully explain the charge accumulation at the interface. Due to the influence of the secondary curing, the functional groups in the post-curing epoxy resin can move and react with the partially reacted functional groups in the prefabricated epoxy resin layer, resulting in a weak cross-linking network at the interface. With the increase in temperature, the molecular chain segments in the weak cross-linked region of the interface become more active and introduce deep traps at the interface, thereby exacerbating the accumulation of interface charges. In addition, due to the influence of interface polarization and weak cross-linking, the ability of the interface charges to cause field strength distortions decreases with the increase in applied field strength. This research study can provide a theoretical reference for the interfacial space charge transport characteristics of epoxy-cured cross-linked layers and provide ideas for regulating interfacial cross-linking to suppress interfacial charge accumulation.

The study of virtual source position with the geometric convergent ratio errors prevention management method of spot scanning beam in carbon ion therapy.

INTRODUCTION: We developed a technique including preventing errors management method capable of dealing with the virtual source position delivered by different carbon ion energies from the pattern of spot scanning beam in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A homemade large-format complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor and Gaf Chromic EBT3 films were used for the virtual source position measurement. The Gaf films were embedded in a self-designed rectangular plastic frame to tighten the films and set up on a treatment couch for irradiation in the air with the film perpendicular to the carbon ion beam at the nominal source-axis-distance (SAD) as well as upstream and downstream from the SAD. The horizontal carbon ion beam with five energies at a machine opening field size was carried out in this study. The virtual source position was determined mainly with a linear regression by back projecting the full width half maximum (FWHM) to zero at a distance upstream from the various source-film-distance and double checks additionally with a geometric convergent method to avoid any mistakes caused by manual measurement on FWHM. RESULTS: The virtual source position for higher carbon ion energy has an obvious longer distance from the SAD since the more carbon ion beam energy, the less spreading affected by the horizontal and vertical magnetism, therefore, the distance of virtual source positions is decreased from SAD with high to low energy. CONCLUSION: The method for investigating the virtual source position in the carbon ion beam in this study can also be used for electrons and the proton. We have developed a technique capable of dealing with the virtual source position with a geometric convergent method to avoid any mistakes in spot scanning carbon ion beam.

Effect of buttress plate in Herscovici type D vertical medial malleolar fractures and peripheral fractures: a retrospective comparative cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of current retrospective study was to review the surgical methods and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of supporting plate for the treatment of vertical medial malleolus fractures on the basis of stable fixation of ipsilateral fibula. METHODS: This retrospective study included a total of 191 patients with vertical medial malleolus fractures. Patients enrolled were divided into simple vertical medial malleolus fractures and complex types of fractures. General demographic information and surgical information, including age, sex, surgical procedure and postoperative complications, were collected. The functional prognosis of patients was evaluated by American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score (AOFAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). RESULT: Among patients with simple vertical fractures, the respective incidence of internal fixation failure in screw group, buttress plate group, and screw combined buttress plate fixation group (combined fixation group) was 10/61 (16.4%),1/54 (7.4%) and 1 (1.9%), and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.024). The incidence of abnormal fracture growth and healing in screw group, buttress plate group and combined fixation group was, respectively, 13/61 (21.3%), 6/54 (12.5%) and 2 (3.85%), with statistically significant difference (P = 0.019). In the patients with complex types of fractures, after 2 years of postoperative follow-up, the AOFAS score and VAS score of the following subgroups had good results: 91.18 ± 6.05 and 2.18 ± 1.08 in patients with joint surface collapse, and 92.50 ± 4.80 and 2.50 ± 1.29 in patients with tibial fractures, with 100% excellent and good rate. CONCLUSION: For simple and complex vertical medial malleolus fractures, buttress plate showed excellent fixation. Despite poor wound healing and extensive soft tissue dissection with this approach, buttress plate may provide a novel insight into medial malleolar fractures, especially for extremely unstable medial malleolar fractures.

Oncogenic viruses and host lipid metabolism: a new perspective.

As noncellular organisms, viruses do not have their own metabolism and rely on the metabolism of host cells to provide energy and metabolic substances for their life cycles. Increasing evidence suggests that host cells infected with oncogenic viruses have dramatically altered metabolic requirements and that oncogenic viruses produce substances used for viral replication and virion production by altering host cell metabolism. We focused on the processes by which oncogenic viruses manipulate host lipid metabolism and the lipid metabolism disorders that occur in oncogenic virus-associated diseases. A deeper understanding of viral infections that cause changes in host lipid metabolism could help with the development of new antiviral agents as well as potential new therapeutic targets.