Addison's disease caused by adrenal tuberculosis may lead to misdiagnosis of major depressive disorder: A case report

BACKGROUND Addison’s disease(AD)is a rare but potentially fatal disease in Western countries,which can easily be misdiagnosed at an early stage.Severe adrenal tuberculosis(TB)may lead to depression in patients.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of primary adrenal insufficiency secondary to adrenal TB with TB in the lungs and skin in a 48-year-old woman.The patient was misdiagnosed with depression because of her depressed mood.She had hyperpigmentation of the skin,nails,mouth,and lips.The final diagnosis was adrenal TB that resulted in the insufficient secretion of adrenocortical hormone.Adrenocortical hormone test,skin biopsy,T cell spot test of TB,and adrenal computed tomography scan were used to confirm the diagnosis.The patient’s condition improved after hormone replacement therapy and TB treatment.CONCLUSION Given the current status of TB in high-burden countries,outpatient doctors should be aware of and pay attention to TB and understand the early symptoms of AD.

The Effect of Tuberculosis Infection on Pancreatic Beta-Cell Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate how individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus’ pancreatic β-cell function index and insulin resistance index are affected by tuberculosis infection. Methods: The study group consisted of 89 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis infection who were admitted to Jingzhou Chest Hospital between March 2019 and March 2021. Gender and duration of diabetes were matching conditions. The control group was made up of 89 patients with type 2 diabetes who were admitted to Jingzhou Central Hospital’s endocrinology department during the same period. The two patient groups provided general information such as gender, age, length of diabetes, and blood biochemical indexes such as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose (FPG), and fasting C-peptide (FC-P). The HOMA calculator was used to calculate the HOMA-β and the HOMA-IR, and intergroup comparisons and correlation analyses were carried out. Results: Regarding gender, age, disease duration, FC-P, and HbA1c, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, BMI, FPG, HOMA-β, and HOMA-IR showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). In comparison to the control group, the study group’s HOMA-β was lower and its HOMA-IR was greater. According to Spearman’s correlation analysis, HOMA-β had a negative association (P th FPG, HbA1c, and the length of the disease, and a positive correlation with BMI and FC-P. A positive correlation was found between HOMA-IR and BMI, FPG, and FC-P (P < 0.01), as well as a correlation with the length of the disease (P > 0.05) and HbA1c. Conclusions: In type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with tuberculosis infection, the patients had higher FPG levels and lower FC-P levels, the secretory function of pancreatic β-cells was more severely impaired, and insulin resistance was more obvious.

Analysis on Occupational Well-being Status and Influencing Factors of Medical Staff in Tuberculosis Departments

Objective:To investigate the status of occupational well-being of medical staff in tuberculosis department and analyze its influencing factors,so as to provide a basis for improving the occupational well-being of medical staff in tuberculosis department.Methods:In May 2020,we adopted the method of cluster sampling to select staff members from the tuberculosis departments of the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University and infectious disease hospital.A total of 139 medical staff were recruited as the research subjects,and were investigated using medical staff occupational well-being scale.Results:The total score of occupational well-being was 76.4697 points,There were statistically significant differences(P<0.05)in occupational well-being score among tuberculosis medical staff with different age,years of work,job title,night shift,marital status,and occupational type.The influencing factors of occupational well-being were the night shift,years of work,occupational type,and marital status(P<0.05).Conclusion:The overall level of occupational well-being of tuberculosis medical staffs is moderate,and occupational well-being is affected by night shift,years of work,occupational type and marital status.It is recommended that managers take targeted measures to improve the occupational well-being of tuberculosis medical staff.

Prolonged use of bedaquiline in two patients with pulmonary extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Bedaquiline is among the prioritized drugs recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis(XDRTB).Many patients have not achieved better clinical improvement after bedaquiline is stopped at 24 wk.However,there is no recommendation or guideline on bedaquiline administration beyond 24 wk,which is an important consideration when balancing the benefit of prognosis for XDR-TB against the uncertain safety concerning the newer antibiotics.CASE SUMMARY This paper reported 2 patients with XDR-TB(a female of 58 years of age and a female of 18 years of age)who received bedaquiline for 36 wk,as local experience to be shared.The 2 cases had negative cultures after 24 wk of treatment,but lung imaging was still positive.After discussion among experts,the consensus was made to bedaquiline prolongation by another 12 wk.The 36-wk prolonged use of bedaquiline in both cases achieved a favorable response without increasing the risk of cardiac events or new safety signals.CONCLUSION Longer regimen,including 36-wk bedaquiline treatment,might be an option for patients with XDR-TB.More studies are needed to explore the effectiveness and safety of prolonged use of bedaquiline for 36 wk vs standard 24 wk in the treatment of multidrug-resistant/XDR-TB or to investigate further the biomarkers and criteria indicative for extension of bedaquline to facilitate clinical use of thisnovel drug.

Evaluation of IFIT3 and ORM1 as Biomarkers for Discriminating Active Tuberculosis from Latent Infection

Objective Current commercially available immunological tests cannot be used for discriminating active tuberculosis(TB)from latent TB infection.To evaluate the value of biomarker candidates in the diagnosis of active TB,this study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)between patients with active TB and individuals with latent TB infection by transcriptome sequencing.Methods The differentially expressed genes in unstimulated PBMCs and in Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb)antigen-stimulated PBMCs from patients with active TB and individuals with latent TB infection were identified by transcriptome sequencing.Selected candidate genes were evaluated in cohorts consisting of 110 patients with TB,30 individuals with latent TB infections,and 50 healthy controls by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was performed to calculate the diagnostic value of the biomarker candidates.Results Among the differentially expressed genes in PBMCs without Mtb antigen stimulation,interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3(IFIT3)had the highest area under curve(AUC)value(0.918,95%CI:0.852-0.984,P<0.0001)in discriminating patients with active TB from individuals with latent TB infection,with a sensitivity of 91.86%and a specificity of 84.00%.In Mtb antigen-stimulated PBMCs,orosomucoid 1(ORM1)had a high AUC value(0.833,95%CI:0.752-0.915,P<0.0001),with a sensitivity of 81.94%and a specificity of 70.00%.Conclusion IFIT3 and ORM1 might be potential biomarkers for discriminating active TB from latent TB infection.

The Impact of Directly Observed Therapy on Preventive Treatment for Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Students in Dalian, China

Preventive treatment has an essential effect on latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI)[purified protein derivative(PPD)induration≥15 mm].Between2010 and 2013,there were 6 tuberculosis(TB)outbreaks in the universities in Dalian,China.So far,in Dalian,the directly observed therapy(DOT)and

Characteristics of alveolar macrophages in bronchioalveolar lavage fluids from active tuberculosis patients identified by single-cell RNA sequencing

Tuberculosis(TB),is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tuberculosis),and presents with high morbidity and mortality.Alveolar macrophages play an important role in TB pathogenesis although there is heterogeneity and functional plasticity.This study aimed to show the characteristics of alveolar macrophages from bronchioalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)in active TB patients.Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)was performed on BALF cells from three patients with active TB and additional scRNA-seq data from three healthy adults were established as controls.Transcriptional profiles were analyzed and compared by differential gene expression and functional enrichment analysis.We applied pseudo-temporal trajectory analysis to investigate correlations and heterogeneity within alveolar macrophage subclusters.Alveolar macrophages from active TB patients at the single-cell resolution are described.We found that TB patients have higher cellular percentages in five macrophage subclusters.Alveolar macrophage subclusters with increased percentages were involved in inflammatory signaling pathways as well as the basic macrophage functions.The TB-increased alveolar macrophage subclusters might be derived from M1-like polarization state,before switching to an M2-like polarization state with the development of M.tuberculosis infection.Cell-cell communications of alveolar macrophages also increased and enhanced in active TB patients.Overall,our study demonstrated the characteristics of alveolar macrophages from BALF in active TB patients by using scRNA-seq.

Correlation of Serum C-Reactive Protein with Disease Severity in Tuberculosis Patients

Purpose: To study the factors influencing sputum smear conversion including Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and its correlation with disease severity in tuberculosis patients. Method: Levels of Serum-CRP concentrations were deter-mined in 60 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 30 healthy volunteers and patients in follow-up after completion of antitubercular treatment (DOTS therapy). Results: Serum-CRP levels were found to be significantly higher in smear-positive group as compared with the follow-up patients and smear-negative control group. The values were 43.65 ± 23.68, 9.88 ± 5.23 and 4.04 ± 3.85 mg/L respectively (P Conclusion: Serum-CRP levels are significantly correlated with disease severity in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Thus these findings from the present study would certainly add new criteria for early diagnosis of TB, which may lead to development of new strategies to treat TB.

Spatial-temporal Analysis of Tuberculosis at the Community Level in the Baoshan District, Shanghai 2014–2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the primary bacteria that leads to human tuberculosis(TB),which usually affects the pulmonary organs.TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide;however,China is one of eight countries that together account for two-thirds of the total number of cases globally.

Role of Serum Procalcitonin Level in Differentiating between Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) and Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) are common causes of consolidation patch in chest radiograph. Sputum Z-N staining is positive in 30% to 60% cases only and sputum examination has poor yield in CAP. This study aimed to assess the value of serum Procalcitonin (PCT) levels in patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) and Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP). Patients with new opacity in chest radiograph were included in the study. Serum sample were taken at admission and stored. Patient’s diagnosis were confirmed and categorized into pulmonary TB group (32) and community-acquired pneumonia group (23). Their mean PCT level was compared with mean PCT level of 25 controls. Serum procalcitonin levels were found to be significantly elevated in patients of community-acquired pneumonia as compared to patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. In presence of consolidation in x-ray chest, increased level of serum procalcitonin might be used to differentiate pulmonary tuberculosis from community-acquired pneumonia. High level of serum procalcitonin was associated with high mortality rate in community-acquired pneumonia patients.

Role of intelligent/interactive qualitative and quantitative analysisthree-dimensional estimated model in donor-recipient size mismatch following deceased donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND Donor-recipient size mismatch(DRSM)is considered a crucial factor for poor outcomes in liver transplantation(LT)because of complications,such as massive intraoperative blood loss(IBL)and early allograft dysfunction(EAD).Liver volumetry is performed routinely in living donor LT,but rarely in deceased donor LT(DDLT),which amplifies the adverse effects of DRSM in DDLT.Due to the various shortcomings of traditional manual liver volumetry and formula methods,a feasible model based on intelligent/interactive qualitative and quantitative analysis-three-dimensional(IQQA-3D)for estimating the degree of DRSM is needed.AIM To identify benefits of IQQA-3D liver volumetry in DDLT and establish an estimation model to guide perioperative management.METHODS We retrospectively determined the accuracy of IQQA-3D liver volumetry for standard total liver volume(TLV)(sTLV)and established an estimation TLV(eTLV)index(eTLVi)model.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were drawn to detect the optimal cut-off values for predicting massive IBL and EAD in DDLT using donor sTLV to recipient sTLV(called sTLVi).The factors influencing the occurrence of massive IBL and EAD were explored through logistic regression analysis.Finally,the eTLVi model was compared with the sTLVi model through the ROC curve for verification.RESULTS A total of 133 patients were included in the analysis.The Changzheng formula was accurate for calculating donor sTLV(P=0.083)but not for recipient sTLV(P=0.036).Recipient eTLV calculated using IQQA-3D highly matched with recipient sTLV(P=0.221).Alcoholic liver disease,gastrointestinal bleeding,and sTLVi>1.24 were independent risk factors for massive IBL,and drug-induced liver failure was an independent protective factor for massive IBL.Male donor-female recipient combination,model for end-stage liver disease score,sTLVi≤0.85,and sTLVi≥1.32 were independent risk factors for EAD,and viral hepatitis was an independent protective factor for EAD.The overall survival of patients in the 0.85<sTLVi<1.32 group was better compared to the sTLVi≤0.85 group and sTLVi≥1.32 group(P<0.001).There was no statistically significant difference in the area under the curve of the sTLVi model and IQQA-3D eTLVi model in the detection of massive IBL and EAD(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION IQQA-3D eTLVi model has high accuracy in predicting massive IBL and EAD in DDLT.We should follow the guidance of the IQQA-3D eTLVi model in perioperative management.

Efficacy and Safety of Bufei Jiedu Granules in Treating Multidrug-Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis:A Multi-center,Double-Blinded and Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of Bufei Jiedu(BFJD) Granules as adjuvant therapy for patients with multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis(MDR-PTB). Methods: A large-scale, multi-center, double-blinded, and randomized controlled trial was conducted in 18 sentinel hospitals in China from December 2012 to December 2016. A total of 312 MDR-PTB patients were randomly assigned to BFJD Granules or placebo groups(1:1) using a stratified randomization method, which both received the long-course chemotherapy regimen for 18 months(6 Am-Lfx-P-Z-Pto, 12 Lfx-P-Z-Pto). Meanwhile, patients in both groups also received BFJD Granules or placebo twice a day for a total of 18 months, respectively. The primary outcome was cure rate. The secondary outcomes included time to sputum-culture conversion, changes in lung cavities and quality of life(QoL) of patients. Adverse reactions were monitored during and after the trial. Results: A total of 216 cases completed the trial, 111 in the BFJD Granules group and 105 in the placebo group. BFJD Granules, as adjuvant treatment, increased the cure rate by 13.6% at the end of treatment, compared with the placebo(58.4% vs. 44.8%, P=0.02), and accelerated the median time to sputum-culture conversion(5 months vs. 11 months). The cavity closure rate of the BFJD Granules group(50.6%, 43/85) was higher than that of the placebo group(32.1%, 26/81;P=0.02) in patients who completed the treatment. At the end of the intensive treatment, according to the 36-item Short Form, the BFJD Granules significantly improved physical functioning, general health, and vitality of patients relative to the placebo group(all P<0.01). Overall, the death rates in the two groups were not significantly different;5.1%(8/156) in the BFJD Granules group and 2.6%(4/156) in the placebo group. Conclusions: Supplementing BFJD Granules with the long-course chemotherapy regimen significantly increased the cure rate and cavity closure rate, and rapidly improved QoL of patients with MDR-PTB(Registration No. ChiCTR-TRC-12002850)

Application of artificial intelligence in diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis(TB)is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Although the diagnostic technology of pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB)has advanced,accurate and differential diagnoses of PTB are still challenging.In recent years,the rapid development of artificial intelligence(AI)and its wide application in the medical field have provided new opportunities for diagnosing and treating TB and PTB.The machine learning model of AI has not only helped physicians improve diagnostic accuracy,but also enabled them to make early preventive diagnoses for individuals at increased risk of infection.Furthermore,AI can guide physicians to formulate targeted treatment strategies for PTB patients with different conditions.

Development and Evaluation of a Promising Biomarker for Diagnosis of Latent and Active Tuberculosis Infection

Background:Diagnosing latent tuberculosis(TB)infection(LTBI)and active TB(ATB)is crucial for preventing disease progression and transmission.However,current diagnostic tests have limitations in terms of accuracy and sensitivity,making it challenging to diagnose these different infection states.Therefore,this study intends to develop a promising biomarker for LTBI and ATB diagnosis to overcome the limitations of the current diagnostic tests.Methods:We developed a novelmultiepitope-based diagnostic biomarker(MEBDB)fromLTBI region of differentiation antigens using bioinformatics and immunoinformatics.Immune responses induced byMEBDM were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot and cytometric bead assays.This study was conducted from April 2022 to December 2022 in the SeniorDepartment of Tuberculosis at the 8thMedical Center of PLA General Hospital,China.Blood samples were collected from participants with ATB,individuals with LTBI,and healthy controls(HCs).The diagnostic efficacy of MEBDB was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves.Results:A novel MEBDB,designated as CP19128P,was generated.CP19128P comprises 19 helper T lymphocyte epitopes,12 cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes,and 8 B-cell epitopes.In silico simulations demonstrated that CP19128P possesses strong affinity for Toll-like receptors and elicits robust innate and adaptive immune responses.CP19128P generated significantly higher levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),interleukin 4(IL-4),and IL-10 in ATB patients(n=7)and LTBI(n=8)individuals compared with HCs(n=62)(P<0.001).Moreover,CP19128P-induced specific cytokines could be used to discriminate LTBI and ATB from healthy subjects with high sensitivity and specificity.Combining IL-2 with IL-4 or TNF-α could differentiate LTBI from HCs(the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve[AUC],0.976[95% confidence interval[CI],0.934-1.000]or 0.986[0.956-1.000]),whereas combining IL-4 with IL-17A or TNF-α could differentiate ATB from HCs(AUC,0.887[0.782-0.993]or 0.984[0.958-1.000]).Conclusions:Our study revealed that CP19128P is a potential MEBDBfor the diagnosis of LTBI andATB.Our findings suggest a promising strategy for developing novel,accurate,and sensitive diagnostic biomarkers and identifying new targets for TB diagnosis and management.

Diagnostic Value of Cerebrospinal Fluid T-SPOT.TB for Tuberculousis Meningitis in China

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the cerebrospinal fluid（CSF） T‐SPOT.TB test for the diagnosis of TB meningitis（TBM）. A retrospective analysis of 96 patients with manifested meningitis was conducted; T‐SPOT.TB test was performed for diagnosing TBM to determine the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value（PPV）, and negative predictive value（NPV）. A receiver operating characteristic（ROC） curve was also drawn to assess the diagnostic accuracy. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CSF T‐SPOT.TB test were 97.8%, 78.0%, 80.3%, and 97.5%, respectively, for 52 patients（54.2%） of the 96 enrolled patients. The area under the curve（AUC） was 0.910, and the sensitivities of CSF T‐SPOT.TB for patients with stages I, II, and III of TBM were 96.7%, 97.2%, and 98.9%, respectively. CSF T‐SPOT.TB test is a rapid and accurate diagnostic method with higher sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing TBM.

Association between depression and malnutrition in pulmonary tuberculosis patients:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Depression has been reported to be prevalent in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB).Moreover,several clinical symptoms of PTB and depression overlap,such as loss of appetite and malnutrition.However,the association between depression and malnutrition in TB patients has not been fully elucidated.AIM To explore the association between depression and malnutrition in patients with PTB.METHODS This hospital-based cross-sectional study included patients with PTB in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University from April 2019 to July 2019.The Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9)scale was used to evaluate depression.The cut-off value was set at 10,and the nutritional state was determined by the body mass index(BMI).In addition,the Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases was employed to establish the quality of life(QOL).Univariable analysis and multivariable analysis(forward mode)were implemented to identify the independent factors associated with depression.RESULTS A total of 328 PTB patients were screened for analysis.Eight were excluded for missing demographic data,four excluded for missing nutrition status,and sixteen for missing QOL data.Finally,300 PTB patients were subjected to analysis.We found that depressive state was present in 225 PTB patients(75%).The ratio of malnutrition in the depressive PTB patients was 45.33%.Our results revealed significantly lower BMI,hemoglobin,and prealbumin in the depression group than in the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,the social status differed significantly(P<0.05)between the groups.In addition,glutamic pyruvic transaminase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase in the depression group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that BMI[odds ratio(OR)=1.21,95%confidence interval(CI):1.163-1.257,P<0.001]and poor social function(OR=0.95,95%CI:0.926-0.974,P=0.038)were independently associated with depression.CONCLUSION Malnutrition and poor social function are significantly associated with depressive symptoms in PTB patients.A prospective large-scale study is needed to confirm these findings.

Increasing Trends and Species Diversity of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in A Coastal Migrant City−Shenzhen, China

Nontuberculous mycobacteria(NTM)are opportunistic pathogens of environmental origin that can cause human infections in a wide variety of tissues[1].Lung involvement is the most common manifestation of NTM infection[1].The symptoms and radiographic signs are similar to those of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis(TB)who are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex(MTBC)[1].Most NTM species are naturally resistant to first-line anti-TB drugs and have different resistance profiles,thus misdiagnosis leads to inappropriate treatment and increases the risk of poor prognosis for patients with an NTM infection,and even wider spread through person-to-person contact[2].

Computed tomography imaging and clinical significance of bacterium-positive pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with diabetes

BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of tuberculosis(TB)and diabetes on a global scale poses a significant health challenge,particularly due to their co-occurrence,which amplifies the severity,recurrence and mortality rates associated with both conditions.This highlights the need for further investigation into their interrelationship.AIM To explore the computed tomography(CT)imaging and clinical significance of bacterium-positive pulmonary TB(PTB)combined with diabetes.METHODS There were 50 patients with bacterium-positive PTB and diabetes,and 50 with only bacterium-positive PTB.The latter were designated as the control group.The CT imaging of the two groups of patients was compared,including lesion range,shape,density and calcification.RESULTS No significant differences were observed in age,gender,smoking and drinking history,high blood pressure,hyperlipidemia and family genetic factors between the groups.However,compared to the patients diagnosed solely with simple bacterium-positive PTB,those with concurrent diabetes showed a wider range of lesions and more complex and diverse morphology on CT images.Among them,intrapulmonary tuberculosis lesions were often accompanied by manifestations of pulmonary infection,such as cavity formation and bronchiectasis.At the same time,diabetes-related signs were often seen on CT images,such as pulmonary infection combined with diabetic pulmonary lesions.Logistic regression analysis identified age and medical history as significant factors influencing the degree of pulmonary infection and CT imaging outcomes in patients with both TB and diabetes.This suggests that older age and specific medical histories may increase the risk or severity of pulmonary damage in these patients.CONCLUSION CT imaging reveals more complex lesions in PTB patients with diabetes,emphasizing the need for careful evaluation and comprehensive analysis to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

A Survey on the Sexual Health of Elderly Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Their Spouses

Objective:To investigate the sexual relationship and sexual health of elderly patients with cardiovascular disease and their spouses,as well as to explore the relationship between sexual health and the quality of life.Methods:A total of 206 CHD patients and their spouses(N=206)as well as 238 age-and gender-matched healthy people were recruited and investigated by using a seilf-designed sexual relationship and sexual health questionnaire and the SF-36 questionnaire;data analysis and comparison were carried out by using SPSS 22.0.Results:The scores of perceived health,marital satisfaction,sexual satisfaction,sexual function,and quality of life were all significantly different among elderly CVD patients,then-spouses,and healthy people(F=3.894,p<0.05).There was a significant correlation between perceived health,marital satisfaction,sexual satisfaction,and sexual function with quality of life(p<0.05).Conclusion:Sexual behavior is an important aspect of quality of life.The sexual relationship,sexual health,and quality of life of elderly patients with cardiovascular disease and their spouses were significantly lower than those of healthy people.It is recommended that more attention should be paid on the sexual relationship and sexual health of these patients and their spouses,with counselling offered when needed.

DYNAMIC PARAMETER OF MEMBRANE LIPID IN LUNG CANCER CELL LINES, CARCINOGENESIS CELLS AND CANCER CELLS ISOLATED FROM PATIENTS WITH LUNG CANCER

With the aid of the Fluorescent lipophilic probe DPH (1, 6- diphenyl- 1, 3, 5- hexatriene ), the degree of microviscosity (η) and lipid fluidity (LFU) obtained from lung cancer lines and carcinogenesis cells induced by irradiation as well as the patients with lung cancer were quantitatively monitored by Fluorescence polarization. The results have shown a marked decreased in η and a significant increase in LFU in various tumor cells as compared to normal cells. Sometime, the degree of fluidity in carcinogenesis cells Induced by radiation and the patients with lung cancer have shown to be similar pattern. The possibility that these dynamic parameter may serve as a diagnostic tool for an early detection of lung cancer is discussed.