Discovery of New Isotopes

Using the fusion-evaporation reaction ^{106}Cd(^{58}Ni,4n)^{160}Os and the gas-filled recoil separator SHANS, two new isotopes _{76}^{160}Os and _{74}^{156}W have been identified. The α decay of ^{160}Os, measured with an α-particle energy of 7080(26) keV and a half-life of 201_{-37}^{+58} µs, is assigned to originate from the ground state. The daughter nucleus ^{156}W is a ß^{+} emitter with a half-life of 291_{-61}^{+86} ms. The newly measured α-decay data allow us to derive α-decay reduced widths (δ^{2}) for the N=84 isotones up to osmium (Z=76), which are found to decrease with increasing atomic number above Z=68. The reduction of δ^{2} is interpreted as evidence for the strengthening of the N=82 shell closure toward the proton drip line, supported by the increase of the neutron-shell gaps predicted in theoretical models.

[Monitoring and analysis on host animals of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Henan Province from 2019 to 2022].

Objective: To investigate the distribution and hantavirus (HV) carrying state in host animals of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Henan Province from 2019 to 2022. Methods: Host animal monitoring was carried out at the monitoring sites of HFRS in Henan Province. The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect hantavirus in rat lungs. The types of hantavirus were analyzed. The positive samples were sequenced and then sequence homology and variation were analyzed. Results: A total of 1 308 rodents were captured from 2019 to 2022, 16 specimens of rat lungs tested positive for hantavirus nucleic acid. The positive rate of HV was 1.22% (16/1 308). According to type, the positive rate of HV in Apodius agrarius was the highest (68.75%, 11/16). According to distribution, the positive rate of HV in field samples was the highest (2.50%, 12/480), and the positive rate of HV in residential samples was 0.53% (4/759). The typing results of 16 positive samples showed that all viruses were hantavirus type Ⅰ (hantaan virus). The positive samples were sequenced and eight S gene fragments (GenBank number: OQ681444-OQ681451) and six M gene fragments (OQ681438-OQ681443) were obtained. The S and M gene fragments were similar to the Shaanxi 84FLi strain and Sichuan SN7 strain. Phylogenetic analysis of S and M gene fragments showed that they all belonged to the hantaan virus-H5 subtype. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that, compared with the hantaan virus vaccine strain 84FLi, the 74th amino acid encoded by eight S fragments was replaced by aspartamide with serine. Tryptophan was replaced by glycine at the 14th position of Gn region in XC2022047, and isoleucine was replaced by alanine at the 359 position of XC2022022 and XC2022024. Conclusion: The hantavirus carried by host animals in Henan Province from 2019 to 2022 belongs to the type Ⅰ (hantaan virus), and Apodemus agrarius is still the dominant host animal of the hantaan virus. Compared with the vaccine strains, amino acid sites are replaced in the immune epitopes of the S and M gene fragments.

Association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with total testosterone in non-overweight/obese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as both a vital risk factor and a consequence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Low total testosterone (TT) is common in men with T2DM, contributing to increased risks of metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between TT levels and the prevalence of NAFLD in men with T2DM. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1005 men with T2DM were enrolled in National Metabolic Management Center (MMC) of First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between January 2017 and August 2021. NAFLD was diagnosed using ultrasound as described by the Chinese Liver Disease Association. Overweight/obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 according to WHO BMI classifications. RESULTS: Individuals without NAFLD had higher serum TT levels than those with NAFLD. After adjustments for potential confounding factors, the top tertile was significantly associated with lower prevalence of NAFLD compared with the bottom tertile of TT level [odds ratio (OR) 0.303, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.281-0.713; P < 0.001]. The association between TT with NAFLD in individuals with normal weight (OR 0.175, 95% CI 0.098-0.315; P < 0.001) was stronger than in individuals with overweight/obesity (OR 0.509, 95% CI 0.267-0.971; P = 0.040). There was a significant interaction of TT with overweight/obesity (P for interaction = 0.018 for NAFLD). CONCLUSION: Higher serum TT was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of NAFLD in men with T2DM. We found that the relationship of TT and NAFLD was stronger in individuals with non-overweight/obesity.

[The epidemiology and pathogeny investigation of two clusters of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome disease outbreaking in Henan Province, 2022].

To investigate two clusters of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) in Xinyang City, Henan Province, in 2022, and analyze their causes, transmission route, risk factors, and the characteristics of virus genetic variation. Case search and case investigation were carried out according to the case definition. Blood samples from cases, family members and neighbors and samples of biological vectors were collected for RT-PCR to detect SFTSV. The whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed on the collected positive samples. A total of two clustered outbreaks occurred, involving two initial cases and ten secondary cases, all of which were family recurrent cases. Among them, nine secondary cases had close contact with the blood of the initial case, and it was determined that close contact with blood was the main risk factor for the two clustered outbreaks. After genome sequencing analysis, we found that the SFTSV genotype in two cases was type A, which was closely related to previous endemic strains in Xinyang. The nucleotide sequence of the SFTSV in the case was highly homologous, with a total of nine amino acid mutation sites in the coding region. It was not ruled out that its mutation sites might have an impact on the outbreak of the epidemic.

[Evaluation of ankle joint protection effect of parachute ankle brace on paratrooper landing].

Objective: To study the protective effect of parachute ankle brace on ankle joint during simulated parachuting landing. Methods: In August 2021, 30 male paratroopers were selected as the test subjects by simple random sampling method. They jumped from the 1.5 m and 2.0 m height platforms respectively with and without parachute ankle brace, and landed on the sandy ground in a semi-squat parachute landing position. The experiment was divided into 1.5 m experimental group and control group and 2.0 m experimental group and control group. Angle sensor and surface electromyograph were used to measure and analyze the coronal tilt range of the ankle joint and the percentage of maximal voluntary contraction (MVE%) of the muscles around the ankle joint, respectively, to evaluate the protective effect of the parachute ankle brace. Results: At the same height, the tilt range of coronal plane of ankle in experimental group was significantly reduced compared with control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Under the same protection state, the tilt range of the coronal plane of the ankle in the 1.5 m group was significantly reduced compared with that in the 2.0 m group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The coronal plane inclination range of the ankle in 2 m experimental group was significantly lower than that in 1.5 m control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with 1.5 m control group, MVE% of right tibialis anterior muscle and bilateral lateral gastrocnemius decreased in 1.5 m experimental group, while MVE% of bilateral peroneus longus increased, with statistical significance (P<0.05). Compared with 2.0 m control group, the MVE% of bilateral tibialis anterior muscle and right lateral gastrocnemius decreased in 2.0 m experimental group, while the MVE% of bilateral peroneus longus increased, with statistical significance (P<0.05). The MVE% of bilateral tibialis anterior muscle, bilateral lateral gastrocnemius muscle and right peroneus longus muscle in 1.5 m experimental group decreased compared with 2.0 m experimental group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with 2.0 m control group, the MVE% of bilateral tibialis anterior muscle, right lateral gastrocnemius muscle and right peroneus longus muscle in 1.5 m control group decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Wearing parachute ankle brace can effectively limit the coronal plane inclination range of ankle joint, improve the stability of ankle joint and reduce the load on the muscles around ankle joint by landing. Reducing the height of the jumping platform can reduce the coronal plane incline range of the ankle and the muscle load around the ankle during landing.

[Relationship between white matter lesions and theresponse of cerebral spinal fluid tap test and clinical features in the patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus].

Objective: To explore the relationship between white matter lesions and clinical features and response of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) tap test in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus(iNPH). Methods: Possible iNPH patients were enrolled from outpatients and inpatients in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2014 and 2019. All patients underwent detailed neuropsychological and walking assessments, CSF tap test, as well as head magnetic resonance imaging. The Fazekas score of white matter lesions, the fractional anisotropy (FA)and mean diffusivity (MD) values of regions of interest by means ofdiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were compared between CSF tap test positive and negative response groups. The correlation between DTI parameters and clinical characteristics was analyzed. Results: Forty-three patients (29 male and 14 female, age range: 52-79 years] wererecruited.Compared with the negative group, patients in the positive group tended to have higher Fazekas score of periventricular white matter(U=108.00, P=0.03), higher MD value of the region near anterior horn of left lateral ventricles[(1.14±0.27)×10-9mm2/s vs (0.85±0.08) ×10-9mm2/s, P=0.003], lower FA value of the region near anterior horn of the right lateral ventricles[(0.20±0.07)vs(0.27±0.09), P=0.058], and higher MD value near the posterior horn of right lateral ventricle [(1.17±0.34)×10-9mm2/s vs (0.95±0.01)×10-9mm2/s, P=0.003]. FA and MD were significantly correlated with motor function, cognitive and functional scores, and iNPH grading scale (iNPHGS) scores(all P<0.05). Conclusions: The white matter lesions might be one of the pathogeneses of lNPH and apathological changewhich can be reversed by CSF drainage. More white matter lesions should not be the contraindication of CSF drainage surgery.

[Analysis of epidemiological characteristics of bacillary dysentery with multiple-onset in Henan Province from 2005 to 2020].

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of bacillary dysentery with multiple-onset in Henan province from 2005 to 2020. Methods: The reported cases of bacillary dysentery (including confirmed cases and clinically diagnosed cases) in Henan Province from January 2005 to December 2020 were collected through China's National Disease Supervision Information Management System. The main information included gender, age, home address, date of onset and date of diagnosis. The interval between two episodes of the same case was more than 15 days, which was judged as two episodes. The incidence characteristics of bacillary dysentery patients with two or more cases in Henan Province from 2005 to 2020 were analyzed, and the regional distribution map of cases was drawn using ArcGIS software. Results: From 2005 to 2020, a total of 250 430 cases of bacillary dysentery were reported in Henan Province, with a cumulative incidence rate of 228.66/100 000. There were 2 342 cases with two or more attacks. The incidence of recurrent cases of bacillary dysentery increased year by year (χ2trend=2 932.28, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of two or more cases of different sexes (χ2=0.39, P=0.540). There was significant difference in the incidence among different age groups (χ2=438.40, P<0.001). The incidence of two or more cases in the 60-69 age group was relatively high (1.70%). The shortest time interval between the onset of the disease was 16 days, and the longest was 5 579 days, with M (Q1, Q3) about 428 (237, 843) days. Compared with healthy people, those with a history of bacterial diseases had a higher risk of developing bacillary dysentery (RR: 4.12, 95%CI: 3.95‒4.29). Conclusion: The proportion of patients with multiple-onset shows an increasing trend, and there is an age difference.

[Analysis of the whole genome traceability and transmission path simulation experiment of the local cluster COVID-19 epidemic].

Objective: To trace and characterize the whole genome of SARS-CoV-2 of confirmed cases in the outbreak of COVID-19 on July 31, 2021 in Henan Province. Method: Genome-wide sequencing and comparative analysis were performed on positive nucleic acid samples of SARS-CoV-2 from 167 local cases related to the epidemic on July 31, 2021, to analyze the consistency and evolution of the whole genome sequence of virus. Results: Through high-throughput sequencing, a total of 106 cases of SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences were obtained. The results of genome analysis showed that the whole genome sequences of 106 cases belonged to the VOC/Delta variant strain (B.1.617.2 clade), and the whole genome sequences of 106 cases were shared with the genomes of 3 imported cases from Myanmar admitted to a hospital in Zhengzhou. On the basis of 45 nucleotide sites, 1-5 nucleotide variation sites were added, and the genome sequence was highly homologous. Conclusion: Combined with the comprehensive analysis of viral genomics, transmission path simulation experiments and epidemiology, it is determined that the local new epidemic in Henan Province is caused by imported cases in the nosocomial area, and the spillover has caused localized infection in the community. At the same time, it spills over to some provincial cities and results in localized clustered epidemics.

[Study on surface electromyography characteristics of erector spinae muscles at different spinal anteversion angles of the scrapers].

Objective: To simulate and evaluate the scraping and grinding work of workers with different spinal anteversion angles, and to explore the effects of different anteversion angles on the erector spinae muscles of scrapers. Methods: In November 2019, 16 male college student volunteers were recruited to simulate workers' scraping and grinding work. The parameters were 25°, 15 times/min, 15°, 30 times/min, 5°, 60 times/min respectively. The surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to collect the electromyographic signals of the erector spinae muscles, and the surface electromyographic characteristics of the erector spinae muscles were evaluated with Borg Scale. Results: There were significant differences between the maximum voluntary contraction percentage (MVE%) of the left and right erector spinae muscles groups in the three groups with different spinal anteversion angles (F(left)=13.41, P(left)<0.001; F(right)=4.74, P(right)=0.005) , and the EMG amplitude was higher at 25°, 15 times/min. At 15°, 30 times/min, MVE% of the left side was significantly higher than that of the right side (t=2.58, P=0.021) . There was significant difference in the mean power frequency (MPF) of the right erector spinae muscle in the three groups (F=9.42, P<0.001) , but there was no significant difference in the MPF of the left erector spinae muscle (F=0.30, P=0.823) . The fitting line showed that the left erector spinae muscle showed a downward trend at 5°, 60 times/min (t=-5.39, P=0.012) . Conclusion: Scrapers are less likely to be fatigued when the posture is 15°, 30 times/min, but they are more likely to be fatigued when working at 5°, 60 times/min.

Measurement of the Cosmic Ray Helium Energy Spectrum from 70 GeV to 80 TeV with the DAMPE Space Mission.

The measurement of the energy spectrum of cosmic ray helium nuclei from 70 GeV to 80 TeV using 4.5 years of data recorded by the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) is reported in this work. A hardening of the spectrum is observed at an energy of about 1.3 TeV, similar to previous observations. In addition, a spectral softening at about 34 TeV is revealed for the first time with large statistics and well controlled systematic uncertainties, with an overall significance of 4.3σ. The DAMPE spectral measurements of both cosmic protons and helium nuclei suggest a particle charge dependent softening energy, although with current uncertainties a dependence on the number of nucleons cannot be ruled out.

[Reassessment of EWSR1 gene rearrangement-negative undifferentiated round cell sarcomas in bone and soft tissues by fluorescence in situ hybridization].

Objective: To unravel the CIC rearrangement sarcomas and BCOR-CCNB3 sarcomas from EWSR1 rearrangement-negative undifferentiated round cell sarcomas in the bone and soft tissues. Methods: Twenty-eight cases of EWSR1 rearrangement-negative undifferentiated round cell sarcomas of bone and soft tissues, tested for CIC rearrangement and BCOR rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization and related immunostaining were analyzed, and some of the BCOR rearrangement cases were verified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: Five of 28 (17.9%) tested cases were positive for CIC rearrangement and six (21.4%) for BCOR rearrangement. Histopathologically, CIC rearrangement sarcomas comprised nodular aggregates of round to polygonal cells, containing hyperchromatic nuclei, prominent nucleoli and moderate cytoplasm, with focal variable necrosis and myxoid stroma. BCOR-CCNB3 sarcomas mostly comprised diffusely arranged, round to oval to short spindly cells with angulated nuclei, vesicular chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli and interspersed vessels. Immunohistochemically, five of six BCOR-CCNB3 sarcomas showed CCNB3 immunostaining, which could be helpful for diagnosis. Two patients with CIC rearrangement sarcoma died of the diseases in seven months and twenty-two months. One patient with BCOR-CCNB3 sarcoma died of the diseases in forty-six months. Conclusions: Overall, 39.3% of the EWSR1 rearrangement-negative undifferentiated round cell sarcomas are CIC rearrangement sarcomas and BCOR-CCNB3 sarcomas. Molecular testing is helpful for diagnosis.

[Asbestos exposure and asbestos-related malignant diseases:an epidemiological review].

Asbestos has high fire resistance, electrical insulation and thermal insulation. It is an important fire prevention, insulation and insulation material. It is widely used in industrial production and daily life. In 1987, the international agency for research on cancer (IARC) has listed asbestos as a class I carcinogen; in 2012, IARC confirmed that all types of asbestos have carcinogenic effect. By 2019, asbestos has been banned in 66 countries and regions around the world. Asbestos exposure increases the risk of human malignant tumor. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are known asbestos induced tumors. Epidemiological studies also support that asbestos exposure is related to the incidence of malignant tumors in reproductive system, digestive system, urinary system, nasopharynx head and neck. We summarized the epidemiological studies of asbestos induced tumors in order to provide reference for further research.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of transmission mode.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a disease with a high case-fatality rate that is caused by infection with the SFTS virus (SFTSV). Five electronic databases were systematically searched to identify relevant articles published from 1 January 2011 to 1 December 2019. The pooled rates with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by a fixed-effect or random-effect model analysis. The results showed that 92 articles were included in this meta-analysis. For the confirmed SFTS cases, the case-fatality rate was 0.15 (95% CI 0.11, 0.18). Two hundred and ninety-six of 1384 SFTS patients indicated that they had been bitten by ticks and the biting rate was 0.21 (95% CI 0.16, 0.26). The overall pooled seroprevalence of SFTSV antibodies among the healthy population was 0.04 (95% CI 0.03, 0.05). For the overall seroprevalence of SFTSV in animals, the seroprevalence of SFTSV was 0.25 (95% CI 0.20, 0.29). The infection rate of SFTSV in ticks was 0.08 (95% CI 0.05, 0.11). In conclusion, ticks can serve as transmitting vectors of SFTSVs and reservoir hosts. Animals can be infected by tick bites, and as a reservoir host, SFTSV circulates continuously between animals and ticks in nature. Humans are infected by tick bites and direct contact with patient secretions.

Partial thyroxine-binding globulin deficiency in a family with coding region mutations in the TBG gene.

PURPOSE: T4-binding globulin (TBG) is the main thyroid hormone (TH) transporter present in human serum. Inherited thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) deficiency is caused by mutations in the TBG (SERPINA7) gene, which is located on the X chromosome. This study was performed to report and evaluate coding region mutations in TBG gene for partial thyroxine-binding globulin deficiency. METHODS: A pedigree spanning four generations is described in this study. The proband is a female with partial TBG deficiency. All members of this pedigree underwent thyroid function tests, while Sanger sequencing was used to identify the TBG gene mutations. Bioinformatics databases were used to evaluate the deleterious effects of the mutation(s). Two hundred and seven unrelated individuals were used to evaluate the thyroid function of individuals with different TBG mutations. A one-way ANOVA was used to analyze the impact of the TBG mutations on thyroid function. RESULTS: TBG gene sequencing results revealed that the proband had a novel mutation in codon 27 leading to alanine to valine substitution (p.A27V). This mutation was associated with lower serum T4 levels (p < 0.0001) when compared to the groups that did not carry the mutation. The previously reported p.L283F mutation was also found in the proband. The hemizygous p.L283F individuals presenting with lower T4 serum and TBG levels (p < 0.001) when compared to wildtype males and females. Both mutations were deleterious upon SIFT and PolyPhen-2 evaluation. CONCLUSION: Associated with partial thyroxine-binding globulin deficiency, this study reports a novel p.A27V mutation in the TBG gene.

Using magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging to evaluate renal function changes in diabetic patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease.

AIM: To investigate the clinical value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in assessing renal function changes in diabetic patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the relationship of DTI parameters with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary biomarkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with diabetes mellitus (DM; 30 CKD stage 1 and 6 CKD stage 2) and 26 healthy control subjects were enrolled. DTI was performed using a clinical 3 T MRI system. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values were calculated from the renal cortex and medulla. The correlation of the DTI parameters with eGFR and urinary biomarkers was evaluated. RESULTS: FA values were significantly reduced in the renal cortex and medulla of DM group compared with the control group (cortical FA, Z=-2.834, p=0.005; medullary FA, t=2.768, p=0.007). In the DM group, FA values in the renal cortex and medulla were positively correlated with eGFR, while FA values in the medulla were negatively correlated with the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, urinary alpha-1 microglobulin/creatinine ratio, and urinary transferring/creatinine ratio. ADC values in the renal cortex and medulla showed a trend towards an increase in the DM group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Renal DTI is a promising method for assessing early renal function changes in DM patients.

[Analysis on the epidemiology and etiology characteristics of first imported Chikungunya fever case in Henan Province in 2017].

To study the epidemiology and etiology characteristics of first imported Chikungunya fever case in Henan province, China, 2017. The patient was confirmed by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infected as CHIKV ribonucleotide was continuously detected in his serum specimens. BHK-21 cell line was used for virus isolation, the strain was named CHIKV/Henan001/2017. CHIKV/Henan001/2017 belonged to genotype ECSA. The highest ribonucleotide homology sequence of highly conserved region E1 with CHIKV/Henan001/2017 was hk02 strain (99.8%), who was an imported strain to Hong Kong, China, 2016. Epidemiological information and laboratory testing confirmed it was an imported Chikungunya fever case in Henan province, 2017. No secondary case has been reported.

Clinical and misdiagnosed analysis of primary pulmonary lymphoma: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL), with a low incidence, was highly misdiagnosed in clinic. The present study analyzes the clinical features, laboratory and imaging data, pathologic characteristics, and summarizes misdiagnosis reasons of PPL cases, aims to provide a better understanding and increase the accuracy of early diagnosis and minimize the misdiagnosis of PPL. METHODS: The clinical data of 19 cases were collected from the first affiliated hospital of Wenzhou medical university (PRC) from April 2010 to May 2016. All cases were confirmed by pathology. The process of misdiagnosis was described. This study retrospectively analyzed the incidence, clinical presentation, laboratory examination, Chest CT scan and diagnosis of the cases. RESULTS: The symptoms of the 19 cases were dyspnea, fever, hemoptysis, chest pain or physical findings without obvious symptoms. Five patients were pneumonia-like, nine patients had lung single nodule or mass and four patients got pleural effusion, which were reported by computed tomography (HRCT) scan. There were 2 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and 17 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In NHL cases, 12 cases were confirmed mucosa associated lymphoid tissue B lymphoma type, 3 cases were confirmed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and ALK positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma were one case separately. Clinical and imaging manifestation of PPL is untypical, but there are still some hints: 1) Fuzzy shadow at the edge of lung mass with air bronchogram; 2) Lung mass shadow stable for a long time; 3) Pneumonia-like changing without infections clinical and lab manifestation. Thirteen patients (68.4%) were misdiagnosed as pneumonia, lung cancer and tuberculosis initially. The term between initial diagnosis and final diagnosis lasted for half a month up to 2 years, with median time of 6 months. Two cases were misdiagnosed as tuberculosis. One case was misdiagnosed as small cell lung cancer. CONCLUSION: Clinical and imaging manifestation of PPL is untypical. Biopsies should be taken actively if the imaging findings don't match the symptoms or the anti-infection treatments to "lung infection" don't work. Accurate diagnosis requires adequate tissue sampling with appropriate ancillary pathologic studies. If clinical manifestation and the diagnosis don't match, repeated biopsy should be ordered.

Effects of individual and partner factors on anxiety and depression in Taiwanese prostate cancer patients: A longitudinal study.

Studies exploring the mediating and predictive factors of anxiety and depression for prostate cancer patients in Eastern countries are scant. Guided by the transactional model of stress and coping, this study determined the predictors and mediators of anxiety and depression in prostate cancer patients. The participants comprised 115 prostate cancer patients and 91 partners. The patients and partners completed questionnaires regarding physical symptoms, disease appraisals, coping behaviours, anxiety and depression in the period before confirmation of treatment decisions and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. The results revealed that partner anxiety engendered a stressful situation and aggravated patient anxiety. Patients' threat appraisals and affective-oriented coping behaviours mediated the relationships between their anxiety levels and those of their partners. The patients' most recent prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and hormonal symptoms were key predictors of their anxiety and depression levels. The patients' harm appraisals mediated the relationships between their most recent PSA levels and hormonal symptoms and depression. Their threat appraisals and affective-oriented coping behaviours mediated the relationships between their hormonal symptoms and anxiety and depression. To manage those key factors, reframing, appraising disease and improving coping behaviours may reduce anxiety and depression levels in prostate cancer patients.

Rhinogenous optic neuritis with full recovery of vision - The role of endoscopic optic nerve decompression and a review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Optic neuritis resulting from paranasal sinusitis is an infrequently described but clinically important and treatable entity. The role of optic nerve decompression has been well established in atraumatic optic neuropathies which are compressive in origin. However, its role in optic neuritis and other infective or inflammatory processes is lacking, and the role for early surgical intervention remains controversial. CASE REPORT: In this case report, we describe a patient who presented with sudden onset of right vision loss secondary to optic neuritis from pansinusitis. He was treated with systemic antibiotics and steroids along with an urgent endoscopic sinus surgery with optic nerve decompression. Full restoration of his vision was recorded within 24 h of surgical decompression. CONCLUSION: Optic neuritis secondary to paranasal sinusitis is a clinically important entity and timely diagnosis and decompression is key to vision restoration.

Effect of gut stress induced by oxidized wheat gluten on the growth performance, gut morphology and oxidative states of broilers.

This study was to investigate the effect of oxidized wheat gluten (OG) on growth performance, gut morphology and its oxidative states of broilers. One hundred and eighty-day-old male broilers (10 chicks/pen) were randomly allocated into three dietary treatments: control diet (CON), diet with 8% wheat gluten (WG) and diet with 8% OG with six pens/treatment. Body weight (BW) (21 and 35 days) and average daily gain (ADG) (1-21 days and 22-35 days) decreased (p < .05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1-21 days and 22-35 days) increased (p < .05) in OG treatment. Feed intake (FI) decreased (p < .05) in WG and OG treatments during 22-35 days. However, FI was not influenced by dietary treatments during 1-21 days (p > .05). The OG-fed broilers had a lower faecal pH value (p < .05) and higher faecal moisture content (p < 05) at 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. Villus height, crypt depth and V/C value were not different (p > .05) among treatments at 21 and 35 days. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) (21 and 35 days) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (35 days) content in crop of OG treatment increased (p < .05). Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) (21 days), LPO (21 and 35 days) and MDA (21 and 35 days) content in ileum of OG treatment increased (p < .05). The reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) (21 days) and (GSH) (35 days) in ileum of OG treatment decreased (p < .05). The present findings indicate that OG might be a stressor for broiler gut, which could induce oxidative stress both in crop and in ileum, and the diarrhoea as well. The growth performance of broiler was consequently depressed.