Quality Of Components Research Articles

Based on LC-MS and network pharmacology, the quality components, and anti-hypertensive mechanisms of three types of tea were studied.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify and analyze the main components of Da Hong Pao, Zunyi black tea, and Yunnan Pu'er tea extracts, explore the effects of brewing times on chemical composition, and analyze the differential components using chemometrics. Subsequently, network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were employed to explore the potential active ingredients and mechanisms of action in combating hypertension (HTN). This study identified eight key chemical constituents of the three teas, with significant differences in their contents. Yunnan Pu'er tea exhibited superior endurance for multiple infusions compared to the other teas. The research results clearly distinguished the three teas, with key components contributing to quality disparities identified as PCA, GC, gallic acid, and caffeine. The tea exerts anti-HTN effects through multiple pathways. The results of eight chemical components and core targets related to HTN exhibited favorable binding affinities. Our study suggested that Da Hong Pao, Zunyi black tea, and Yunnan Pu'er tea exhibit certain quality differences, and the overall quality of Yunnan Pu'er tea surpasses that of the other teas, though specific differences require further investigation. Moreover, the eight identified components from the three teas are all active components in combating HTN, and network pharmacology comprehensively elucidates the mechanism of tea's anti-hypertensive effect. These findings provide more potential key targets for the treatment of HTN by drinking tea. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Eight common components were identified in Da Hong Pao, Zunyi black tea, and Yunnan Pu'er water extract, with significant differences in content. Yunnan Pu'er has better overall quality compared to Da Hong Pao and Zunyi black tea. The study provides more potential key targets for the treatment of hypertension by drinking tea.

Evaluation of Sleep Disturbances Prevalence in a Period of 6 Months after Recovery Post Covid-19 Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with Pulmonary Involvement of more than 20%

Background: The emergence of COVID-19 in late 2019 swiftly led to a global pandemic, prompting urgent investigation into its multifaceted impacts. While prior studies have highlighted compromised sleep quality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, this research delves into the enduring effects on sleep patterns for those with severe pulmonary involvement post-intensive care. This study addresses a critical gap in understanding the long-term consequences of the virus, emphasizing the importance of post-recovery care. Methods: Conducted as a cross-sectional study, we consecutively enrolled COVID-19 patients with over 20% pulmonary involvement admitted to the ICU at Shariati Hospital, Tehran, between June 2021 and January 2022. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from hospital records. After ethics committee approval, participants were contacted six months post-discharge to assess sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Exclusions comprised obstructive sleep apnea patients and those with incomplete records. Results: Of the 60 eligible post-COVID-19 patients, 56 participated. Three individuals were unresponsive to calls, while one declined. Participants, primarily female (64.3%), had a mean age of 51.7 years. Notably, 80.4% exhibited sleep disorders six months post-discharge. Gender differences were observed, with females reporting higher scores in specific sleep quality components. Intriguingly, single individuals demonstrated a higher preference for sleep medication. These findings underscore the imperative for targeted interventions to improve post-ICU sleep quality in severe COVID-19 cases. Conclusion: The high prevalence of sleep disorders six months post-discharge underscores the enduring impact of COVID-19 on sleep quality. These findings call for targeted interventions and comprehensive post-ICU care protocols that prioritize sleep health.

Nondestructive detection of multiple qualities of dried jujube in different storage periods based on hyperspectral imaging combined with deep learning

Moisture content and sugar content are characteristic substances that determine the quality of dried jujubes. In this study, we collected visible/near-infrared and near-infrared hyperspectral data (Vis-NIR and NIR) from three dried jujubes samples with different storage periods, and established recognition models for different storage periods of jujubes using Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Deep Learning Methods (LeNet, ResNet, DenseNet, MobileNet and EfficientNet). Then, we constructed a dried jujubes storage period classification model based on feature bands using Successive projections algorithm (SPA) and Principal component analysis (PCA) methods, the results showed that the classification results based on Vis-NIR were better than those based on NIR, and the classification model based on SPA method was more accurate. In addition, the internal quality attributes of moisture content and total sugar during a single storage period of jujube were also predicted, and a quality prediction model for multiple storage periods was established based on NIR. This study provides a fast and non-destructive method for detecting the storage and quality components of jujube, in order to control the quality of jujube at different storage periods.

Performing liver imaging at a high level: quality and adequacy in LI-RADS.

Imaging is critical to HCC management, including surveillance, diagnosis, staging, and treatment response assessment, which requires it be performed consistently at a high level. The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) was developed to standardize the acquisition, interpretation, and reporting of liver imaging, but until now, has not addressed the essential component of exam quality and adequacy. In this manuscript, we discuss the concepts of quality and adequacy and their clinical significance in the setting of HCC diagnostic imaging and treatment response assessment. We describe prior and current efforts to improve image quality and adequacy. We review common sources of image degradation that need to be addressed and the rationale behind LI-RADS technical recommendations. Finally, we offer a glimpse into preliminary efforts to develop an adequacy scoring system and make a call to action for all stakeholders to contribute to this important goal.

Tactical Activities to Improve the Effectiveness of Concrete Batching Plant Based on Overall Equipment Effectiveness Analysis

The growth of infrastructure projects has led to an increased demand for ready-mix concrete. A company that produces ready-mix concrete using a batching plant encountered difficulties in fulfilling customer orders due to the high rate of machine downtime. Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) was employed to examine these issues at the tactical activities, where the root causes of losses that occur in the OEE components of availability, performance, and quality were addressed. The OEE analysis was extended to encompass maintenance effectiveness measures, as the anticipated solution to the problem was not the replacement of the machine, but rather an enhancement of its operational efficacy. The effectiveness of maintenance activities was measured using MTTF (mean time to failure), MTTR (mean time to repair), and MTBF (mean time between failure). A review of the OEE components revealed a necessity to reduce losses, as evidenced by the availability and performance rates. Although the performance rate has the lowest value, based on the frequent occurrence of failures to the availability component, the improvement process was carried out to overcome problems in the availability variable. The implementation of scheduled maintenance at the beginning of each month and the implementation of daily checks before and after the machine was used resulted in an increase in the OEE value from 56.62% to 71.15%. The incorporation of maintenance analysis into OEE has been shown to result in increased OEE values, as evidenced by a longer mean time between failures, a reduced time for process adjustments, and a decreased asset repair time.

The problem of teaching ethical and moral values in the process of mass events

The inner world of young pupils is constantly dynamic, their flexible thinking is agile, their imagination is vivid, in other words, it is an extremely miraculous mirror. It is not right to view it superficially. Every mystery must be revealed in accordance with their inner world, language and sphere of interest. Vibrant lives should be intertwined through mass events of various natures. The questions and tasks posed should create a favorable stimulus for effective learning. Interest in life and reality must be awakened in learners. According to great philosophers and educators, every child is a personality. The development of personality is the primary function set before society. This is demanded by the state, people and nation from every parent, educator and citizen. From this perspective, the problem of instilling ethical and moral values in young pupils is extremely relevant. Since education always serves the state it belongs to, its content changes as the demands of the time evolve. Along with this, mass events take on a form that corresponds to the demands of the era, characterized by innovations in content. Now, the task facing pedagogical collectives is to raise well-prepared individuals for independent Azerbaijan. One way to achieve this is by properly and efficiently organizing pupils' free time. It would be a mistake to think that mass events only contribute to upbringing. No, they are also a teaching tool that imparts knowledge and skills. Therefore, mass events prepared in connection with relevant instructional material, real-life events and historical moments essentially serve as an educational tool that enriches the pedagogical process, providing learners with both intellectual and moral satisfaction, keeping them positively engaged with the school and shaping their personalities. In society, the development of the humanities intensifies efforts to expand and explore directions that will qualitatively enhance new ethical and moral foundations. In this regard, significant qualitative changes should also be made in the development of the humanities, education, upbringing in Azerbaijan, moving away from outdated ideas, ineffective, formulaic thinking and plagiarism-driven works. In other words, forming a human from a human is about shaping the content of education that enables future generations to be raised in the spirit of humanity, to elevate their ethical and moral values and to open doors for them. Thus, the optimal organization of education and upbringing aimed at ethics and morality provides great strength for the deep assimilation of all components of moral qualities based on scientific foundations and a well-thought-out system. For this, understanding the essence of the problem, studying curricula and textbooks, pedagogical literature, and school practices, exploring learners' potential capabilities, improving teaching methods and techniques and considering the microenvironment (family, school, radio, television, etc.) must be taken into account in determining the influence on the individual's morality and intellectual level in order to solve the problem

Changes in Patient Safety Knowledge During Undergraduate Nursing Education: A Scoping Review Protocol.

Patient safety is a critical component of healthcare quality, yet there remains a significant gap in understanding how patient safety knowledge progresses among nursing students throughout their educational journey. This scoping review aims to map and analyze the existing literature on the development of patient safety knowledge in undergraduate nursing education. This study will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and adhere to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy will be employed across multiple databases, including CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. The review will include studies published from 2019 to 2024 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Two independent reviewers will conduct study selection and data extraction. The data will be synthesized narratively, with quantitative data summarized using descriptive statistics and qualitative data analyzed thematically. The review is expected to identify key patterns in the progression of patient safety knowledge among nursing students, including critical periods for knowledge acquisition, challenges in translating theoretical knowledge into practice, and effective educational strategies. The findings will be presented in both tabular and narrative forms, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of patient safety education in nursing programs. The anticipated outcomes of this review have significant implications for nursing education, healthcare policy, and clinical practice. For educators, the findings will inform curriculum development and the design of targeted interventions to enhance patient safety competencies. From a policy perspective, the results could support the standardization of patient safety education across nursing programs. In clinical practice, the study may emphasize the importance of continuous professional development in patient safety. This scoping review aims to fill a critical gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of how patient safety knowledge progresses among nursing students. The findings are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of nursing education and patient safety, ultimately fostering a culture of safety that benefits both healthcare providers and recipients.

Habitat management interventions for a specialist mid- successional grassland butterfly, the Lulworth Skipper

Evidence-based management is needed to reverse declines in insect abundance. The Lulworth Skipper Thymelicus acteon is a range-restricted and declining species in the UK and northern Europe associated with mid-successional grassland, which presents management challenges because interventions are necessary to prevent long-term habitat deterioration but can result in short-term reductions in quality. In addition, site management should be compatible for the focal species and for wider plant and insect diversity. We conducted factorial experimental management trials to understand effects of cutting and rotovation on the height and structure of vegetation containing the larval host plant Tor-grass Brachypodium rupestre. We monitored vegetation height, B. rupestre cover and plant diversity, and T. acteon larval presence over four years. Rotovation and cutting differed in their effects on habitat structure and larval occupancy relative to controls. Vegetation height and host plant cover, the most important components of habitat quality for T. acteon, were faster to recover to suitable levels on cut plots. However, larval occupancy increased more quickly on rotovated plots, where plant species diversity was also higher. Results suggest that due to initial negative impacts of interventions on T. acteon occupancy, low frequency or low-intensity management, such as managing sections of a site every three years, is advisable. Our results show that rotovation or cutting the sward can be suitable for mid-successional grassland species such as Lulworth Skipper on sites where grazing might be problematic. Rotational grazing or rotovation can maintain suitable conditions for habitat specialist insects requiring a range of different grassland conditions, serving wider conservation goals.

Bone Material Strength index is low in Patients with Cushing's Syndrome even after long-term remission.

Hypercortisolism in endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) results in decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. Although after remission BMD improves, fracture rate remains elevated, suggesting that BMD may not adequately reflect fracture risk in this group. The aim was to evaluate bone material properties, another component of bone quality, using Impact Microindentation (IMI) in patients with CS in remission. Cross-sectional study in 60 patients and 60 age-, sex-, and BMD-matched controls at a tertiary referral center between 2019 and 2021. Bone material strength index (BMSi) was measured by IMI using the OsteoProbe® device at the tibia. In addition, laboratory investigation, BMD, and vertebral fracture assessment were performed. By design, patients and controls were comparable for age (median age 56.5 years), sex (48 women), BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. They were also comparable regarding the number of fragility fractures (21 vs. 27, p=0.22). Median time of remission in patients was 6 years (range 1 to 41). Despite comparable BMD, BMSi was significantly lower in patients compared to controls (76.2±6.7 vs 80.5±4.9, p<0.001). In patients, BMSi was negatively correlated with BMI (r= -0.354, p=0.01), but not related to the presence of fracture, physiological hydrocortisone replacement use, other pituitary insufficiencies, or time since remission. Bone material properties remain altered in patients with endogenous CS, even after long-term remission. These abnormalities, known to be associated with fractures in other populations, may play a role in the persistent bone fragility of steroid excess.

Core Components of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: 2024 Update: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The science of cardiac rehabilitation and the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease has progressed substantially since the most recent American Heart Association and American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation update on the core components of cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs was published in 2007. In addition, the advent of new care models, including virtual and remote delivery of cardiac rehabilitation services, has expanded the ways that cardiac rehabilitation programs can reach patients. In this scientific statement, we update the scientific basis of the core components of patient assessment, nutritional counseling, weight management and body composition, cardiovascular disease and risk factor management, psychosocial management, aerobic exercise training, strength training, and physical activity counseling. In addition, in recognition that high-quality cardiac rehabilitation programs regularly monitor their processes and outcomes and engage in an ongoing process of quality improvement, we introduce a new core component of program quality. High-quality program performance will be essential to improve widely documented low enrollment and adherence rates and reduce health disparities in cardiac rehabilitation access.

Lived experiences of lymphoma patients with sexual dysfunction and related sexual distress during cancer treatment

PurposeSexual dysfunction is often experienced by lymphoma patients during the disease trajectory and even during survivorship. However, lymphoma patients’ perceptions about sexual challenges and dysfunction experienced during cancer treatment are not well known. The purpose of the study was to explore lymphoma patients’ lived experiences with sexual dysfunction and related sexual distress during cancer treatment.MethodsA narrative qualitative approach of inquiry was used, with individual semi-structured interviews. Twenty lymphoma patients were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews about their experiences with sexual dysfunction and related sexual distress during cancer treatment. We followed a systematic, inductive approach to the qualitative data that moved analysis from concrete description to thematic interpretation.ResultsEight themes emerged: (1) sexual functioning before lymphoma diagnosis and treatment; (2) sexual functioning after lymphoma diagnosis and during treatment; (3) emotional responses to sexual changes; (4) psychological effects; (5) emotional and social support from loved ones; (6) attitudes toward discussing sexual changes with healthcare professionals; (7) coping mechanisms; and (8) participants’ expectations of sexual health after lymphoma treatment.ConclusionsCancer treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can have a negative impact on sexual health. Therefore, further research is recommended to continue exploring the lived experiences of lymphoma patients.Implications for cancer survivorsHealthcare professionals should routinely assess sexual functioning in lymphoma patients as sexual health is a component of quality of life.

Uncovering key genes associated with protein and oil in soybeans based on transcriptomics and proteomics

Soybean is an important oilseed crop, providing abundant protein and fat for human consumption. However, in practical production, there exists a significant negative correlation between soybean oil and protein content, making it difficult to obtain soybean varieties with both high protein and high oil content. There is limited research on the regulatory network governing soybean oil and protein content. We selected four soybean varieties, Sui Xiao Li (SXL), Ji Da 5 (JD5), Ji Da 33 (JD33), and Ji Yu 202 (JY202), and determined their protein and oil content. We found that SXL and JD33 are high-protein, low-oil varieties, while JD5 and JY202 are high-oil, low-protein varieties. Subsequently, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were conducted on these four soybean varieties. The results revealed a total of 7182 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1037 differentially expressed proteins (DAPs) among the four soybean varieties SXL, JD5, JD33, and JY202. Through KEGG analysis, we identified 96 and 319 DEGs involved in fatty acid metabolism and protein metabolism, respectively, as well as 23 and 28 DAPs involved in fatty acid metabolism and protein metabolism, respectively. Additionally, based on WGCNA and PPI interaction networks, several central genes were identified, which potentially play a role in the accumulation of protein content and oil content. These potential genes mainly participate in processes such as glycolysis and carbon metabolism. Joint analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data revealed generally poor correlation between gene expression at the transcriptional and protein levels, with 240 co-regulated genes identified. Combining metabolic pathways, we identified 12 and 5 genes that are involved in lipid metabolism and protein synthesis at both transcriptional and translational levels, respectively. Finally, based on predictions of correlation and interaction, we identified 22 genes that may simultaneously regulate protein and oil content negatively at the transcriptional and translational levels. This study provides important scientific guidance for the genetic improvement of soybean quality components.

Development and Validation of a Measure of the Resolution Phase of the Sexual Response Cycle: The Sexual Resolution Scale (SRS)

ABSTRACT We developed and validated a measure of the depth of the resolution experience – the Sexual Resolution Scale (SRS). Portuguese-speaking participants responded to an online survey including the SRS whose eight items were derived from the literature on post-sex states: 1) deeply relaxed, 2) with elevated heart rate, 3) with intensified emotions, 4) more aware of body, 5) in a profound peace, 6) more imaginative, 7) more predisposed to talk about emotionally charged topics, 8) more predisposed to listen to emotionally charged topics. They also reported the intensity of satisfaction, desire, arousal, and orgasm, during the last sexual activity, and completed the Perceived Relationship Quality Components Inventory, and the Female Sexual Function Index or the International Index of Erectile Function. Principal Component Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed two dimensions: Internal Experience (items 1 to 6) and Openness to Communication (items 7 and 8). The two dimensions had good reliability. Invariance was confirmed between women and men. Nomological validity evidence was demonstrated: the two dimensions correlated with better sexual function during the last sexual activity and over the past 4 weeks. The SRS appears to be usable to measure the enjoyable aspects of the resolution phase of sexual intercourse.

Impact of Mediterranean Diet Pattern Adherence on the Physical Component of Health-Related Quality of Life in Middle-Aged and Older Active Adults.

Background/Objectives: The Mediterranean dietary pattern (MedDiet) has numerous health benefits, particularly in preventing chronic diseases and improving well-being. Given the ageing population, understanding its impact on older adults' physical health is essential. This study examines how adherence to the MedDiet influences the physical component (Comp-p) of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across various age groups, providing insights for tailored dietary interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with active adults aged 41-80, categorised into four age groups (41-50, n = 116; 51-60, n = 225; 61-70, n = 135; 71-80, n = 44). Data were collected using the SF-36 and MEDAS questionnaires. Com-p scores were analysed based on MedDiet adherence (poor or good) and age. Results: In the 71-80 age group, a significant correlation was found between Comp-P and MedDiet adherence (r = 0.367, p = 0.014), with significantly higher Com-P scores in the good adherence group (50.10 ± 7.39) compared to the poor group (44.46 ± 7.73; p = 0.015; d = 0.74). The loss of adherence to the Mediterranean diet in this age group was attributed to low consumption of vegetables (36.36%), tree nuts (47.73%), legumes (50.00%), fish (52.27%), and fruit (56.82%). Conclusions: In individuals aged 71-80, lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a decline in self-perceived physical health, attributed to the reduced intake of fresh vegetables, legumes, fish, and fruit. These findings emphasise the importance of promoting Mediterranean dietary adherence in later life to maintain optimal physical well-being.

Understanding the Relationship between Sleep Quality and Physical Activity: Implications for Healthy Aging.

Understanding the general health and well-being of the aged population requires an understanding of several factors, among which the interplay between physical activity and sleep quality are the most efficient determinants. There is still much to learn about the precise ways that different components of sleep quality affect different kinds of physical activity in older persons, accordingly, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between these variables. An online questionnaire-based investigation was conducted between August and September 2023. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 1,437 participants aged 50 to 89 years. The questionnaire evaluated levels of physical activity, sleep satisfaction, and demographic data. We used cluster analysis, regression analysis, and factor analysis to investigate the connections between these variables. Factor analysis revealed a single factor that accounted for 51.95% of the variance in all variables linked to sleep, and this factor represented overall quality of sleep. Regression analysis revealed that gender significantly predicted sleep quality, with females reporting lower sleep satisfaction. While strenuous exercise did not significantly affect sleep quality, moderate exercise was a positive predictor of sleep quality that neared statistical significance. Furthermore, cluster analysis revealed that those who engaged in more physical activity had higher-quality sleep. These results highlight the significance of encouraging physical activity to improve older adults' sleep quality. Specific programs that promote moderate exercise may enhance this population's general health and sleep quality. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to create causality and modify intervention strategies aimed at promoting healthy aging.

Assessment of psychometric properties of the Dari version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) among Afghans

BackgroundSleep helps in improving the functions of all systems of human body. Disturbance in sleep can cause immediate adverse effects on normal human physiologic functions. Main objective of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Dari version of the of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) among general adult population of Afghanistan.MethodsThis methodological study has been conducted during July to November 2023. Reliability and validity of PSQI were evaluated using Cronbach’s Alpha and confirmatory factor analysis, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the convergent validity of the components of PSQI, comparing results with those obtained from the DASS-21 subdomains.ResultsIn this cross-sectional study, 965 Afghan adults were studied during five months of duration between July and November, 2023. Mean age of the study participants was 35.2 years. The prevalence of sleep disturbance was 44.6% (430/965). Among them, 59.3% (572/965) reported experiencing subjective sleep quality disturbances less than once a week, 36.2% (349/965) had sleep latency issues less than once a week, 17.6% (170/965) had sleep duration disruption once or twice a week, while 36.3% (350/965) had daytime dysfunction less than once a week. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the seven-component scale was 0.677, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Substantial and statistically significant positive correlations were present among the component of PSQI subjective sleep quality and sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, daytime dysfunction, DASS-Depression, DASS-Anxiety, and DASS-Stress. The overall PSQI exhibited favorable fit indices, supporting the proposed single-factor structure among adult Afghan population.ConclusionPrevalence of sleep disturbance was very high among adult population of Afghanistan. This study provided useful information that will help policy makers (such as ministry of public health as well as international donor agencies like WHO, USAID, and UNICEF) to design a better strategy to reduce the prevalence of sleep disturbance that affects health of the Afghan community at large.

The impact of short-term exposure to criteria air pollutants on sleep disturbance among young adults: A nationwide analysis in 261 Chinese cities

BackgroundsEvidence concerning the short-term acute effect of air pollution on sleep health is quite limited. This study aims to examine the association between short-term exposure to ambient criteria air pollutants (CAPs) and sleep disturbance among young adults. MethodsA nationwide retrospective study was conducted across 261 Chinese cities from 2023 to 2024. Participants’ sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and air pollutant concentrations were collected during the study period. Distributed lag nonlinear models were utilized to assess the effect of CAPs on sleep disturbance and seven sleep quality components over the seven days preceding the survey (lag 0–7). Stratification analyses involving gender, cigarette smoking, and hazardous drinking behavior were performed. ResultsOf 12,279 young adults, 39% were identified as having sleep disturbances. Increases of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NO2 exposure were linked to a heightened risk of sleep disturbance, with the maximum single-day percentage changes being 8.3% (95% confidence intervals: 1.9–15.2%), 10.0% (1.2–19.6%), 6.0% (2.3–9.8%), and 23.6% (4.5–46.0%), respectively. A 10 μg/m3 elevation in PM2.5, PM10, and O3 were associated with 18.4%–34.8% of cumulative increase in sleep disturbance risk. Additionally, a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations prolonged sleep latency by 3 and 4.8 min, respectively. Each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10 and O3 shortened sleep duration by 5.4 and 5.7 min. NO2 exposure increased scores on the daytime dysfunction component of the PSQI, resulting in a percentage change of 23.9%. The association between PM2.5, O3, and NO2 exposure and sleep disturbance was stronger in subpopulations with cigarette smoking behavior. ConclusionShort-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NO2 is significantly associated with sleep disturbance among young adults. Sustained improvements in air quality may help improve sleep health.

Effectiveness and safety of exercise training and rehabilitation in elderly patients after heart valve intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness and safety of exercise rehabilitation in older adults undergoing intervention for heart valve disease. MethodPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Ovid Medline, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang were systematically searched until January 2024. Risk-of-bias assessments were performed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. A meta-analysis of the following indexes was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. ResultsNine trials involving 631 patients were ultimately included. Exercise rehabilitation significantly reduced the risk of adverse events, increased the 6-minute walk distance, improved the physical component of quality of life, and shortened the length of postoperative hospitalization. However, exercise rehabilitation did not affect all-cause mortality, left heart ejection fraction, or peak oxygen uptake. ConclusionsExercise rehabilitation may enhance exercise capacity, reduce the incidence of adverse events, and shorten the length of postoperative hospitalization in older adults undergoing intervention for heart valve disease.

Evaluation of the Stronger Together Peer Mentoring Model Among Patients With Breast and Gynecologic Cancer in Viet Nam.

Stronger Together is a peer mentoring model that seeks to address the severe lack of mental health and psychosocial support for patients with cancer in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This article presents the results of the Stronger Together pilot study among patients with breast and gynecologic cancer in Viet Nam (VN). Eligible participants comprised women age 25 years or older with a diagnosis of breast or gynecologic cancers and receiving treatment at four participating hospitals. Participants were asked whether they wanted to proceed with usual care or be matched with a trained and supervised peer mentor (a cancer survivor). Surveys were administered at baseline (0) and 2, 4, and 6 months and assessed depression, anxiety, stress, mental health and physical health components of quality of life (QOL), self-efficacy, and social support. We computed and compared 2-, 4-, and 6-month changes in scores from baseline and conducted difference-in-difference analyses to estimate the intervention effect at 6 months. The sample size included N = 186 participants. Mentees (n = 91) exhibited improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, and mental health QOL across all time points, whereas usual care participants (n = 95) experienced these improvements at later periods (4 and 6 months). Compared with usual care participants, mentees reported greater improvements in depression at 2 and 4 months, mental health QOL at all time points, and self-efficacy and social support at 4 and 6 months. Greater improvements in stress were also seen in the breast cancer subsample. Stronger Together is a promising model to improve mental health and psychosocial outcomes among patients with breast and gynecologic cancer in VN and can help fill gaps in cancer peer support interventions in many LMICs.

Home-Based HIFT Altered Quality of Life and Health Related Fitness Parameters in Women

The effects of high intensity functional training (HIFT) on health related components of fitness and quality of life were studied in the gym environment, but there has not been any study on examining the effects of HIFT by using bodyweight exercises at home environment on health related components of fitness and quality of life in women. The goal of this research is to examine the effects of home-based bodyweight HIFT on health related components of physical fitness and quality of life in women. Twenty-one recreationally active female participants (age 26.3 ± 3.7 years) were included in the study. After completing the pretest, participants applied HIFT at home with bodyweight exercises three times a week for a duration of eight weeks. Cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition and quality of life assessments were carried out in both pretest and posttest applications. Significant differences were observed between the pretest and posttest results of cardiovascular endurance (p=0.042), muscular strength (p&amp;lt;0.001), muscular endurance (p&amp;lt;0.001) and flexibility (p=0.001) parameters. No significant difference was observed between the pretest and posttest results of body composition analysis. Significant improvement (p=0.045) was found on the quality of life scale. Home-based bodyweight HIFT altered quality of life in recreationally active women and enhanced health related components of fitness, which could prevent the increase of health-related risk factors caused by inactivity.