Significant Disturbances Research Articles

Case study of radio emission beam associated to very low frequency signal recorded onboard CSES satellite

Abstract. We report on the variation of electric power density linked to very low frequency (VLF) signal observed during the minimum of solar cycle 25. The detected VLF signal is emitted by the NWC radio station localized in the southern hemisphere, at 21.5∘ S and 114.2∘ E. We attempt in this work to quantify the beam as detected by the Electric Field Detector (EFD) instrument onboard CSES satellite. Geometrical key parameters have been considered to analysis the variation of the power density taking into consideration the distance between the satellite trajectory and the NWC station and its conjugate region. The beam behavior is found to be subject to significant disturbances in the conjugate region with the presence of signal modulations. Above the NWC transmitter station, the beam can be considered as a hollow cone but with irregularity dependence on the electric power density.

The influence of temperature rise on the metabolic response of Ruditapes philippinarum clams to 17-α-ethinylestradiol

Untargeted Nuclear Magnetic Resonance metabolomics was employed to study the effects of warming conditions (17–21 °C) and exposure to 17-α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on the polar metabolome of Ruditapes philippinarum clams, to identify metabolic markers for monitoring/prediction of deviant environmental conditions. Warming alone triggered changes in alanine/aspartate/glutamate, aromatic amino acids, taurine/hypotaurine and homarine/trigonelline pathways, as well as in energy metabolism, suggesting osmoregulatory adaptations and glycolytic/tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activation, possibly accompanied to some extent by gluconeogenesis to preserve glycogen reserves. At 17 °C, the lowest EE2 concentration (5 ng/L) specifically engaged branched-chain and aromatic amino acids to activate the glycolysis/TCA cycle. Notably, a partial metabolic recovery was observed at 25 ng/L, whereas higher EE2 concentrations (125 and 625 ng/L) again induced significant metabolic disturbances. These included enhanced glycogen biosynthesis and increased lipid reserves, sustained by low-level glutathione-based antioxidative mechanisms that seemed active. At 21 °C, response to EE2 was notably weak at low/intermediate concentrations, becoming particularly significant at the highest EE2 concentration (625 ng/L), suggesting higher protection capacity of Ruditapes philippinarum clams under warming conditions. At 625 ng/L, disturbances in alanine/aspartate/glutamate and taurine/hypotaurine metabolisms were observed, with no evidence of enhanced carbohydrate/protein catabolism. This low energy function profile was accompanied by marked antioxidative mechanisms and choline compounds modulation for cell membrane protection/repair. These results help monitor clams´ response to temperature rise and EE2 exposure, paving the way for future effective guidance and prediction of environmental damaging effects.

Internalization of the Western Standard of Beauty and Body Satisfaction: Evaluation Utilizing COPS and SATAQ-3 Questionnaires among Girls with Scoliosis.

Background and Objectives: Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) more frequently present significant back-related body image disturbances compared with healthy controls. The study aimed to adapt two screening questionnaires: Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-3) and Cosmetic Procedure Screening Questionnaire (COPS), that could identify AIS patients, especially those threatened with body image disorders and might predict dissatisfaction with a desired-by-patients cosmetic result of treatment. Materials and Methods: In total, 34 AIS patients who undergo Cheneau brace treatment were asked to complete SATAQ-3 and COPS. Results: AIS patients presented a high level of internalization. Clinical and radiological factors that play a crucial role in the evaluation and decision process during brace treatment were not significantly associated with COPS and SATAQ-3 total scores. The SATAQ-3 total score and COPS results were also not related to sociodemographic parameters of the analyzed group. Conclusions: The presented study confirms the usefulness of the questionnaires, which aimed to isolate sociocultural risk factors of body image disorders in scoliosis patients as predictors of treatment dissatisfaction and worse compliance.

Evaluating a Comprehensive Model of Euthymia

Introduction: In research and treatment of mood disorders, “euthymia” traditionally denotes the absence of clinically significant mood disturbance. A newer, expanded definition of euthymia also includes positive affect and psychological well-being. Objective: We aimed to test this comprehensive model of euthymia and estimate the coherence and predictive power of each factor in the model. Methods: Community-dwelling adults (N = 601), including both mental health outpatients and non-patients at high risk for personality pathology, completed a battery of interviews and questionnaires at time 1. Most (n = 497) were reassessed on average 8 months later (time 2). We modeled euthymia using standard mood, personality, and psychosocial functioning assessments rather than measures designed specifically for euthymia. Results: The hypothesized model of euthymia was supported by confirmatory factor analysis: specific measures loaded on three lower order factors (mood disturbance, positive affect, and psychological well-being) that reflected general euthymia at time 1. Each factor (general euthymia plus lower order factors) demonstrated moderately strong concurrent (time 1) and predictive (time 1–2) correlations with outcomes, including employment status, income, mental health treatment consumption, and disability. Compared to positive affect and psychological well-being, mood disturbance had stronger incremental (i.e., nonoverlapping) relations with these outcomes. Conclusions: Support for a comprehensive model of euthymia reinforces efforts to improve assessment and treatment of mood and other disorders. Beyond dampening of psychological distress, euthymia-informed treatment goals encompass full recovery, including enjoyment and meaning in life.

A New Time-Series Fluctuation Study Method Applied to Flow and Pressure Data in a Heating Network

The key to achieving smart heating is the rational use of large amounts of data from the heating network. However, many current relevant studies based on generalized mathematical methods are unable to accurately describe the physical relationships between pipe network variables. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a new time-series fluctuation research method, which can be applied to the measured data of the hot water heating pipe network. This method is a new approach to identifying step data. Then, we propose the concept of time-series disturbance to quantify the degree of data anomaly. Finally, the results of a case study demonstrate the transfer process of a significant disturbance in the pipe network from the supply end to the return end. The time-series fluctuation method in this paper precisely describes two physical relationships between heating system variables and provides a feasible and convenient new research idea for self-perception and self-analysis of smart heating.

Spread Prediction and Classification of Asian Giant Hornets Based on GM-Logistic and CSRF Models

As an invasive alien species, Asian giant hornets are spreading rapidly and widely in Washington State and have caused significant disturbance to the daily life of residents. Therefore, this paper studies the hornets’ spread and classification models based on the GM-Logistic and CSRF models, which are significant for using limited resources to control pests and protect the ecological environment. Firstly, by combining the improved grey prediction model (GM) with the logistic model, this paper proposes a GM-Logistic model to obtain hornets’ spread rules regarding spatial location distribution and population quantity. The GM-Logistic model has higher accuracy and better fitting effect when only a few non-equally spaced sequences data are used for prediction. Secondly, a cost-sensitive random forest (CSRF) model was proposed to solve the problems of hornets’ classification and priority survey decisions in unbalanced datasets. The hornets’ binary classification model was established through feature extraction, the transformation from an unbalanced dataset to a balanced dataset, and the training dataset. CSRF improves the adaptability and robustness of the original classifier and provides a better classification effect on unbalanced datasets. CSRF outperforms the Random Forest, Classification and Regression Trees, and Support Vector Machines in performance evaluation indexes such as classification accuracy, G-mean, F1-measure, ROC curve, and AUC value. Thirdly, this paper adds human control factors and cycle parameters to the logistic model, obtaining the judgment conditions of report update frequency and pest elimination. Finally, the goodness-of-fit test on each model shows that the models established in this paper are feasible and reasonable.

Adverse effects of antibiotics in children with cancer: are short-course antibiotics for febrile neutropenia part of the solution?

Introduction : Febrile neutropenia is a common complication experienced by children with cancer or those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Repeated episodes of febrile neutropenia result in cumulative exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics with potential for a range of serious adverse effects. Short-course antibiotics, even in patients with high-risk febrile neutropenia, may offer a solution. Areas covered : This review addresses the known broad effects of antibiotics, highlights developments in understanding the relationship between cancer, antibiotics and the gut microbiome and discusses emerging evidence regarding long-term adverse antibiotic effects. The authors consider available evidence to guide the duration of empiric antibiotics in pediatric febrile neutropenia and directions for future research. Expert opinion : Broad-spectrum antibiotics are associated with antimicrobial resistance, Clostridioides difficile infection, invasive candidiasis, significant disturbance of the gut microbiome and may seriously impact outcomes in children with cancer or undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Short-course empiric antibiotics are likely safe in most children with febrile neutropenia and present a valuable opportunity to reduce the risks of antibiotic exposure.

Quality of sleep among trainee doctors at the Charles Nicolle Hospital during the 2nd wave of COVID19

IntroductionSleep quality depends on several factors such as smoking, physical activity, diet, and certain pathologies such as obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Indeed, following a COVID-19 infection, several trainee doctors complained about a deterioration of their sleep quality.ObjectivesTo evaluate the quality of sleep of medical trainees working at Charles Nicolle Hospital who were infected by SARS-COV2.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study, among medical trainees at Charles Nicolle Hospital, infected by COVID-19 during the period from July 2020 to November 2020. Sleep quality was evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Trainees were contacted during the period August 2022 to September 2022.ResultsFifty-three trainee doctors have joined our study. Forty-five of them had a significant sleep disturbance with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) greater than five. The average age was 29.4±3.07 years old with a female majority (75%). No psychiatric history was found. The most affected category of trainees were residents (74%), particularly those working in the general surgery department (18%) and the anaesthesia and intensive care department (9%). Among those trainees, 80% had night shifts with an average of six shifts per month. Sleep latency was high in 20% of cases. A sleep duration of less than five hours per night was found in 18% of the cases. Six participants reported using sleeping pill three to four times a week.ConclusionsOur study revealed a significant sleep disturbance among trainee doctors. This could be due to the SARS-COV2 infection but can also be explained by the night shifts burden and the great mental load at work during this pandemic period.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Checking the scales: A psychometric evaluation of the Weight Concerns Scale in a sample of college-aged cisgender men from the United States.

Historically, western societies have considered body image issues to predominantly affect young, White women. While in recent years men's body image issues have been increasingly highlighted by researchers and the media alike, many instruments currently used to identify clinically significant body image disturbances were developed and validated with samples solely of women and/or girls. One such measure, Killen et al.'s (1994) Weight Concerns Scale (WCS), was initially validated in a sample of adolescent girls. The WCS has yet to be validated in samples of men, despite being used in large national surveys of college men and women (e.g., the Healthy Minds Study; HMS) used to inform resources on college campuses. Accordingly, we used structural equation modeling to conduct invariance testing between college student cisgender men's (n = 2,248) and women's (n = 4,733) responses on the WCS via the HMS. Through the use of two different approaches of invariance testing, evidence for metric noninvariance of two of the five items was identified, and all five items evidenced a response pattern that favored women over men. Additionally, removing noninvariant items on the WCS impacted the moderating effect of gender with indicators of depression, anxiety, and eating disorder symptomology. These findings suggest that the use of the WCS may not be appropriate for use in a cis-male sample without modification. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Future high-resolution and high-cadence observations for unraveling small-scale explosive solar features

Solar coronal jets are frequently occurring collimated ejections of solar plasma, originating from magnetically mixed polarity locations on the Sun of size scale comparable to that of a supergranule. Many, if not most, coronal jets are produced by eruptions of small-scale filaments, or minifilaments, whose magnetic field reconnects both with itself and also with surrounding coronal field. There is evidence that minifilament eruptions are a scaled-down version of typical filament eruptions that produce solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Moreover, the magnetic processes building up to and triggering minifilament eruptions, which is often flux cancelation, might similarly build up and trigger the larger filaments to erupt. Thus, detailed study of coronal jets will inform us of the physics leading to, triggering, and driving the larger eruptions. Additionally, such studies potentially can inform us of smaller-scale coronal-jet-like features, such as jetlets and perhaps some spicules, that might work the same way as coronal jets. We propose a high-resolution (∼0″. 1 pixels), high-cadence (∼5 s) EUV-solar-imaging mission for the upcoming decades, that would be dedicated to observations of features of the coronal-jet size scale, and smaller-scale solar features produced by similar physics. Such a mission could provide invaluable insight into the operation of larger features such as CMEs that produce significant Space Weather disturbances, and also smaller-scale features that could be important for coronal heating, solar wind acceleration, and heliospheric features such as the magnetic switchbacks that are frequently observed in the solar wind.

Abstract P6-05-14: The association of sleep quality with anxiety, depression and social support in breast cancer patients with chemotherapy

Abstract Background:Chemotherapy has side effects on breast cancer patients, and sleep disturbance is one of the common psychological symptoms. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the incidence of sleep disorders and investigate the relationship between anxiety and depression, hope, social support and sleep disorders in breast cancer patients with chemotherapy in China.Results:Total 350 patients were administered questionnaires, and 329 patients completed the questionnaires. The recovery rate was 94%. The majority of participants reported clinically significant sleep disturbance prior to chemotherapy (67.8%), during chemotherapy (71.8%), and after chemotherapy (72.2%). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the higher the direct support, emotional support, social interaction support, informational support and total social support score, the lower the total PSQI score of breast cancer patients (r = -0.212, -0.292, -0.236, -0.271, and -0.195 p< 0.01, respectively). Multifactorial model analysis showed that direct support, anxiety and age were the three main factors that affected sleep quality in breast cancer patients. Conclusions:social support may provide a powerful tool to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in breast cancer patients with chemotherapy. Citation Format: Wenjuan Zhu, Wanling Li, Hui Yang, Linying Wang, Jun Guo, Jinnan Gao. The association of sleep quality with anxiety, depression and social support in breast cancer patients with chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-05-14.

Sleep disorders in patients with a first psychotic episode: a case-control study

Introduction Patients with chronic schizophrenia experience significant disturbances in the quality and quantity of their sleep and it had been mainly attributed to severity of symptoms and antipsychotic use. Recent studies suggested that antipsychotic-naïve early course patients with schizophrenia and their non-psychotic first-degree relatives also show altered sleep quality. Objectives In this study we aimed to compare sleep parameters in antipsychotic-naive first-episode schizophrenia patients to their healthy siblings and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive case-control study in the Psychiatry « G » department at Razi Hospital, for a period of six months. Our sample consisted of three groups: a group of schizophrenic patients, a group of their healthy siblings and a group of healthy controls. The three groups were matched by age and sex. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess the severity of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQr), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used in the three groups to assess Circadian preference, daytime sleepiness and sleep quality. Results There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the chronotype. Patients had significantly higher daytime sleepiness compared to siblings (p=0.001) and controls (p<0.001). Patients also had poorer quality sleep (PSQI total score) than siblings (p<0.001) and controls (p<0.001), longer sleep latency than siblings (p=0.003) and controls (p<0.001); lower habitual sleep efficiency than siblings (p=0.003) and controls (p<0.001). Siblings had poorer sleep quality (p=0.001), longer sleep latency (p=0.006) and shorter sleep duration (p=0.033) compared to control subjects. Conclusions Our results joined those of the literature concerning the significant prevalence of sleep disorders in early psychosis. In addition, the alteration of sleep quality in unaffected siblings compared to healthy controls supports the hypotheses suggested in the literature that sleep disorders may be markers of genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia and serve as a potential endophenotype of the disease. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Installation Effects and Behavior of a Driven Prestressed High-Strength Concrete Nodular Pile in Deep Saturated Soft Clay

This paper investigated the installation effects of a driven prestressed high-strength concrete (PHC) nodular pile in deep soft clay through full-scale tests, and the behavior of a driven PHC nodular pile is analyzed based on the field test results. The test results demonstrated that the driven PHC nodular pile installation process induced significant disturbance in the surrounding soil. The excess pore water pressures (Δu) that were induced by the installation of a driven PHC nodular pile were larger than the Δu that were induced by the installation of a driven PHC pipe pile. The driven PHC nodular pile installation caused significant Δu in the soil down to 2 m below the pile base, and the Δu became much smaller in the soil at 4 m below the pile base. The Δu dissipated slowly in the soft clay layers, and the Δu in the surficial soil layers dissipated faster than that in the deep soil layers. The nodules along the PHC nodular pile shaft could increase the pile shaft capacity. The measured shaft resistances of 350(400)-mm PHC nodular piles were 1.17–1.18 times the calculated shaft resistances of 350-mm PHC pipe piles in soft clay layers.

Оцінка ризику розвитку соматотропної недостатності залежно від розподілу частот алелей і генотипів поліморфного локусу rs1544410 BsmI гена рецептора вітаміну D

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a disease caused by a significant disturbance in the growth hormone (GH) /growth factor system, it occures as a result of various hereditary or acquired causes and is characterized, first of all, by a significant delay in the child's growth and physical development. GHD can be isolated or combined with deficiency of other adenohypophysis hormones. The presence of a relationship between the GH /growth factor system and vitamin D (vit D) determines the involvement of genetic changes in the vit D receptor (VDR) in the pathogenesis of GHD. Purpose - to assess the risk of developing GHD based on the investigation of the distribution of allele frequencies and genotypes of the polymorphic locus rs1544410 BsmI of the VDR gene. Materials and methods. The determination of VDR BsmI gene (rs1544410) polymorphism was performed using the polymerase chain reaction method, followed by analysis of the length of restriction fragments upon their detection by agarose gel electrophoresis in 22 prepubertal children with GHD. The serum 25-hydroxycalciferol (25(OH)D) level was determined by immunochemiluminescent method on microparticles (Abbott, USA). Results. G/A allele was most often found in children with isolated GHD and multiple pituitary insufficiency (MPH) (43.8% and 83.3%, respectively). In the presence of G/A and G/G genotypes, the risk of GHD is reliably high: OR=3.60 (95% CI 1.40-9.23); OR=10.69 (95% CI 2.34-48.85) respectively; with the A/A genotype variant the risk of GHD is reliably low OR=0.11 (95% CI 0.04-0.33). Carrying the G allele of the polymorphic locus rs1544410 Bsm I of the VDR gene is associated with the risk of developing GHD OR=5.58 (95% CI 4.51-6.90; p<0.001). A significantly difference in the peak GH release was established in patients carrying the G/G and A/A, G/G and G/A alleles. 83.33% of children with MPH and 68.49% with isolated GHD had hypovitaminosis D. Vit D deficiency was recorded in carriers of all three types of alleles. Conclusions. In the presence of G/A and G/G genotypes, the risk of GHD increases, in the presence of the A/A genotype, it decreases. The G allele carrier of the polymorphic locus rs1544410 Bsm I of the VDR gene is associated with the risk of developing GHD OR=5.58 (95% CI 4.51-6.90; p<0.001), despite the ideal distribution of genotypes. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of all participating institutions. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Meiosis-mediated reproductive toxicity by fenitrothion in Caenorhabditis elegans from metabolomic perspective

Fenitrothion (FNT), an organophosphorus insecticide, is widely detected in the living environment. The reproductive and endocrine toxicity of FNT to biological communities has been ever reported, but potential mechanism and reproductive toxicity dose effect remain unclear. In our study, we constructed Caenorhabditis elegans model to analyze the reproductive toxicity mechanism of FNT based on metabolomics and evaluated its reproductive toxicity dose effect using benchmark dose (BMD)method. Our results showed that FNT exposure significantly reduced brood size, number of germ cells, and delayed gonadal development in nematodes. Non-targeted metabolomics revealed that FNT exposure caused significant metabolic disturbances in nematodes, leading to a significant reduction in the synthesis of cortisol and melatonin, and the latter played a mediating role in the effects of FNT on number of germ cells. We further found that the levels of these two hormones were significantly negative correlated with the expression of the androgen receptor nhr-69 and affected the meiosis of germ cells by regulating the nhr-69/ fbf-1/2 /gld-3 /fog-1/3 pathway. Meanwhile, the study found the BMDL10s for N2 and him-5 mutant were 0.411 μg/L by number of germ cells and 0.396 μg/L by number of germ cells in the meiotic zone, respectively, providing a more protective reference dose for ecological risk assessment of FNT. This study suggested that FNT can affect androgen receptor expression by inhibiting cortisol and melatonin secretion, which further mediate the meiotic pathway to affect sperm formation and exert reproductive toxicity, and provides a basis for setting reproductive toxicity limits for FNT.

Potential Protective Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Supplementation on Cadmium-Induced Toxicity in Albinos Wistar Rat

Polluants like heavy metals are ubiquitous in the environment, and they can enter our bodies and cause many illnesses and metabolic dysfunctions. The objective of our study is to demonstrate the beneficial effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa) (Cur) on the toxicity induced by cadmium chloride (Cd) in Albinos wistar rats. Forty male rats were divided into four groups and treated daily for 30 days. The first group (0-0) served as a control and received a normal diet without Cd and Cur. The second group (0-Cur) received 2% of Cur in their food. The third group (Cd-0) was on a normal diet, but they were given Cd orally at a dose of 5 mg/kg. The fourth group (Cd-Cur) was treated with 5 mg/kg Cd and 2% Cur. Biochemical, hematological, and histological markers as well as oxidative stress parameters were estimated. Cd exposure induced a significant disturbance in all the values of the parameters studied compared to the control group. In addition, Cd toxicity caused liver and kidney tissue degeneration. However, feeding a turmeric-rich diet reduced the intensity of cadmium-induced oxidative stress and restored all studied biological analyzes in comparison with the control group. At the same time, tissue degeneration was remarkably corrected. The results suggest that turmeric supplementation in the diet is beneficial as it has the power to reduce cadmium toxicity.

Clinical symptoms, thyroid dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances in first-episode drug-naïve major depressive disorder patients with suicide attempts: A network perspective.

Co-occurrence of thyroid dysfunction, metabolic disturbances, and worsening clinical symptoms in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with suicidal attempts (SA) are common. However, their relationship in SA patients remains unexplored. We aimed to (1) determine the independent association of thyroid dysfunction, clinical symptoms, and metabolic disturbances with SA; and (2) identify their interactions in SA patients via the network approach. 1718 FEDN MDD patients were recruited. Depressive, anxiety, and psychotic symptoms were assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Subscale positive subscale, respectively. The serum levels of thyroid hormones and other metabolic parameters were assessed. Logistic regression model was applied to determine the correlates of SA. Network analysis was applied to determine the interaction between thyroid dysfunction, clinical symptoms, and metabolic disturbances. SA patients had significant worse metabolic disturbances, thyroid dysfunction, and clinical symptoms than non-SA patients. Thyroid peroxidases antibody, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), HAMD scores, HAMA scores, and systolic blood pressure was independently associated with SA. Network analysis suggested that TSH was the hub of the network, exhibiting substantial associations with metabolic disturbances, anxiety, and psychotic symptoms in SA patients. Our work highlights the predominant role of serum TSH levels in the pathophysiology of SA. Regular thyroid function tests might help early detect SA. Targeting increased TSH levels may help reduce metabolic disturbances and clinical symptoms in SA patients.

Prevalence and predictors of sleep problems in women following a cancer diagnosis: results from the women's wellness after cancer program.

Using a discrete dataset from the Women's Wellness after Cancer Program (WWACP), we examine the prevalence and predictors of self-reported sleep problems in women previously treated for cancer. Participants were 351 women (Mage = 53.2, SD = 8.8) from the WWACP who had completed surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for breast, gynaecological or blood cancers within the previous 24months. Sleep problems were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Baseline data (i.e. prior to intervention randomisation) were analysed. Most women (59%) reported clinically significant sleep disturbance (PSQI > 5), 40% reported insufficient sleep duration (< 7h), 38% self-reported poor sleep quality and 28% reported poor habitual sleep efficiency (sleep efficiency < 75%). Fewer psychological and vasomotor climacteric symptoms, age < 45years and having a partner were associated with reduced odds (AOR < 1) of sleep problems. Higher levels of pain-related disability, and an intermediate compared to 'high' level of education, were associated with increased odds (AOR > 1) of sleep problems. These findings confirm previous studies that have found a high prevalence of sleep problems in women previously treated for cancer. A range of sociodemographic, climacteric and pain-related factors were associated with sleep problemsin this study. Targeted interventions to improve sleep quality after cancer treatment should be explored in this population. Predictors identified in this study could inform intervention targeting and development.

Complications and Outcomes of the Nuss Procedure in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review.

Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity, commonly identified in early childhood, creating a "sunken chest" appearance. Over time, the deformity can worsen, thus impacting cardiopulmonary function and creating significant body image disturbance in patients. The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive technique in which a curved steel bar is introduced underneath the sternum through small bilateral thoracic incisions to correct the deformity. Most studies regarding the procedure to date focus on outcomes and complications in pediatric patients, however, few studies discuss these results in adult patients. This systematic review aims to analyze common complications and outcomes in patients over the age of 18 who have not undergone any prior intervention for pectus excavatum. The most common complications experienced in adult patients were displacement of the implanted steel bar, infection of the surgical site, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and chronic postoperative pain. Reoperation was common in patients with a displacement of the bar, chronic pain, and bleeding. Additionally, adult patients routinely required a higher number of steel bars to be placed to correct the deformity. Despite evidence that the rate of complications increases with age, the majority of adult patients in our included studies were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure with indications of improved self-image and reduced preoperative symptoms such as dyspnea on exertion, palpitations, chest pain, and depression.

Comprehensive insights into the metabolism characteristics of small RNA Qrr4 in Vibrio alginolyticus.

Vibrio alginolyticus is an important foodborne pathogen that can infect both humans and marine animals and cause massive economic losses in aquaculture. Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are emerging posttranscriptional regulators that affect bacterial physiology and pathological processes. In the present work, a new cell density-dependent sRNA, Qrr4, was characterized in V. alginolyticus based on a previously reported RNA-seq analysis and bioinformatics approach. The effects of Qrr4 actions on the physiology, virulence, and metabolism of V. alginolyticus were comprehensively investigated based on molecular biology and metabolomics approaches. The results showed that qrr4 deletion markedly inhibited growth, motility and extracellular protease activities. Additionally, nontargeted metabolism and lipidomics analyses revealed that qrr4 deletion induced significant disturbance of multiple metabolic pathways. The key metabolic remodelling that occurred in response to qrr4 deletion was found to involve phospholipid, nucleotide, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolic pathways, providing novel clues about a potential mechanism via which mutation of qrr4 could interfere with cellular energy homeostasis, modulate membrane phospholipid composition and inhibit nucleic acid and protein syntheses to regulate the motility, growth and virulence characteristics of V. alginolyticus. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory roles of the new cell density-dependent sRNA Qrr4 in V. alginolyticus. KEY POINTS: • A novel cell density-dependent sRNA, Qrr4, was cloned in V. alginolyticus. •Qrr4 regulated growth and virulence factors of V. alginolyticus. • Phospholipid, nucleotide and energy metabolisms were modulated obviously by Qrr4.