Currently it is not known whether morningness-eveningness preference in non-night shift working population is associated with systemic inflammation. This study investigated the relationship between morningness-eveningness and systemic inflammation, as measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in 163 non-night shift working patients with abnormal glucose tolerance (86 type 2 diabetes and 77 prediabetes). Morningness-eveningness was assessed by Composite Scale of Morningness, and participants were screened for Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep duration, efficiency, and variability were obtained using actigraphy, and depressive symptoms and dietary patterns were also captured. Participants’ mean age was 54.7 ± 10.4 years and median hs-CRP was 1.39 (interquartile range 0.82, 3.33) mg/L. More evening preference was significantly associated with higher natural log transformed (ln) hs-CRP (B = −0.051, p = 0.001). Diabetes status, glycemic control, OSA severity, sleep duration, caloric consumption and timing were not related to hs-CRP. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, depressive symptoms, sleep efficiency, sleep variability, percentage of daily caloric intake from protein, and statin use, more evening preference was independently associated with higher ln hs-CRP (B = −0.032, p = 0.014). In summary, in non-night shift working patients with abnormal glucose tolerance, more evening preference was independently associated with higher systemic inflammation. This finding underscore the importance of circadian regulation on cardiovascular health.

Deep neck infection is defined as an infectious process in the potential spaces and fascial plane of the neck which may result in a fatal complication. Prompt drainage and broad-spectrum antibiotics are the mainstays of treatment. Deep neck infection as the initial presentation of primary head and neck cancer is not common. Nevertheless, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is the most common primary head and neck cancer, which could present with cervical metastasis and subsequently becomes infected. Papillary thyroid cancer has a naturally indolent course, and most patients present with a thyroid nodule. However, deep neck infection could be an uncommon presentation of papillary thyroid cancer which may obscure the diagnosis of underlying malignancy. This case report aims to present a rare presentation of papillary thyroid cancer which needs meticulous evaluation. Moreover, the pathological examination should be performed in all cases of deep neck infection for early detection and management of underlying papillary thyroid cancer.