Association between health literacy with stress, anxiety and depression in multiple sclerosis patients: A cross sectional analytical study

OBJECTIVE

Multiple sclerosis is one of the diseases of the central nervous system, which causes numerous physical and mental problems. Since stress, anxiety and depression are effective in various dimensions of chronic diseases management and considering that health literacy plays a decisive role in the quality of life of these patients. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the association between health literacy and stress, anxiety and depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current research is a cross-sectional analytical study that was conducted with the participation of 164 patient's from the MS society of Jahrom city with convenience sampling. The data collection tool was the health literacy questionnaire of multiple sclerosis patients and a 21-question stress, anxiety and depression questionnaire. SPSS - 21 software, descriptive statistics and spearman and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The findings showed that the majority of patients had a borderline health literacy (53.7%). 43.3% of patients had adequate level of health literacy. Also, the findings showed that the stress, anxiety and depression levels of the majority of patients were moderate. Spearman's test showed that there is a negative and significant correlation between health literacy and stress in multiple sclerosis patients (p=0.03) (r=-0.37). While there was no significant correlation between health literacy and anxiety and depression of patients.

CONCLUSION

The findings showed that with the increase in the health literacy, the rate of stress in patient's decreases.

Deepening the knowledge of universal stress proteins in Haloferax mediterranei

Haloarchaea, like many other microorganisms, have developed defense mechanisms such as universal stress proteins (USPs) to cope with environmental stresses affecting microbial growth. Despite the wide distribution of these proteins in Archaea, their biochemical characteristics still need to be discovered, and there needs to be more knowledge about them focusing on halophilic Archaea. Therefore, elucidating the role of USPs would provide valuable information to improve future biotechnological applications. Accordingly, transcriptional expression of the 37 annotated USPs in the Haloferax mediterranei genome has been examined under different stress conditions. From a global perspective, finding a clear tendency between particular USPs and specific stress conditions was not possible. Contrary, data analysis indicates that there is a recruitment mechanism of proteins with a similar sequence able to modulate the H. mediterranei growth, accelerating or slowing it, depending on their number. In fact, only three of these USPs were expressed in all the tested conditions, pointing to the cell needing a set of USPs to cope with stress conditions. After analysis of the RNA-Seq data, three differentially expressed USPs were selected and homologously overexpressed. According to the growth data, the overexpression of USPs induces a gain of tolerance in response to stress, as a rule. Therefore, this is the only work that studies all the USPs in an archaeon. It represents a significant first base to continue advancing, not only in this important family of stress proteins but also in the field of biotechnology and, at an industrial level, to improve applications such as designing microorganisms resistant to stress situations. KEY POINTS: • Expression of Haloferax mediterranei USPs has been analyzed in stress conditions. • RNA-seq analysis reveals that most of the USPs in H. mediterranei are downregulated. • Homologous overexpression of USPs results in more stress-tolerant strains.

Revisiting the role and mechanism of ELF3 in circadian clock modulation

The gene encoding EARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3) is necessary for photoperiodic flowering and the normal regulation of circadian rhythms. It provides important information at the cellular level to uncover the biological mechanisms that improve plant growth and development. ELF3 interactions with transcription factors such as BROTHER OF LUX ARRHYTHMO (BOA), LIGHT-REGULATED WD1 (LWD1), PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4), PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 7 (PIF7), and LUX ARRHYTHMO (LUX) suggest a role in evening complex (EC) independent pathways, demanding further investigation to elucidate the EC-dependent versus EC-independent mechanisms. The ELF3 regulation of flowering time about photoperiod and temperature variations can also optimize crop cultivation across diverse latitudes. In this review paper, we summarize how ELF3's role in the circadian clock and light-responsive flowering control in crops offers substantial potential for scientific advancement and practical applications in biotechnology and agriculture. Despite its essential role in crop adaptation, very little is known in many important crops. Consequently, comprehensive and targeted research is essential for extrapolating ELF3-related insights from Arabidopsis to other crops, utilizing both computational and experimental methodologies. This research should prioritize investigations into ELF3's protein-protein interactions, post-translational modifications, and genomic targets to elucidate its contribution to accurate circadian clock regulation.

Meta-analysis of Circulatory mitomiRs in stress Response: Unveiling the significance of miR-34a and miR-146a

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNAs with essential roles in cellular pathways and are often associated with various diseases and stress conditions. Recently, they have been discovered in mitochondria, termed "mitomiRs," with unique functions. Mitochondria, crucial organelles for energy production and stress responses, Dysregulated mitomiRs functions and expression has been evident in stress conditions such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative. In this meta-analysis we have systematically identified miR-34a & miR-146a as possible potential biomarkers for affliction.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the potential role of miR-34a and miR-146a, two specific mitomiRs, as biomarkers in stress-related conditions. The study followed PRISMA guidelines, involving comprehensive database searches in May and September 2023. Twelve studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria were selected, and data analysis included the evaluation of miR-34a and miR-146a expression levels in various stress conditions compared to control groups. We also performed Gene ontology (GO) and Pathway enrichment analysis to observe how mitomiRs affects our body.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis revealed a significant increase in overall mitomiRs (miR-34a and miR-146a) expression levels in experimental groups experiencing different stress conditions compared to control groups (Z = 3.54, p < 0.05 using RevMan software). miR-34a demonstrated more pronounced upregulation and exhibited potential as a specific biomarker in certain stress-related conditions (Z = 2.22, p < 0.05). However, miR-146a did not show a significant difference, requiring further investigation in various stress-related contexts. The Analysis indicated a high degree of heterogeneity among the studies.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis emphasises the importance of mitomiRs, especially miR-34a, as potential biomarkers in the intricate interplay between stress, mitochondrial function, and disease. The study opens new avenues for exploring miRNAs' diagnostic and therapeutic applications in stress-related diseases, highlighting their pivotal role at the crossroads of molecular biology, psychology, and medicine.

Exploring the complex interrelation between depressive symptoms, risk, and protective factors: A comprehensive network approach

BACKGROUND

Depressive symptoms seem to be interrelated in a complex and self-reinforcing way. To gain a better understanding of this complexity, the inclusion of theoretically relevant constructs (such as risk and protective factors) offers a comprehensive view into the complex mechanisms underlying depression.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from individuals diagnosed with a major depressive disorder (N = 986) and healthy controls (N = 1049) were analyzed. Participants self-reported their depressive symptoms, as well as several risk factors and protective factors. Regularized partial correlation networks were estimated for each group and compared using a network comparison test.

RESULTS

Symptoms of depression were more strongly connected in the network of depressed patients than in healthy controls. Among the risk factors, perceived stress, the experience of negative life events, emotional neglect, and emotional abuse were the most centrally embedded in both networks. However, the centrality of risk factors did not significantly differ between the two groups. Among the protective factors, social support, personal competence, and acceptance were the most central in both networks, where the latter was significantly more strongly associated with the symptom of self-hate in depressed patients.

CONCLUSION

The network analysis revealed that key symptoms of depression were more strongly connected for depressed patients than for healthy controls, and that risk and protective factors play an important role, particularly perceived stress in both groups and an accepting attitude for depressed patients. However, the purpose of this study is hypothesis generating and assisting in the potential selection of non-symptom nodes for future research.

Polygenic risk scores for mood and related disorders and environmental factors: Interaction effects on wellbeing in the UK biobank

Mood disorders have a genetic and environmental component and interactions (GxE) on the risk of psychiatric diseases have been investigated. The same GxE interactions may affect wellbeing measures, which go beyond categorical diagnoses and reflect the health-disease continuum. We evaluated GxE effects in the UK Biobank, considering as outcomes subjective wellbeing (feeling good and functioning well) and objective measures (education and income). We estimated the polygenic risk scores (PRSs) of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Stressful/traumatic events during adulthood or childhood were considered as E variables, as well as social support. The addition of the PRSxE interaction to PRS and E variables was tested in linear or multinomial regression models, adjusting for confounders. We included 33 k-380 k participants, depending on the variables considered. Most PRSs and E factors showed additive effects on outcomes, with effect sizes generally 3-5 times larger for E variables than PRSs. We found some interaction effects, particularly when considering recent stress, history of a long illness/disability/infirmity, and social support. Higher PRSs increased the negative effects of stress on wellbeing, but they also increased the positive effects of social support, with interaction effects particularly for the outcomes health satisfaction, loneliness, and income (p < Bonferroni corrected threshold of 1.92e-4). PRSxE terms usually added ∼0.01-0.02% variance explained to the corresponding additive model. PRSxE effects on wellbeing involve both positive and negative E factors. Despite small variance explained at the population level, preventive/therapeutic interventions that modify E factors could be beneficial at the individual level.

5-HT1A receptors within the intermediate lateral septum modulate stress vulnerability in male mice

Chronic stress is a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders. However, certain individuals may be at higher risk due to greater stress susceptibility. Elucidating the neurobiology of stress resilience and susceptibility may facilitate the development of novel strategies to prevent and treat stress-related disorders such as depression. Mounting evidence suggests that the serotonin (5-HT) system is a major regulator of stress sensitivity. In this study, we assessed the functions of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors within the lateral septum (LS) in regulating stress vulnerability. Among a group of male mice exposed to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), 47.2% were classified as stress-susceptible, and these mice employed more passive coping strategies during the defeat and exhibited more severe anxiety- and depression-like behaviors during the following behavioral tests. These stress-susceptible mice also exhibited elevated neuronal activity in the LS as evidenced by greater c-Fos expression, greater activity of 5-HT neurons in both the dorsal and median raphe nucleus, and downregulated expression of the 5-HT1A receptor in the intermediate LS (LSi). Finally, we found the stress-induced social withdrawal symptoms could be rapidly relieved by LSi administration of 8-OH-DPAT, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist. These results indicate that 5-HT1A receptors within the LSi play an important role in stress vulnerability in mice. Therefore, modulation of stress vulnerable via 5-HT1A receptor activation in the LSi is a potential strategy to treat stress-related psychiatric disorders.

Happy Hour: The association between trait hedonic capacity and motivation to drink alcohol

The (over)consumption of alcohol and other addictive substances is often conceptualized as a problem of low self-control (i.e., people's inability to inhibit unwanted impulses). According to that view, people drink because they cannot resist. In the present studies, we approached this from a different perspective and tested whether alcohol consumption might also be a problem of low hedonic capacity (i.e., people's inability to experience pleasure and relaxation, often due to intrusive thoughts). According to that view, people drink because it helps them enjoy or cope with negative thoughts or emotions. In two studies among individuals at low risk of harmful alcohol use (e.g., AUDIT < 7) we consistently found that trait hedonic capacity was unrelated to alcohol consumption but negatively related to coping motivation (drinking alcohol to cope with negative thoughts and feelings; Study 1: N = 348; Study 2: N = 302, preregistered). Exploratory analyses in study 2 (conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic) also showed that people with low, but not high, trait hedonic capacity drank more alcohol in response to stress. Our findings are in line with the notion that people's drinking motivation and behavior might not only be a problem of poor self-control but also of low trait hedonic capacity. They align with a new direction in addiction prevention and treatment research, which explores ways to help people to seek out and savor hedonic experiences from non-drug related reinforcers (e.g., engaging in leisure activities).

Small but powerful: RALF peptides in plant adaptive and developmental responses

Plants live in a highly dynamic environment and require to rapidly respond to a plethora of environmental stimuli, so that to maintain their optimal growth and development. A small plant peptide, rapid alkalization factor (RALF), can rapidly increase the pH value of the extracellular matrix in plant cells. RALFs always function with its corresponding receptors. Mechanistically, effective amount of RALF is induced and released at the critical period of plant growth and development or under different external environmental factors. Recent studies also highlighted the role of RALF peptides as important regulators in plant intercellular communications, as well as their operation in signal perception and as ligands for different receptor kinases on the surface of the plasma membrane, to integrate various environmental cues. In this context, understanding the fine-print of above processes may be essential to solve the problems of crop adaptation to various harsh environments under current climate trends scenarios, by genetic means. This paper summarizes the current knowledge about the structure and diversity of RALF peptides and their roles in plant development and response to stresses, highlighting unanswered questions and problems to be solved.

Improved method for stress detection using bio-sensor technology and machine learning algorithms

Maintaining an optimal stress level is vital in our lives, yet many individuals struggle to identify the sources of their stress. As emotional stability and mental awareness become increasingly important, wearable medical technology has gained popularity in recent years. This technology enables real-time monitoring, providing medical professionals with crucial physiological data to enhance patient care. Current stress-detection methods, such as ECG, BVP, and body movement analysis, are limited by their rigidity and susceptibility to noise interference. To overcome these limitations, we introduce STRESS-CARE, a versatile stress detection sensor employing a hybrid approach. This innovative system utilizes a sweat sensor, cutting-edge context identification methods, and machine learning algorithms. STRESS-CARE processes sensor data and models environmental fluctuations using an XG Boost classifier. By combining these advanced techniques, we aim to revolutionize stress detection, offering a more adaptive and robust solution for improved stress management and overall well-being.•In the proposed method, we introduce a state-of-the-art stress detection device with Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) sweat sensors, outperforming traditional Electrocardiogram (ECG) methods while remaining non-invasive•Integrating machine learning, particularly XG-Boost algorithms, enhances detection accuracy and reliability.•This study sheds light on noise context comprehension for various wearable devices, offering crucial guidance for optimizing stress detection in multiple contexts and applications.

The relationship between negative life events and cortical structural connectivity in adolescents

Adolescence is a crucial period for physical and psychological development. The impact of negative life events represents a risk factor for the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders. This study aims to investigate the relationship between negative life events and structural brain connectivity, considering both graph theory and connectivity strength. A group (n = 487) of adolescents from the IMAGEN Consortium was divided into Low and High Stress groups. Brain networks were extracted at an individual level, based on morphological similarity between grey matter regions with regions defined using an atlas-based region of interest (ROI) approach. Between-group comparisons were performed with global and local graph theory measures in a range of sparsity levels. The analysis was also performed in a larger sample of adolescents (n = 976) to examine linear correlations between stress level and network measures. Connectivity strength differences were investigated with network-based statistics. Negative life events were not found to be a factor influencing global network measures at any sparsity level. At local network level, between-group differences were found in centrality measures of the left somato-motor network (a decrease of betweenness centrality was seen at sparsity 5%), of the bilateral central visual and the left dorsal attention network (increase of degree at sparsity 10% at sparsity 30% respectively). Network-based statistics analysis showed an increase in connectivity strength in the High stress group in edges connecting the dorsal attention, limbic and salience networks. This study suggests negative life events alone do not alter structural connectivity globally, but they are associated to connectivity properties in areas involved in emotion and attention.

Expression of β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors in oral squamous cell carcinoma and their association with psychological and clinical factors

BACKGROUND

Psychological stressors have been related to tumor progression through the activation of beta-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) in several types of cancer.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the expressions of β1- and β2-AR and their association with psychological and clinicopathological variables in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

Tumor samples from 99 patients diagnosed with OSCC were subjected to immunohistochemical reaction to detect the expression of β1-AR and β2-AR. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), respectively. The Brunel Mood Scale was used for measuring affective mood states.

RESULTS

Univariate analyzes revealed that higher expression of β1-AR was associated with increased alcohol consumption (p = 0.032), higher education (p = 0.042), worse sleep quality (p = 0.044) and increased levels of pain related to the primary tumor (p < 0.001). Higher expression of β2-AR was related with regional metastasis (p = 0.014), increased levels of pain related to the primary tumor (p = 0.044), anxiety (p < 0.001) and depressive (p = 0.010) symptoms and higher mood scores of angry (p = 0.010) and fatigue (p = 0.010). Multivariate analysis identified that patients with advanced clinical stage had lower β1-AR expression (OR=0.145, 95% CI=0.025-0.828, p = 0.003). Higher anxiety symptoms and higher mood fatigue are independent factors for increased β2-AR expression (OR=4256, 95% CI=1439-12606, p = 0.009; OR=3816, 95% CI=1258-11,573, p = 0.018, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study reveal that anxiety, fatigue symptoms, and clinical staging are associated with tumor expression of beta-adrenergic receptors in patients with oral cancer.

Investigating psychological mechanisms of self-controlled decisions for food and leisure activity

Maintaining a healthy body weight requires balancing energy intake and expenditure. While previous research investigated energy input or food decisions, little is known about energy output or leisure activity decisions. By combining experimental decision-making paradigms and computational approaches, we investigated the psychological mechanisms of self-controlled food and leisure activity decisions through the effects of reward-oriented and health-oriented preferences as well as body weight status, stress, and coping. Based on individual's responses, the self-controlled food and leisure activity choices were indexed as the proportions of "no" unhealthy but tasty (or enjoyable) (inhibitory self-control against short-term pleasure) and "yes" healthy but not tasty (or not enjoyable) responses (initiatory self-control for long-term health benefits). The successful self-control decisions for food and leisure activity were positively correlated with each other, r = 22, p < .01. In beta regression analyses, the successful self-controlled food decisions decreased as the taste-oriented process increased, β = - 0.50, z = -2.99, p < .005, and increased as the health-oriented process increased, β = 1.57, z = 4.68, p < .001. Similarly, the successful self-controlled leisure activity decisions decreased as the enjoyment-oriented process increased, β = - 0.79, z = -5.31, p < .001, and increased as the health-oriented process increased, β = 0.66, z = 2.19, p < .05. The effects of the other factors were not significant. Overall, our findings demonstrated the mutual interrelationship between food and leisure activity decision-making and suggest that encouraging health-oriented processes may benefit both energy input and expenditure domains and improve self-controlled choices.

Efficacy of the my health too online cognitive behavioral therapy program for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Healthcare workers' mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for mental health interventions in this population. Online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficient to reduce stress and may reach numerous professionals. We developed "MyHealthToo", an online CBT program to help reduce stress among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

The aim of our study is to investigate the efficacy of an online CBT program on stress and mental health conditions among healthcare workers during a health crisis.

Methods

We performed a multicentric randomized controlled trial among 155 participants allocated either to the experimental or active control group (bibliotherapy). The primary outcome was the decrease of perceived stress scores (PSS-10) post-treatment. Secondary outcomes included depression, insomnia and PTSD symptoms along with self-reported resilience and ruminations. Assessments were scheduled pretreatment, mid-treatment (4 weeks), post-treatment (8 weeks), and at 1-month and 4-months follow-up.

Results

For both interventions, mean changes on the PSS-10 were significant post-therapy (W8), as at 1-month (W12) and 4-months (W24) follow-ups. The between-group comparison showed no difference at any time point (ps > 0.88). Work-related ruminations significantly decreased in the experimental group with a significant between-group difference at W8 (Δ = -1.83 [-3.57; -0.09], p = 0.04). Posttraumatic stress symptoms significantly decreased in the experimental group with a significant between-group difference at W12 (Δ = -1.41 [-2.68; -0.14], p = 0.03). The decrease in work-related ruminations at W8 mediated the decrease in posttraumatic stress symptoms at W12 (p = 0.048).

Conclusion

The "MyHealthToo" online CBT intervention may help reduce ruminations about work and posttraumatic stress symptoms among healthcare workers during a major health crisis. Work-related ruminations may represent a relevant target of online interventions to improve mental health among healthcare workers.

Pain in alcohol use disorder: Evaluating effects of childhood trauma, perceived stress, and psychological comorbidity

The relationship between pain and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is complex and bidirectional. The current study examines risk factors for pain in a large comprehensively phenotyped sample including individuals from across the spectrum of alcohol use and misuse. Participants (n = 1101) were drawn from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Natural History Protocol and included treatment-seeking AUD inpatients (AUD+Tx, n = 369), individuals with AUD not seeking treatment (AUD+, n = 161), and individuals without AUD (AUD-, n = 571). General linear models were utilized to test the effects of AUD status, history of childhood trauma exposure, perceived stress, and psychological comorbidity on daily percent time in pain, as well as change in daily percent time in pain across the inpatient stay in AUD+Tx individuals. Overall, 60.2% individuals reported any pain, with a significantly higher prevalence in the AUD+Tx group (82.1%) compared to the AUD+ (56.5%) and AUD- (47.1%) groups. Daily percent time in pain was also highest in the AUD+Tx group (30.2%) and was further increased in those with a history of childhood abuse and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Years of heavy drinking and craving were also associated with increased percent time in pain in the AUD+Tx group. Percent time in pain decreased following acute withdrawal in the AUD+Tx group but plateaued around 25% just prior to discharge. Individuals seeking inpatient treatment for AUD, especially those with a history of childhood trauma and/or comorbid PTSD, report greater percent time in pain compared to those not seeking treatment and those without AUD. The prolonged experience of pain in abstinent AUD inpatients after the resolution of acute withdrawal may signal the early stages of protracted withdrawal. Integrative treatments targeting pain and other symptoms of protracted withdrawal may be effective in improving overall function in people with severe AUD.

Stress biomarkers and child development in young children in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Hundreds of millions of children in low- and middle-income countries are exposed to chronic stressors, such as poverty, poor sanitation and hygiene, and sub-optimal nutrition. These stressors can have physiological consequences for children and may ultimately have detrimental effects on child development. This study explores associations between biological measures of chronic stress in early life and developmental outcomes in a large cohort of young children living in rural Bangladesh.

METHODS

We assessed physiologic measures of stress in the first two years of life using measures of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (salivary cortisol and glucocorticoid receptor gene methylation), the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system (salivary alpha-amylase, heart rate, and blood pressure), and oxidative status (F2-isoprostanes). We assessed child development in the first two years of life with the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDI), the WHO gross motor milestones, and the Extended Ages and Stages Questionnaire (EASQ). We compared development outcomes of children at the 75th and 25th percentiles of stress biomarker distributions while adjusting for potential confounders using generalized additive models, which are statistical models where the outcome is predicted by a potentially non-linear function of predictor variables.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 684 children (49% female) at both 14 and 28 months of age; we included an additional 765 children at 28 months of age. We detected a significant relationship between HPA axis activity and child development, where increased HPA axis activity was associated with poor development outcomes. Specifically, we found that cortisol reactivity (coefficient -0.15, 95% CI (-0.29, -0.01)) and post-stressor levels (coefficient -0.12, 95% CI (-0.24, -0.01)) were associated with CDI comprehension score, post-stressor cortisol was associated with combined EASQ score (coefficient -0.22, 95% CI (-0.41, -0.04), and overall glucocorticoid receptor methylation was associated with CDI expression score (coefficient -0.09, 95% CI (-0.17, -0.01)). We did not detect a significant relationship between SAM activity or oxidative status and child development.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations reveal associations between the physiological evidence of stress in the HPA axis with developmental status in early childhood. These findings add to the existing evidence exploring the developmental consequences of early life stress.

Job satisfaction and burnout syndrome among intensive-care unit nurses: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The severe conditions often experienced in an intensive care unit, combined with poor working conditions, increase stress and therefore decrease job satisfaction. Sustained stress in the workplace leads to the development of burnout, a syndrome characterised by three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and perceived lack of personal fulfilment.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the relationship between burnout syndrome and job satisfaction among ICU personnel.

DATA SOURCES

The PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus databases were used.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis. The study sample consisted of 18 quantitative primary studies conducted in the last five years. Validated questionnaires were used to assess burnout in ICU healthcare workers, the most commonly used being the Maslach Burnout Inventory.

EXTRACTION METHODS

The search equation applied was: "job satisfaction AND nurs* AND burnout AND (ICU OR intensive care units)". The search was performed in October 2022.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The search returned 514 results. Only 73 articles met the eligibility criteria. After reading the title and abstract, 20 articles were selected. After reading the full texts, 12 articles remained and after the reverse search, 18 articles were finally selected. The studies reported a 50% prevalence of burnout, all three dimensions of which were heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of the study findings revealed an inverse association between burnout and job satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Job dissatisfaction of ICU nurses depends on lack of experience, working conditions or working environment among others. ICU nurses with lower job satisfaction have higher levels of burnout.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

This meta-analysis shows the potential value of job satisfaction on improving health outcomes related to burnout syndrome for nursing professional in Intensive Care Units. Different factors that could increase job satisfaction and consequently protect them from suffering high levels of burnout, such as salary, permanence in the service, mental health care are the responsibility of the hospital supervisor and, finally, of the own Health System. Knowledge of a risk profile based on the factors influencing job dissatisfaction would enable the implementation of effective workplace interventions to reduce or prevent the risk of burnout. Health policies should focus on protecting the worker, so in addition to improving working conditions, it would be interesting to promote coping skills in order to improve the quality of care and patient safety.

Food insecurity, poor diet, and metabolic measures: The roles of stress and cortisol

Food insecurity is highly prevalent and linked to poorer diet and worse metabolic outcomes. Food insecurity can be stressful, and could elicit chronic psychological and physiological stress. In this study, we tested whether stress could be used to identify those at highest risk for worse diet and metabolic measures from food insecurity. Specifically, we hypothesized that cortisol (a physiological marker of stress) and perceived psychological stress would amplify the link between food insecurity and hyperpalatable food intake as well as metabolic measures. In a sample of 624 Black and White women aged 36-43 who participated in the NHLBI Growth and Health Study's midlife assessment, we assessed associations between food insecurity with hyperpalatable food intake (high fat + high sodium foods; high fat + high sugar foods; and high carbohydrate + high sodium foods), and metabolic measures (fasting glucose, insulin resistance, and waist circumference). We found that food insecurity was associated with higher levels of perceived stress (R2 = 0.09), and greater intake of high fat + high sugar (hyperpalatable) foods (R2 = 0.03). In those with higher cumulative cortisol (as indexed by hair cortisol), food insecurity was associated with higher levels of fasting glucose. Neither cortisol nor perceived stress moderated any other relationships, and neither variable functioned as a mediator in sensitivity analyses. Given these largely null findings, further research is needed to understand the role stress plays in the chronic health burdens of food insecurity.

A single administration of carbetocin before electroejaculation increases the insemination doses produced from each ejaculate in rams

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of carbetocin administration (a long-acting analog of oxytocin) 20 or 10 min before electroejaculation (EE) on the duration of semen collection procedure, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the ejaculate, and stress biomarkers in rams. Semen was collected from 12 Corriedale rams (age, 2.5-5.5 years old) with EE, in a Latin-square design, administrating carbetocin (0.2 mg/100 kg of body weight i.v.) 20 or 10 min before EE, or without carbetocin administration (CB-20, CB-10, and CON treatments, respectively). Each treatment was applied to different rams every 3-4 days, allowing all the rams to receive all three treatments. Carbetocin administered 20 or 10 min before EE increased the number of sperm ejaculated (P = 0.01), the semen concentration (P = 0.02), the number of insemination doses collected in a single collection (P = 0.01), and the number of insemination doses collected/electrical pulses administered (P = 0.05) compared to control rams. Carbetocin administered 20 or 10 min before semen collection prolonged the time required for EE and the number of pulses administered during EE compared to CON rams (P < 0.03 for both). The CB-10 rams required the administration of more electrical pulses during ejaculation than CON rams (P = 0.001), and CB-20 treatment tended to require more electrical pulses than CON rams (P = 0.06). The volume of the ejaculate was greater in CB-10 than in CON rams (P = 0.01), and that of CB-20 treatment tended to be greater than CON rams (P = 0.08). The percentage of sperm with intact membrane was greater in CB-20 than in CON rams (P = 0.01). Total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations were lower immediately after carbetocin administration 20 or 10 min before EE. The treatments did not affect cortisol concentration, glycemia, rectal and surface temperatures, heart rate, and facial expressions. Carbetocin administration before EE of rams improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the ejaculate, duplicating the number of insemination doses collected. It can be a promising treatment to obtain a greater quantity of doses to inseminate with a lower frequency of semen collections, reducing the negative impacts of EE on animal welfare.

Gonads under stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of acute psychosocial stress on gonadal steroids secretion in humans

Animal research has shown that the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is inhibited by (chronic and/or severe) stress, which can lead to impaired fertility and reproductive functioning, presumably caused by the inhibition of gonadal steroid secretion and in interactions with glucocorticoids. However, what has not been clarified is how acute psychosocial stress modulates gonadal steroid secretion in humans. Here we summarize the experimental research on the acute effects of stress on the secretion of gonadal steroids in humans. A systematic literature search revealed 21 studies (with N=881 individuals) measuring testosterone, progesterone or estradiol in response to a standardized acute laboratory stressor in healthy humans. Both our literature review and quantitative meta-analysis suggest that in humans, acute stress stimulates rather than inhibits HPG axis activity, although there is a considerable heterogeneity in the reported methods and results. Increased gonadal steroids in response to acute stress contrasts with many animal studies reporting the opposite pattern, at least regarding severe and/or chronic stressors. We discuss methodological issues and challenges for future research and hope to stimulate experimental studies within this area. A better understanding of these mechanisms is needed, and may have important implications for health and disease, as well as the modulation of various behaviors by acute stressors.

An acute social stressor decreases reinforcing value of both high and low energy-dense food in college students in a randomized controlled trial

It is well known that a large portion of the population elevates their intake of high energy-dense foods during times of stress; however, it is understudied whether stress affects the reinforcing value of a food reward. Further knowledge of this relationship may help us better understand the positive correlation between reinforcing value of food and obesity. Therefore, it was tested if an acute stressor would increase the reinforcing value of low or high energy-dense food. Participants (N = 70) were randomized to a stress or no-stress condition after which they were allowed to work to gain access to a food reward and reading time. To determine if high energy-dense food was specifically affected, half the participants from each stress manipulation were randomly assigned to work for either grapes or chocolate candies. Participants in the stress condition worked less for food access than those in the no-stress condition, for both low and high energy-dense foods, but stress did not affect the reinforcing value of reading time. These results indicate that, contrary to our hypothesis, in a sample of college students, an acute stressor decreased reinforcing value of food, with no difference between a low and high energy-dense food item.

Understanding the mechanical behavior of intrauterine devices during simulated removal

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate differences based on intrauterine device (IUD) frame geometry in force, and stress, and strain at the stem/arms junction during simulated IUD removal.

STUDY DESIGN

We manufactured injection-molded frame models for three Nova-T IUDs (Mirena [model M]; Liletta [model L]; Kyleena [model K]) and a Tatum-T IUD (Paragard [model P]) at two-times scaling. We created a custom fixture to simulate the uterus and used a screw-driven machine to pull models at various displacement rates through the 10 cm fixture cavity to measure force and strain and calculate stress at the IUD stem/arms junction. We tested models at 30 mm/min and higher displacement rates for exploratory analyses. We used Mann-Whitney U test for statistical testing.

RESULTS

We completed testing at 30 mm/min using five of each Nova-T model and nine model P samples. Resistance against the cavity walls created significantly more force on model P (11.83, interquartile range [IQR] 11.61-12.31) than any Nova-T model samples (p < 0.001). The smaller model K created slightly more median stress (MPa) than the larger model M (0.36 [IQR 0.33-0.38] and 0.79 [IQR 0.76-0.80], respectively, p = 0.008); model P samples generated significantly more median stress than other models (1.70 [IQR 1.67-1.77], p < 0.001). Strain plots demonstrated permanent deformation for some samples during IUD removal simulation. We tested 20 samples at various higher displacement rates up to 2500 mm/min, with stress notably increasing for model P samples with increasing rates. No fractures occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Force and stress at the stem/arms junction are higher with Tatum-T-shaped compared to Nova-T-shaped IUD models under the same testing conditions, and a higher speed of extraction causes more stress.

IMPLICATIONS

Sharp corners create vulnerability under static and fatigue loading in structural components due to increased local stresses. Our findings suggest that IUDs with Tatum-T frames should be removed slowly to minimize the stress at the stem/arms junction. Future studies can provide more information if performed with commercially available products.

Early life stress, literacy and dyslexia: an evolutionary perspective

Stress and learning co-evolved in parallel, with their interdependence critical to the survival of the species. Even today, the regulation of moderate levels of stress by the central autonomic network (CAN), especially during pre- and post-natal periods, facilitates biological adaptability and is an essential precursor for the cognitive requisites of learning to read. Reading is a remarkable evolutionary achievement of the human brain, mysteriously unusual, because it is not pre-wired with a genetic address to facilitate its acquisition. There is no gene for reading. The review suggests that reading co-opts a brain circuit centered in the left hemisphere ventral occipital cortex that evolved as a domain-general visual processor. Its adoption by reading depends on the CAN's coordination of the learning and emotional requirements of learning to read at the metabolic, cellular, synaptic, and network levels. By stabilizing a child's self-control and modulating the attention network's inhibitory controls over the reading circuit, the CAN plays a key role in school readiness and learning to read. In addition, the review revealed two beneficial CAN evolutionary adjustments to early-life stress "overloads" that come with incidental costs of school under-performance and dyslexia. A short-term adaptation involving methylation of the FKBP5 and NR3C1 genes is a liability for academic achievement in primary school. The adaptation leading to dyslexia induces alterations in BDNF trafficking, promoting long-term adaptive fitness by protecting against excessive glucocorticoid toxicity but risks reading difficulties by disruptive signaling from the CAN to the attention networks and the reading circuit.

Integrating and fragmenting memories under stress and alcohol

Stress can powerfully influence the way we form memories, particularly the extent to which they are integrated or situated within an underlying spatiotemporal and broader knowledge architecture. These different representations in turn have significant consequences for the way we use these memories to guide later behavior. Puzzlingly, although stress has historically been argued to promote fragmentation, leading to disjoint memory representations, more recent work suggests that stress can also facilitate memory binding and integration. Understanding the circumstances under which stress fosters integration will be key to resolving this discrepancy and unpacking the mechanisms by which stress can shape later behavior. Here, we examine memory integration at multiple levels: linking together the content of an individual experience, threading associations between related but distinct events, and binding an experience into a pre-existing schema or sense of causal structure. We discuss neural and cognitive mechanisms underlying each form of integration as well as findings regarding how stress, aversive learning, and negative affect can modulate each. In this analysis, we uncover that stress can indeed promote each level of integration. We also show how memory integration may apply to understanding effects of alcohol, highlighting extant clinical and preclinical findings and opportunities for further investigation. Finally, we consider the implications of integration and fragmentation for later memory-guided behavior, and the importance of understanding which type of memory representation is potentiated in order to design appropriate interventions.

Global prevalence of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, stress, and depression among infertile women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the global prevalence of infertility has increased among women (Talmor and Dunphy, Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 29(4):498-506, 2015) and is considered as a public health concern. One of the impacts of infertility is mental health problems in the patients, which can lead to complications such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The aim of this study is to investigate the global prevalence of major depressive disorder, general anxiety, stress, and depression in infertile women through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

To identify studies that have reported the prevalence of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, stress, and depression in infertile women, the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar repositories were systematically searched. Articles published up until February 2023 were included, while no lower time limit was imposed in the search strategy. Heterogeneity of studies was examined using the I2 test and, thus, random-effects model was used to perform the analysis. Data analysis was conducted within the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (v.2) software.

RESULTS

In the review of 44 studies with a sample size of 53,300 infertile female patients, the overall prevalence of major depressive disorder (clinical depression), generalized anxiety, stress, and depression was found to be 22.9%, 13.3%, 78.8%, and 31.6% respectively. It was also found that mental health complications are more prevalent among infertile women in Asia (continent).

CONCLUSION

Considering the prevalence of mental disorders among infertile women, health policymakers can use the results of the present meta-analysis to pay more attention to the mental health of infertile women and devise suitable interventions and programs to reduce and prevent the spread of psychological disorders among infertile women.

Philemon and Baucis death: a literature review

Double death, i.e., two bodies at a scene, is relatively rare. The double death from natural causes of two close persons is called Philemon and Baucis death in the medicolegal literature. Despite being mentioned for the first time more than 50 years ago, all detailed case reports on this case constellation are from the last 15 years. A comprehensive review of the literature on this phenomenon has not yet been published. In this article, we review the available literature on Philemon and Baucis death. Pathophysiologically, it can be assumed that this phenomenon is a sub-form of so-called psychogenic death. Therefore, we equally review the literature on sudden cardiac death due to acute psychological stress.

Associations of diurnal cortisol parameters with cortisol stress reactivity and recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Researchers commonly assess the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by measuring natural fluctuations of its end product cortisol throughout the day or in response to a standardized stressor. Although it is conceivable that an individual releasing relatively more cortisol when confronted with a laboratory stressor does the same in everyday life, inconsistencies remain in the literature regarding associations between diurnal cortisol parameters and cortisol stress responses. Hence, the current meta-analysis aggregated findings of 12 studies to examine overall associations of diurnal cortisol parameters (including total output, diurnal slope, and cortisol awakening response [CAR]) with cortisol stress reactivity and recovery in the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). There were no significant overall associations of total output, slope, or CAR with stress reactivity. Lower total diurnal cortisol output was significantly related to better stress recovery, whereas diurnal slope and CAR were unrelated to stress recovery. Moderation analyses revealed that associations between diurnal cortisol and cortisol stress responses were dependent on the computation method of cortisol parameters, questioning the convergence and validity of commonly employed measures of stress reactivity and recovery. Overall, it seems that we cannot predict characteristics of the diurnal cortisol rhythm from a one-time measure of stress reactivity in a standardized psychosocial laboratory paradigm.

Marine foams impede metabolic and behavioural traits in the rough periwinkle Littorina saxatilis

Foams are a ubiquitous feature of marine environments. They can have major economic, societal and ecological consequences through their accumulation on the shore. Despite their pervasive nature and evidence that stable foam deposits play a pivotal role in the ecology of soft shore and estuaries, very limited amounts of information are available on their contribution to the structure and function at play in rocky intertidal ecosystems. This study shows that the metabolic rate of the high-shore gastropod Littorina saxatilis is significantly higher in individuals exposed to foams. Behavioural assays conducted under laboratory-controlled conditions further show that this species detects foam-born infochemicals both indirectly or directly, hence rely on both airborne and contact chemosensory cues. L. saxatilis also actively avoid areas covered in foam, and increase their activity in the presence of foam. These observations are interpreted in terms of foam-induced increased metabolic stress and increases behavioural anxiety and vigilance. They are further discussed in relation to the occurrence of two phytoplankton species known to produce repellent and/or toxic compounds such as domoic acid and dimethylsulfoniopropionate, the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata and the haptophyte Phaeocystis globosa, with the latter occurring at unusually high density. Taken together, these results suggest that the accumulation of foams on intertidal rocky shores may have major implications on taxa relying on both airborne and contact chemosensory cues to navigate, find food and mating partners. Specifically, the observed increased behavioural activity coupled with increased metabolic demands may impact species fitness and highlight potentially large ecological consequences in rocky intertidal ecosystems characterized by strong hydrodynamism and elevated organic matter content leading to the presence of long-lived foam.

Acupuncture Ameliorates Depression-Like Behaviors Through Modulating the Neuroinflammation Mediated by TLR4 Signaling Pathway in Rats Exposed to Chronic Restraint Stress

Recently, emerging evidence has identified that stress-induced activation of neuroinflammation is considered to be one of the most prevalently precipitating factors in the pathogenesis of depression. Data from clinical trials and experimental findings has verified the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the prevention and treatment of depression. However, the mechanism of the preventive effect of acupuncture for depression has not been fully elucidated. The current study aimed to investigate the preventive effect and mechanism of acupuncture through modulating the neuroinflammation mediated by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway in rats exposed to chronic restraint stress (CRS). All rats were subjected to CRS for 21 days, with the exception of rats in control group. One hour before CRS, rats in acupuncture group were exposed to acupuncture at Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29). The depression-like behaviors were evaluated by body weight assessment and sucrose preference test at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. The expression of activated microglia in hippocampus was detected by immunofluorescence. The expression of key proteins on TLR4 signaling pathway of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and mRNA of TLR4 in the hippocampus was detected by western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to investigate the effect of acupuncture on stress-induced activation of neuroinflammation. The present study provided evidence that acupuncture exerted potential preventive effect that might be mediated in part by suppressing the neuroinflammation induced by TLR4 signaling pathway, which may be a promising treatment target to improve current treatments for depression.

FGF21-mediated autophagy: Remodeling the homeostasis in response to stress in liver diseases

Liver diseases are worldwide problems closely associated with various stresses, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress. The exact interplay between stress and liver diseases remains unclear. Autophagy plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis, and recent studies indicate tight crosstalk between stress and autophagy in liver diseases. Once the balance between damage and autophagy is broken, autophagy can no longer resist injury or maintain homeostasis. In recent years, FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21)-induced autophagy has attracted much attention. FGF21 is regarded as a stress hormone and can be up-regulated by an abundance of signaling pathways in response to stress. Also, increased FGF21 activates autophagy by a complicated signaling network in which mTOR plays a pivotal role. This review summarizes the mechanism of FGF21-mediated autophagy and its derived application in the defense of stress in liver diseases and offers a glimpse into its promising prospect in future clinical practice.

CRF binding protein activity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus is essential for stress adaptations and normal maternal behaviour in lactating rats

To ensure the unrestricted expression of maternal behaviour peripartum, activity of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system needs to be minimised. CRF binding protein (CRF-BP) might be crucial for this adaptation, as its primary function is to sequester freely available CRF and urocortin1, thereby dampening CRF receptor (CRF-R) signalling. So far, the role of CRF-BP in the maternal brain has barely been studied, and a potential role in curtailing activation of the stress axis is unknown. We studied gene expression for CRF-BP and both CRF-R within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. In lactating rats, Crh-bp expression in the parvocellular PVN was significantly higher and Crh-r1 expression in the PVN significantly lower compared to virgin rats. Acute CRF-BP inhibition in the PVN with infusion of CRF(6-33) increased basal plasma corticosterone concentrations under unstressed conditions in dams. Furthermore, while acute intra-PVN infusion of CRF increased corticosterone secretion in virgin rats, it was ineffective in vehicle (VEH)-pre-treated lactating rats, probably due to a buffering effect of CRF-BP. Indeed, pre-treatment with CRF(6-33) reinstated a corticosterone response to CRF in lactating rats, highlighting the critical role of CRF-BP in maintaining attenuated stress reactivity in lactation. To our knowledge, this is the first study linking hypothalamic CRF-BP activity to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation in lactation. In terms of behaviour, acute CRF-BP inhibition in the PVN under non-stress conditions reduced blanket nursing 60 min and licking/grooming 90 min after infusion compared to VEH-treated rats, while increasing maternal aggression towards an intruder. Lastly, chronic intra-PVN inhibition of CRF-BP strongly reduced maternal aggression, with modest effects on maternal motivation and care. Taken together, intact activity of the CRF-BP in the PVN during the postpartum period is essential for the dampened responsiveness of the stress axis, as well as for the full expression of appropriate maternal behaviour.

The Resilient Youth Program: a promising skills-based online program for resiliency and stress management

BACKGROUND

Prevention programs that target resilience may help youth address mental health difficulties and promote well-being during public health crises.

AIMS

To examine the preliminary efficacy of the Resilient Youth Program (RYP).

METHOD

The RYP was delivered remotely from a US academic medical centre to youth in the community via a naturalistic pilot study. Data from 66 youth (ages 6-18, Mage = 11.65, SD = 3.02) and their parents were collected via quality assurance procedures (May 2020 to March 2021). Pre/post-intervention child/parent-reported psychological and stress symptoms as well as well-being measures were compared via Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Child/parent-reported skills use data were collected.

RESULTS

Among child-reported outcomes, there were significant decreases in physical stress (p = .03), anxiety (p = .004), depressive symptoms (p < .001) and anger (p = .002), as well as increased life satisfaction (p = .02). There were no significant differences in child-reported psychological stress (p = .06) or positive affect (p = .09). Among parent-reported child outcomes, there were significant decreases in psychological (p < .001) and physical stress (p = .03), anxiety (p < .001), depressive symptoms (p < .001), and anger (p < .002) as well as increased positive affect (p < .001) and life satisfaction (p < .001). Effect sizes ranged from small to medium; 77% of youth (73% of parents) reported using RYP skills. Age and gender were not associated with outcome change.

CONCLUSIONS

The RYP may help reduce psychological/stress symptoms and increase well-being among youth; further research is needed.

A gut (microbiome) feeling about addiction: Interactions with stress and social systems

In recent years, an increasing attention has given to the intricate and diverse connection of microorganisms residing in our gut and their impact on brain health and central nervous system disease. There has been a shift in mindset to understand that drug addiction is not merely a condition that affects the brain, it is now being recognized as a disorder that also involves external factors such as the intestinal microbiota, which could influence vulnerability and the development of addictive behaviors. Furthermore, stress and social interactions, which are closely linked to the intestinal microbiota, are powerful modulators of addiction. This review delves into the mechanisms through which the microbiota-stress-immune axis may shape drug addiction and social behaviors. This work integrates preclinical and clinical evidence that demonstrate the bidirectional communication between stress, social behaviors, substance use disorders and the gut microbiota, suggesting that gut microbes might modulate social stress having a significance in drug addiction.

StresSense: Real-Time detection of stress-displaying behaviors

BACKGROUND

Wrist-worn gadgets like smartphones are ideal for unobtrusively gathering user data, in various fields such as health and fitness monitoring, communication, and productivity enhancement. They seamlessly integrate into users' daily lives, providing valuable insights and features without the need for constant attention or disruption. In sensitive domains like mental health, these devices provide user-friendly, privacy-protected means of diagnosis and treatment, offering a secure and cost-effective avenue for seeking help.

OBJECTIVES

This study addresses the limitations of traditional mental health assessment techniques, such as intrusive sensing and subjective self-reporting, by harnessing the unobtrusive data collection capabilities of smartphones. Equipped with accelerometers and other sensors, these devices offer a novel approach to mental health research. Our objective was to develop methods for real-time detection of stress and boredom behavior markers using smart devices and machine learning algorithms.

METHODOLOGY

By leveraging data from accelerometers (A), gyroscopes (G), and magnetometers (M), we compiled a dataset indicative of stress-related behaviors and trained various machine-learning models for predictive accuracy. The methodology involved collecting data from motion sensors (A, G, and M) on the dominant arm's wrist-worn smartphone, followed by data preprocessing, transformation from time series format, and training a Deep Neural Network (DNN) model for activity recognition.

FINDINGS

Remarkably, the DNN achieved an accuracy of 93.50% on test data, outperforming traditional and ensemble machine learning methods across different window sizes, and demonstrated real-time accuracy of 77.78%, validating its practical application.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this research presents a novel dataset for detecting stress and boredom behaviors using smartphones, reducing reliance on costly devices and offering a more objective assessment. It also proposes a DNN-based method for wrist-worn devices to accurately identify complex activities associated with stress and boredom, with benefits in terms of privacy and user convenience. This advancement represents a significant contribution to the field of mental health research, providing a less intrusive and more user-friendly approach to monitoring mental well-being.

Associations between somatomotor-putamen resting state connectivity and obsessive-compulsive symptoms vary as a function of stress during early adolescence: Data from the ABCD study

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) are relatively common during adolescence although most individuals do not meet diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Nonetheless, OCS during adolescence are associated with comorbid psychopathologies and behavioral problems. Heightened levels of environmental stress and greater functional connectivity between the somatomotor network and putamen have been previously associated with elevated OCS in OCD patients relative to healthy controls. However, the interaction of these factors within the same sample of individuals has been understudied. This study examined somatomotor-putamen resting state connectivity, stress, and their interaction on OCS in adolescents from 9-12 years of age. Participants (n = 6386) were drawn from the ABCD Study 4.0 release. Multilevel modeling was used to account for nesting in the data and to assess changes in OCS in this age range. Stress moderated the association between somatomotor-putamen connectivity and OCS (β = 0.35, S.E. = 0.13, p = 0.006). Participants who reported more stress than their average and had greater somatomotor-left putamen connectivity reported more OCS, whereas participants who reported less stress than their average and had greater somatomotor-left putamen connectivity reported less OCS. These data suggest that stress differentially affects the direction of association between somatomotor-putamen connectivity and OCS. Individual differences in the experience or perception of stress may contribute to more OCS in adolescents with greater somatomotor-putamen connectivity.

Rational design of a rapidly responsive and highly selective fluorescent probe for SO2 derivatives detection and imaging

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is emerging as a double-edged molecule, while plays vital roles in food and biological system. However, the fast, highly sensitive, and versatile fluorescent probe still remains a tough challenge among current reports. Herein, we developed a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe TPE-PN for specifically sensing SO2 derivatives with high sensitivity (150 nmol/L) and rapid response time (10 s) based on intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. And the fluorescence at 575 nm decreased tremendously with 31-fold after the probe was treated with HSO3-. Employing the probe, the accurate analysis of HSO3- was successfully realized in food samples, cells, plant tissues, and zebrafishes. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate the eruption of SO2 derivatives within plant during drought and salt stress processes. Therefore, probe TPE-PN illustrates significant potential for applications in food analysis and monitoring of SO2 derivatives levels in biological systems under stress conditions.

SNX27: A trans-species cognitive modulator with implications for anxiety and stress susceptibility

Sorting Nexin 27 (SNX27) is a brain-enriched endosome-associated cargo adaptor that shapes excitatory control, being relevant for cognitive and reward processing, and for several neurological conditions. Despite this, SNX27's role in the nervous system remains poorly explored. To further understand SNX27 function, we performed an extensive behavioral characterization comprising motor, cognitive and emotional dimensions of SNX27+/- mice. Furthermore, attending on the recently described association between SNX27 function and cellular stress signaling mechanisms in vitro, we explored SNX27-stress interplay using a Caenorhabditis elegans Δsnx-27 mutant and wild-type (WT) rodents after stress exposure. SNX27+/- mice, as C. elegans Δsnx-27 mutants, present cognitive impairments, highlighting a conserved role for SNX27 in cognitive modulation across species. Interestingly, SNX27 downmodulation leads to anxiety-like behavior in mice evaluated in the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). This anxious phenotype is associated with increased dendritic complexity of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) neurons, and increased complexity of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) pyramidal neurons. These findings highlight the still unknown role of SNX27 in anxiety regulation. Moreover, we uncovered a direct link between SNX27 dysfunction and stress susceptibility in C. elegans and found that stress-exposed rodents display decreased SNX27 levels in stress-susceptible brain regions. Altogether, we provided new insights on SNX27's relevance in anxiety-related behaviors and neuronal structure in stress-associated brain regions.

Heart rate perception and expectation impact laboratory-induced perceived stress

Previous studies have shown that the human capacity to gauge one's own physiological state is notoriously flawed. The cause for the mismatch between perceived and physiological stress has not yet been properly identified. In this study, we assumed that cardioceptive accuracy (CAc) is positively associated with cardiovascular reactivity, and CAc and expectation about stress might account for the discrepancy between perceived and physiological stress. In a crossover experiment, we assessed cardioceptive accuracy in two ways (mental heartbeat tracking task and perception of heart rate), and induced physiological (handgrip exercise) and mental (N-back task) stress in 64 university students (51 % male, mean age 22.2). We assessed cardiac and electrodermal activity, and expected and perceived stress. We found that indicators of cardioceptive accuracy were not associated with cardiovascular reactivity. However, heart rate perception moderated the association between the change in heart rate and perceived stress in the physical but not in the mental task. Whereas heartbeat tracking accuracy was not associated with perceived stress. Moreover, perceived stress was predicted by the expected stress but not by the change in heart rate and electrodermal activity in the mental stress task. In conclusion, heart rate perception and expectation of stress may shape perceived stress more than actual physiological changes in moderate acute stress.

Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and their cumulative impact associated lifetime health outcomes in the Emirate of Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

BACKGROUND

Adverse Childhood Experiences have been associated with poor health outcomes later in life.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between cumulative ACEs, risky health behaviors, chronic diseases, and mental health among a large-scale sample from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed with 922 participants over the age of 18, living in Abu Dhabi.

METHODS

The Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) was used to assess ACEs, alongside a survey of adult health outcomes, mental health outcomes, and risk-taking behaviors.

RESULTS

Logistic regression models examined the association between retrospective ACEs and these outcomes. The respondents reported an average of 1.74 ACEs. The most prevalent ACEs were household violence, parental death or divorce, and community violence. The accumulation of ACEs significantly predicts increases in the risk of a variety of adult-onset health morbidities, all measured mental health morbidities, and all measured risk-taking behaviors, with evidence of thresholds of ACE accumulation dictating risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The baseline presence of ACEs among this Abu Dhabi sample, along with the associated risks of physical and mental health morbidities, and risk-taking behaviors play a significant role in understanding the extent, nature, and associated sequalae of ACEs in this population; providing nuanced context for early intervention. Our findings will inform the planning and implementation of specific prevention and awareness raising programs while promoting safe environments where children are healthy and can thrive.

Determinants of health-related quality of life in healthy children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a prospective longitudinal cohort study

Understanding health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents, during a pandemic and afterwards, aids in understanding how circumstances in their lives impact their well-being. We aimed to identify determinants of HRQOL from a broad range of biological, psychological, and social factors in a large longitudinal population-based sample. Data was taken from a longitudinal sample (n = 1843) of children and adolescents enrolled in the prospective school-based cohort study Ciao Corona in Switzerland. The primary outcome was HRQOL, assessed using the KINDL total score and its subscales (each from 0, worst, to 100, best). Potential determinants, including biological (physical activity, screen time, sleep, etc.), psychological (sadness, anxiousness, stress), and social (nationality, parents' education, etc.) factors, were assessed in 2020 and 2021 and HRQOL in 2022. Determinants were identified in a data-driven manner using recursive partitioning to define homogeneous subgroups, stratified by school level. Median KINDL total score in the empirically identified subgroups ranged from 68 to 83 in primary school children and from 69 to 82 in adolescents in secondary school. The psychological factors sadness, anxiousness, and stress in 2021 were identified as the most important determinants of HRQOL in both primary and secondary school children. Other factors, such as physical activity, screen time, chronic health conditions, or nationality, were determinants only in individual subscales.

CONCLUSION

Recent mental health, more than biological, physical, or social factors, played a key role in determining HRQOL in children and adolescents during pandemic times. Public health strategies to improve mental health may therefore be effective in improving HRQOL in this age group.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Assessing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents aids in understanding how life circumstances impact their well-being. • HRQOL is a complex construct, involving biological, psychological, and social factors. Factors driving HRQOL in children and adolescents are not often studied in longitudinal population-based samples.

WHAT IS NEW

• Mental health (stress, anxiousness, sadness) played a key role in determining HRQOL during the coronavirus pandemic, more than biological or social factors. • Public health strategies to improve mental health may be effective in improving HRQOL in children.

Group differences in OXT methylation between patients with Major Depressive Disorder and healthy controls: A pre-registered replication study

Depression is linked to stress which leaves traces in the epigenetic signature of genes. The oxytocin system is implicated in allostatic processes promoting adaption to environmental stressors. Interactions of the oxytocin system with the environment, e.g., methylation of the gene coding for oxytocin (OXT), are candidates for the investigation of the biological underpinnings of depression. Recently, we found hypomethylation of OXT in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) compared to healthy controls (HC). Since the replicability of findings is a key point of criticism in (epi‑)genetic research, we aimed to confirm our previous findings in a pre-registered study (data was stored in a database prior to pre-registration) within a new sample of n = 85 patients with MDD and n = 85 HC. We investigated OXT DNA-methylation in peripheral blood samples, stressful life events and depression severity. In accordance with our previous study, we found hypomethylation of OXT in patients with MDD compared to HC. Methylation was not associated with stressful life events. Patients reported significantly more stressful life events compared to HC. Our study revealed that hypomethylation of OXT can be demonstrated in a reproducible fashion and provides further evidence for the involvement of the oxytocin system in depression.

Fufang Luohanguo Qingfei granules reduces influenza virus susceptibility via MAVS-dependent type I interferon antiviral signaling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fufang Luohanguo Qingfei granules (LQG) is a Chinese patent medicine, clinically used to treat flu-like symptoms including cough with yellow phlegm, impeded phlegm, dry throat and tongue. However, the protective activity of LQG against influenza infection is indeterminate.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of LQG on influenza infection and elucidate its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo: A viral susceptible mouse model induced by restraint stress was established to investigate LQG's beneficial effects on influenza susceptibility. MAVS knockout (Mavs-/-) mice were used to verify the potential mechanism of LQG. In vitro: Corticosteroid (CORT)-treated A549 cells were employed to identify the active ingredients in LQG. Mice morbidity and mortality were monitored daily for 21 days. Histopathologic changes and inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues were examined by H&E staining and ELISA. RNA-seq was used to explore the signaling pathway influenced by LQG and further confirmed by qPCR. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to determine the protein levels. CO-IP and DARTS were applied to detect protein-protein interaction and compound-protein interaction, respectively.

RESULTS

LQG effectively attenuated the susceptibility of restrained mice to H1N1 infection. LQG significantly boosted the production of IFN-β transduced by mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS), while MAVS deficiency abrogated its protective effects on restrained mice infected with H1N1. Moreover, in vitro studies further revealed that mogroside Ⅱ B, amygdalin, and luteolin are potentially active components of LQG.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that LQG inhibited the mitofusin 2 (Mfn2)-mediated ubiquitination of MAVS by impeding the E3 ligase synoviolin 1 (SYVN1) recruitment, thereby enhancing IFN-β antiviral response. Overall, our work elaborates a potential regimen for influenza treatment through reduction of stress-induced susceptibility.

Assessing unsafe behaviors and their relationship with work-related factors among EMS staff in Iran: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff often encounter various safety incidents. Work-related factors can lead to unsafe behaviors and safety incidents. This study assessed unsafe behaviors and their relationship with work-related factors among EMS staff.

METHODS

This descriptive-correlational study used census sampling method to select 284 EMS staff in Ardabil Province, northwest of Iran, from April to June 2023. The data collection tools were demographic and occupational information form, Mearns Unsafe Behavior Scale, Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, Michielsen Fatigue Scale, and Patterson Teamwork Scale. The data were analyzed using the SPSSv-16, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The mean of unsafe behavior, fatigue, perceived stress, non-conflict of teamwork, and conflict of teamwork were 15.80 (± 4.77), 20.57 (± 6.20), 16.10 (± 6.13), 117.89 (± 17.24), and 40.60 (± 9.59), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that "partner trust and shared mental models (PTSMM)," "physical fatigue," "age," "type of shift," "employment status," and "overtime hours per month" were predictors of general unsafe behavior (P < 0.001) and "mild task conflict (MTC)," "employment status," "partner trust and shared mental models (PTSMM)" were predictors of unsafe behavior under incentives EMS staff (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that some work-related factors were predictors of unsafe behaviors. The negative consequences of unsafe behaviors should be considered, and long-term planning should be done to reduce them. Developing specific guidelines for addressing unsafe behaviors, implementing measures to reduce fatigue, managing overtime hours in the workplace, and Establishing a system where novice staff work with experienced staff during their first year can be beneficial in reducing these behaviors among EMS staff.

Clusters of lifestyle behavioral risk factors and their associations with depressive symptoms and stress: evidence from students at a university in Finland

BACKGROUND

No previous research of university students in Finland assessed lifestyle behavioral risk factors (BRFs), grouped students into clusters, appraised the relationships of the clusters with their mental well-being, whilst controlling for confounders. The current study undertook this task.

METHODS

Students at the University of Turku (n = 1177, aged 22.96 ± 5.2 years) completed an online questionnaire that tapped information on sociodemographic variables (age, sex, income sufficiency, accommodation during the semester), four BRFs [problematic alcohol consumption, smoking, food consumption habits, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)], as well as depressive symptoms and stress. Two-step cluster analysis of the BRFs using log-likelihood distance measure categorized students into well-defined clusters. Two regression models appraised the associations between cluster membership and depressive symptoms and stress, controlling for sex, income sufficiency and accommodation during the semester.

RESULTS

Slightly more than half the study participants (56.8%) had always/mostly sufficient income and 33% lived with parents/partner. Cluster analysis of BRFs identified three distinct student clusters, namely Cluster 1 (Healthy Group), Cluster 2 (Smokers), and Cluster 3 (Nonsmokers but Problematic Drinkers). Age, sex and MVPA were not different across the clusters, but Clusters 1 and 3 comprised significantly more respondents with always/mostly sufficient income and lived with their parents/partner during the semester. All members in Clusters 1 and 3 were non-smokers, while all Cluster 2 members comprised occasional/daily smokers. Problematic drinking was significantly different between clusters (Cluster 1 = 0%, Cluster 2 = 54%, Cluster 3 = 100%). Cluster 3 exhibited significantly healthier nutrition habits than both other clusters. Regression analysis showed: (1) males and those with sufficient income were significantly less likely to report depressive symptoms or stress; (2) those living with parents/partner were significantly less likely to experience depressive symptoms; (3) compared to Cluster 1, students in the two other clusters were significantly more likely to report higher depressive symptoms; and (4) only students in Cluster 2 were more likely to report higher stress.

CONCLUSIONS

BRFs cluster together, however, such clustering is not a clear-cut, all-or-none phenomenon. Students with BRFs consistently exhibited higher levels of depressive symptoms and stress. Educational and motivational interventions should target at-risk individuals including those with insufficient income or living with roommates or alone.

The effect of peer mentoring program on clinical academic progress and psychological characteristics of operating room students: a parallel randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

One of the new educational systems is the mentorship method. This study aimed to investigate the effect of peer mentoring program on clinical academic progress and psychological characteristics of operating room students.

METHODS

This research was a randomized controlled trial that was conducted on undergraduate students in the operating room department of Khomein Faculty of Medical Sciences, Markazi Province in Iran. The number of operating room students were 70 that were divided into intervention and control groups by random allocation using Permuted Block Randomization. Inclusion criteria included all operating room students who were in internship, and exclusion criteria included failure to complete the questionnaires. The data collection tools were the demographic questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Situational Motivational Scale. In the control group, clinical training was done in the traditional way. In the intervention group, training was done by peer mentoring method. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square test, ANCOVA, univariable and multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS

The study revealed significant differences between the intervention and control groups. Post-intervention, the intervention group demonstrated substantial increases in self-confidence (mean difference = 5.97, p < 0.001) and significant reductions in stress levels (mean difference = -3.22, p < 0.001). Conversely, minimal changes were noted in the control group for both self-confidence (mean difference = 0.057, p = 0.934) and stress levels (mean difference = 0.142, p = 0.656). Although both groups experienced decreases in anxiety and depression levels, these changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the intervention significantly enhanced academic progress in the intervention group compared to the control group (mean difference = 20.31, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the implementation of the peer mentoring program was effective in improving academic progress, self-confidence, and reducing the stress of operating room students. Therefore, this educational method can be used in addition to the usual methods to improve the education of operating room students.

Associations between glucocorticoids and habitat selection reflect daily and seasonal energy requirements

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoids are often associated with stressful environments, but they are also thought to drive the best strategies to improve fitness in stressful environments. Glucocorticoids improve fitness in part by regulating foraging behaviours in response to daily and seasonal energy requirements. However, many studies demonstrating relationships between foraging behaviour and glucocorticoids are experimental, and few observational studies conducted under natural conditions have tested whether changing glucocorticoid levels are related to daily and seasonal changes in energy requirements.

METHODS

We integrated glucocorticoids into habitat selection models to test for relationships between foraging behaviour and glucocorticoid levels in elk (Cervus canadensis) as their daily and seasonal energy requirements changed. Using integrated step selection analysis, we tested whether elevated glucocorticoid levels were related to foraging habitat selection on a daily scale and whether that relationship became stronger during lactation, one of the greatest seasonal periods of energy requirement for female mammals.

RESULTS

We found stronger selection of foraging habitat by female elk with elevated glucocorticoids (eß = 1.44 95% CI 1.01, 2.04). We found no difference in overall glucocorticoid levels after calving, nor a significant change in the relationship between glucocorticoids and foraging habitat selection at the time of calving. However, we found a gradual increase in the relationship between glucocorticoids and habitat selection by female elk as their calves grew over the next few months (eß = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.02), suggesting a potentially stronger physiological effect of glucocorticoids for elk with increasing energy requirements.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest glucocorticoid-integrated habitat selection models demonstrate the role of glucocorticoids in regulating foraging responses to daily and seasonal energy requirements. Ultimately, this integration will help elucidate the implications of elevated glucocorticoids under natural conditions.

Colonic butyrate administration modulates fear memory but not the acute stress response in men: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced in the colon following bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber and are important microbiota-gut-brain messengers. However, their mechanistic role in modulating psychobiological processes that underlie the development of stress- and anxiety-related disorders is scarcely studied in humans. We have previously shown that colonic administration of a SCFA mixture (acetate, propionate, butyrate) lowers the cortisol response to stress in healthy participants, but does not impact fear conditioning and extinction. To disentangle the effects of the three main SCFAs, we examined whether butyrate alone would similarly modulate these psychobiological responses in a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study in 71 healthy male participants (Mage = 25.2, MBMI = 22.7 [n = 35 butyrate group, n = 36 placebo group]). Colon-delivery capsules with pH-dependent coating were used to administer 5.28 g of butyrate or placebo daily for one week. Butyrate administration significantly increased serum butyrate concentrations without modulating serum acetate or propionate, nor fecal SCFAs. Butyrate administration also significantly modulated fear memory at the subjective but not physiological levels. Contrary to expectations, no changes in subjective nor neuroendocrine responses to acute stress were evident between the treatment groups from pre- to post-intervention. We conclude that colonic butyrate administration alone is not sufficient to modulate psychobiological stress responses, unlike administration of a SCFA mixture. The influence of colonic and systemic butyrate on fear memory and the persistence of fear extinction should be further systematically investigated in future studies.

Social stress-induced depressive-like symptoms and changes in gut microbial and lipidomic profiles are prevented by pharmacological inhibition of FAAH activity in male rats

Pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity has antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models of stress. In this study, we investigated whether the antidepressant-like effects of FAAH inhibition are associated with corresponding changes in gut microbial and lipidomic profiles, which are emerging as critical components in the pathophysiology of depression. Adult male Wistar rats experienced five weeks of repeated social defeat or control procedure and were treated with the FAAH inhibitor URB694 (0.3 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or vehicle starting from the third week. Repeated social defeat induced the emergence of depressive-like behavioral (sucrose preference reduction and passive coping behaviors in the forced swim test) and neuroendocrine (increased corticosterone levels) changes, which were prevented by URB694 treatment. Repeated social defeat also provoked a significant variation in gut microbiota (changes in the relative abundance of 14 bacterial taxa) and lipidic (e.g., glycerophospholipids) composition. These stress-induced changes were prevented by URB694 treatment. These findings indicate that inhibition of FAAH activity with URB694 blocks the co-occurrence of depressive-like behavioral and neuroendocrine changes and alterations in gut microbial and lipid composition in rats exposed to repeated social defeat. In conclusion, these results suggest that the gut microbiota-lipid crosstalk may represent a novel biological target for FAAH inhibitors to enhance stress resilience.

Exploring relationship of poor sleeping habits with prenatal stress among pregnant women in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancy is a complex phenomenon accompanied by biological, physiological and psychosocial changes for a mother. It is also regarded as a stressful life event where a woman's role, identity and interpersonal relationships are restructured. The present study from Pakistan explores the association of sleep quality and poor sleeping habits with prenatal stress using Pittsburgh Sleep quality Index.

RESULTS

There were a total of 516 women (mean age = 29.82 years), with more than half reporting poor sleep quality. Ethnically, a majority (395, 76.6%) were natives of the Punjab province while rest were non-natives. A high percentage of respondents reported poor subjective sleep quality (22.1%), sleep latency (44.1%), habitual sleep efficiency (27.5%), sleep disturbance (30.1%), use of medications (7.1%) and daytime dysfunction (29.5%). According to logistic regression analysis, respondents with poor sleep quality were 2.24 (95% CI = 1.55-3.22, P < 0.001) times more likely to have high stress levels (P < 0.001).