Stress Index Research Articles

The Effect of Giving Mindfulnes Based Cognitive Therapy to Reduce Parenting Stress in Parents with Children with CHD (Congenital Heart Disease)

This study aims to determine the effect of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to reduce parenting stress in parents with children with congenital heart disease (CHD). This study uses a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test-post-test control group design. The participants in this study were 30 parents who had children with congenital heart disease, who were randomly divided into two groups, namely the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group was given MBCT intervention for 8 sessions, while the control group did not get any intervention. Parenting stress measurements were carried out before and after the intervention using the Parenting Stress Index (PSI). The results of the analysis showed that there was a significant difference in parenting stress scores between the experimental group and the control group after being given MBCT intervention (p<0.05). The experimental group experienced a greater decrease in parenting stress scores compared to the control group. The provision of MBCT intervention is effective in reducing parenting stress in parents who have children with congenital heart disease. The results of this study can be considered in the development of psychological interventions to overcome parenting stress in parents with children with CHD

Overexpression of long non-coding RNA cytoskeleton regulator RNA in patients with acute myocardial infarction with arrhythmia.

Complications of arrhythmia often occur in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study mainly explored the expression and diagnostic significance of long non-coding RNA CYTOR (lncRNA CYTOR) in patients with AMI with arrhythmia, and analyzed the effects of CYTOR on inflammation and oxidative stress responses of cardiomyocytes. CYTOR expression in serum samples from 119 cases of AMI with arrhythmia and 119 healthy subjects was determined by qRT-PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic function of serum CYTOR in AMI with arrhythmia. AMI cell models were constructed by hypoxia/reoxygenation treatment. The pathological function of CYTOR in AMI was determined by the detection of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress indicators. Serum CYTOR was upregulated in patients with AMI with arrhythmia, which has a certain ability to distinguish patients from healthy individuals (P<0.001, AUC=0.8963). The levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased in the AMI cell model, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were decreased (P<0.001), which was alleviated by silencing CYTOR. Overexpression of CYTOR may aggravate the condition of AMI patients with arrhythmia, which promotes oxidative stress injury and inflammatory response of cardiomyocytes. CYTOR can be a reference factor for diagnostic biomarkers of AMI with arrhythmia.

Evergreen or seasonal? Quantitative research on the color of urban scenic forests based on stress—attention electroencephalogram feedback

Urban scenic forests provide urban residents with various physical and mental health and wellbeing services. However, in the research on the color quantification and health services of scenic forests, it is still unclear how their color quantification characteristics feedback on the stress - attention of the adolescent group. In this study, visual color elements (green, red and yellow) of three landscape forests were used to generate 48 images of four groups of urban landscape forests according to color combinations and proportions. Virtual images were used to assess the stress indicators and attention indicators of participants before and after viewing. The results showed that the four groups of experimental groups showed varying degrees of α wave reduction and β/α ratio increase after viewing, G1 group showed an extremely significant increase in β wave after image stimulation, G1 and G3 group significantly decreased θ/β power, G4 group and G5 control group had no significant change. Among the 16 channels of absolute α wave and absolute β wave in the brain, the F3 and F4 channels corresponding to the frontal lobe of the G3 group showed the most prominent consistency of β wave in the frontal cortex during highly concentrated mental activities. Our study shows that positive EEG (Electroencephalogram) feedback of arousal and attention recovery can be obtained by using monochromatic or two-color changing color features in urban landscape forest. This study can provide references and methods for urban forest planning, design and visual evaluation.

Analysis of the interrelationship of indices of oxidative stress with cytogenetic indicators of genome instability in blood samples of Moscow residents

Introduction. Both mutagens and non-mutagenic chemical compounds, that can create conditions for a long-term shift in the oxidative balance in the body, contribute to increase of cancer risk in polluted regions. The aim of the study. To assess the nature of relationships between indices of oxidant status and indicators of genome instability in micronuclear test using a sample of Moscow residents. Materials and methods. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were determined in blood lysates of sixty nine Moscow residents (men of working age, 44 [38;58] years old), as well as 8-OHdG plasma content. Indicators of genome instability were determined in cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay of blood lymphocytes. Results. The rate of PHA-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation was shown to depend on the ratio of GPx and SOD activities in blood lysates: GPx accelerates proliferation, SOD slows down, and the optimal marker is GPx/SOD (R=0.418; p=0.00035 for proliferation index). The effects observed coincide with those obtained earlier on stabilized lines of spontaneously dividing cells; the absence of CAT influence was established for the first time. The frequencies of nucleoplasmic bridges (NPM) in 2-nuclear, polynuclear, and dividing cells but not of micronuclei, “broken eggs” and protrusions were associated positively with CAT and GPx activities (additive effect with close values of partial correlation coefficients; z=16.4x+0.17y-5.38 at R=0.464; p=0.0004 for the proportion of dividing cells with NPM). Further research is needed to explain these findings. No relationship was found between the results of cytome analysis and integral markers of oxidative stress (MDA, 8-OHdG). Limitations. It is possible that modified patterns will be obtained in polluted regions. Conclusion. Parallel study of free radical and cytogenetic indicators with their relationship will contribute to the selection of optimal markers for human health monitoring in regions with elevated levels of radiation or pro-oxidant chemicals.

Effect of different light conditions on the growth response of sugar beet to NaCl

ABSTRACT It is known that sugar beet, derived from a halophytic wild ancestor, is highly salt-tolerant and that moderate concentrations of NaCl enhance its growth. However, the mechanisms of this improved growth performance by NaCl are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of NaCl on sugar beet growth under different light conditions and examined the relationship between light-induced oxidative stress and the beneficial effects of NaCl. Sugar beet seedlings in pots filled with fertilized soil were grown with different light intensities (low: 150–250 μmol m−2s−1 or high: 600–1,000 μmol m−2s−1) and NaCl treatments (irrigation with water with or without 50 mM NaCl) for 10 days. The enhanced sugar beet growth by NaCl application was only observed in plants with high light intensity treatments. Moreover, high light intensity treatment increased the shoot concentration of malondialdehyde, an indicator of oxidative stress, while NaCl application decreased it. While there was a positive correlation between Na concentration and the compatible solute glycine betaine in the shoots and roots under both light intensities, a significant negative correlation between the concentrations of glycine betaine and malondialdehyde was found only in the shoots under high light intensity. Because it is known that glycine betaine activates antioxidant enzyme activities and reduces oxidative stress responses, glycine betaine synthesized in response to NaCl accumulation may have reduced the oxidative stress caused by high light intensity in the shoots, which may have caused the enhanced growth in sugar beet. Furthermore, the growth promotion by NaCl accumulation was accompanied by a significant decrease in NO3–N concentration, which suggested that NaCl application affects nitrogen metabolism in sugar beet.

Association of NOX5 Expression with Sperm Activity and Motility in Pathospermic Infertile Men

Background: The newest NOX isoform, NOX5, has been found in mammalian spermatozoa. Many physiological and pathological situations in spermatozoa are mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). NOX5 is the main source of ROS in spermatozoa. Our purpose was to investigate the changes in NOX5 expression and the effect of NOX5 expression on sperm motility, chromatin integrity, and oxidative status in oligoasthenozoospermic compared to normozoospermic men. Methods: Semen samples were collected from 30 normozoospermic (NS) and 30 oligoasthenozoospermic (OAS) men. NOX5 protein expression in sperm samples was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Oxidative stress status was evaluated by total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), and oxidative stress index (OSI) parameters. Chromatin integrity in spermatozoa was evaluated by toluidine blue staining. Results: NOX5 expression levels were significantly higher in OAS group than in NS group (p&lt;0.001). In addition, chromatin integrity was significantly higher in the OAS group in comparison to NS group (p&lt;0.001). TAC levels were higher in the NS group, but OSI and TOC levels were significantly higher in OAS group (p&lt;0.001). It was found that NOX5 protein expression was positively correlated with oxidative stress and chromatin integrity and negatively correlated with motility (p&lt;0.01). Conclusion: These results suggest that overexpression of NOX5 may be the source of excessive ROS production and oxidative stress injuries in oligoasthenozoospermic men. Considering that NOX5 expression is positively correlated with oxidative stress and chromatin integrity but negatively correlated with motility, it can be considered a biomarker to be used in assisted reproductive procedures.

A comparison of cognitive decline in aged mice and mice treated with aftin-4

Dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease, presents a major clinical challenge, and researchers are still searching for an optimal animal model. To address this gap, we compared male and ovariectomized female C57BL/6 mice treated with 30 mg/kg aftin-4, which induces neurodegeneration, with naturally aged (15–16 months old) mice not treated with aftin-4. We performed a series of behavioral tests; measured postmortem plasma β-amyloid levels (Aβ1–40 and Aβ1–42) and the levels of the oxidative stress indicators glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA); and evaluated astrocytic reactivity in the brain using glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) levels. Our results revealed no behavioral changes in the aged or aftin-4-treated mice compared with the control mice. Aftin-4 mice presented lower brain MDA levels and no detectable changes in plasma Aβ levels. In general, female mice had higher GPx and SOD levels and lower Aβ1–42 levels than male mice did. In contrast, aged and aftin-4-treated male mice presented elevated levels of GFAP, indicating astrocyte damage. Our results could not confirm that either aftin-4-treated or aged mice are reliable models for dementia. However, the observed molecular changes suggest that male animals may be more susceptible to oxidative stress and brain damage than females are. This study demonstrates the complexity of modeling dementia in animals and the importance of future studies in this area.

Changing dynamics in daily rhythms of oxidative stress indicators in SCN and extra-SCN brain regions with aging in male Wistar rats.

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus regulates circadian timing system (CTS) by co-ordinating peripheral tissue clocks and extra-SCN oscillators in the brain. Aging disrupts the CTS, impairing physiological functions and reducing antioxidant defences, which contribute to neurodegeneration. The brain is vulnerable to oxidative damage due to its high metabolic activity, oxygen consumption, and levels of iron and lipids. Antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxidation (LPO), help against oxidative damage. In this study, we examined the temporal patterns of these antioxidant stress indicators in the SCN and extra-SCN brain regions (frontal cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus) at various time points in male Wistar rats 3, 12, and 24months. The rhythmicity of GST and LPO levels persisted across brain regions with aging, while CAT rhythmicity was lost in the SCN and hippocampus of older rats. SOD rhythmicity persisted in cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus but was lost in the SCN. The daily rhythm parameters of CAT were affected most significantly, followed by SOD, GST, and LPO. Our findings demonstrate that aging leads to desynchronization of oxidative stress indicators potentially contributing to neurodegeneration and circadian dysfunction with varying effects across different brain tissues.

The effects of nitrogen on rose-scented pelargonium as a potted ornamental plant; growth and development, quality and biochemical characteristics

This study presents a novel approach to the production dynamics of rose-scented pelargonium for pot cultivation as an ornamental plant. It investigates how nitrogen supply affects plant growth, development, quality attributes, and biochemical properties to provide insights for enhanced commercial viability. Nitrogen concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg l−1) were applied weekly for 3 months. Results show that increased nitrogen levels raised nitrogen concentrations in shoots (1.32%–2.57%) and roots (0.39%–1.27%). Periodic morphological evaluations indicated that the effects of nitrogen doses on growth started to appear after the second month of the experiment. By the end of the experiment (90th day), it was determined that increased nitrogen application resulted in reduced plant height, stem length, internode length, total phenolic compound (TPC) antioxidant capacity (DPPH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). In contrast, increases were observed in the number and length of lateral branches, stem thickness, leaf count, shoot biomass, chlorophyll (Clfs) levels and total carotenoid. MDA, TPC, and Clfs can be considered important biochemical indicators of nitrogen deficiency stress, defense mechanism, and plant quality in rose-scented pelargonium, respectively. It was determined that a minimum nitrogen concentration of 100 mg l−1 is required to obtain healthy, high-quality plants with strong visual appeal for the presentation of rose-scented pelargonium as potted ornamental plants. Higher concentrations may offer an advantage for more compact plant formation. To enhance the market value of rose-scented pelargonium as potted ornamental plants, future studies could include different pot sizes and pinching practices alongside nitrogen fertilization.

Oxidative Stress in an African Ground Squirrel, a Case of Healthy Aging and Reproduction.

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in mediating life-history processes, where it can compromise survival and reproduction through harmful alterations to DNA, lipids, and proteins. In this study, we investigated oxidative stress in Cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris), a longer-lived African ground squirrel species with a high reproductive skew and unique life history strategies. We measured oxidative stress as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and an oxidative stress index (OSI) in blood plasma from individuals of approximately known ages. Our results reveal a distinct pattern of decreasing oxidative stress with age, consistent across both sexes. Females exhibited lower OSI and TOS levels than males. Males employing different life-history strategies, namely natal (staying at home), had significantly lower oxidative stress compared to the band (roaming male groups), likely due to variations in metabolic rate, activity, and feeding rates. However, both strategies exhibited reduced oxidative stress with age, though the underlying mechanisms require further investigation. We propose that selection pressures favoring survival contributed to the observed reduction in oxidative stress with age, potentially maximizing lifetime reproductive success in this species.

Capsaicin Protects Against Nigrostriatal Neurodegeneration Induced by Rotenone

Capsaicin, the principal pungent ingredient of hot pepper exerts neuroprotective effects. In this study, the effect of capsaicin on rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease in mice was investigated. Mice were given subcutaneous rotenone injections (1.5 mg/kg, every other day) and at the same time treated with the vehicle, L-dopa (25 mg/kg) or capsaicin at doses of 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg orally once a day for two weeks. Biochemical indices of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione and nitric oxide were determined in brain tissue and histopathological study of the brain was done. Behavioral tests included stair, wire hanging and wood walking tests. Results showed that rotenone treatment led to significant increases in brain malondialdehyde and nitric oxide contents parallel with marked depletion of reduced glutathione. Rotenone induced degeneration of pigmented neurons in substantia nigra and of cerebral cortex and hippocampus neurons. Rotenone impaired neuromuscular strength, motor balance and coordination. Treatment with capsaicin significantly ameliorated the neuronal degeneration caused by rotenone and improved motor function. Capsaicin alleviated the increase in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and nitric oxide and prevented the depletion of reduced glutathione in brain of rotenone-treated animals. These data indicate that capsaicin protects against rotenone-induced neuronal damage and this involves decreased level of oxidative stress. Capsaicin therefore might prevent cell death in the brain of Parkinson’s disease patients.

Effects of inlet boundary conditions on blood flow and thrombosis modelling in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

To investigate the impact of patient-specific boundary conditions (BC) on blood flow and thrombosis modelling for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), three types of BCs were utilized to construct CTEPH models based on computed tomography pulmonary angiography images. First BC type is the patient-specific velocity profiles at the main pulmonary artery using phase contrast MRI (PC-MRI). The other two simplified types are the pulsatile BC and steady BC, which are obtained by spatially and temporally averaging the PC-MRI BC. Hemodynamic features including helical density, time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI), and thrombosis were compared for the three types BCs. The results indicated that, compared to the MRI BC, steady BC overestimated helical density and TAWSS in the pulmonary arteries by approximately 63.1% and 60%, respectively. The impact of simplified pulsatile BC on TAWSS and OSI in most regions of the pulmonary arteries was negligible with differences within 5%. Regarding thrombosis, the area predicted under pulsatile BC was approximately 80% smaller than that under PC-MRI BC. In conclusion, compared to PC-MRI BC, steady inlet BC tend to overestimate hemodynamic parameters, while pulsatile inlet BC yield similar wall shear stress based on parameters in most regions of the pulmonary artery. Patient-specific PC-MRI inlet BC should be used for accurate predictions of helical flow pattern and thrombus formation.

Oligomeric proanthocyanidin ameliorates sepsis-associated renal tubular injury: involvement of oxidative stress, inflammation, PI3K/AKT and NFκB signaling pathways.

Sepsis is a potentially fatal infectious disease that easily causes shock and numerous organ failures. The kidney is one of the most susceptible to injury. Early intervention and renal protection significantly minimize patient mortality. Oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC), a naturally occurring plant compound, has a high potential for renal protection. This study was aimed at exploring the potential renoprotective role of OPC in sepsis-related renal tubular injury. C57/B6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate sepsis-related acute kidney injury in vivo. Renal function and pathology were assessed. RNA sequencing examined OPC mechanisms against LPS-induced renal injury. Oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory cytokines in blood serum and renal tissues were evaluated. In vitro, MTT assays assess cell viability. Apoptosis cells were detected using Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide staining. Western blot assessed PI3K/AKT and NFκB signaling pathway proteins. OPC reduced LPS-induced renal tubular injury, improved renal functions and pathological changes, restored glutathione content, superoxide dismutase activity, and catalase activity, inhibited malondialdehyde overproduction, and suppressed LPS-induced overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the decline of anti-inflammatory cytokines. OPC attenuated LPS-induced cell morphological injury, reduced cell viability loss, and recovered the changes in proteins involved in PI3K/AKT and NFκB signaling pathways in MTEC cells. OPC protects against LPSinduced renal tubular injury by counteracting oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammatory responses, activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and inhibiting the NFκB signaling pathway. It may provide a viable solution to lessen renal injury in patients with sepsis.

Evaluation of Drought Tolerance Ability in Wheat Genotypes Through Comprehensive Stress Indices

The objective was to assess a range of stress indices to discern wheat genotypes resilient to drought stress, so forty-nine genotypes underwent scrutiny in both drought stress in rainfed conditions and non-stress settings (with supplementary irrigation), employing a 7 × 7 lattice layout with two replicates across years 2019 and 2020. The evaluation incorporated twenty stress indices anchored in yield under water stress (YS) and potential (YP) circumstances. Primary analysis indicated that eight indices (RDI, YSI, YI, K2STI, MRP, REI, RR and SSPI) did not give any new information, so they were eliminated in further analysis. Genotypes G33 (4234 kg ha-1) and G9 (2227 kg ha-1) were the best genotypes based on YP in 2019 and 2020, respectively. A positive association was observed between ATI and YP and between YS with DI and K1STI in the year 2019, while in the second year, such positive associations were not seen. We found some wheat genotypes G6, G9, G10 and G11 demonstrated high performance in both potential and rainfed conditions across two years, showing yield higher than 1,800 and 2,700 kg ha-1 for YS and YP, respectively, across both years. These genotypes were detected as the most tolerant genotypes by mean-based indices (TOL, HM, GMP, and MP) as well as SSI and ATI indices, so it can be concluded that these indices are more useful than other indices for identifying the most tolerant as well as the high yielding genotypes.

Determination of selected oxysterol levels, oxidative stress, and macrophage activation indicators in children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolemia

AimElevated levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream, also referred to as hypercholesterolemia, pose a significant risk for the onset of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Oxysterols, cholesterol-derived oxidized compounds that form enzymatically or non-enzymatically, contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. This study aimed to examine the critical oxysterol levels in children and adolescents with hypercholesterolemia and explore the correlation between these levels, oxidative stress, and atherosclerosis progression.Materials and methodsThe study included 20 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and 20 healthy individuals aged between 6 and 18 years. Participants were categorized into children (6–9 years) and adolescents (10–18 years). Pediatric and adolescent patients were selected from among subjects with LDL-C ≥ 130 mg/dL and diagnosed with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) based on the presence of mutations in the LDL receptor (LDL-R) gene. Patients with HeFH who were receiving regular atorvastatin therapy were included in the study.ResultsThere were no notable differences in catalase and paraoxonase (PON1) activities among the groups. However, the patient group displayed substantially higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P = 0.0108) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P = 0.0103). Compared to the healthy control group, serum chitotriosidase (CHITO) activity (P = 0.037) and chitinase 3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) levels (P = 0.0027) were significantly elevated in the patient group. Furthermore, the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements of the patient group were significantly greater than those of the healthy group (**P < 0.0001****). The patient group exhibited significantly elevated levels of 5,6-α-epoxycholesterol, Cholestane-3β,5α,6β-triol (C-triol), and 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC), whereas 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) was significantly more abundant in the healthy group. On the other hand, while 27-OHC/Total cholesterol (Total-C) levels were significantly higher in healthy individuals, the C-Triol/Total-C ratio was significantly higher in patients. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of 7-KC/Total-C and 5,6-α-epoxycholesterol/Total-C levels.ConclusionThis study highlights the key roles of oxysterols, oxidative stress, and macrophage activation in the development of atherosclerosis in pediatric and adolescent patients with FH. Elevated C-Triol levels in FH patients, alongside increased CIMT, point to early vascular changes despite atorvastatin therapy. In contrast, higher 27-OHC levels in healthy controls suggest differential oxysterol regulation due to cholesterol-lowering treatments in FH patients. C-Triol and 27-OHC/Total-C ratios showed potential as biomarkers to distinguish patients with FH. These findings emphasize the need for therapies targeting oxidative stress and macrophage activation in addition to cholesterol-lowering interventions.

The impact of cooling and Moringa supplementation on oxidative stress in serum and milk, including milk cytokines, in heat stressed lactating sows and their litters

Abstract Heat stress (HS) poses a significant challenge to the United States swine industry. Sows and their piglets are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, as the peri-parturient phase is characterized by heightened metabolism and increased oxidative stress and inflammation. The study examined the effects of using conductive electronic cooling pads (ECP) and dietary supplementation with 4% Moringa (M) leaf powder on controlling oxidative stress and inflammation caused by heat stress (HS) in sows and their piglets. Forty-eight late gestation sows were assigned to four treatment groups: HS fed corn-soybean meal (HS+CS), ECP fed corn-soybean meal (ECP+CS), HS+M, and ECP+M. Blood was collected from sows on gestation (G) day 112, and lactation (L) day 14 and L20, and from piglets (2 male and 2 female) in each litter on postnatal (PN) day 1 and PN20. Colostrum was collected within 2h of birth of first neonate, and mature milk was collected on L14. Piglet fecal samples were collected on PN14 to measure calprotectin concentration as a marker of intestinal inflammation. Biological antioxidant potential (BAP), derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROMs) and oxidative stress index (OSi) were measured in blood and milk samples using Free Radical Elective Evaluator. Milk samples pooled by day of lactation and treatment group, were analyzed using cytokine array. Levels of inflammatory cytokines in colostrum were affected by Moringa supplementation and cooling, but not mature milk. Notably, the anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-1ra were 2.14 and 1.57 Log2 higher in colostrum of HS+M compared to other groups. The oxidative stress index of colostrum was higher (P = 0.0002) than mature milk. Level of BAP in sow serum was greater in ECP+CS and HS+M (P = 0.0291) compared to other groups. Moringa had an overall effect of increasing dROMs (P = 0.0035) and levels of OSi were lowest in ECP+CS (P = 0.0296) sow serum. Treatments did not affect piglet serum oxidative index (P &amp;gt; 0.05) or calprotectin levels (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Findings support further studies to investigate the efficacy of using ECP and Moringa supplementation to mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress imposed by heat stress conditions in lactating sows.

Predictors of parental stress in families with gifted children: The role of cognitive and emotional challenges

This study examines the unique challenges of raising gifted children, focusing on two child-related risk factors for parental stress: cognitive asynchrony and stress management abilities. Path analysis revealed that poor stress management in children is associated with greater parental stress, as measured by the Difficult Child (DC) and Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interaction (PCDI) scales of the Parenting Stress Index. Cognitive discrepancies, particularly between Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) and Processing Speed Index (PSI), were found to increase maternal stress but not paternal stress, highlighting a differential impact on parents. Additionally, the study identified a spillover effect, in which stress in one parent influences the other, amplifying family stress. These findings suggest that cognitive and emotional factors act as independent sources of stress, underscoring the need for interventions tailored to families of gifted children, with a focus on enhancing emotional competence to promote resilience and family well-being.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) response under soil moisture and crop water stress based irrigation scheduling at variable nitrogen regimes

The field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to examine the water productivity and crop response under soil moisture and crop water stress based irrigation scheduling at variable nitrogen regimes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Experiment was conducted in a split-plot design (SPD) design comprised of 3 irrigation regimes in main plots and 5 graded nitrogen (N) levels in sub-plots, replicated thrice. Irrigation scheduling regimes included I1 (50% available soil moisture depletion-ASMD); I2 (CWSI i.e. crop water stress index based); and I3 (Conventional crop growth stage based). The 5 graded N levels included 0 (N0); 50 (N1); 100 (N2); 150 (N3); and 200 (N4) kg N/ha. Results showed that 50% DASM based irrigation significantly increased grain yield (11.28 and 6.30%), straw yield (5.33 and 5.70%), dry matter accumulation (5.65 and 5.44%), water productivity (11.37 and 6.19%), root length (15.89 and 44.48%), root weight (11.63 and 12.77%) and grain N uptake (20.88 and 14.52%) compared to conventional crop stage based irrigation during 2021–22 and 2022–23, respectively. Among the graded N application, maximum grain yield (4.78 and 4.82 t/ha) and crop water productivity (13.91 and 15.09 kg/ha-mm) were recorded with treatment N4 (200 kg N/ha), but remained statistically at par with N3 (150 kg N/ha) due to the marginal increment beyond 150 kg N/ha. Overall, soil moisture based irrigation at 50% MAD with 150 kg/ha N application proved to be the most effective and economical approach to enhance dry-matter accumulation, yield and water productivity with saving from harmful environmental effects ascending from excessive nitrogen use.

Effect of Butaphosphan and Cyanocobalamin on the Metabolic Profile, Oxidative Stress and Prophylaxis of Ovine Pregnancy Toxemia.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin (BC) on the metabolic profile, oxidative stress in Kashmiri merino ewes and its effect on the prophylaxis of Ovine pregnancy toxemia (PT). A total of 48 ewes were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of 16 ewes. High dose BC (HBC): Ewes were given 0.2 mL BC/kg body weight, subcutaneously (SC) weekly from 6 weeks pre-lambing to lambing. Low dose BC (LBC): Ewes were given 0.1 mL BC/kg body weight, SC weekly from 6 weeks pre-lambing to lambing. No BC (CON): Ewes were given 0.2 mL normal saline/kg body weight, SC. Weekly from six pre-lambing to lambing. A significant effect of treatment was observed on non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA; p = 0.06), beta hydroxybutyric acid (β-HBA, p = 0.008), fructosamine (p = 0.034) and oxidative stress indices (OSI; p = 0.026) with less NEFA, β-HBA, OSI and more fructosamine levels in HBC followed by LBC. The BC did not affect glucose, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total antioxidant capacity, calcium and phosphorus however a significant difference was observed along the sampling time in all the three groups. Plasma triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase and total oxidant status levels showed a significant treatment-time interaction. Taking 0.8 mmol/L β-HBA as the cutoff limit for subclinical PT, only HBC was able to significantly control PT at 3 weeks pre-lambing (OR; 5.57; p = 0.035), at 2 weeks pre-lambing (OR: 9.53; p = 0.007), at 1-week pre-lambing (OR: 6.60; p = 0.017) and at lambing (OR: 5.57; p = 0.035). In conclusion, there was a positive effect of BC treatment on the energy metabolism in pregnant ewes and it helped in the amelioration of oxidative stress and hence can be used in the prophylaxis of PT.

An Attempt to Use Virtual Reality as a Tool to Reduce Patient Anxiety During Dental Treatment.

Background/Objectives: Dental fear and anxiety are prevalent issues in both children and adult patients, often leading to avoidance of dental care and deterioration in overall health. While virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly studied as a distraction tool in pediatric dentistry, its effectiveness among adults remains under-researched. This study aims to evaluate the impact of VR distraction on reducing anxiety and physiological stress indicators in adult dental patients. Methods: The study was conducted in a private dental office in Dobrodzień, Poland, involving 90 adult dental patients divided into three groups: two experimental (VR1 and VR2) and one control (C), with 30 patients each. Patients in the VR1 group experienced VR distraction during the first visit, and the second visit was conventional; the VR2 group experienced this in reverse; and the control group underwent traditional treatment in both visits. Physiological parameters (heart rate, saturation, and stress) and psychological anxiety levels (MDAS and STAI-X1) were measured at three time points during each visit. Results: Significant reductions in heart rate and stress levels were observed after VR exposure compared to the control group. VR also demonstrated a significant effect in decreasing anxiety levels (based on STAI-X1) during the visit with VR distraction. No significant changes were found in the saturation levels across the groups. Conclusions: The use of VR as a distraction tool during dental procedures effectively reduces physiological stress and anxiety in adult patients, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool in managing dental anxiety. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term benefits and patient satisfaction with VR-based interventions in dental care.