Stress Levels Research Articles

Levekår, emosjonelle plager, resiliens og foreldrestress – en kartlegging av flyktningfamilier fra Ukraina

The integration program in Norway is mandatory and offered by all municipalities to newly arrived refugees. The program offers education-oriented activities on Norwegian society, including mandatory parent programs. In 2023, a decision was made to allow municipalities to shorten this element for families from Ukraine, due to capacity constraints. To make informed adjustments, the municipalities need more information about the needs of parents from Ukraine. This article aims to provide knowledge that can help decision-makers plan and implement further adaptations of social and health services. The participants were families with children aged 6-12 from seven municipalities. They answered an electronic questionnaire that included questions on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (short version), the Resilience Scale for Adolescents, and the Parenting Stress Index (short version). Our study reveals that refugees from Ukraine are a vulnerable group with significantly low economic living conditions, and 26 % of the sample reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. Despite this, parents demonstrated resilience through their social resources, family cohesion, and low levels of parental stress. However, it is important to note that mental health issues and increased parental stress may emerge after a certain period following flight and settlement in Norway, and poor financial conditions can exacerbate these concerns. Keywords: parent programs, refugees, Ukraine, low economic conditions

Revisiting Unaddressed Safety Concerns Regarding Intense Pulsed Light Treatment: Past and Present Perspectives.

The light spectrum of intense pulsed light (IPL) comprises visible to near-infrared light. It has been widely employed in the field of aesthetics for approximately 30 years. However, several studies have demonstrated the appearance of various undesirable biomarkers on the skin after IPL irradiation, which remain elucidated. We reviewed the evolving concepts and explored the potentially harmful effects of IPL that may have been neglected in the past. Increased levels of reactive oxidative stress, p53, p16, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and cleaved caspase 3 and decreased albumin levels in human or mouse skin have been observed after IPL treatment. Visible and infrared light can exert harmful and beneficial effects on human skin. If perform improperly, IPL treatment may lead to cellular senescence, photoaging, photocarcinogenesis, thermal aging, and inflammaging. Further studies are required to verify the significance of the changes in the relevant biomarkers. The selection of treatment candidates, optimal parameters, and standardized protocols for IPL therapy are necessary.

Harnessing Hydrogen Sulfide in Injectable Hydrogels That Guide the Immune Response and Osteoclastogenesis Balance for Osteoporosis Treatment

Elevated levels of oxidative stress, inflammation, and a dysregulated osteoclastogenesis balance frequently characterize the microenvironment of osteoporosis, which impedes the processes of healing and repair. Existing treatment approaches are limited in scope and rely primarily on factors and drugs. An injectable hydrogel designed for the ROS-responsive release of H2S gas is presented in this study. The first network of the hydrogel comprises sodium alginate (SA-SATO) chelated with S-aroylthiooxime (SATO) and an H2S-generating group, while the second network is composed of photocrosslinkable PEGDA. Through the integration of Cys-releasing microspheres that are reactive with ROS, a composite hydrogel was developed that exhibited advantageous mechanical characteristics and biosafety. The composite hydrogel effectively promoted osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, modulated macrophage polarization, decreased inflammatory responses, and halted cell apoptosis, as evidenced by in vitro experiments. Additionally, it released H2S gas and mitigated excess ROS in cells. The efficacy of the composite hydrogel in promoting bone defect repair and regeneration in an osteoporotic model was further validated by in vivo findings. In summary, the composite hydrogel exhibits potential as a viable approach to address osteoporotic bone defects by harmonizing osteogenesis and osteoclast activity, modulating the microenvironment of bone injuries, and reducing inflammation. Consequently, it presents a viable strategy for the efficient repair of bone defects.

Associations of menopausal symptoms with job-related stress and social support in Japanese school teachers

ObjectivesBeing a school teacher is highly stressful. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of menopausal symptoms and explore the association between these symptoms and job-related stress among Japanese school teachers. Study designA cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected elementary and junior high school teachers in Japan. Data from 284 teachers aged 45–60 years were analyzed. Main outcome measuresMenopausal symptoms were measured using the Greene Climacteric Scale, and the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire was used to assess job stressors, social support, and job/family satisfaction. Associations between scores on the Greene Climacteric Scale and on the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire, and demographic information were analyzed. ResultsThe most common menopausal symptom was “feeling tired or lacking in energy” (reported by 94.4 % of menopausal respondents). The total intensity of menopausal, psychological, and somatic symptoms was significantly correlated with the total level of job stress. Moderate correlations were found between depressive symptoms and job stress regarding suitable jobs, job control, and rewarding jobs, while weak correlations were evident between depressive symptoms and job stress regarding quantitative job overload, interpersonal conflict, and poor physical environment. Higher levels of perceived support from supervisors or co-workers and job satisfaction were associated with less severe psychological and somatic symptoms. ConclusionsMost middle-aged school teachers felt tired or lacking in energy. Higher job-related stress and lower levels of support from supervisors or co-workers were correlated with more severe menopausal symptoms. A supportive work environment and stress management are essential for such teachers.

New mechanistic insights into soil ecological risk assessment of arsenite (III) and arsenate (V)：Cellular and molecular toxicity responses in Eisenia fetida

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a persistent bioaccumulation carcinogen that is most abundant in soils in the form of arsenite-As (III) and arsenate-As (V). However, there is currently very little explicit evidence about cytotoxicity of As on soil organisms. Moreover, toxicological data for iAs and proteotoxicity is shortage. The purpose of the present work is to elucidate the cytotoxicity mechanism of As (III) and As (V) to earthworms, a soil ecological sentinel species, and the molecular mechanisms by which As (III)/As (V) directly bind to antioxidative enzyme Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD). Results indicate that iAs triggered cell membrane injury and genotoxicity. As (V) (56.15%) induced lower cell viability than As (III) (61.88%). Higher ROS and lipid peroxidation level in As (V) support greater cytotoxicity. Differences in cellular uptake due to valence induced diverse levels of oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. At the molecular level, As (III) (129.33%) induced higher Cu/Zn-SOD activity than As (V) (110.75%). Changes in backbone, secondary structure, amino acid microenvironment and particle size of Cu/Zn-SOD further revealed the mechanisms of differential molecular toxicity of As (III) and As (V). Binding reactions with Cu/Zn-SOD explain differences in molecular toxicity. Collective research showed that iAs-induced oxidative stress and binding reactions determine the difference of SOD activity between As (III) and As (V) at the cellular level. This work offers new insights into the health risk assessment of As.

Bach2 repression of CD36 regulates lipid-metabolism-linked effector functions in follicular B cells

The transcription repressor Bach2 plays a crucial role in shaping humoral immunity, but its cell-autonomous function remains elusive. Here, we reveal the mechanism by which Bach2 regulates effector cell maturation in peripheral B cells. In response to Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, Bach2 deficiency promotes the differentiation of follicular, but not marginal zone, B cells into effector cells, producing interleukin (IL)-6 and antibodies. This phenomenon is associated with changes in lipid metabolism, such as increases in CD36 expression, lipid influx, and fatty acid oxidation. Consistent with this, Bach2-deficient B cells exhibit elevated levels of mitochondrial oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and p38 activation. Mechanistically, Bach2 acts as a repressor of Cd36, and inhibition of CD36 or fatty acid oxidation reduces the differentiation of naive B cells into IL-6- and antibody-secreting cells. These results indicate Bach2 as a key metabolic checkpoint regulator crucial for maintaining a functionally quiescent state of follicular B cells.

Psychological Distress in Patients With Recurrent Ectopic Pregnancies: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Most patients with ectopic pregnancies experience a high level of psychological distress for various reasons. The psychological state and needs of patients with recurrent ectopic pregnancies need to be seriously addressed. However, psychological distress in patients with recurrent ectopic pregnancy has not been widely studied. The purpose of this study is to investigate and understand the prevalence and factors influencing psychological distress in patients with recurrent ectopic pregnancies. A cross-sectional study. This study follows the STROBE guidelines. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was utilised to assess the level of psychological stress in patients. The Kruskal-Wallis test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the factors influencing psychological stress in patients with different conditions. A total of 134 patients with recurrent ectopic pregnancies completed the survey, and most patients experienced moderate-to-severe psychological distress. The psychological distress experienced by patients with recurrent ectopic pregnancies is complex and dynamic, influenced by various factors. Among them, the main factors affecting the psychological distress of patients were age, education level, number of children, number of abortions, medical insurance and economic pressure (p < 0.05). This study suggests that the psychological distress experienced by patients with recurrent ectopic pregnancies is universal and cannot be ignored. It is necessary to pay attention to the psychological needs of patients with recurrent ectopic pregnancies and carry out scientific and effective psychological care management.

Probiotics by Modulating Gut-Brain Axis Together With Brivaracetam Mitigate Seizure Progression, Behavioral Incongruities, and Prevented Neurodegeneration in Pentylenetetrazole-Kindled Mice.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is a central nexus that integrates higher cognitive and emotional centers of the central nervous system (CNS) within the intricate functioning of the intestine. Accumulating evidence suggests that dysbiosis in the taxonomic diversity of gut flora plays a salient role in the progression of epilepsy and comorbid secondary complications. In the current study, we investigated the impact of long-term oral bacteriotherapy (probiotics; 10 mL/kg; 109 colony-forming unit/ml) as an adjunctive treatment intervention with brivaracetam (BRV; 10 mg/kg) over 21 days on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced augmented epileptic response and associated electrographical and behavioral perturbations in mice. Moreover, we also unveiled antioxidant capacity and histopathologic changes in treated versus non-treated animals. Results revealed combination increases seizure threshold and prevented high ictal spiking. Additionally, it alleviated PTZ-induced neuropsychiatric disturbances such as anxiety and depressive-like phenotype along with cognitive deficits. Furthermore, dual therapy prompted physiological oxidant/antioxidant balance as evidenced by increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) and reduced levels of oxidative stressor (MDA). This therapeutic intervention with commensal species suppressed network-driven neuroinflammation and preserved normal cytoarchitecture with intact morphology in the pyramidal layers of cornu ammonis (CA1 and CA3). Our study provides supporting evidence for the use of probiotics as adjunctive therapy with anti-seizure medications to modulate epileptogenic processes and related multimorbidities, particularly in individuals with drug-resistant seizures.

Deployment stressors, mental health outcomes, and protective factors among wives of reserve soldiers during the Israel-Hamas War: A latent profile analysis approach.

Deployment to active conflict zones significantly affects military families, with spouses often experiencing heightened stress and mental health challenges. However, research on non-US military spouses, particularly those of reserve soldiers, who may face unique stressors compared to active-duty personnel, remains scarce. This study examined perceived stress profiles among Israeli spouses of reserve soldiers during the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, and their associations with deployment stressors, mental health outcomes, and psychological protective factors. A volunteer sample of Israeli spouses of reserve soldiers (n=293) responded to self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. Using latent profile analysis of the ratings of perceived stress, three distinct profiles were identified: low (35.1%), moderate (43.5%), and high (21.3%). Higher levels of deployment stressors (e.g., fear of spouse getting physically injured) predicted membership in the moderate and high-stress profiles, while better household management was associated with lower stress profiles. The high-stress profile reported significantly greater symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to the low and moderate stress profiles. In contrast, the low-stress profile exhibited higher levels of resilience, self-compassion, and perceived social support. These findings highlight the variability in spouses' stress responses during wartime deployment and identify key factors associated with psychological adjustment. Results suggest that deployment-related fears, household management abilities, and psychological resources are crucial in shaping stress profiles and mental health outcomes among military spouses.

Protective Effects of Plum on Liver and Gut Injury in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), a persistent liver condition associated with metabolic syndrome, is primarily caused by excessive fructose intake and a typical Western diet. Because there is currently only one approved treatment, lifestyle and dietary interventions are crucial. This study assessed the effects of dietary intervention involving freeze-dried plum (FDP), a natural source of antioxidants containing diverse polyphenols. This study aimed to assess its potential as a protective agent against the gut-liver axis and its therapeutic effects on liver injury and gut permeability issues associated with MASLD. We indicate that 10% FDP intake restored gut barrier proteins and reduced serum endotoxin levels in the MASLD mouse models. Additionally, 10% FDP intake significantly reduced hepatic oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and fibrosis marker levels. Interestingly, FDP intake significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α and markers of liver damage, such as serum alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase and hepatic triglycerides. These results highlight that dietary intervention with FDP that acts as a natural antioxidant may be a significant protective and therapeutic agent against liver and gut damage caused by MASLD.

A study of the factors and correlations influencing the safety level, job stress and job satisfaction of workers in small business in Korea

BackgroundJob stress was found to directly increase the likelihood of accidents and indirectly increase the likelihood of accidents by lowering the safety atmosphere. Job stress has a significant impact on the safety environment, and job satisfaction is effective in reducing accident rates. Accordingly, we sought to investigate the correlation between safety level, job stress, and job satisfaction in small businesses with a high risk of industrial accidents. Additionally, we aim to investigate factors that may affect job stress, job satisfaction, and safety levels. MethodsThis study was conducted on 230 workers in small businesses in Korea. First, hierarchical regression analysis was conducted using SPSS software, and anova analysis was used to investigate significant variables. Finally, the relationships between variables were investigated using structural equation modeling (SEM). ResultsThe analysis results showed that safety level and job stress had a negative correlation with a coefficient of -0.8. Safety level and job satisfaction had a correlation with a coefficient of 0.2. Job satisfaction and job stress had a negative correlation with a coefficient of -0.7. This shows that when job stress is high, there is a negative correlation between job satisfaction and safety level. In addition, 4 general characteristics items and 3 job characteristics items showed a correlation with job stress. 2 general characteristics items and 8 job characteristics items showed a correlation with job satisfaction. 4 general characteristics items and 11 job characteristics items showed a correlation with safety level. ConclusionSmall businesses' job stress, safety level, and job satisfaction showed a significant correlation. In addition, the relationship between the variables affecting them was significant. In order to reduce the occurrence of accidents among workers in small businesses, control of factors and efforts to reduce job stress are necessary.

Utilization of Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles in wastewater treatment and their impact on animal health

Ziziphus leaf extract (ZEX), chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) and Ziziphus leaf extract loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ZEX-CS NPs) were prepared in this study and after chemical analysis and characterization, they were used in wastewater purification. The study also aimed to establish, using an animal model, the feasibility of employing treated water in drinking applications. ZEX-CS NPs were prepared by ionic gelation method. About 25 male Sprague Dawley rats (10 weeks and 170-200 g) were divided into five groups (5 rats/group): group I received tape water; group II received untreated wastewater, group III received ZEX treated wastewater, group IV received CS NPs treated wastewater and group V received ZEX-CS NPs treated wastewater. ZEX-CS NPs have a size of 73 nm, hydrodynamic size of 85.81 nm and zeta potential of −33.68 mV. In addition, ZEX-CS NPs have stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity with moderate anti-coagulant activity and weaker cytotoxicity than ZEX and CS NPs. Group II showed a significant elevation in the kidney function parameters, oxidative stress and cytokine levels when compared to the other groups, in addition; no significant differences were found in all measured parameters between the rats of group I and V. ZEX-CS NPs were effective in wastewater purification.

Enhancing growth performance and health of coloured-broiler chickens with signal grass meal (Brachiaria decumbens) supplementation under tropical conditions

This study examines the impact of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) as a phytobiotic supplement on the production performance and health of coloured-broiler chickens reared in tropical environments. A total of 216 day-old Sasso broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six treatment groups with six replications each. All six treatments received the same commercial diets with some adjustments: Treatment 1 (negative control) with only commercial feed, Treatment 2 (positive control) with 100 mg kg-1g kg-1 oxytetracycline, Treatment 3, 4, 5, and 6 with 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 g kg-1 of B. decumbens grass meal, respectively, without antibiotic. Throughout the eight-week study, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly for each replicate to calculate body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Additional evaluations included nutrient digestibility, gut histomorphology, cecal microflora population, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Blood biomarkers and biochemistry were also analysed to evaluate the chickens' health status. Results indicated that broilers supplemented with B. decumbens grass meal, particularly T6 showed significantly (p<0.05) superior growth performance compared to the negative with reduced FCR of 6.8%. Apparent ileal digestibility was also significantly improved in T6, with 22.32% higher CP digestibility. Enhanced gut histomorphology and a healthier cecal microbial population supported improved nutrient absorption and overall gut health, as evidenced by significant increases in the villi-to-crypt ratio and a higher coliform count than the control. Enhanced carcass characteristics, such as higher full gizzard and gastrointestinal tract weights of T6 broilers, further supported improved digestibility. The supplementation also improved meat quality, with blood biomarkers indicating lower stress and inflammation levels comparable to T2. Additionally, the blood biochemistry of T6 broilers suggested hepatoprotective and hypocholesterolemic effects. Therefore, broilers in T6 demonstrated that B. decumbens has significant potential as an effective feed additive to replace antibiotics in the tropical poultry sector due to its phytocompounds profile, including high saponin content.

Stress profile of veterinarians in Switzerland: Young + female + employed = stressed?

The impairment of mental health among veterinary professionals has raised public awareness in recent years. The driving forces include a serious gap in veterinary services - with less available veterinary colleagues, especially in rural areas - and a general lack of veterinary graduates. This article presents the results of our first Swiss survey on psychological well-being in the veterinary profession. Our results are viewed both in the current context and in the context of developments that have already taken place in other medical disciplines. Results indicate higher levels of stress in veterinarians working as clinicians, in female colleagues, in veterinarians of younger age and veterinarians under employment. In the meantime, larger surveys such as the Vétos Entraide (https://vetos-entraide.com) were established in France and projects such as the Happy Vet project (https://happyvetproject.org) were launched in Switzerland for eg. the burnout prevention in the profession. However, the topic of «mental health» remains highly relevant in veterinary medicine and requires further research and measures, which should consider the identified predisposing factors, such as age and gender.

“Navigating The High-Stress World Of IT: Strategies For Managing Work Pressure”

The IT industry is characterized by rapid change and high demands, often resulting in significant stress for professionals. The fast-paced and demanding nature of the IT industry often leads to significant work-related stress. The IT industry is marked by high levels of stress due to rapid technological advancements, demanding project timelines, and the complexity of problem-solving. Professionals face the challenge of continuous learning to keep pace with evolving technologies while managing the expectations for immediate results. The omnipresence of connectivity exacerbates work-life balance issues, often leading to burnout. Additionally, the pressure to ensure cybersecurity and navigate team dynamics adds further strain. This article explores these stressors, highlighting their impact on IT professionals and emphasizing the need for effective coping strategies to foster resilience and well-being in a high-pressure environment. This article also offers practical strategies for managing work-related pressure. Key approaches include prioritizing tasks, establishing boundaries, and fostering open communication within teams. Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, physical activity, and continuous skill development are emphasized as vital for maintaining well-being. By adopting these strategies, IT professionals can enhance their resilience, boost productivity, and cultivate a healthier work-life balance, effectively navigating the complexities of their fast-paced field

Detailed study of interphase degradation in SiC/BN/SiC ceramic matrix composites after elevated temperature tensile testing

Ceramic matrix composites of silicon carbide fibres in a silicon carbide matrix with boron nitride interphase are promising candidates for replacing superalloys in the hottest part of aerospace engines, reducing the need for cooling and increasing the fuel efficiency. This needs a thorough understanding of how these materials degrade under high levels of stress combined with high temperatures in an oxidative environment. This work presents a detailed investigation of the degradation in the interphase and surrounding interfaces. Advanced electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy are used to extract information on the degradation process. It was found that silica and boria form along with a migration of silica into the interphase. At 1000 °C the degradation along the surface leads to early fracture at the surface and eventually complete fracture of the composite, lower temperature allows for the oxidation to reach the centre of the sample before complete failure.

Characteristics of rock strength failure and identification of hazardous areas in the roof of deep mining stope

The roof of deep mining stopes is notoriously unstable and challenging to manage due to high in-situ stress and deteriorating rock conditions. To address this issue, a comprehensive approach was employed, incorporating indoor physical experiments, numerical simulations, and field tests to investigate the stope roof rock composition characteristics and strength failure modes in the Laoyingshan deep coal mine. The study revealed the distribution characteristics of the high in-situ stress field in this mining area and delineated different levels of hazards in the roof. The results indicate that, under identical lithological conditions, the mineral composition of deep rock formations is complex. Changes in some mineral components and properties were observed, leading to increased expansiveness and water absorption in clay minerals such as sodium montmorillonite and kaolinite within the basic roof layer. In simulated tests of surrounding rock strength in deep mining stopes, as stress levels approached 2 MPa, the damage factor increased, showing a trend of localized concentration. Internal damage began to exhibit noticeable spatial evolutionary expansion patterns and gradual nucleation. When stress exceeded 8 MPa, rocks transitioned from macroscopic fracture surfaces to microscopic fragmentation zones, with a sudden decrease in stiffness degradation values, internal instantaneous collapse, and phenomena akin to “rock burst” under high stress disturbance. In-situ stress testing determined that the stress field in the deep mining zone of Laoyingshan is in a thrust fault stress state, with horizontal stress predominance. The maximum stress direction is predominantly southwest-northeast, with stress magnitude reaching 25.49 MPa. By arranging post-mining and pre-mining borehole observation stations and utilizing image grayscale fracture recognition technology in MATLAB, the roof was classified into four danger levels: “extremely broken,” “broken,” “significant fractures,” and “minor fractures.” Main control measures for coupling grouting in deep-shallow zonation rigidity were proposed based on these classifications.

Mental Health Status Of Nursing Professionals Working In The Surgical Center

Background: In Brazil, nursing professionals, including Nurses, Nursing Technicians, and Nursing Assistants, represent the majority of healthcare workers. As of April 2024, there are over 2 million nursing professionals registered in the country. These workers face increasing stress levels, with mental disorders related to work activities now accounting for 30% of global mental health issues. Nursing professionals in surgical centers provide critical psychological support to patients, offering comfort, stress relief, and care throughout the surgical process. This proposal aims to conduct a literature review to assess the mental health of nurses working in surgical blocks. Materials and Methods: This research is a Systematic Literature Review focused on the mental health of nursing professionals in the surgical block, analyzing studies from the past five years. Searches were conducted in databases like LILACS, MEDLINE, and Scopus, using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles were selected based on relevance, and data from these studies were extracted and critically evaluated. Results: This study reviewed seven articles on mental health issues among nurses in surgical centers, identifying stressors like work overload, lack of resources, and emotional strain. Key factors include poor work environment, long shifts, and insufficient support. Findings emphasize the need for better staffing, improved management, and emotional support to reduce burnout. The research advocates for structural interventions to improve nurses' well-being and patient safety. Conclusion: Stress and mental illness among nurses in surgical centers are influenced by organizational factors and workload. The review highlights the urgent need for interventions to improve their mental health and hospital efficiency

Role of the ROS/NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway in NiSO4-induced cellular pyroptosis and apoptosis in H9c2 cells

According to comprehensive research, the cardiovascular system is damaged by nickel exposure. The present study selected rat cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) and subjected them to varying doses of sodium nickel sulfate (NiSO4) for 24hours to better understand the mechanism of cardiovascular damage caused by NiSO4 exposure. The relevant indicators were detected employing biochemical analysis, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and western blot, and flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis rate. The study revealed that the survival rate of H9c2 cells fell significantly when the concentration of NiSO4 exposure rose. Moreover, it caused oxidative stress in H9c2 cells by raising the expression of reactive oxygen species and the concentration of LDH in the cell supernatants. After NiSO4 exposure, the levels of ASC, NLRP3, gasdermin D, and caspase-1 in H9c2 cells increased, suggesting that H9c2 cells underwent pyroptosis induced by NiSO4. In addition, NiSO4 exposure also led to inflammation, with increased levels of interleukin [IL]-18, IL-1β. After adding the antioxidant N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), the level of ROS indicated that the oxidative stress level in H9c2 cells was reduced, western blot inhibited inflammation, the level of pyroptosis was reduced, and the activity of the NLRP3/caspase1 signaling pathway was reduced. To examine the connection between pyroptosis and apoptosis, the cells were treated with the caspase1 inhibitor Z-YVAD-Fluoromethyl Ketone (Z-YVAD-FMK, YVAD), which resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of cell apoptosis as well as a reduction in the activity of the related protein in the signaling pathway, which in turn decreased the level of pyroptosis. NiSO4 could induce pyroptosis in H9c2 cells through the ROS/NLRP3/caspase-1 axis. Furthermore, NiSO4-induced apoptosis and pyroptosis were found to be reduced by the addition of the caspase-1 inhibitor.

Noncontace Monitoring of Respiration and Heartbeat Based on Two-Wave Model Using a Millimeter-Wave MIMO FM-CW Radar

This paper deals with the non-contact measurement of heartbeat and respiration using a millimeter-wave multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FM-CW) radar. Monitoring heartbeat and respiration is useful for detecting cardiac diseases and understanding stress levels. Contact sensors are not suitable for these sorts of long-term measurements due to the discomfort and skin irritation they cause. Therefore, the use of non-contact sensors, such as radars, is desirable. In this study, we obtained heartbeat and respiration information from phase data measured using a millimeter-wave MIMO FM-CW radar. We propose a two-wave model based on a Fourier series expansion and extract respiration and heartbeat information as a minimization problem. This model makes it possible to produce respiration and heartbeat waveforms. The produced heartbeat waveform can be used for estimating the interbeat interval (IBI). Experiments were conducted to confirm the usefulness of the proposed method. Moreover, the estimated results were compared with the contact sensor’s results. The results for both types of sensors were in good agreement.