Stress Levels Research Articles

Prevalence of anxiety disorders among visitors at a military primary health center in UAE

ABSTRACT Background: Anxiety disorders are common. However, individuals suffering from anxiety disorders often do not seek treatment. These disorders impose a high individual and societal burden, especially on military personnel and their families, and place a significant burden on healthcare systems as care is often sought from primary care physicians rather than specialized professionals. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and correlates of anxiety among visitors at a Military Primary Health Center. Results: Anxiety disorders were high in our study population. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) was the most common, while social phobia was less prevalent. 72.5% were 18-40 years old and 63.5% were males. 68% were military personnel, 23% were military personnel family, and the rest were retired. The most common symptoms were sleep disturbances (60.4%), irritability (55%), and restlessness (51.4%). GAD, specific phobia, and panic disorder were more likely in divorced people, and chronic diseases were more likely in people suffering from GAD. Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety disorders was considerably higher among visitors at a Military Primary Health Center due to the high stress levels and occupational difficulties associated with an unstable social and family life. Counseling services and follow-up of diagnosed cases should be available at the primary health care level for improved healthcare delivery by the primary care or family health physicians.

Risk assessment of developmental and neurotoxicity by the flavoring agent perillaldehyde: NAC (N-acetylcysteine) mitigation of oxidative stress-mediated inhibition of the Nrf2 pathway.

Perillaldehyde (PAE), a prevalent flavoring agent, has raised safety concerns due to conflicting evidence regarding its toxicity. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the developmental and neurotoxic effects of PAE in zebrafish, elucidating the underlying mechanisms of its toxicity. Results showed that PAE affected the viability and hatching rate of zebrafish at 96 h postfertilization with the 50 % lethal concentration (LC50) of 7.975 mg/L. Furthermore, exposed‌ to a non-lethal concentration of 4 mg/L PAE induced a spectrum of morphological abnormalities, such as pericardial edema, delayed yolk sac absorption, reduced body length, and microphthalmia. Behavioral observations revealed that PAE reduced motor ability, and was accompanied by an increase in spontaneous turning angle and angular velocity. Using the TG(elav13:EGFP) transgenic model, we observed the number of newborn neurons was reduced, indicating that PAE induced obvious neurotoxic effects. Additionally, this concentration facilitated the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), concomitantly decreasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. QRT-PCR analysis revealed that PAE down-regulated Nestin and Neurogenin1 gene expression, up-regulated Glipr1a and Nox1 gene expression, and inhibited the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Notably, co-administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an inhibitor of oxidative stress, mitigated oxidative stress levels and partially ameliorated the neurotoxicity. These findings suggest that oxidative stress is the primary mediator of PAE-induced neurotoxicity. This study provides crucial insights for the safe application of PAE.

Study of mathematical models of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications

The rapid increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) cases in Indonesia, driven by hereditary factors and unhealthy lifestyles, poses significant health challenges. This study develops a compartmental model to analyze the progression of type 2 DM and the onset of complications, classifying individuals into susceptible, patients without complications, patients with complications, and those disabled due to complications. The model examines the influence of two key factors on the recovery from complications: habitual factors, including medication adherence, physical activity, dietary habits, smoking history, and environmental factors, such as stress levels, environmental support, patient trust, and compliance. The results indicate that habitual factors have a more substantial impact on mitigating complications compared to environmental factors, suggesting that lifestyle interventions are crucial in improving patient outcomes. The model also shows that an increase in behavioral interactions leading to disease progression results in instability, emphasizing the need for early and consistent behavioral interventions. This research offers valuable insights for healthcare providers and policymakers. By identifying the most influential factors in managing complications, the model can guide the development of targeted interventions that prioritize habitual changes, such as medication adherence and physical activity. Public health strategies can be tailored to emphasize the importance of these habitual factors, potentially reducing the burden of type 2 DM complications. Overall, this study highlights the critical role of personalized, behavior-focused interventions in the management and prevention of complications in patients with type 2 DM, offering a practical framework for improving patient care.

Exercise Habits and Mental Health Outcomes among Students in a Technology University in China

This study employed a descriptive-comparative-correlational research approach to examine the relationship between students' exercise habits and their mental health outcomes at a multi-disciplinary university in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. The college of physical education, which provides training across 22 colleges and 73 undergraduate majors, served as the study’s setting, involving a large sample of 32,760 undergraduate students. Using stratified random sampling, the researchers selected a representative sample of 380 students, with a 5% margin of error, to identify patterns and explore relationships between exercise habits and mental health. A structured questionnaire, developed to assess exercise habits and mental health, underwent content and face validation, with reliability measured using Cronbach’s Alpha (0.980 and 0.974). Data collection took place in person, with the results processed using SPSS and analyzed through means, standard deviation, and Pearson’s r correlation. Findings indicated significant positive correlations between various dimensions of exercise habits—including routine stability, goal persistence, adaptability to change, and social influences—and mental health outcomes such as stress levels, coping mechanisms, social support, sleep quality, and access to mental health resources. Notably, adaptability to change exhibited the highest correlation with coping mechanisms and overall mental health (r = 0.804), underscoring the importance of flexible exercise routines in managing mental health. The study’s insights emphasize that consistent, varied, and socially supported exercise habits are associated with reduced stress, enhanced coping strategies, and improved overall mental health. Promoting regular physical activity and addressing barriers to exercise can foster better mental health among students, suggesting the need for integrated physical and mental health programs within academic institutions.

Network analysis of ethnic-racial socialization competency and content among diverse parents of color: An eye toward intervention targets.

To help their children survive and thrive in our unequal society, parents of color must engage in the process of ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) or teaching about race, ethnicity, and racism. Equally important to the provision of ERS messages are parents' confidence, skills, and stress levels around delivering ERS (i.e., ERS competency). Currently, little work speaks to how different aspects of parental ERS competency and the content of the messages they give are related to each other. This is important to better understand not only for the continued refinement of theory but also to inform newly developed and future interventions intervening upon parental ERS. The present study, therefore, utilizes network analysis, an analytical tool not yet applied to the study of ERS but with the capabilities of illustrating the interrelations between specific aspects of ERS content and competency. Among 576 Black, Asian American, and Latinx parents (Mage = 44.52 years old, SDage = 9.16, 59.5% mothers) with adolescent children (Mage = 14.31, SDage = 2.48), we found evidence for relatively sparse interconnections between dimensions of ERS content and competency. However, we identified parental messages about racism and coping (preparation for bias), the celebration of diversity (cultural pluralism), the history and values of one's ethnic-racial group (cultural socialization), and parents' levels of socialization-related stress as particularly central, important aspects of ERS; these central components of ERS may have the potential to serve as particularly powerful intervention targets. Specific findings and the potential for network analyses to add to our understanding of the complex process of ERS are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Financial insecurity and mental well-being: experiences of parents amid the lebanese economic crisis

BackgroundThis study investigates the impact of financial insecurity on the mental well-being and stress levels of parents in Lebanon amid the country’s severe economic crisis. The context of Lebanon’s economic collapse, coupled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut port explosion, has exacerbated financial and psychological distress among the population. This research aims to understand the correlation between financial instability and parental stress, identifying key factors contributing to mental health challenges in this demographic.MethodsEmploying a quantitative research approach, data was collected through an online survey from 785 parents from different backgrounds in Lebanon. The survey incorporated sociodemographic questions, the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale (IFDFW), and the Arabic version of the Parental Stress Scale (PSS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25.ResultsFindings showed significant correlations between high levels of parental stress and factors such as age (r = 0.071, p = 0.047) and lower education levels. Notably, refugees residing in Lebanon exhibited higher stress levels compared to Lebanese parents (mean stress score: 51.73 vs. 45.71, p < 0.001). Similarly, employed participants exhibited higher stress levels compared to the nonworking (mean stress score: 46.75 vs. 44.60, p = 0.003). A significant inverse association was found between financial well-being and parental stress (r=-0.216, p < 0.001), emphasizing the profound impact of economic instability on mental health.ConclusionsThis study highlights the adverse effects of financial insecurity on parents’ mental health, primarily during a period of economic instability, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted support interventions. These findings contribute to the literature on economic crises and mental health, providing a basis for future research and policy development in similar contexts.

BDNF methylation associated with stress in women: Novel insights in epigenetics and inflammation

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene plays an important role in modulating the stress-response axis and inflammation, which can be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. BNDF methylation has been associated with stress-related psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. Previous studies have reported that stressful events are involved with long-lasting alterations in DNA methylation (DNAm) of the BNDF exon IV promoter, suggesting that glucocorticoids and inflammatory cytokines can regulate this process. We previously found that perceived psychological stress is modulated by inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and IL-10, and IL-12p70, suggesting their role in mediating the stress response. However, the epigenetic mechanism mediating this response has yet to be fully understood. In this study, we propose that high perceived stress and high serum levels of inflammatory cytokines may correlate with specific methylation sites within the BNDF exon IV promoter. To address these questions, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 82 adult women teachers working in basic education in Brazil. The perceived stress scale was used to assess stress and blood samples were collected for the measurement of inflammatory markers and BNDF methylation through flow cytometry assay and DNA pyrosequencing, respectively. We detected differentially methylated CpG sites in the BNDF gene, where 5 CpG sites were directly correlated with high stress levels. However, 4 CpG sites showed inverse effects, indicating that changes in methylation levels in those sites could lead to a protective effect on perceived stress. About inflammatory markers, IL-6 and IL-8 were associated with high perceived stress. However, only IL-8 and IL-10 showed simultaneous modulation of perceived stress, while IL-10 and IL12p70 correlated with DNAm. We found that higher levels in IL-10 and IL-12p70 serum decrease methylation in CpG11. A direct relationship was also found to IL-12p70, where higher levels in serum increase methylation in CpG5 and 13, respectively. Taken as a whole, our findings reinforce the hypothesis regarding stress-sensitive regions within the BDNF gene, mainly for CpG5, 11, and 13. In addition to these results, CpG7 and 9 may be regarded as stress-protective regions. Our data suggest that BDNF DNAm in the blood may represent a novel biomarker for early detection of adverse effects of chronic exposure to stress in healthy individuals.

A Study on the Structural Impact of FLNG Topside Piperack Module Enlargement

&lt;i&gt;To minimize the production time of floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) units, which are eco-friendly offshore structures, builders are exploring methods to extend the length of piperacks. This approach aims to reduce the number of installations and equipment required. In this study, a static stability analysis (in-place analysis) was conducted using the structural analysis computer system (SACS), a program for analyzing topside structures, to assess the effects of piperack enlargement. Two models were analyzed: the original piperack and a version with double the length. Both models were based on data from an existing FLNG unit, with identical environmental loads applied. The results showed that while relative displacement increased linearly with length, the stress did not follow the same linear pattern. However, stress levels in some braces at the base of the structure increased, indicating the need for larger structural members. From the perspective of in-place analysis, piperack enlargement appears feasible. However, further investigation, including fatigue analysis and assessments of operational and maintenance challenges, is recommended to confirm its long-term viability.&lt;/i&gt;

Analyzing the Influence of Welding Process Selection on Residual Stresses in Tube-to-Tubesheet Welded Joints

Tube-to-tubesheet joints are used in the fabrication of shell and tube type heat exchangers, steam generators, boilers, condensers, and end shields of pressure tube type nuclear reactors like CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) and PHWR (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor). The weld joints connecting the tubes to the tubesheets are of prime importance as they have a direct impact on equipment safety. In the fabrication of these critical class-1 nuclear components, full penetration weld joints are used. Typically, these full penetration weld joints are created through multi-pass Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. However, more recent techniques, such as single-pass Electron Beam Welding (EBW) and Laser Beam Welding (LBW), have also been employed for this purpose. The fabrication time of these pieces of equipment containing full penetration weld joints can be drastically reduced if single-pass welding techniques are used compared to multi-pass welding techniques. However, the residual stresses developed in these joints due to the localized heat input and the substantial constraints of the tubesheet are unknown. Different welding processes, such as TIG welding, EBW, or LBW, can lead to varying levels of residual stresses in these joints, subsequently impacting their longevity. Weld residual stress plays a significant role in the initiation of failure modes of these tube-to-tubesheet welded joints, such as stress corrosion cracking, fatigue, and corrosion fatigue.This paper analyzes the residual stresses developed at the tube-to-tubesheet interface resulting from different welding techniques, such as multi-pass TIG welding and single-pass EBW/LBW. A comprehensive three-dimensional coupled thermo-mechanical finite element analysis is employed for this purpose. The findings reveal a significant difference, with single-pass EBW exhibiting up to 32% lower residual stresses compared to multi-pass TIG welding. Additionally, the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) in EBW is approximately 50% smaller than in TIG welding, and the equivalent distortion in EBW is reduced by 90% compared to multi-pass TIG welding. In summary, this investigation concludes that single-pass EBW offers distinct advantages for tube-to-tubesheet weld joints, including reduced residual stresses, a smaller HAZ, and lower distortions.

Relationship Between Work Stress Level and Mental Workload to the Performance of Special School (SLB) Teachers Prof. Dr. Sri Soedewi Masjchun Sofwan, S.H. in Jambi City

The success of teachers in carrying out their duties is measured through performance. The higher the performance given, it means that the teacher is successful during the teaching process. This study aims to determine the relationship between work stress levels and mental workload with teacher performance. Cross-sectional design. The study was conducted at SLB Prof. Dr. Sri Soedewi Masjchun Sofwan, S.H. Jambi City from November to July 2024. The sampling technique was through Total Sampling with a sample size of 63 teachers. The questionnaires used were DASS-42 (work stress), Nasa-TLX (mental workload) and teacher performance questionnaires. Data analysis using the chi-square test (SPSS version 23). Based on the results of the study, it showed that 42.9% of teachers experienced moderate stress, 54.0% of teachers had high mental workload and the average teacher had good performance of 34.9%. The results of the bivariate analysis showed that the variable of work stress level with the category of experiencing stress was 24 (75.0) values (p = 0.000) PR value (4.650, 95% CI: 2.033 - 10.635), mental workload with a heavy category was 24 (70.6%) values (p = 0.000) PR value (4.094, 95% CI: 1.792 - 9.355). There is a relationship between the level of work stress and mental workload with teacher performance

Thermal Stress in Outdoor Spaces During Mediterranean Heatwaves: A PET and UTCI Analysis of Different Demographics

Urban public space comfort is essential for improving quality of life, particularly as climate change affects outdoor thermal environments. This study utilizes ENVI-met, a 3D microclimate simulation tool, to assess thermal comfort concerning demographic factors such as age and gender. The findings indicate significant disparities in thermal stress vulnerability among demographic groups. On the hottest day of July 2023, at 10 a.m., children’s PET values were approximately 2 °C higher than those of other groups. By 3 p.m., females experienced slightly higher upper-range thermal stress than males. Elderly individuals aged 80 exhibited a broad range of PET values, from 38.14 °C to 62.39 °C, with prevailing values above 56.9 °C, indicating greater vulnerability to extreme heat. Children aged 8 showed PET values ranging from 40.20 °C to 59.34 °C, with prevailing estimates between 54.2 °C and 55.7 °C. Minimum PET values for children were significantly higher than those for adults, suggesting a greater baseline level of thermal stress. Despite cooling effects in the evening, children remained exposed to more pronounced stress than elderly individuals, males, and females. The UTCI values recorded indicate a period of extreme heat stress for all demographic groups assessed. While individuals aged 35 may encounter considerable discomfort, the severity of the impact is notably more pronounced for both older adults and children. This study underscores the need for tailored management strategies and advocates for expanding ENVI-met’s capabilities to enhance urban resilience and well-being amid rising temperatures.

Quercetin@β-Cyclodextrin Conjugated Keratin/Polyurethane Biocomposite Mats for Infected Diabetic Wound Healing.

Chronic diabetic wounds suffer from severe complications caused by long-term high levels of oxidative stress and bacterial infection. Quercetin (Que) has excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity, making it a promising drug to address the above issues. To exploit the benefits of Que in a more effective and sustained way to treat diabetic wounds, carboxymethyl β-cyclodextrin (CMCD) was synthesized and conjugated to keratin, then complexed with Que to form Que@Ker-CMCD inclusion, followed by electrospinning with polyurethane (PU) to afford Que@Ker-CMCD/PU mats. The approach significantly enhanced water solubility, bioavailability, and sustained release of Que. Crucially, these mats exhibited robust antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Moreover, the mats fostered an environment conducive to cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization, pivotal processes in wound healing and remodeling. Consequently, a marked acceleration in remodeling chronic diabetic wounds was observed. In conclusion, this study introduces a novel therapeutic strategy that not only harnesses the multifaceted benefits of Que but also enhances its delivery and performance, offering a promising avenue for the effective treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.

E-Learning Modules for the Care of Caregivers of Older Filipinos

As the population ages, so does the challenge to the care of older people with mental health problems. Geriatric syndromes such as delirium, dementia, and depression are amenable to medical management. Beyond care of the patient, however, is care for the caregiver. Behavioral and Psychological symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) such as agitation, aggression, and delusions increase the risk of caregiver stress. This may lead to strain of individual carers and household members, increasing the patient’s risk for poor care, abuse, or institutionalization. Caregiver education and skills training help reduce the level of caregiver stress. These are usually delivered face to face during clinic visits or training modules by dementia care professionals. However, remote alternatives for education, learning and counselling became essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. E-workbooks and online learning modules on dementia, delirium, and depression written by professionals in the Philippines and Asia Pacific are available. An example is the Dementia Community Toolkit in English and its Filipino adaptation. The latter was developed by the Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, with support from the Mental Health Unit of WHO WPRO. Patient support groups such as the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of the Philippines likewise developed online learning materials. These were and are still freely available via their websites and the webinars have been uploaded in internet and social media sites. The efficacy and acceptability of remote education to reduce informal caregiver burden, negative mood, and quality of life was published in a Cochrane meta-analysis. The authors analyzed experimental trials on information, training, or support compared to usual treatment, waitlist, or attention controls. Following several eligibility criteria, they identified 26 studies with 2367 participants in their review. Although most studies were of low quality and had uncertain risks of bias, there was small evidence that training plus support modules resulted in an improvement of caregiver knowledge. Training alone had no benefit on knowledge. Furthermore, there was no significant effect on patient institutionalization, caregiver burden depression, or quality of life. The article on E-Learning on knowledge on the 3Ds of Geriatric Psychiatry is a good start in understanding the capacity of well-educated Filipino caregivers to improve their knowledge on the subject. Beyond individual knowledge, E-learning modules have the capacity to guide families and communities in reducing ageism and improve patient care for older people with dementia, depression, and delirium. Further experimental studies are needed using locally developed modules. The bigger challenge is accessibility and acceptability of remote learning materials for the greater majority of informal caregivers with lower levels of education and poor access to online resources.

The Relationship Between Schoolwork ‎Stress and Teachers’ Job satisfaction: A ‎study In the Context of Omani Schools

The study aimed to reveal the relationship between occupational stress and job satisfaction ‎among Omani school teachers. The study population consisted of 680 teachers randomly ‎selected from various schools in the Omani governorates for the academic year 2023-2024. ‎Descriptive statistical analysis was used as a methodology to analyse the study sample data. ‎Two tools were used to collect data: the first to measure school stress and the second to ‎measure schoolwork satisfaction. The results of the study showed a high level of school stress ‎suffered by schoolteachers. It also showed an average level of teachers' satisfaction with the ‎school tasks they perform. There was a strong statistically significant inverse relationship ‎between school stress and schoolwork satisfaction. The results showed differences in school ‎stress among teachers according to the variable of years of professional experience. The ‎results also showed no statistically significant differences in teachers' satisfaction according to ‎their different academic qualifications.‎

Perceived Occupational Stress among Male and Female Teachers Working in +2 Private Schools in Darbhanga District, India

The present study was aimed at studying the perceived occupational stress among male and female teachers working in +2 private schools with special reference to Darbhanga district, India. It is undoubtedly fact that in recent years our private educator’s organizations and other groups have sought to improve the public image of the teaching occupation so as to attract more people in to the occupation. Hence, the present piece of research work is of immense value on the problem mentioned above. For the present investigation, total sample consisted of one hundred sixty (N=160) comprising male (n=80) and female (n=80) teachers working in +2 Private Schools were randomly selected from different private schools of Darbhanga district. Data were collected through questionnaire schedules on the sample. Having obtained the data on the items of the schedules, individual scores were summed up and tabulated according to procedure of the scales for giving statistical treatment. Results indicated the fact that there is a significant difference between male and female teachers working in +2 private Schools of Darbhanga district in their degree of perceived reactions on occupational stress as t-value has been found statistically significant at .05 but all the teachers reported more or less moderate level of occupational stress. On the other hand, no significant difference has been found between the groups of males and females in terms of their degree of the dimensions of occupational stress, viz. unreasonable groups and political pressures, under participation, intrinsic impoverishment, low status, and unprofitability. although few dimensions of occupational stress out of twelve dimensions viz., role overload, role ambiguity, responsibility for persons, poor peer relations and strenuous working conditions have been found as the predictors between male and female teachers as these dimensions has been found statistically significant at .01 and ,05 level of confidence although both ...

Exit with My Colleagues: Exploring Collaborative Career Change of Journalists to High-Tech Roles

ABSTRACT This empirical study contributes to the existing body of research on journalists leaving their profession due to challenging working conditions, inadequate compensation, and heightened levels of stress. By employing a three-fold research approach, encompassing in-depth interviews, the Walkthrough Method on messaging forums, and a descriptive survey, this paper presents novel findings on the exit process and sheds light on the collaborative aspect of journalists transitioning to high-tech alternative careers. Through interviews with current and former journalists who have successfully shifted to the high-tech industry, the study reveals the underlying motivations driving this career transition and uncovers the unexpected network of support facilitating journalists’ departure from journalism. Additionally, this research raises concerns about the potential implications of this significant exodus in the field of journalism, highlighting the need for further examination and attention to this issue.

The elephant in the room: How personal and workplace traits shape role stress in the construction industry

Geographical regions shape workplace stress, as each location presents distinct environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic conditions. These regional variations contribute to varying stress levels among workers depending on their unique conditions. This study explored the effects of personal and workplace traits on the role stress of the construction workforce in the South Asian region. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey involving 274 project-level personnel from ten construction companies in Sri Lanka. Factor analysis validated regression analysis was performed to identify the effects of personal and workplace traits on role stress. The results highlighted the significance of age, education level, and organization tenure in shaping role stress. Specifically, the increasing age was associated with decreased role overload and work-family conflict. A higher level of education was linked to a greater likelihood of experiencing role conflict. Extended organization tenure was found to decrease role ambiguity but increase role conflict and work-family conflict among construction project employees. These findings hold implications for shaping organizational policies aimed at improving employee well-being. By incorporating these insights, organizations can develop strategies that foster a more supportive and healthier work environment.

Effects of intensive and conventional farming on oxidative stress and meat quality biomarkers in holstein and simmental cattle

This study investigates the intricate factors influencing meat quality, including breed, rearing conditions, and processing, with a primary focus on oxidative stress in Holstein Friesian and Simmental cattle within conventional and intensive production systems. A notable difference in oxidative stress was found between animals subjected to intensive-farming versus conventional practices, with Holstein cattle showing a more pronounced antioxidant gene response than Simmental. The analysis revealed that intensive rearing conditions resulted in increased DNA repair activity and expression of stress-response proteins like heat shock proteins, suggestive of greater cellular damage and an adaptive stress response. Muscle tissue analyses, revealed a clear distinction in gene expression associated with meat quality between the breeds and the type of farming system. A negative correlation emerged between oxidative stress levels and genes related to muscle development, which affects meat quality. Intensive farming conditions altered the expressions of apoptotic proteins, impacting meat quality at the molecular level. These results underscore the profound effect rearing conditions have on meat quality, driven by stress-related molecular responses. This highlights the need for further research into the influence of husbandry practices on animal welfare and meat quality, with the intention of developing strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of intensive-farming.

Assessment of Acceptability, Usage, and Impact on Caregivers of Children With Autism's Stress and Mindfulness: Multiple-Method Feasibility Study of the 5Minutes4Myself App's Mindfulness Module.

Caregiver wellness programs need to be easily accessible to address caregivers' constraints to participation. We aimed to assess the feasibility of 5Minutes4Myself app's mindfulness module (usability, usage, and impact on caregivers' levels of mindfulness and perceived stress). Before and after participation in the 5Minutes4Myself program, 15 participants were asked to complete the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Data on the usage of app-delivered meditations were collected electronically via the app, and app usability was rated on the Modified System Usability Scale. Analyses assessed participants' frequency of use of app-delivered meditations, app usability, and changes in participants' stress and mindfulness post intervention. Overall, participants completed 10.9 minutes of mindfulness meditations per week and rated the app 76.7, indicating above-average usability. Related samples t tests (2-tailed) found that group PSS (t10=1.20, P=.26) and FFMQ (t10=-1.57, P=.15) pre- or postintervention mean scores were not significantly different. However, a visualization of pre- and post-PSS and mindfulness scores suggested there was a group of responders who had decreased stress with increased mindfulness. This was confirmed via an individual change analysis. The effect size of the FFMQ scores (d=0.47) suggests there may be treatment effects with a larger sample. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis examined the degree mindfulness impacted perceived stress; 20% of the variance in participants' perceived stress could be attributed to increases in self-rated mindfulness (P=.04) when controlling for preintervention stress levels. Caregivers found the app highly usable and on average used low-dose levels of mindfulness meditations (10 min/wk). For responders, increased mindfulness was related to stress reduction to population-based levels.

Effects of a digital self-efficacy training in stressed university students: A randomized controlled trial.

Self-efficacy is associated with positive mental health outcomes. We developed and tested a digital self-efficacy training for daily recall of autobiographical self-efficacy memories (e.g., memories of successfully overcoming a personal challenge). In this randomized controlled trial, we investigated the effects of the week-long digital self-efficacy training on key mental health outcomes, including anxiety, stress, and hopelessness, and on self-efficacy in 93 university students (mean age 23.3 years, SD: 3.49) with elevated self-reported stress levels. Participants completed either the self-efficacy training combined with ecological momentary assessment (EMA) (training group) or EMA only (control group). We found significantly reduced hopelessness and trait anxiety in the training group compared to the control group at post-assessment (one day post intervention). Effects on ratings of self-efficacy at post-assessment were also significant when controlling for baseline self-efficacy. This stand-alone digital self-efficacy training was significantly associated with a number of positive effects on outcomes compared to a control condition, including reduced hopelessness, trait anxiety, and increased self-efficacy. Future work is needed to replicate and investigate the long-term effects of the training and explore its implementation in clinical populations. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05617248.