Stress Levels Research Articles

Circadian rhythms of antioxidant enzymes activity, clock, and inflammation factors are disrupted in the prefrontal cortex of aged rats. Potential targets for therapeutic strategies for a healthy aging.

Age impairs cognitive functions and antioxidant defenses, for example, by increasing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. However, so far, there is no report on the consequences of aging on temporal patterns of proteins and lipids oxidation, antioxidant enzymes activity, endogenous clock and proinflammatory cytokine, in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Therefore, our objectives here were: 1) to investigate the endogenous nature of 24h-rhythms of lipoperoxidation, protein carbonyls levels, CAT and GPx activity, RORa, and TNFα, in the rat PFC, and 2) to study the consequences of aging on the circadian organization of those factors in the same brain area. To do that, 3- and 22-mo-old male Holtzman rats were maintained under constant darkness conditions during 15 days before reaching the corresponding age. PFC samples were isolated every 4 h, under dim-red light, during a 24h period. Our results revealed circadian patterns of antioxidant enzymes activity, oxidative stress, RORa and TNFα proteins levels, in the PFC of young rats. The circadian distribution of the rhythms’ phases suggests the existence of a reciprocal communication among the antioxidant defenses, the endogenous clock, and the inflammation, in the PFC. Noteworthy, such circadian organization disappears in the PFC of aged rats. An increased oxidative stress would make the redox environment to change into an oxidative status, which alters the endogenous clock activity and disrupts the circadian organization of, at least part, of the antioxidant defenses and the TNFα, in the PFC. These results might highlight novel chronobiological targets for the design of therapeutic strategies addressed to a healthy aging.

Research on Mechanism of Non-Uniform In-Situ Stress Induced Casing Damage Based on Finite Element Analysis

Casing damage is a common problem encountered during oil and gas field development due to the complex stress state of the casing. Despite the large number of studies focusing on this problem, the mechanism of non-uniform in-situ stress-induced casing damage in a low-permeability reservoir is still unclear. In this study, casing damage due to non-uniform in-situ stress variations was investigated, and then the tectonic stress coefficients in the study area were determined by an in-situ stress inversion technique, which led to the derivation of formulas for calculating the maximum and minimum horizontal in-situ stresses. Subsequently, finite element numerical simulations were performed to assess the stress distribution during the formation of the casing cement sheath in a G155 block, a typical low-permeability reservoir. The results indicate that casing damage is caused not only by non-uniform in-situ stresses but also by various additional creep-induced loads. Subsequent finite element investigations into casing behavior under mudstone creep conditions indicated that immersion of mudstone in water instigated further shearing and deformation of the casing, culminating in premature well failure prior to water inundation. Notably, Von Mises stress levels exhibited a positive correlation with injection production ratios, with values exceeding critical thresholds leading to distinct modes of mechanical failure including shear-induced deformations, longitudinal tensile stress, and localized yielding near water wells. Maintenance of an optimal injection production ratio is identified as a key strategy for prolonging casing longevity in the region. To this end, recommendations include augmenting the casing wall thickness or enhancing the steel pressure specifications to mitigate casing damage progression, thereby extending the operational lifespan. This research serves as a pivotal theoretical framework for informing future development strategies aimed at mitigating and preempting casing failures in a low-permeability reservoir.

The role of exposure to nature in perceived stress by veterinary students

Veterinary school is intense and represents a challenging time for students, and increasingly, veterinary students are being diagnosed with a variety of concerning mental health issues including stress, anxiety, and depression, often resulting in poor academic performance. Because of the disproportionately high risk of mental health problems in the veterinary field, it is important that students learn, understand, and utilize simple and effective techniques to cope with stress, and demands of the profession. Spending time in natural environments such as outdoor parks, green spaces, and urban forests is an effective strategy for improving mental health. In this study, we examined the self-reported effects of repeated, structured time in a nature-based intervention, vs a control group of veterinary students. Participants reported significantly lower perceived stress levels compared to a control group. Students overwhelmingly reported that they would recommend this stress reduction technique to their classmates, and they stated that they planned to continue spending time in nature to improve their mindset and reduce stress in the future.

Enhancing Therapeutic Approaches in Glioblastoma with Pro-Oxidant Treatments and Synergistic Combinations: In Vitro Experience of Doxorubicin and Photodynamic Therapy

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer characterized by significant molecular and cellular heterogeneity, which complicates treatment efforts. Current standard therapies, including surgical resection, radiation, and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy, often fail to achieve long-term remission due to tumor recurrence and resistance. A pro-oxidant environment is involved in glioma progression, with oxidative stress contributing to the genetic instability that leads to gliomagenesis. Evaluating pro-oxidant therapies in brain tumors is crucial due to their potential to selectively target and eradicate cancer cells by exploiting the elevated oxidative stress levels inherent in these malignant cells, thereby offering a novel and effective strategy for overcoming resistance to conventional therapies. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of doxorubicin (DOX) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Me-ALA, focusing on their effects on redox homeostasis. Basal ROS levels and antioxidant gene expression (NFE2L2, CAT, GSR) were quantitatively assessed across GBM cell lines, revealing significant variability probably linked to genetic differences. DOX and PDT treatments, both individually and in combination, were analyzed for their efficacy in inducing oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. An in silico analysis further explored the relationship between gene mutations and oxidative stress in GBM patients, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying treatment responses. Our findings suggest that pro-oxidant therapies, such as DOX and PDT in combination, could selectively target GBM cells, highlighting a promising avenue for improving therapeutic outcomes in GBM.

Lower perceived stress among physically active elite private university students with higher levels of gratitude

Elite private universities have high stress levels, particularly for underrepresented populations. While physical activity and gratitude can both reduce stress, independent effects from gratitude and interaction effects between physical activity and gratitude on stress are insufficiently explored. Our study investigated these effects among undergraduates at elite private universities. Undergraduates (n = 145) completed an online survey in Fall 2022. Moderate-high physical activity levels were reported by 96.19% of the sample. No significant interaction effect between physical activity and gratitude was seen nor a significant main effect of physical activity on perceived stress. A significant main effect of gratitude on perceived stress [F (2, 99) = 16.732, p < .001, ω2 = .253] was found with higher perceived stress among participants with low compared to moderate (p = .001) or high gratitude (p < .001). Gratitude exerted an independent, significant effect on perceived stress among elite university undergraduates and could be used as an additional healthy coping mechanism along with physical activity to combat stress.

Genetic Variation and Stroke Recovery: The STRONG Study.

Genetic association studies can reveal biology and treatment targets but have received limited attention for stroke recovery. STRONG (Stroke, Stress, Rehabilitation, and Genetics) was a prospective, longitudinal (1-year), genetic study in adults with stroke at 28 US stroke centers. The primary aim was to examine the association that candidate genetic variants have with (1) motor/functional outcomes and (2) stress-related outcomes. For motor/functional end points, 3 candidate gene variants (ApoE ε4, BDNF [brain-derived neurotrophic factor], and a dopamine polygenic score) were analyzed for associations with change in grip strength (3 months-baseline), function (3-month Stroke Impact Scale-Activities of Daily Living), mood (3-month Patient Health Questionnaire-8), and cognition (12-month telephone-Montreal Cognitive Assessment). For stress-related outcomes, 7 variants (serotonin transporter gene-linked promoter region, ACE [angiotensin-converting enzyme], oxytocin receptor, FKBP5 [FKBP prolyl isomerase 5], FAAH [fatty acid amide hydrolase], BDNF, and COMT [catechol-O-methyltransferase]) were assessed for associations with posttraumatic stress disorder ([PTSD]; PTSD Primary Care Scale) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8) at 6 and 12 months; stress-related genes were examined as a function of poststroke stress level. Statistical models (linear, negative binomial, or Poisson regression) were based on response variable distribution; all included stroke severity, age, sex, and ancestry as covariates. Stroke subtype was explored secondarily. Data were Holm-Bonferroni corrected. A secondary replication analysis tested whether the rs1842681 polymorphism (identified in the GISCOME study [Genetics of Ischaemic Stroke Functional Outcome]) was related to 3-month modified Rankin Scale score in STRONG. The 763 enrollees were 63.1±14.9 (mean±SD) years of age, with a median initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 4 (interquartile range, 2-9); outcome data were available in n=515 at 3 months, n=500 at 6 months, and n=489 at 12 months. At 1 year poststroke, the rs6265 (BDNF) variant was associated with poorer cognition (0.9-point lower telephone-Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, P=1×10-5). For stress-related outcomes, rs4291 (ACE) and rs324420 (FAAH) were risk factors linking increased poststroke stress with higher 1-year depression and PTSD symptoms (P<0.05), while rs4680 (COMT) linked poststroke stress with lower 1-year depression and PTSD. Findings were unchanged when considering stroke subtype. STRONG replicated GISCOME: rs1842681 was associated with lower 3-month modified Rankin Scale score (P=3.2×10-5). This study identified genetic associations with cognitive function, depression, and PTSD 1 year poststroke. Genetic susceptibility to PTSD and depressive symptoms varied according to the amount of poststroke stress, underscoring the critical role of lived experiences in recovery. Together, the results suggest that genetic association studies provide insights into the biology of stroke recovery in humans.

The Effect of Salinity Stress on the Antibacterial Activity of SpirulinaPlatensis Algae

Background: The production of secondary metabolites in different strains of microalgae varies and is likely dependent on environmental conditions. Consequently, the production of bioactive substances as secondary metabolites occurs in microalgae to aid their survival in adverse environmental conditions such as salinity stress. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of S. platensis algae cultivated under different salinity stresses against Yersinia rukeri, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., and Vibrio cholerae. Methods: The broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the growth inhibitory activity of the extracts against Yersinia ruckeri, Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by this method, and the diameter of the inhibition zone was assessed through the well diffusion method. Results: In the treatment with algae extract grown under 3.5 ppt salinity stress, the concentrations of 50 and 25 mg/mL extract showed the largest inhibition zone diameter against Salmonella sp. compared to other bacteria. Under 7 ppt salinity stress, all studied concentrations of algal extract exhibited a higher inhibition zone diameter against V. cholerae compared to other bacteria. The results of comparing different concentrations of algae extract between the two salinity stresses of 3.5 and 7 ppt for each bacterium showed a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05). As salinity increased, the diameter of the inhibition zone also increased for all bacteria. Conclusions: Our results showed an increase in the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of Spirulina platensis with higher salinity stress levels. Therefore, cultivating Spirulina algae in salt water can be a cost-effective and suitable method to produce more secondary metabolites for use in the pharmaceutical industry.

The Effect of Salinity Stress on the Antibacterial Activity of SpirulinaPlatensis Algae

Background: The production of secondary metabolites in different strains of microalgae varies and is likely dependent on environmental conditions. Consequently, the production of bioactive substances as secondary metabolites occurs in microalgae to aid their survival in adverse environmental conditions such as salinity stress. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of S. platensis algae cultivated under different salinity stresses against Yersinia rukeri, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., and Vibrio cholerae. Methods: The broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the growth inhibitory activity of the extracts against Yersinia ruckeri, Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by this method, and the diameter of the inhibition zone was assessed through the well diffusion method. Results: In the treatment with algae extract grown under 3.5 ppt salinity stress, the concentrations of 50 and 25 mg/mL extract showed the largest inhibition zone diameter against Salmonella sp. compared to other bacteria. Under 7 ppt salinity stress, all studied concentrations of algal extract exhibited a higher inhibition zone diameter against V. cholerae compared to other bacteria. The results of comparing different concentrations of algae extract between the two salinity stresses of 3.5 and 7 ppt for each bacterium showed a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05). As salinity increased, the diameter of the inhibition zone also increased for all bacteria. Conclusions: Our results showed an increase in the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of Spirulina platensis with higher salinity stress levels. Therefore, cultivating Spirulina algae in salt water can be a cost-effective and suitable method to produce more secondary metabolites for use in the pharmaceutical industry.

Research on Mechanism of Non-Uniform In-Situ Stress Induced Casing Damage Based on Finite Element Analysis

Casing damage is a common problem encountered during oil and gas field development due to the complex stress state of the casing. Despite the large number of studies focusing on this problem, the mechanism of non-uniform in-situ stress-induced casing damage in a low-permeability reservoir is still unclear. In this study, casing damage due to non-uniform in-situ stress variations was investigated, and then the tectonic stress coefficients in the study area were determined by an in-situ stress inversion technique, which led to the derivation of formulas for calculating the maximum and minimum horizontal in-situ stresses. Subsequently, finite element numerical simulations were performed to assess the stress distribution during the formation of the casing cement sheath in a G155 block, a typical low-permeability reservoir. The results indicate that casing damage is caused not only by non-uniform in-situ stresses but also by various additional creep-induced loads. Subsequent finite element investigations into casing behavior under mudstone creep conditions indicated that immersion of mudstone in water instigated further shearing and deformation of the casing, culminating in premature well failure prior to water inundation. Notably, Von Mises stress levels exhibited a positive correlation with injection production ratios, with values exceeding critical thresholds leading to distinct modes of mechanical failure including shear-induced deformations, longitudinal tensile stress, and localized yielding near water wells. Maintenance of an optimal injection production ratio is identified as a key strategy for prolonging casing longevity in the region. To this end, recommendations include augmenting the casing wall thickness or enhancing the steel pressure specifications to mitigate casing damage progression, thereby extending the operational lifespan. This research serves as a pivotal theoretical framework for informing future development strategies aimed at mitigating and preempting casing failures in a low-permeability reservoir.

The role of exposure to nature in perceived stress by veterinary students

Veterinary school is intense and represents a challenging time for students, and increasingly, veterinary students are being diagnosed with a variety of concerning mental health issues including stress, anxiety, and depression, often resulting in poor academic performance. Because of the disproportionately high risk of mental health problems in the veterinary field, it is important that students learn, understand, and utilize simple and effective techniques to cope with stress, and demands of the profession. Spending time in natural environments such as outdoor parks, green spaces, and urban forests is an effective strategy for improving mental health. In this study, we examined the self-reported effects of repeated, structured time in a nature-based intervention, vs a control group of veterinary students. Participants reported significantly lower perceived stress levels compared to a control group. Students overwhelmingly reported that they would recommend this stress reduction technique to their classmates, and they stated that they planned to continue spending time in nature to improve their mindset and reduce stress in the future.

Trend FOMO Mahasiswa UIN Suska Riau

This study investigates the trend of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) among students at UIN SUSKA Riau. FOMO, defined as the anxiety that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent, is increasingly common in the digital era, especially among university students who are frequent social media users. The research aims to explore the prevalence and effects of FOMO on students' academic performance, mental health, and social interactions. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, with data gathered from online surveys and in-depth interviews involving 300 students across various faculties. The results indicate that a significant portion of students experience moderate to high levels of FOMO, which is strongly associated with intensive social media usage. Students reported that FOMO adversely impacts their focus and academic performance, leading to procrastination and heightened stress levels. Furthermore, FOMO contributes to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, as students often compare their lives to the idealized representations they encounter online. The study underscores the necessity for awareness and intervention programs to aid students in managing their social media usage and alleviating the negative impacts of FOMO. Addressing these concerns can help UIN SUSKA Riau cultivate a healthier and more supportive academic environment. This research adds to the growing body of literature on digital well-being and student mental health, highlighting the importance of balanced social media engagement.

Lower perceived stress among physically active elite private university students with higher levels of gratitude

Elite private universities have high stress levels, particularly for underrepresented populations. While physical activity and gratitude can both reduce stress, independent effects from gratitude and interaction effects between physical activity and gratitude on stress are insufficiently explored. Our study investigated these effects among undergraduates at elite private universities. Undergraduates (n = 145) completed an online survey in Fall 2022. Moderate-high physical activity levels were reported by 96.19% of the sample. No significant interaction effect between physical activity and gratitude was seen nor a significant main effect of physical activity on perceived stress. A significant main effect of gratitude on perceived stress [F (2, 99) = 16.732, p &amp;lt; .001, ω2 = .253] was found with higher perceived stress among participants with low compared to moderate (p = .001) or high gratitude (p &amp;lt; .001). Gratitude exerted an independent, significant effect on perceived stress among elite university undergraduates and could be used as an additional healthy coping mechanism along with physical activity to combat stress.

Enhancing Therapeutic Approaches in Glioblastoma with Pro-Oxidant Treatments and Synergistic Combinations: In Vitro Experience of Doxorubicin and Photodynamic Therapy

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer characterized by significant molecular and cellular heterogeneity, which complicates treatment efforts. Current standard therapies, including surgical resection, radiation, and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy, often fail to achieve long-term remission due to tumor recurrence and resistance. A pro-oxidant environment is involved in glioma progression, with oxidative stress contributing to the genetic instability that leads to gliomagenesis. Evaluating pro-oxidant therapies in brain tumors is crucial due to their potential to selectively target and eradicate cancer cells by exploiting the elevated oxidative stress levels inherent in these malignant cells, thereby offering a novel and effective strategy for overcoming resistance to conventional therapies. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of doxorubicin (DOX) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Me-ALA, focusing on their effects on redox homeostasis. Basal ROS levels and antioxidant gene expression (NFE2L2, CAT, GSR) were quantitatively assessed across GBM cell lines, revealing significant variability probably linked to genetic differences. DOX and PDT treatments, both individually and in combination, were analyzed for their efficacy in inducing oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. An in silico analysis further explored the relationship between gene mutations and oxidative stress in GBM patients, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying treatment responses. Our findings suggest that pro-oxidant therapies, such as DOX and PDT in combination, could selectively target GBM cells, highlighting a promising avenue for improving therapeutic outcomes in GBM.

The geomechanical response of the Gulf of Mexico Green Canyon 955 reservoir to gas hydrate dissociation: A model based on sediment properties with and without gas hydrate

Gas hydrate is commonly found concentrated in sand- and silt-rich reservoirs and these are thought to have great potential as an energy resource. To evaluate this potential, it is critical to understand their in-situ stress state and their behavior during production. We explore the geomechanical behavior of sandy silt sediments from a hydrate reservoir at Green Canyon GC 955, deep-water Gulf of Mexico without hydrate and compare these results to previous work on the same sandy silty sediments with hydrate present. Previous results from hydrate-bearing sediments at GC 955 using intact specimens show that the ratio of lateral to axial effective stress under uniaxial strain (K0) is strongly time-dependent and over long timescales approaches 1 (isostatic stress state). New results from sediments without hydrate using reconstituted specimens reveal that K0 is 0.51 and independent of time and stress. The reservoir without hydrate is approximately three times more compressible than with hydrate. In addition, we find that hydrate-free sediments have a normalized creep rate of Cα/Cc of about 0.028 at all stress levels, whereas hydrate bearing sediments exhibit a decrease in Cα/Cc with stress. We use these observations to present a new geomechanical model that describes how stress and porosity evolve during production of the hydrate reservoir. The key insight in our proposed model is that the sediment skeleton and gas hydrate phases share any applied external load in proportion to their relative stiffnesses. The model results predict that hydrate-bearing sediments are stiffer than gas hydrate-free sediments and that K0 reduces dramatically after gas hydrate dissociation, as is observed. At GC 955, a 5 MPa depressurization is needed to cause gas hydrate dissociation. This change in pore pressure increases the vertical and horizontal effective stresses from 3.8 to 8.8 MPa and 3.8–4.4 MPa, respectively. The dramatic vertical effective stress increase will cause significant compaction (7%) and perturb stresses near the wellbore. These experimental observations and the load-sharing model presented have the potential to underpin a new generation of hydrate reservoir simulation models, which may drive more effective production approaches.

Unraveling teacher stressors in Bhutan: a qualitative exploration of contributing elements

School teaching is widely acknowledged to be a highly demanding profession. Consequentially, an emerging academic literature deals with the stress levels teachers face. While existing studies predominantly focus on quantifying relevant stressors, this study investigates the subjective perceptions and interpretations of stressors by teachers. Data comes from Bhutan, a country with a high teacher resignation rate primarily due to teacher stress, despite being one of the highest-paid occupations. The results show that teacher stress in Bhutan predominantly emanates from heightened job demands. These demands are perceived differently in terms of how individuals view teaching responsibilities and non-academic obligations (e.g., Class Teacher). The pervasive impact of inadequate leadership and management exacerbates stress levels, directly encroaching upon psycho-social wellbeing. Ten teachers in Bhutan were interviewed using a semi-structured format. The interview data was recorded, transcribed, and coded using MAXQDA. Thematic analysis was then conducted based on the generated codes. By adopting a qualitative lens, this research enriches our understanding of teacher stress by unraveling how stressors are interconnected and how different teachers perceive the same stressor differently, providing insights on targeted interventions and support mechanisms. The results also show that supportive leadership can sometimes be viewed as a source of stress as opposed to the popular notion of perceiving it entirely as a stress-mitigating factor.

Psychological Distress at a Regional Australian Law School: Reporting on Law Students’ Experiences of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

Legal education in Australia is constantly evolving to meet the needs of law students and to prepare many of them for roles in the legal profession. Examples include changes to law degree structures, optional elective units, and subjects aimed at preparing law students to be ‘workplace ready’. Law students face challenging academic requirements and law school culture that can result in greater levels of psychological distress compared to the general population. Promoting law student wellbeing and responding to high student levels of psychological distress is a key area of focus for Australian Law Schools. This article explores existing law student wellbeing studies in Australia and reports findings from an empirical exploratory study investigating the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS) using the DASS21 survey instrument in law students at a regional Australian university, James Cook University. The results from this study support earlier studies at Australian universities that show law students experience higher levels of psychological distress symptoms compared to the general population, and it is an area of concern that requires ongoing attention. Results include an exploration of the impact of factors including type of degree being studied, campus location, year of study, gender, and time spent at law school.

Caregiver experienced racism, acculturative stress, and political hostility predict anxiety in Latinx families residing in the United States.

Cultural stress potently predicts mental health inequities, such as anxiety, among adult and adolescent immigrants in the United States. However, less work has focused on preadolescence, a period marked by neurodevelopmental and psychosocial changes that can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Latina girls, who exhibit heightened levels of untreated anxiety, may be at elevated risk. The present study tests whether cultural stress predicts anxiety symptoms in Latina girls and their caregivers. The primary caregivers of 161 predominantly Mexican-identifying Latina girls (Mage = 10.70, SD = 1.68) reported their exposure to racism, acculturative stress, and political hostility. They also reported their own and their daughter's anxiety severity. To index cultural stress, a principal component was extracted from composite scores of the racism, acculturative stress, and political hostility questionnaires. Hierarchical regression analyses then tested whether the multidetermined cultural stress component predicted caregiver and child anxiety, with child age, annual household income, and subjective socioeconomic status entered at the first step. Cultural stress positively predicted caregiver (ΔR² = .13, p < .001) and child (ΔR² = .15, p < .001) anxiety symptoms over and above the observed inverse effects of subjective socioeconomic status, such that higher levels of cultural stress were associated with elevated levels of caregiver (ß = .37, p < .001) and child (ß = .39, p < .001) anxiety symptoms. The results of this study highlight the role of racism, acculturative stress, and political hostility in escalating anxiety symptoms in Latinx families and identify cultural stress as a factor that likely contributes to the high rates of anxiety in Latina girls during a key developmental period. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Caregiving stress and maternal mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has now been extensively documented that parental mental health has deteriorated since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although pandemic-related stress has been widespread, parents faced the unique challenge of navigating remote schooling. Parental oversight of children's education, loss of access to school supportive resources, and the challenges of remote learning may have been most problematic for parents of children with or at elevated risk for mental health difficulties. In the current study, we examined interactive effects of parent-reported pandemic-related caregiving stress and child internalizing and externalizing problems on parental depressive symptoms in a community-based cohort (N = 115) in the Northeast of the United States. Results indicated that parents experiencing higher levels of pandemic-related caregiving stress whose children exhibited elevated externalizing behaviors reported heightened levels of depressive symptoms. Greater child internalizing problems were associated with higher parental depressive symptoms independent of caregiving stress. These findings point to conditions that might heighten risk for parent mental health challenges in the context of ongoing remote or hybrid learning and pandemic-associated restrictions. Further, the findings point to conditions and characteristics that may be screened to identify and intervene with vulnerable families to mitigate mental health problems.

Psychological Distress at a Regional Australian Law School: Reporting on Law Students’ Experiences of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

Legal education in Australia is constantly evolving to meet the needs of law students and to prepare many of them for roles in the legal profession. Examples include changes to law degree structures, optional elective units, and subjects aimed at preparing law students to be ‘workplace ready’. Law students face challenging academic requirements and law school culture that can result in greater levels of psychological distress compared to the general population. Promoting law student wellbeing and responding to high student levels of psychological distress is a key area of focus for Australian Law Schools. This article explores existing law student wellbeing studies in Australia and reports findings from an empirical exploratory study investigating the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS) using the DASS21 survey instrument in law students at a regional Australian university, James Cook University. The results from this study support earlier studies at Australian universities that show law students experience higher levels of psychological distress symptoms compared to the general population, and it is an area of concern that requires ongoing attention. Results include an exploration of the impact of factors including type of degree being studied, campus location, year of study, gender, and time spent at law school.

Propofol ameliorates cognitive deficits following splenectomy in aged rats by inhibiting ferroptosis via the SIRT1/Nrf2/GPX4 pathway.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which propofol reduces postoperative cognitive dysfunction after splenectomy in aged rats. The rats in the model group and propofol group were subjected to splenectomy, and anesthetized with isoflurane and propofol, respectively. Utilizing the western blotting to assess the expression of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in the hippocampus. Molecular docking technology was used to predict the binding ability of propofol and SIRT1. Behavioral tests were performed using the Morris water maze, and the hippocampus was isolated for mechanistic investigations. Molecular docking showed that propofol and SIRT1 had a strong binding affinity. The expression of SIRT1 and its related proteins Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and GPX4 in the model rats was decreased compared with the sham group. Moreover, the model group exhibited cognitive decline, such as extended escape latency and decreased number of platform crossings. Pathological analysis showed that the number of apoptotic neurons, the levels of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, the iron deposition, and the expressions of ACSL4 and TFR1 were increased, while the expressions of SLC7A11 and FTH1 were decreased in the hippocampal CA1 region within the model group. These pathological changes in the propofol group were, however, less than those in the model group. Nevertheless, the SIRT1 inhibitor increased these pathological changes compared with the propofol group. Compared with isoflurane, propofol inhibits ferroptosis in the hippocampus of splenectomized rats by causing less downregulation of the SIRT1/Nrf2/GPX4 pathway, thereby reducing the negative impact on cognitive function.