Low Stress Levels Research Articles

Stress Management Techniques for Students: Exploring Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies and Resilience

This study investigates the effectiveness of stress management techniques—mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and resilience-building practices—among university students facing academic and personal pressures. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data was collected from 550 participants through structured surveys measuring stress levels, technique usage, and influencing factors such as sleep quality and social support. The analysis revealed that mindfulness practices significantly reduced stress levels (M = 5.5) compared to cognitive-behavioral strategies (M = 6.5) and resilience techniques (M = 6.2), thereby confirming the first hypothesis. Cognitive-behavioral strategies also contributed positively to stress reduction, supporting the second hypothesis. Additionally, higher resilience scores correlated with lower stress levels, validating the third hypothesis. Notably, sleep quality and social support were identified as critical moderating factors that enhanced the effectiveness of these techniques, confirming the fourth hypothesis. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating mindfulness and resilience practices into student wellness programs while addressing sleep quality and fostering social support networks. This research contributes to the understanding of effective stress management strategies in academic settings and highlights the need for tailored interventions to support student well-being. Future research should explore the long-term effectiveness of these techniques and consider a broader range of student demographics to enhance the applicability of the findings.

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates: flexural strengthening method for prestressed concrete beams with anchorage loss

Abstract Post-tensioning (PT), a method of pre-stressing, involves the use of high-strength steel strands/ tendons to reinforce concrete or other materials. On the contrary, Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) are lightweight, high-strength materials with used to strengthen concrete structures by adhering the polymer to the concrete element. Challenges with post-tensioned elements include reverse curvature of the post-tensioning strands, tendon misplacement, and frequent damage in the anchorage and dead-end zones. These difficulties frequently cause bulging of the surrounding concrete, even at lower stress levels, and can lead to concrete bursting when tension exceeds certain threshold. This study investigates into the potential of CFRP strengthening technique to improve the flexural capacity of post-tensioned concrete beams with anchorage loss. Through an experimental program, the study compares the performance of control beams to those reinforced with different layers of CFRP. The results of this study demonstrated that there was a significant increase in flexural capacity, ranging from 45.31% to 78.62% for single layers and 87.17% to 153% for double layers of CFRP sheet. Additionally, the research examines how different levels of prestressing and CFRP wraps influence crack formation and delamination patterns of carbon fiber, with promising results. It was also noted that optimal usage of CFRP fibers and tendons is found to be critical. The study suggests exploring alternative fiber types and orientations for future study.

Parental stress and nurse-parent support in the neonatal intensive care unit: a cross-sectional study.

Admission of a preterm infant to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is highly stressful for parents. NICU nurses play a crucial role in providing support, positively impacting health and aiding effective stress management during this challenging period. This study assesses stress and nurse-parent support for parents with preterm infants in the NICU, exploring connections between stress, support, and various parental and infant variables. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and July 2019 on a total of 150 parents (75 mothers and 75 fathers) with preterm infants in a private hospital's NICU in Ankara, Turkey. Data were collected using the Parent and Infant Information Form, Parental Stressor Scale: NICU (PSS: NICU), and Nurse-Parent Support Tool (NPST). There was no significant correlation between PSS: NICU and NPST scores (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was observed in the overall NPST score (p = 0.036) and its emotional support subscale (p = 0.013). Mothers' PSS: NICU was influenced by infant information (p = 0.027) and marital duration ((p = 0.002), while fathers' was influenced by number of children (p = 0.040) and infant care participation (p = 0.001). NPST was affected by number of children (p = 0.004) and infant respiratory status (p = 0.011) for mothers and number of children for fathers (p = 0.038). Since parents require informational, emotional, and care-related support, nurses should continuously enhance their professional and communication skills to establish effective communication with parents and provide targeted support. This study found mothers received greater nurse support than fathers. Mothers with one child had higher nurse support, while mechanical ventilation for mothers and having more than one child for fathers were linked to reduced support. Lower stress levels were noted in mothers married for 6-10 years, those informed about the infant, and fathers actively participating in infant care with more than one child.

Evidence for Low Effective Stress Within the Crust of the Subducted Gorda Plate from the 2022 December Mw 6.4 Ferndale Earthquake Sequence

Abstract Stress levels on and adjacent to megathrust faults at seismogenic depths remain a key but difficult-to-constrain parameter for assessing seismic hazard in subduction zones. Although strong ground motions have been observed to be generated from distinct, high-stress regions on the down-dip end of the megathrust rupture areas in many great earthquakes, we lack direct constraints on the stress level in the lower seismogenic portion of the Cascadia megathrust. On 20 December 2022, an Mw 6.4 strike-slip earthquake occurred near Ferndale, California, in southern Cascadia and likely ruptured the Gorda slab crust in the lower seismogenic portion, providing an opportunity to assess the stress level in this region. Here, we relocate the Ferndale mainshock and the first two weeks of aftershocks using a high-resolution 3D velocity model and estimate rupture dimensions, directivity, and stress drop for several Mw 4–5 aftershocks and recent earthquakes. The aftershocks define a strike-slip fault in the slab crust striking east-northeast, consistent with the mainshock focal mechanism. The orientation of this fault is about 45° off the ideally oriented fault plane given the stress state in the slab. The aftershock zone is extensive and broad in the forward direction of the mainshock rupture but still constrained within the volume of high VP/VS in the slab crust. Our stress-drop estimates are generally lower for Mw 4–5 earthquakes located in the slab crust compared to those a few kilometers deeper in the slab mantle. Combined, our results support a relatively low effective stress level in the vicinity of the megathrust in the lower portion of the seismogenic zone in southern Cascadia, likely due to elevated fluid pressures. Consequently, the ground motion in the onshore region above this low-stress seismogenic portion in southern Cascadia may not be as intense as that observed during great earthquakes in other subduction zones.

Effect of an Educational Program on the Stress level Among Mothers of Neonates Hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Background: Mothers encounter significant psychological distress resulting from the premature birth of their infants, coupled with the need of hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which necessitates prolonged separation from their familial support systems. Aim: to assess the effect of an educational program on the stress level among mothers of neonates hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was undertaken involving 44 mothers of neonates who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) at the Children's Hospital and the Maternity & Gynecological Hospital. Researchers used maternal stress scale. Results: Mean score of studied mothers related Sights and sounds domain at preintervention was 24.97 (5.32), while decrease to 15.23 (3.60) postintervention. Also, according to looks and behavior domain mean score was 23.04 (3.90) preintervention, while decrease to 13.61 (2.76) post intervention. Additionally, according to Parental role alteration domain mean score was 26.82 (4.10) preintervention, while decrease to 16.70 (2.34) post intervention. Conclusion: Less than fifty percent of the mothers analyzed exhibited elevated levels of stress prior to the intervention, with approximately one-third demonstrating moderate stress levels. Conversely, following the intervention, less than two-thirds of the participants reported low stress levels, while over one-quarter indicated moderate stress levels. Furthermore, an educational intervention has been demonstrated to reduce maternal stress across various domains, including the auditory and visual realms, the observational and behavioral dimensions, the modifications in parental roles, as well as the overall stress levels experienced by mothers. Recommendations: The formulation of an educational framework aimed at mothers of preterm neonates who have been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit is essential. It is imperative to furnish parents with psychological empowerment training initiatives designed to facilitate the adoption of proactive coping methodologies to navigate adversities during periods of crisis.

A longitudinal analysis of psychological, physiological, and rehabilitation outcomes in basketball players following acute sports injuries

This cross-sectional study examines psychological behavior, biological factors, and rehabilitation treatment concerning acute sports injuries involving basketball players. Psychological trauma is also prevalent whereby athletes develop anxiety, depression and or fear that slow down their healing process and inability. The present study is a naturalistic cohort design where 50 basketball players with an injury completing self-report measures such as DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) and biological markers, cortisol level at monthly intervals for 12 months. Qualitative data in the form of interviews conducted after treatment, or quantitative data from neuropsychological examinations, are employed to determine therapeutic impacts of CBT and/or specified individual rehabilitation plans in changing psychological effects, regain biological functions, and the speed of physical rehabilitation. Current data analyzed evidence lower level of stress, cortisol, beneficial shifts in cardiovascular, respiratory patterns, and aspects of rehabilitation outcomes in the player receiving both psychological and physical-motor interventions in comparison to the group receiving only physical-motor treatment. Based on the developed arguments it can be seen that the mental health and the biological issues also matter thus boosting the believably of better rehabilitation for athletes.

Natural Disasters as a Maternal Prenatal Stressor and Children’s Neurodevelopment: A Systematic Review

The intrauterine period is a time of high sensitivity in the development of the embryo and the fetus. Therefore, low levels of maternal stress are closely associated with healthy brain development in the neonatal and early childhood periods. There is increasing evidence linking natural disasters as prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) to neurodevelopmental disorders (including subclinical manifestations). Natural disasters involve many factors in addition to the trauma they cause, including loss and the physical and psychosocial difficulties that result from that trauma. This review article aims to bring together research findings on the neurodevelopmental effects of natural disasters on children as PNMS. It also looks at how factors such as gestational age and gender contribute to these effects. We conducted a systematic review on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, with 30 studies meting the inclusion criteria. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 1,327,886 mother–child dyads participated in the included studies. The results of the studies indicate that natural disasters have a negative impact on children’s outcomes in terms of cognitive development, language development, autism/autism-like features, motor skills, performance in mathematics, mental development, sleep, attention, behavioral and emotional problems, and various psychiatric comorbidities.

Association between the oxidative balance score with metabolic syndrome traits in US adults

ObjectiveTo explore the association between the Oxidative Balance Score (OBS), which represents the balance of multiple oxidative stress-related dietary and lifestyle exposures, and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS).MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study design was adopted and 16,850 participants in NHANES database were included in the statistics analysis stage. The OBS was constructed by combining information from 20 a priori selected pro- and antioxidant factors. Weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to estimate the association between OBS and MetS.ResultsParticipants in the highest OBS quartile, indicating low oxidative stress (OS) levels, exhibited a significantly lower risk of MetS (odds Ratio [OR] = 0.55, 95% confidence Interval [CI]: 0.47–0.64) compared to the lowest quartile. Specifically, higher OBS was inversely associated with abdominal obesity (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.54–0.69), hypertension (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.58–0.83), elevated triglycerides (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.57–0.82), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.50–0.70) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.62–0.88). The observed inverse association between OBS and hypertension or FBG levels appeared to primarily influenced by BMI. The association between dietary OBS intervals and elevated FBG levels was not statistically significant in men, whereas the risk was lower by 25% in women.ConclusionsA higher OBS, representing a balance of multiple oxidative stress-related dietary and lifestyle exposures, is associated with a lower risk of MetS. Therefore, adhering to an antioxidant diet and lifestyle may help prevent the occurrence of metabolic disorders.

Black identity and internal health attributions of second generation black immigrant women

ABSTRACT Objective Despite second generation Black immigrants being a rapidly growing population, they are often overlooked in health attribution research that treats Black populations as a monolithic group. Very few studies focus on how discrimination, societal pressure, and racial identity play a role in the health attributions of Black immigrant women. Even fewer studies have examined this relationship solely with second generation Black immigrant women. Research has shown, however, that increased racial and ethnic identity but decreased experiences with racism are related to higher internal health attributions in Black populations. Thus, we addressed this dearth in research in the current study by examining the relationship between racial centrality, racism stress, and internal health attributions in a sample of 123 second generation Black immigrant women. Design Health attributions were assessed using the Illness Attribution Scale, racism stress using the Schedule of Racist Events, and racial centrality using the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses that lower levels of racism stress, but higher ratings of racial centrality would relate to higher scores of internal health attributions. Results A positive relationship was found between racial centrality and internal health attributions but not racism stress. Conclusion The results indicated that stronger affirmations with Black identity are associated with a greater importance of the causes of illness to be within one’s perceived control for second generation Black immigrant women, which highlights the importance of examining wthin-group differences via collective identity measures to better explain health attribution behavioirs.

Infrared temperature distribution characteristics and state assessment method of sandstone under tension and compression stress

Abnormalities in infrared radiation temperature (IRT) often accompany the loading In this investigation, stress experiments and splitting tests were conducted on sandstone to investigate the IRT characteristics of sandstone under various loading conditions. The results shows that the Maximum Infrared Radiation Temperature (MAXIRT) increases by up to 5 °C, while in splitting tests, the minimum infrared radiation temperature (MINIRT) decreases by approximately 1.5 °C. Compared to the average infrared radiation temperature (AIRT), MAXIRT is more sensitive to compressive stress, whereas (MINIRT) is more responsive to tensile stress. The correlation between IRT indicators and stress were further analyzed. The findings reveal a positive correlation between IRT and compressive stress. At low stress levels, the correlation coefficient fluctuates between −0.4 and 0.6, generally showing low correlation. As stress increases, the correlation coefficient rises, reaching above 0.8, indicating a high correlation. Tensile stress exhibits a negative correlation, with a consistent trend. Additionally, a statistical analysis of the frequency distribution of IRT under different stress conditions was conducted, followed by hypothesis testing. The results demonstrate that the probability distribution of IRT during loading follows a skewed normal distribution. The changes in skewness can be divided into three stages: initial fluctuation, stable variation, and abrupt failure. Under compressive stress, a right-skewed distribution is observed, with skewness exceeding 3.5 before fracture and reaching above 10 near fracture. Under tensile stress, a left-skewed distribution is noted, with skewness reaching −4.5 near fracture. These findings contribute to the assessment of rock stress states and provide early warning information for predicting rock failure.

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

Microstructure evolution and dynamic recrystallization mechanism of tantalum-tungsten alloys under hot compression

Ta-W alloys exhibit outstanding comprehensive properties at high temperatures, allowing them to have great application prospects in the high-temperature field. High-temperature compression tests (1573~1873 K) were conducted to evaluate the high-temperature mechanical properties of Ta-12W alloy, and the strain-compensated Arrhenius-Type model and hot processing map were developed to predict the optimal processing window. The electron backscatter diffraction, Transmission electron microscope, and DEFORM-3D software were performed to investigate the microstructure evolution and distributions of strain. The results demonstrated that the flow stress of Ta-12W alloy presented apparent negative temperature sensitivity and positive strain rate sensitivity. Based on the thermal processing diagrams and EBSD analysis, the results show that the low deformation temperature and high strain rate introduce stress concentration and deformation instability in the Ta-12W alloy. The optimized processing temperature and strain rate are at 1800 ~1873 K/0.001 s-1~0.05 s-1, and the microstructure at 1873 K/0.001 s-1 is more uniform and exhibits a low residual stress level. As the temperature increases, dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization cause significant softening effects, and continuous dynamic recrystallization dominates the high-temperature deformation behavior. Moreover, multiple continuous dynamic recrystallizations occur simultaneously, including sub-grain nucleation inside large grains, sub-grain nucleation at grain boundaries, and grain fragmentation accompanied by grain rotation. This study revealed the mechanisms of microstructural evolution during hot deformation of Ta-12W alloy, providing important guidance for optimizing the thermomechanical processing parameters.

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.

Biomechanical evaluation of implant options for unilateral maxillary defects: a finite element analysis

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate stress distribution in unilateral maxillary defects using finite element analysis (FEA) to compare subperiosteal (SI) and zygomatic implants (ZI).Materials and methodsA 3D model of a unilaterally atrophied maxilla was reconstructed from CT scans. Five scenarios were simulated: (1) quad zygoma implants (SC1), (2) zygoma and conventional implants (SC2), (3) two-piece SI and conventional implants (SC3), (4) one-piece SI and conventional implants (SC4) and (5) one-piece SI implant (SC5). Mechanical properties were assigned based on data in the literature; a 450 N force for occlusal loading and a 93 N force for oblique loads were applied.ResultsUnder vertical loading, SC2 exhibited the highest tensile stress (Pmax) in the atrophic region (R-AM), while SC4 showed the lowest Pmax across the entire maxilla, indicating better stress distribution. Under oblique forces, SC2 also showed the highest Pmax in R-AM, while SC5 had the lowest Pmax overall. Minimum principal stress (Pmin) followed similar patterns, with SC4 and SC5 demonstrating lower stress levels than the other scenarios. Abutment stresses were highest in SC2 and lowest in SC4. Overall, the SI scenarios (SC3–SC5) exhibited lower stress transmission to the alveolar bone than the ZI scenarios (SC1 and SC2), with SC4 providing the most balanced stress distribution across all regions.ConclusionsSI implants, mainly the one-piece SI (SC4), offered a more favourable stress distribution than ZI implants in unilateral maxillary defects, reducing the risk of excessive bone stress. This finding suggests that SI implants may be superior for such cases, although individual patient anatomy should guide implant selection. Further clinical studies are necessary to confirm these biomechanical findings in vivo.Clinical relevanceThis study underscores the crucial role of implant selection in minimising stress on the alveolar bone in unilateral maxillary defects. Based on these findings, we recommend personalised implant strategies based on biomechanical insights to enhance outcomes in maxillofacial reconstruction.

Biomechanical assessment of zirconia-calcium silicate-silver composite dental crowns: A 3D finite element analysis study

Optimal dental health significantly contributes to an individual’s physical and psychological well-being, with an increasing focus on esthetics and functionality in dental restoration procedures. This research explores the use of zirconia ceramic materials combined with calcium silicate and silver compositions as an alternative for dental crown applications. The study employs 3D finite element analysis to assess stress distribution on full crowns with composites under axial and oblique loads, aiming to understand biomechanical aspects and identify fracture resistance and failure modes. The materials include zirconia-calcium silicate-silver composites with varying volume fractions (Zr 74 to 29%, Ca2SiO4 68 to 25%, and Ag 3 to1%). Results show stress concentration at the crown intaglio surface, influenced by the material’s elastic modulus. Specifically, the C14 composite crown with Young’s modulus 90.82 GPa exhibits lower stress levels for crown 10.9 MPa at axial load and 12.77 MPa at oblique load, making it a potentially recommended choice. These findings suggest the potential of designed biomaterials, emphasizing the importance of material selection in enhancing the longevity and resilience of dental crowns. Also, the study enhances understanding of biomechanical aspects in dental crown restorations, contributing valuable insights for clinical applications.

The Power of Silence: How Taking Pauses Can Enhance Communication, Creativity and Productivity

This paper explores the cognitive, creative and well-being benefits of incorporating more silence into daily life and work. Drawing from over a decade of consulting experience and a comprehensive review of neuroscientific and psychological literature, the brief makes the case that silence enhances key functions like problem-solving, focus, memory formation and divergent thinking. Studies demonstrate how even brief periods without external stimulation lower stress levels and improve mood. Intermixed periods of silence allow for mental incubation that sparks insight and the "Aha!" moments of creativity. Examples are then provided of how high-performing organizations across industries like IDEO, Atlassian, Ernst &amp; Young and Google have maximized productivity, innovation and collaboration simply by strategically protecting pockets of quiet time. The research synthesis and case examples collectively argue that leadership which champions mindful moments of stillness will see transformative communication quality and long-term success.

Reduction of Noise Levels During Caesarean Births Through Audiovisual Feedback is Associated With Lower Stress Levels for Patients.

Noise reduction during surgical procedures leads to improved surgical performance and results. The caesarean birth (CB) is an exceptional operation and a life changing experience. Through the introduction of staff education and implementation of audiovisual feedback, we intended to reduce noise, and subsequently reduce surgical complications and increase the well-being of patients and staff. During Phase I, blinded baseline measurements of noise were conducted. Phase II started after staff education and structured questionnaires on subjective noise and stress were added, and in Phase III audiovisual feedback was introduced. Mean and peak noise levels over the time of the procedure were obtained in A-weighted decibels (dB(A)). Kruskal-Wallis H tests were performed to evaluate the impact of interventions on noise levels. Questionnaires were evaluated using descriptive statistics; stress-scores were compared using independent sample t-tests. Ninety planned CBs were included. Median noise levels were 62.85 dB(A) at baseline. They decreased significantly to 60.60 dB(A) (Phase II) and 59.25 dB(A) (Phase III), respectively. This reduction of 3.6 dB(A) leads to a subjective noise reduction of around 20%. Significant differences for A-weighted and peak noise levels during actual surgery were found after combining staff education with audiovisual feedback. In Phase III, staff reported less stressful noise. Stress also decreased significantly in the patient group. Beeping machines and telephones were identified as the most stressful sources of noise. We show that noise reduction during CB is both necessary and possible. Diminished subjective perception of noise and stress are positive impacts of this intervention. Staff education and audiovisual feedback can help to provide a calm and lower stress environment for patients and staff during caesarean births.

In Situ Construction of Polypyrrole–Silver Composite Conductive Phase in High‐Performance Polyimide Sponge and Study of Sensing Behavior Under Microstress

Composites comprising conductive polymers and metal particles have garnered considerable interest in sensor technology due to their excellent electrical conductivity. However, producing controllable pressure sensors that retain high sensitivity under microstress remains challenging. Polyimide (PI) sponge exhibits excellent chemical and thermal stability and a porous structure that facilitates considerable deformation under low stress levels and results in good sensitivity to external forces. Herein, a conductive polymer–metal composite conductive phase, polypyrrole–silver (PPy–Ag), is directly fabricated on the PI surface through incipient network conformal growth. This method ensures that the PPy–Ag composite maintains optimal performance within its original temperature range, thereby enhancing detection sensitivity at low stress levels. The maximum conductivity of the fabricated PPy–Ag/PI composite sponge‐based flexible piezoresistive sensor is 2.42 × 10−4 S m−1, and the sensitivity is recorded at 16.31 kPa−1 within a stress range of 0–80 Pa. After undergoing 1000 compression cycles, the sensor exhibits commendable stability and reproducibility.

Burnout and perceived stress among health visitors in Hungary

Abstract Background In Hungary, the health visitors are responsible for the health promotion of families and communities. However, as a consequence of the structural reorganization of the health visitors service and the emotionally situations (e.g. the war in a neighboring country, the economic crisis) that have arisen, there has been an increased prevalence of chronic stress, burnout and career abandonment among health visitors. The objective of the cross-sectional study was to ascertain the prevalence of burnout among health visitors and to examine the relationship between burnout and job stress. Methods The data was collected via an online questionnaire tool. In addition to questions pertaining to sociodemographic data, the questionnaire employed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI Human Services Survey) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Hypotheses were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunett test. The source population of the study was health visitors. A total of 178 health visitors constituted the target population. Results The average age of the study participants was 45.2 years. It can be observed that health visitors who perceive less appreciation from their colleagues, employers and caregivers are more likely to experience higher levels of burnout and stress (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The lowest levels of stress were observed in school health visitors, while the highest levels were seen in health visitors covering villages (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Those who remained in the field due to a passion for working with families and children, a sense of vocation, and a desire to help others exhibited lower levels of burnout (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The high number of clients served by health visitors was found to increase burnout and stress levels (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions The findings of this research will assist in the comprehension of the phenomenon of burnout among health visitors, thereby enabling the development of more efficacious methods for the treatment and prevention. Key messages • Preventing burnout among health visitors is a priority, as it affects their work and their relationship with the families they care for in the short and long term. • Health visitors frequently encounter families in crisis during the course of their work, necessitating regular supervision to maintain their mental health.

Unraveling Neurotoxicity Discrepancies: Comparative In vitro and In vivo Analysis of Colistin and Polymyxin B and the Underlying Mechanisms.

Polymyxins, including colistin and polymyxin B, are the final resort against Gram-negative bacterial infections. However, its clinical application is restricted due to concerns related to neurotoxicity. Despite the similar antibacterial spectrum and mode of action shared between colistin and polymyxin B, there is still a lack of definitive evidence to support the idea that their neurotoxicity profiles are identical. To comprehensively compare the neurotoxicity between colistin and polymyxin B both in vivo and in vitro and establish a theoretical foundation to guide the rational use of polymyxins within clinical settings. in vitro experiments simulated nerve damage by exposing N2a and RSC96 cells to colistin and polymyxin B. The evaluation of nerve injury included assessments of cell viability and apoptosis. To discern the variance in the mechanisms of nerve injury between colistin and polymyxin B, oxidative stress levels were examined, such as SOD, CAT, GSH, and malondialdehyde (MDA). In in vivo experiments, a rat nerve injury model was created by intraventricular injections of colistin and polymyxin B, respectively. The impact of these drugs on brain injury in rats, particularly within the hippocampus and medulla oblongata, was measured using HE and Nissl staining. The potential influence of polymyxins on the ferroptosis pathway was evaluated by assessing LPO and Fe2+ levels and the degree of mitochondrial impairment. At equivalent doses, colistin demonstrated a reduced level of neurotoxicity compared to polymyxin B, both in vitro and in vivo. in vitro experiments revealed greater cell viability and a lower apoptosis rate after colistin treatment than after polymyxin B treatment. This variance in outcomes could be attributed to the comparatively lower levels of oxidative stress associated with colistin administration.In a rat model, nerve injury resulted in observable damage to both the hippocampus and the medulla oblongata. A comprehensive assessment of the extent of damage in the CA1 to CA4 regions of the hippocampus, and the solitary tract nucleus of the medulla oblongata underscored that the neurotoxic effects of colistin remained milder compared to those elicited by polymyxin B. Even when evaluated at equivalent multiples of clinically recommended doses, colistin exhibited lower neurotoxicity in vivo than polymyxin B. For the first time, this study demonstrated the role of ferroptosis in polymyxin B-induced nerve damage. The activation levels observed within the ferroptosis pathway due to polymyxin B exceeded those triggered by colistin. Colistin exhibited a marked reduction in neurotoxicity compared to polymyxin B, evident in both the equivalent and clinically recommended doses. These findings suggest that, from the perspective of neurotoxicity, colistin presents a more favorable option for clinical use.