Physical Exhaustion Research Articles

Quantitative EEG correlates of 'Kriya yoga' benefits for mental health among health care providers.

Health care workers (HCWs) experience abounding physical and mental exhaustion mandating a deliverable solution for their mental health care. Kriya yoga (KY) includes several relaxation techniques and offers a stress-alleviating experience. The objective signature of KY benefits needs to be investigated. To study the effects of KY practice on brain oscillations and perceived stress in health care providers. This prospective interventional study was conducted during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. HCWs were enrolled to the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG) after obtaining an informed consent. IG visited the yoga center for learning the KY technique. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded in both the groups, at baseline, and at the end of 6 weeks in the EEG Laboratory. Perceived stress scale (PSS) scores and participants' subjective response to KY practice were also collected. Paired t-test and independent t-test were used for statistical comparison wherever applicable. Age and baseline EEG powers among the IG and CG (N = 25) were statistically comparable. Absolute power analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in alpha and delta powers after 6 weeks of KY practice. The PSS scores revealed a statistically significant decrease in perceived stress after KY practice. Furthermore, 83% of the participants reported the subjective calming effects of KY practice. KY practice ensues relaxing effects on the brain, as evident from the EEG absolute power analysis, PSS scores, and participants' subjective response. As KY is a brief technique, it may be encouraged during short break session among the HCWs for promotive health.

Integration of Metabolomics with Network Pharmacology Deciphers the Anti-Fatigue Activity Mechanisms of the Extract of Mirabilis himalaica Root.

Fatigue, a common symptom in both diseased and healthy individuals, is a biological phenomenon characterized by a sense of extreme physical or mental exhaustion. To explore novel drugs and food sources of anti-fatigue, the hydroalcoholic extract of the root of Mirabilis himalaica (MH extract) is evaluated as anti-fatigue agents in this work, and clarifies that the mechanism of MH intervention in fatigue symptoms, and distribution of the anti-fatigue constituents in the plant of Mirabilis himalaica is examined. The results show that the MH extract have a significantly anti-fatigue effect via the pharmacological experiment and biochemical indicators. The network pharmacology, metabolomics, molecular docking, and pharmacology are integrated to determine that boeravinone A, B, and E are the pharmacoperones of anti-fatigue. Moreover, the compounds of boeravinone are present only in the root and not in the leaf and stem of the Mirabilis himalaica, which validates that root of Mirabilis himalaica is historically and officially utilized medicinal parts.

A Cross-Sectional Study to Analyze the Physical and Cognitive Fatigue Due to Sleep Disruption Among Shift Workers in Tamilnadu

The objective of this research is to analyse the extent and manner of the kind of fatigue among shift workers in Tamil Nadu, India. As for shift workers, they often have disturbed night’s sleep. Shift work is distinguished by its irregular and unique work hours, unlike the regular day-time Schedule. It is combined with circadian alteration, which affects most of the bodily activities. They have diverse sorts of health problems, such as physical and mental fatigue. A Cross-sectional Analysis was done among airport workers. 200 participants were randomly selected for the study aged 35-45 years and conducted for a duration of 6 months in the Airport, Tamilnadu. Sleep quality and cognition were assessed using a validated questionnaire. The muscle fatigue was evaluated using Mosso’s ergograph. R-statistical Software (version 4.0.2) was used for Data Analysis. The Primary analyses of data set’s normality were done by Kolmogorov - Smirnov Z test. Significant negative correlation exists between global PSQI score and both cognition score (r= -0.315, P<0.001) and Work done by Mosso (r= -0.405, P<0.001) There is also negative correlation exists between work done and the cognition score (r= - 0.565, P<0.001) which is statistically significant. Decreased Sleep Quality, more fatigue and lowering of cognition levels not only affects physical health but also the quality of life. It has been noted that sleep disturbance leads to physical and mental exhaustion among Tamil Nadu shift workers. The outcomes underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve sleep-related behaviours as well as the treatment of fatigue in this population. Reducing the disturbances of shift work effects on produce, growth as well as health may be authorized by way of implementing organized work shifts and also promoting sleep promotion.

ФОНОВІ ЯВИЩА ТА ЇХ ВПЛИВ НА ВІЙСЬКОВУ ЗЛОЧИННІСТЬ

The article addresses to the study of certain background phenomena and their impact on military criminality. The authors identify the most common background phenomena, such as drug addiction, substance abuse, drunkenness, gambling, professional burnout and excessive professional stress, suicidality, discriminatory news framing, and political censorship. The authors analyze the features of the latter phenomena and their impact on military criminalty. It is established that these phenomena have background properties that directly determine the determinants of military criminality, ways to correct the negative manifestations of the personality of a military offender and the directions of its prevention. As a background phenomenon drug addiction causes military criminal offenses, undermines military discipline, reduces the combat capability of military formations and endangers the lives of both the servicemen and their comrades. The reasons for drug use among military personnel are high levels of stress, physical and psychological exhaustion, the availability of drugs, and the influence of the environment. Overcoming this problem requires a comprehensive approach, including a set of organizational, social, psychological, pedagogical, and medical measures, strict control over discipline, and measures to prevent drug addiction and taxi addiction among military personnel. It is found that the main causes of gambling addiction among the military personnel are the inability to control the state of excitement after combat, low self-esteem, the desire for quick enrichment, and, in some cases, heredity, as well as stressful situations that encourage a person to distract from the problem by getting a “dose of quick dopamine.” Suicidal behavior is being proven to be another antisocial phenomenon that has a negative impact on military crime. The ways of preventing this phenomenon include: intensification of the work of military psychologists, improvement of educational work aimed at preserving and strengthening the mental health of military personnel. Discriminatory news framing has side negative effects on military service, so it is advisable to change the media narratives of heroizing military service, the latter should be considered as an employer, and military service is a type of activity with its own characteristics. The article determines that the prevention of these background phenomena should be comprehensive and include: general social measures – organizational, social, psychological and pedagogical, medical, media (full information on the peculiarities of military service in war conditions is open); individual measures – strict control over compliance with discipline, ensuring the implementation of the suicide prevention mechanism, psychosocial support for servicemen. Key words: background phenomena, military criminality, military criminal offenses, unauthorized leaving of a military unit or place of service, evasion from military service, drug addiction, drinking, gambling, suicidology, emotional burnout, framing, crime prevention.

Maladaptive personality traits are associated with burnout risk in Italian anesthesiologists and intensivists: a secondary analysis from a cross-sectional study

BackgroundBurnout is a maladaptive response to chronic stress, particularly prevalent among clinicians. Anesthesiologists are at risk of burnout, but the role of maladaptive traits in their vulnerability to burnout remains understudied.MethodsA secondary analysis was performed on data from the Italian Association of Hospital Anesthesiologists, Pain Medicine Specialists, Critical Care, and Emergency (AAROI-EMAC) physicians. The survey included demographic data, burnout assessment using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and subscales (emotional exhaustion, MBI-EE; depersonalization, MBI-DP; personal accomplishment, MBI-PA), and evaluation of personality disorders (PDs) based on DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition) criteria using the assessment of DSM-IV PDs (ADP-IV). We investigated the aggregated scores of maladaptive personality traits as predictor variables of burnout. Subsequently, the components of personality traits were individually assessed.ResultsOut of 310 respondents, 300 (96.77%) provided complete information. The maladaptive personality traits global score was associated with the MBI-EE and MBI-DP components. There was a significant negative correlation with the MBI-PA component. Significant positive correlations were found between the MBI-EE subscale and the paranoid (r = 0.42), borderline (r = 0.39), and dependent (r = 0.39) maladaptive personality traits. MBI-DP was significantly associated with the passive-aggressive (r = 0.35), borderline (r = 0.33), and avoidant (r = 0.32) traits. Moreover, MBI-PA was negatively associated with dependent (r = − 0.26) and avoidant (r = − 0.25) maladaptive personality features.ConclusionsThere is a significant association between different maladaptive personality traits and the risk of experiencing burnout among anesthesiologists. This underscores the importance of understanding and addressing personality traits in healthcare professionals to promote their well-being and prevent this serious emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion state.

E-PARTICIPATION IN THE TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES OF UKRAINE IN THE TIME OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESSES: ELECTRONIC PETITIONS

The article examines the processes of implementation and effectiveness of electronic petitions in the context of public participation in Ukraine in recent years. The issue of introducing democratic innovations and e-participation in communities is considered, on the one hand, inextricably linked to the ongoing processes of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, and, on the other hand, taking into account the challenges and limitations caused by the Russian full-scale war and the introduction of martial law in Ukraine. Electronic petitions are identified as an effective additional mechanism that can serve as a “public voice” at critical moments in the implementation of democratic reforms, recovery and reconstruction processes. Today in Ukraine, petitions are more common at the national level than at the local level. To analyze the state of use of the tool, we collected data from open sources, namely the EDEM digital platform (15 communities), local government websites (7 communities), and an earlier analytical study by the NGO “Chesno Movement”. The study focuses on the key factors that can affect the effectiveness of local governments in directly generating quality policies and implementing such participatory forms on the ground. These factors include security criteria; legislative conflicts caused by the introduction of martial law; physical and psychological exhaustion of employees, which affects the efficiency of service delivery and information; and technical problems. The conclusions note that in the process of effective use of electronic petitions, the key issue is the clear regulation of the procedure for applying the tool in the community charter, as well as the institutional capacity of the local self-government body to ensure a communication campaign on the availability of such a tool and further consideration of the received petitions in accordance with the procedure set out in the charter. Recommendations are made to improve the effectiveness of implementation of participation tools and involvement of citizens in these processes at the local level in general and in the case of electronic petitions in particular.

Transforming the delivery of care from “I” to “We” by developing the crisis resource management skills in pediatric interprofessional teams to handle common emergencies through simulation

BackgroundThe healthcare system is highly complex, and adverse events often result from a combination of human factors and system failures, especially in crisis situations. Crisis resource management skills are crucial to optimize team performance and patient outcomes in such situations. Simulation-based training offers a promising approach to developing such skills in a controlled and realistic environment.MethodsThis study employed a mixed-methods (quantitative-qualitative) design and aimed to assess the effectiveness of a simulation-based training workshop in developing crisis resource management skills in pediatric interprofessional teams at a tertiary care hospital. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated using Kirkpatrick’s Model, focusing on reaction and learning levels, employing the Collaboration and Satisfaction about Care Decisions scale, Clinical Teamwork Scale, and Ottawa Global Rating Scale for pre- and post-intervention assessments. Focused group discussions were conducted with the participants to explore their experiences and perceptions of the training.ResultsThirty-nine participants, including medical students, nurses, and residents, participated in the study. Compared to the participants’ pre-workshop performance, significant improvements were observed across all measured teamwork and performance components after the workshop, including improvement in scores in team communication (3.16 ± 1.20 to 7.61 ± 1.0, p < 0.001), decision-making (3.50 ± 1.54 to 7.16 ± 1.42, p < 0.001), leadership skills (2.50 ± 1.04 to 5.44 ± 0.6, p < 0.001), and situation awareness (2.61 ± 1.13 to 5.22 ± 0.80, p < 0.001). No significant variations were observed post-intervention among the different teams. Additionally, participants reported high levels of satisfaction, perceived the training to be highly valuable in improving their crisis resource management skills, and emphasized the importance of role allocation and debriefing.ConclusionsThe study underscores the effectiveness of simulation-based training in developing crisis resource management skills in pediatric interprofessional teams. The findings suggest that such training can impact learning transfer to the workplace and ultimately improve patient outcomes. The insights from our study offer additional valuable considerations for the ongoing refinement of simulation-based training programs. There is a need to develop more comprehensive clinical skills evaluation methods to better assess the transferability of these skills in real-world settings. The potential challenges unveiled in our study, such as physical exhaustion during training, must be considered when refining and designing such interventions.

“AI Will Be the Beating Heart of the City”: Connectivity and/as Care in The Line

Artificial intelligence will be “the beating heart” (Bell, 2022, para. 1) of the linear smart city The Line&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;in Saudi Arabia, one of the most expensive and expansive urban living projects of our times—and crucial in the larger vision of a post-oil future for Saudi Arabia. Exemplary of the complex relationship between past and future in constructing alternative urban imaginaries, the promotional material of The Line&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;highlights technology as the best—and apparently only—solution to “maintain, continue, and repair our ‘world’ so that we can live in it as well as possible” (Tronto &amp;amp; Fisher, 1990, p. 40), while at the same time imagining artificial intelligence itself as a living and “organic” presence in the urban. Following David Pinder’s understanding of cities as always both imagined and real, immaterial and material, this article draws on care as a critical lens to explore the construction of The Line in answer to Nick Dunn’s provoking question: “So can imagining the future change it?” (Dunn, 2018, p. 376). Tracing “care in a manufactured landscape” (Mattern, 2021, p. 144) here highlights the entanglement between technology and sustainability, between organic metaphors and artificial environments, between virtual connection and material exhaustion. Critically examining the promise embedded in contemporary architectural projects to deliver “new and imaginative solutions” (NEOM, 2022e) for the physical, psychological, and environmental exhaustion of urban life, this article proposes an understanding of connectivity and care as increasingly entangled—and argues that the urban vision put forward in The Line, ultimately, hinges on care as connectivity rather than caring interconnections, networked logics rather than networks of belonging.

SUPPORT NEEDED BY WORKERS PROVIDING CARE TO CHILDREN WITH COGNITIVE DISABILITIES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Cognitive disability is a concerning health issue. It affects not only the mental functioning, but also the physical and social wellbeing of a person; children and adults are affected. An affected child needs the permanent care of a worker, who experiences strain due to the challenges associated with caring for such a child. In addition, workers have unaddressed needs. Little is known about these challenges and needs, hence the study. This study is a systematic review of content on support needed by workers providing care to children with cognitive disabilities globally. The objectives of the study were to examine the challenges faced by and needs of workers providing care to children with cognitive disabilities and to make recommendations to ensure challenges and needs are addressed. A systematic review was conducted using five steps, as follows: conceptualising clear questions for critique, collecting and categorising data, evaluating, summarising evidence, and discussion. Relevant studies identified by search engines were consulted. The findings reveal challenges faced by workers providing care, such as lack of knowledge about intellectual disability, the burden of caring, lack of assistance and support, stigma attached to caring, social exclusion, physical and emotional exhaustion, low self-esteem, self-blame, and the unavailability of resources and services. Recommended support entails interventions, programmes and relevant policies aimed at positively addressing challenges experienced. The findings of this study add value to future studies aimed at developing programmes, models and interventions that support workers caring for children with cognitive disabilities.

An Exploratory Study on the Conceptualization of Burnout among the Professional Esports Athletes: Focused on League of Legends Champions Korea League.

Research on the stress and burnout experienced by athletes in the esports field remains limited, necessitating an approach that considers the unique environment and circumstances of esports athletes. This study aims to explore the conceptualization of burnout experiences among professional esports athletes. The participants included 88 athletes from the League of Legends Championship Korea (LCK). Among these, in-depth interviews were conducted with 7 athletes who had experience in international tournaments (the World Championship), while an open-ended survey was completed by 81 athletes. Data collected through in-depth interviews and an open-ended survey were digitized and utilized for analysis. Through critical review by another author and inductive categorization, the conceptual components of esports athletes' burnout were derived. Through the analysis of 251 raw datum, it was conceptualized into five conceptual factors: performance, overtraining, interpersonal relationships, physical and psychological exhaustion, and career and motivation. The results of this study confirm that esports athletes, like athletes in other conventional sports, experience burnout during their careers, highlighting issues in their unique environment, particularly in aspects of interpersonal relationships and training and rest conditions. This research can serve as a foundational resource for effective athletes' psychological health management in the esports field and underscores the need for further research on burnout among esports athletes.

Dukungan Spiritual dan Praktik Agama bagi Kualitas Hidup Pasien Kanker

This research aims to study and review each research article and summarize the relationship between spirituality and religious practices on the quality of life of cancer patients. The method used is a literature review through databases such as Scopus, PubMed, EBSCOHost, Science Direct, Clinicalkey Nursing, ProQuest, and Jstor (Springer). The research results showed that there were 10 articles that were relevant to the objectives, where spirituality/religiosity had a positive relationship with physical, emotional and social functioning. On the other hand, it is negatively associated with symptoms of disease, such as pain or emotional and physical exhaustion. In conclusion, spiritual aspects and religious practices are positively correlated with the quality of life of cancer patients. Keywords: Quality of Life, Cancer Patients, Spiritual-Religious Practices

Physical and Psychological Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers, Including End of Life Care Providers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused unprecedented distress in the community but has also resulted in significant physical and psychological exhaustion among healthcare workers (HCWs). This exhaustion could potentially lead to serious effects on our healthcare system. The aim of this study was to gain more insight on the effect of COVID-19 on burnout among oncologists and other healthcare professionals at a large academic center. A 10-minute electronic questionnaire was distributed to actively employed physicians, APRNs, and PAs affiliated with the University of Miami. The survey encompassed a range of personal and professional characteristics, including stress related to COVID-19. The survey was distributed to a total of 739 HCWs, with 182 respondents (24.6%) completing the entire survey. The impact of the pandemic on these professionals included increased workload (59.5%), reduced leadership opportunities (32.2%), job insecurity (28.6%), and rescheduling of professional activities (22.2%). Out of the 182 respondents, 70 were primarily from the fields of Oncology and Palliative Care. Several factors have contributed to increased physical and psychological stress among HCWs, such as extended working hours, sleep deprivation, job insecurity, the shift to telemedicine, the risk of contracting the virus and endangering their families, lack of childcare options, and the added pressure of homeschooling. This study serves as a foundation for more comprehensive research aimed at elucidating and guiding the development of wellness programs crucial for the overall well-being of HCWs.

‘If you don’t rush, you don’t finish’: Accelerating work and production of a vector body in Spanish hotel room attendants

The growth of the hotel industry in Spain in recent decades has meant, among other things, the acceleration of the hotel room attendants’ labour. An overload of physical activity, illnesses, and physical and mental exhaustion are the most visible consequences. Based on a qualitative study carried out with hotel room attendants working in Spanish hotels, the article analyses the effects of work intensification on room attendants’ representation of their bodies. The results show that rather than the typical description of their body as a machine that must withstand high pressure, hotel room attendants define it as a vector body constructed through multiple flows and demands, which has to speed up its pace, being constantly overwhelmed and self-managed in the process. We discuss how the acceleration of work in hotels is the result of a series of organizational and individual practices, impacting the representation and corporal practice of the hotel room attendants.

Exploring menopausal dynamics: a cross-sectional analysis of age, symptomatology, and sociodemographic influences in a developing population of women aged 40-60

Objectives: Menopause, a biological milestone, marks a pivotal phase in women's lives characterized by ovarian function cessation and age-related changes. Our objective was to investigate menopausal symptoms and knowledge among women aged 40-60 years. Methods: This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted between June 1 and September 30, 2005, in the Nilufer Public Health Education and Research Area (NPHERA) region, aimed to assess menopausal symptoms and their correlates among 1013 women aged 40-60. The individuals included in the study were selected through a systematic sampling method, stratified by neighborhood weights and age groups based on the NPHERA 2004 Work Report and regional data, as well as information from the Health Centers Information System (HCIS), where the Electronic Health Records (EHR) are registered. Results: The mean age of natural menopause was found to be 46.7±4.8 years, showcasing sociodemographic factors' influence. Postmenopausal women experienced higher rates of symptoms, with physical and mental exhaustion (82.8%), irritability (78.4%), and depressive mood (76.4%) prevailing. Logistic regression revealed that employment status significantly influenced menopausal status. Moreover, the age at menopause correlated positively with the age of the woman's mother. Conclusion: This study contributes insights into menopausal experiences in developing countries, emphasizing the need for tailored healthcare approaches. Longitudinal investigations are warranted to comprehensively understand these associations and enhance women's quality of life during menopause.

Pain and daily interference among reproductive-age women with myofascial pelvic pain: Serial mediation roles of kinesiophobia, self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing.

Myofascial pelvic pain (MFPP), which is identified by tender points in the pelvic floor musculature, is a prevalent source of chronic pelvic pain in women. It may lead to physical and mental exhaustion, reproductive concerns, and coping difficulties in daily life and work than the disease itself. Pain-related cognitive processes can affect pain relief and quality of life. Kinesiophobia, self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing are frequently treated as mediators between pain and its related consequences. Greater kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing have been shown to be associated with adverse functional outcomes, while higher self-efficacy has been related with improved quality of life. Regarding MFPP in females of childbearing age, it remains unclear whether the effects of kinesiophobia, self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing on daily interference are direct or indirect; the influence on each variable is, therefore, not entirely evident. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between pain and daily interference in reproductive-age women with MFPP through kinesiophobia, self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing, as well as to identify areas for future investigation and intervention based on the data collected from this population. This is a multi-center cross-sectional study. The study was conducted from November 15, 2022 to November 10, 2023, 202 reproductive-age women with MFPP were recruited from 14 hospitals in ten provinces of China. The demographic variables, Brief Pain Inventory, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale were used to measure the participants' related information. The data was described and analyzed using Descriptive analyses, Pearson correlation analysis, and Serial mediation modeling. Pain not only had a direct positive impact (B = 0.575; SE = 0.081; 95%CI: LL = 0.415, UL = 0.735) on daily interference, but also had an indirect impact on daily interference through the independent mediating role of pain catastrophizing (B = 0.088; SE = 0.028; 95%CI: LL = 0.038, UL = 0.148), the chain mediating of kinesiophobia and catastrophizing (B = 0.057; SE = 0.019; 95%CI: LL = 0.024, UL = 0.098), and the four-stage serial mediating of kinesiophobia, self-efficacy and catastrophizing (B = 0.013; SE = 0.006; 95%CI: LL = 0.003, UL = 0.027). The proposed serial mediation model showed a good fit with the collected data. The findings illustrate the significance of addressing pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia (especially catastrophizing), and increasing self-efficacy in pain therapy, and suggest that functional recovery be integrated into pain therapy for reproductive-age women suffering from MFPP.

The Role of Workplace Spirituality and Organizational Climate Towards Resilience at Work on Nurses

The issue of work resilience among nurses, manifested as physical and emotional exhaustion due to high job demands in healthcare environments. This study aims to examine the influence of workplace spirituality and organizational climate on resilience at work among nurses in the inpatient unit of RSUD Margono Soekarjo Purwokerto. A quantitative correlational approach was employed using a simple random sampling technique. The sample in this study comprised 165 nurses from the inpatient unit of RSUD Margono Soekarjo Purwokerto. The research instruments utilized were the Resilience At Work Scale (RAW Scale), Workplace Spirituality Scale (WSS), and Litwin and Stringer’s Organizational Climate Questionnaire (LSOCQ). The data analysis technique employed was multiple linear regression analysis. The findings indicate that both workplace spirituality and organizational climate can influence resilience at work. These two variables collectively account for 57.8% of the variance in resilience at work. Future researchers may delve more comprehensively into factors affecting nurses' work resilience and provide a stronger foundation for the development of policies and practices aimed at enhancing resilience.

Prevalence of burnout among healthcare professionals: a survey at fort portal regional referral hospital

The work environment in most hospitals is characterised by activities that are strenuous both physically and mentally. These can result in physical and mental exhaustion, which can lead to burnout if not adequately addressed. Burnout among healthcare professionals can negatively affect their clinical decision-making, quality of communication with patients and colleagues as well as their ability to cope with work-related pressure, and ultimately affect the quality of care and patient outcomes. The inclusion of burnout in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as an occupational phenomenon indicates that it is an issue of concern in the workplace for which people may need professional attention. This descriptive cross-sectional survey aimed to determine the point prevalence of burnout among healthcare professionals at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital and the factors contributing to burnout. The study also evaluated the linear relationship between the age of workers, their work duration at the hospital, and their burnout score, in addition to the possible impact on patient care. Participants were selected from the hospital WhatsApp group and invitations to participate were sent to their individual accounts. Burnout was assessed using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Generally, burnout scores ranged from 16% to 86%, with an overall mean burnout score of 57.4%. The notable factors contributing to burnout included imbalances in duty allocation, physically strenuous work, and resource constraints. Burnout of varying levels was found to be prevalent across all carders in the hospital, although the results indicate that most healthcare professionals experience moderate burnout. Most of the factors contributing to burnout are within the scope of hospital leadership to address. The possible impact on staff performance and patients’ clinical outcomes is speculative, and additional studies are required.

"Growth under pressure": The Experience of COVID-19 ICU Nurses - A Qualitative Study.

As an epidemic, COVID-19 has brought a new shock to the world's healthcare system. The crisis caused by this disease and the prolonged involvement of communities and healthcare systems have intensified the duties and psychological burden of nurses. The current study aimed to explain the experience of ICU nurses during the COVID-19 crisis. The present study was conducted using conventional content analysis in 2021. Twenty nurses of the COVID-19 ICU of Ahvaz hospitals were selected by purposive sampling. The main method of data collection was semistructured interview. The process of data analysis was done based on Granheim and Lundman's approach using MAXQDA-2020. For the scientific rigor of the findings, Guba and Lincoln's four criteria were abided by. The COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist was used to ensure the study met the recommended standards of qualitative data reporting. After data analysis, 22 subcategories, eight categories, and one theme (growth under pressure) were extracted. The eight main categories included (psychological crisis, physical exhaustion, family conflicts, complex care, professional development, expertise, life enrichment, and full support). Despite the pressures that ICU nurses faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were able to grow by benefiting from positive experiences. These findings can lead to the development and implementation of effective interventions to improve adaptation strategies of nurses, especially those working in the intensive care unit, during the COVID-19 and other future crises.

Associations between various markers of intestinal barrier and immune function after a high-intensity exercise challenge.

Strenuous exercise can result in disruption of intestinal barrier function and occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of this exploratory study was to elucidate systemic effects of increased intestinal permeability after high-intensity exercise. Forty-one endurance-trained subjects performed a 60-min treadmill run at 80% VO2max. Small intestinal permeability was measured as urinary excretion ratio of lactulose/rhamnose (L/R). Blood, saliva and feces were analyzed for gut barrier and immune-related biomarkers. The exercise challenge increased several markers of intestinal barrier disruption, immune function and oxidative stress. We found a negative correlation between L/R ratio and uric acid (r = -0.480), as well as a positive correlation between the L/R ratio and fecal chromogranin A in male participants (r = 0.555). No significant correlations were found between any of the markers and gastrointestinal symptoms, however, perceived exertion correlated with the combination of IL-6, IL-10 and salivary cortisol (r = 0.492). The lack of correlation between intestinal permeability and gastrointestinal symptoms could be due to minor symptoms experienced in lab settings compared to real-life competitions. The correlation between L/R ratio and uric acid might imply a barrier-protective effect of uric acid, and inflammatory processes due to strenuous exercise seem to play an important role regarding physical exhaustion.

How do exhausted parents experience their interactions with their children? A qualitative and participative study.

Parental burnout, known as a state of physical and psychological exhaustion, results in an imbalance between the parent's perceived stressors in relation to parenting, and the resources available to the parent to cope with such stressors. The causes and consequences of parental burnout for the parents themselves have been studied from the parents' point of view, but the perception of parents regarding the impact of parental burnout on the parent-child relationship has not yet been documented. We conducted a qualitative study through semi-structured interviews with exhausted parents (n=21). We aimed to better understand their general interactions with their children, as well as the way they communicate with them about their state of exhaustion, knowing that dealing with parental suffering can have a long-term impact on the child. Our results reveal that exhausted parents experience a widespread loss of control in all areas of their lives, particularly in their interaction with their children, which generates feelings of guilt and shame. Communicating their experience to their children can create various difficulties for both parents and children. This may complicate the process of seeking help and reinforce the feeling of isolation. An emerging result from our analysis leads us to identify a need for the parents to be heard and validated in their suffering who took part in this research.