Reduction In Stress Research Articles

Effectiveness of a mobile-based return to work programfor decent return to work. fatigue, stress, and quality of working life among cancer survivors.

This study aimed to develop a smartphone mobile application-based supportive return to work (RTW) program for cancer survivors and evaluate its effects on their RTW, fatigue, stress, and quality of working life. This program was developed through a comprehensive process involving literature review, interviews with cancer survivors, and consultations with experts. A non-equivalent control group pre- and post-test design was used, with 41 participants assigned to the experimental (n = 18) and control (n = 23) groups based on recruitment timing. The experimental group received a 6-week smartphone mobile application-based supportive RTW program comprising "Counseling and Education" and "Self-Management." Participants completed assessments of decent RTW, fatigue, stress, and quality of working life at baseline and 6months later. The experimental group completed an additional post-program completion survey. During the 6-week program, no experimental group participants dropped out. The program's impact on decent RTW remains unclear. Fatigue (F = 2.52, p = 0.095) and quality of working life (F = 0.86, p = 0.434) did not show statistically significant differences. However, there was a significant reduction in stress (F = 4.59, p = 0.017). The smartphone application-based RTW program, focusing on self-management and counseling, effectively reduced participants' stress levels. To further evaluate the effectiveness of the program, a more diverse range of interventions and ongoing programs should be implemented. This study underscores the importance of tailored digital interventions to support the RTW of cancer survivors. The use of mobile smartphone applications allows temporal and spatial flexibility in program participation. Interventions involving various activities should be implemented to ensure ongoing participation.

Problems of Anxiety among Differently Abled Children - An Academic Perspective

Differently abled children may feel sometimes confused, insecurity, anxious, disoriented, isolated, worried, rigid and less happy. These emotions fluctuate and subject to turbulent and unpredictable behavior. Stress therapy can lead to a reduction in stress, anxiety, better sleep, a strong system, improved relationships, better academic results, improved performance at work and even a better memory. The present study examines the stress and anxiety levels among the differently abled children in the selected study area and it analyzes the effectiveness of stress therapy on the anxiety levels among the differently abled children. The study further evaluates the association between the demographic variables and the anxiety level among the differently abled children.The present research study adopts Descriptive Research Design. Both primary and secondary data were utilized for drawing conclusions from the study. Interview Schedule method was employed to extract the primary data from the selected sample respondents. The sampling area selected for the study was Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh. The sample size comprises 140 sample respondents. The nature of the sample was that of the physically challenged children with different disabilities studying at different special schools in the study area. Statistical tools like percentages, mean, standard deviation, t-test and chi-square test were applied in order to draw the inferences from the study data. The study concludes that there exists a significant difference between the pre and post stress therapy anxiety levels among the differently abled children and there exists a significant association between the demographic variables and the anxiety levels of the differently abled children. The study further concludes that the stress therapy and other practices of stress management are very helpful for reducing the anxiety and stress levels among the differently abled children especially in the perspectives of academic aspects.

Aircraft Wing Morphing Using Auxetic Structures

Cellular materials exhibit two key properties: structures and mechanisms. This allows for the design of structures using cellular materials while effectively controlling both stiffness and flexibility, based on the connectivity of the struts. This study aims to explore the in-plane flexible properties of cellular materials dominated by bending under macroscopic deformation. Additionally, it seeks to establish a method for designing a passive morphing airfoil with flexible cellular cores. The investigation focuses on airfoils featuring re-entrant and S-shaped cellular cores, analyzing their behavior under static loads by examining the deformation of the cellular cores subjected to aerostatic loads. In the context of the airfoil's deformation with flexible cellular cores under aerostatic loading, shear emerges as the predominant deformation mode for the cores of the airfoil. Wings of conventional aircraft are optimized for only a few conditions, not for the entire flight envelope. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the morphing airfoil with smart structures for the next generation of excellent aircraft. In this project, this was made possible using, re-entrant and S-shaped auxetic structures as a member of the meta- material family, with negative Poisson's ratio to enable an effortless passive morphing mechanism as it has high flexibility along in-plane direction (chord-wise). The 3D CAD Models of Re-entrant and S-shaped auxetic airframes were designed and analyzed. Initially, Static Structural analysis is performed on both airframes to observe the structure’s behavior, and design modification and optimization are performed in different iterations. With a reduction in maximum equivalent stress by 20%, the Re-entrant airframe exhibits lower stress and hence more flexibility. The wings were modeled with a span of 1m using auxetic airframes, air pressure was generated using CFD analysis with MACH 0.45. Finally, the fluid-structure interaction was done by importing the air pressure and performing static structural analysis for the structural performance of wings using auxetic airframes. It was found that Re-entrant auxetic wing showed an increase of 9.99% in load carrying capacity, accompanied by a decrease of 389 grams of weight when compared to S-shaped auxetic wing. Considering the deformation of the airframe with flexible cellular cores under a load, the re-entrant honeycomb core shows the highest flexibility in shear and causes lower stress than the S-auxetic cores. This implies that the re-entrant honeycomb core has the potential for passive morphing.

Short‐term effects of Kernza and alfalfa on microbial communities

AbstractContinuous land disturbance could negatively impact microbial community, but perennial crops can potentially reverse this negativity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Kernza (Thinopyrum intermedium) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on soil microbial structure and stress condition using the phospholipid fatty acid profiling. The study was conducted at the Ross Jones Research Farm, University of Missouri and consisted of four treatments: Kernza fertilized, Kernza unfertilized, Kernza and alfalfa intercrop, and alfalfa monocrop with four replications. Treatments were established in September 2021 on 18.3 m × 18.3 m plots. Soils from 0‐ to 5‐cm and 5‐ to 15‐cm depths were sampled in September 2021 (before treatments were placed) and 2022 and analyzed for microbial communities. All microbial communities increased after 1 year with the perennial crops. Since differences were not significant among treatments in 2022, this may lead to positive impacts of perennial crops on microbial communities, irrespective of the crop species and management. Moreover, community structure modifications were also observed with the perennial crops, irrespective of the species and management, as evidenced with changes in bacterial community indices in 2022. While fungi/bacteria ratio increased, Gram‐positive/Gram‐negative bacteria ratio decreased in 2022, suggesting a reduction in microbial stress, which can be attributed to ecological functions of the perennial crops. The study showed improvements in soil microbial biomass and modifications in microbial community structure after 1 year of Kernza and alfalfa. As the system matures, relative benefits of management (fertilization and intercropping) and plant species may be realized.

Finite‐Element Analysis Study Comparing Titanium and Polyetheretherketone Caps in a Conometric Connection between Implant and Prosthesis

Prosthetic retention relies on the perfect adaptation between the cap and the abutment of a dental implant. The conometric connection ensures retention similar to cemented systems, preventing bacterial infiltration and sustaining a high implant success rate. Furthermore, the material used for the cap plays a crucial role in distributing stress on the implant components and bone. Traditionally, caps use titanium (Ti), but ongoing research investigates polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for its bone‐like qualities and similar elasticity to Ti. In this finite‐element analysis study, stress and strain distributions are compared between crestal and subcrestal implants using Ti and PEEK conometric caps, assessing retention through cap displacement to determine the material best suited for proper retention aligned with implant insertion depth. In the findings, an improvement in stress and strain is indicated on trabecular bone, a reduction in stress on cortical bone, and thus enhanced implant stability due to higher stresses around the implant threads, particularly with PEEK coping and subcrestal placement. Consequently, PEEK emerges as a promising substitute for Ti in conometric caps as it absorbs stress more effectively, distributing it across prosthetics to counter stress shielding and prevent implant failure.

Effect of annealing process on microstructure, residual stress, and fatigue behaviour of AISI 2205 duplex stainless steel

ABSTRACT This study investigated the microstructure, residual stress, and fatigue behavior of duplex stainless steels that have been annealed with different annealing processes. A cold-rolled AISI 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel (DSS) sample was annealed in three ways for this purpose. In modes 1 and 2, samples were annealed at 500°C for 6 and 8 hours, respectively. The sample was annealed for 6 hours at 950°C for mode 3.The Optical Microscopy (OM) technique was used to determine the crystallographic texture and microstructural characteristics. An X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to determine the residual stresses in austenite and ferrite phases on pre- and post-heat-treated samples. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) technique was utilized to assess fatigue cracks. The results showed that the texture microstructure of the specimens using mode 1 and 2 were remained; the grain had a smaller fragmentation. The elongation grains of the specimen after mode 3 were smaller, relatively spheroidal, and more homogeneous. There was a reduction in residual stress after mode 3 annealing process. The fatigue strength of the specimens that under applied this process was 11.1% higher than that of specimens in the as-received state.

Relaxation Therapy and Human Milk Feeding Outcomes

Human milk feeding is a key public health goal to optimize infant and maternal/parental health, but global lactation outcomes do not meet recommended duration and exclusivity. There are connections between lactation and mental health. To appraise all available evidence on whether the provision of relaxation interventions to lactating individuals improves lactation and well-being. Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched on September 30, 2023, and topic experts were consulted. Two independent reviewers screened for eligibility. Inclusion criteria were full-text, peer-reviewed publications with a randomized clinical trial design. Techniques that were entirely physical (eg, massage) were excluded. A total of 7% of initially identified studies met selection criteria. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Fixed-effects meta-analysis and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations guidelines were used to synthesize and present evidence. Prespecified primary outcomes were human milk quantity, length and exclusivity of human milk feeding, milk macronutrients/cortisol, and infant growth and behavior. A total of 16 studies were included with 1871 participants (pooled mean [SD] age for 1656 participants, 29.6 [6.1] years). Interventions were music, guided relaxation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises/muscle relaxation. Provision of relaxation was not associated with a change in human milk protein (mean difference [MD], 0 g/100 mL; 95% CI, 0; 205 participants). Provision of relaxation was associated with an increase in human milk quantity (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57-0.89; 464 participants), increased infant weight gain in breastfeeding infants (MD, z score change = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.30-0.72; 226 participants), and a slight reduction in stress and anxiety (SMD stress score, -0.49; 95% CI, -0.70 to -0.27; 355 participants; SMD anxiety score, -0.45; 95% CI, -0.67 to -0.22; 410 participants). Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that provision of relaxation was associated with an increase in human milk quantity and infant weight gain and a slight reduction in stress and anxiety. Relaxation interventions can be offered to lactating parents who would like to increase well-being and improve milk supply or, where directly breastfeeding, increase infant weight gain.

Susceptibility of X17CrNi16-2 martensitic stainless steel to hydrogen embrittlement after conventional and deep cryogenic heat treatment

A low carbon/ high chromium martensitic stainless steel, X17CrNi16-2, was heat treated using two different hardening and tempering regimes (1050 °C/480 °C or 980 °C/600 °C) — promoting either a high strength or high toughness state, respectively − and further combined with deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) at −196 °C for 24 h. Over recent years DCT has been recognized as a promising technique to improve the properties of steel, predominantly with respect to its tensile strength, toughness and wear resistance. The influence of DCT on the hydrogen embrittlement resistance of martensitic stainless steel has not yet, however, been reported.A slow strain rate tensile test (SSRT) with simultaneous cathodic hydrogen charging was selected as the method to assess potential susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement (HE). Relatively low-intensity hydrogen charging, utilizing a constant current density of 0.1 mA/cm2, in a non-corrosive, slightly alkaline buffer solution, led to a clear reduction in the ultimate tensile stress. This reduction, and therefore the HE susceptibility, was more pronounced in the steel with a higher strength (i.e. that subject to the 1050 °C/ 480 °C heat treatment condition). Furthermore, DCT did not appear to have any impact on the steel’s mechanical properties in the presence of hydrogen. Fractographic analysis showed clear evidence of HE in the hydrogen-charged specimens.This paper presents results of the SSRT tests and further fractography results, and discusses the impact of conventional and deep cryogenic treatment on HE susceptibility.

Parametric optimization of selected auxetic structures

AbstractAuxetic materials exhibit an interesting, counterintuitive behavior—when subjected to uniaxial tension, they stretch laterally, and when uniaxially compressed, they shrink laterally. In contrast to conventional materials, in auxetics, the value of Poisson’s ratio is negative. Behavior of auxetic materials is an effect of their internal structures. The auxetic effect depends mostly on the geometry of their internal unit cells and not on the properties of the bulk material. This paper presents the results of parametric optimization of selected two-dimensional auxetic unit cells with the aim to identify the geometrical parameters which exhibit the strongest influence on the value of Poisson’s ratio in each unit cell, and to identify geometries which exhibit the strongest auxetic effect. The optimization was conducted through numerical simulation with the use of the finite element method in commercial software. Response surface optimization and multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) were applied. Obtained candidate geometries were verified via additional FEM analyses and confirmed to have improved auxetic effect and reduced equivalent stress. 5 × 5 structures composed of reference and optimized geometries of analyzed unit cells were subjected to similar analyses and it was confirmed that the optimization of singular unit cells caused an improvement of auxetic effect and reduction in equivalent stress in regular structures composed of multiple unit cells.

An Amino Acids and Dipeptide Injection Inhibits the TNF-α/HMGB1 Inflammatory Signaling Pathway to Reduce Pyroptosis and M1 Microglial Polarization in POCD Mice: the Gut to the Brain.

Peripheral surgery-induced neural inflammation is a key pathogenic mechanism of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). However, the mechanism underlying neuroinflammation and associated neural injury remains elusive. Surgery itself can lead to gut damage, and the occurrence of POCD is accompanied by high levels of TNF-α in the serum and blood‒brain barrier (BBB) damage. Reductions in stress, inflammation and protein loss have been emphasized as strategies for enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). We designed an amino acids and dipeptide (AAD) formula for injection that could provide intestinal protection during surgery. Through the intraoperative infusion of AAD based on the ERAS concept, we aimed to explore the effect of AAD injection on POCD and its underlying mechanism from the gut to the brain. Here, we observed that AAD injection ameliorated neural injury in POCD, in addition to restoring the function of the intestinal barrier and BBB. We also found that TNF-α levels decreased in the ileum, blood and hippocampus. Intestinal barrier protectors and TNF-α inhibitors also alleviated neural damage. AAD injection treatment decreased HMGB1 production, pyroptosis, and M1 microglial polarization and increased M2 polarization. In vitro, AAD injection protected the impaired gut barrier and decreased TNF-α production, alleviating damage to the BBB by stimulating cytokine transport in the body. HMGB1 and Caspase-1 inhibitors decreased pyroptosis and M1 microglial polarization and increased M2 polarization to protect TNF-α-stimulated microglia in vitro. Collectively, these findings suggest that the gut barrier-TNF-α-BBB-HMGB1-Caspase-1 inflammasome-pyroptosis-M1 microglia pathway is a novel mechanism of POCD related to the gut-brain axis and that intraoperative AAD infusion is a potential treatment for POCD.

Self-Spirituality in Organizations: A Review of Qualitative Research

This review focuses on the incorporation of self-spirituality and mindfulness into secular institutions such as for-profit organizations, as well as into public and private healthcare organizations. The review considers research into the value of self-spirituality and the reasons for organizational rejection, or acceptance as a response to manifestations of self-spirituality; research proposing frameworks for analyzing modes of incorporating self-spirituality into organizations; and research into the enactment of self- spirituality in different sectors. The review shows that individuals reported a reduction in stress, a reinforced capacity for coping with challenging workplace demands, and improved workplace communication. The review also argues that the encounter of organizations with self-spirituality is shaped by, and reenforces, existing social forces such as instrumentalism. At the same time, it generates alternative ideas and practices. At present, the capacity of self-spirituality to create transformation in organizations is limited, although specific practices (e. g., mindfulness) can be more influential.

Deformation mechanism of gob‐side entry at top coal caving mining face: A numerical study

AbstractTo investigate the significant deformation of the surrounding rock within the dynamic pressure zone of the gateroad, this study utilized the tailgate of the 1506 longwall face in Anyang Coal Mine as the engineering context. A combined approach of field measurement and numerical analysis was employed to explore the deformation and failure mechanisms of the surrounding rock under dynamic pressure. The findings indicate that before the exploitation of the 1506 longwall face, there was a notable reduction in stress across the floor and immediate roof, with minimal stress concentration observed in the coal pillar and the entity rib side. The plastic zone surrounding the tailgate was limited, suggesting a high degree of stability in the entry's surrounding rock. However, during the extraction of the 1506 longwall face, the tailgate, extending 60 m ahead of the working face, was subjected to dynamic pressure, leading to a marked increase in stress within the floor, coal pillar, and immediate roof. Stress concentration was more pronounced on the entity rib side than on the pillar rib side. This resulted in significant fissuring and severe deformation of the entry's surrounding rock. The primary failure mechanism involved damage to both the roof and floor corners, with the severity of damage escalating alongside the stress in the surrounding rock. This culminated in the failure of roof corner bolts and anchor cables, thereby compromising the stability of the entry within the dynamic pressure zone.

Effectiveness of an abbreviated version of the automated attention training technique (ATT) for stress reduction in a non-clinical sample—A randomized controlled trial

Stress is one of the leading risk factors for mental health problems. The attention training technique (ATT), developed in the context of metacognitive therapy, is a method for increasing flexible control of attention and might thus reduce the impact of stressful events on mental health. Developed as a 12-minute exercise, ATT is primarily used in a clinical context. To ensure low-threshold implementation by the general population in everyday life, we developed an abbreviated 5-minute version of the ATT. The present study examined the effectiveness of this abbreviated ATT in reducing stress in a three-armed randomized controlled trial by comparing the abbreviated version (ATTabbr; n = 74) with the long version (ATTlong; n = 67) and a waitlist control group (WCG; n = 77) in a non-clinical sample. The primary outcome was change on the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). In the intention-to-treat analysis of changes from baseline to follow-up, both the abbreviated ATT version and the long ATT version were superior to the WCG in the reduction of stress (d = 0.67 for the abbreviated version and d = 0.44 for the long version). From post to follow-up, reductions in stress were greater for the abbreviated version than the long version (d = 0.37). We also observed effects of both ATT versions on depression and anxiety but no effect on attention control, perseverative thinking, or quality of life. For the abbreviated version, we found preliminary evidence a dose-response relationship. Participants with access to the abbreviated version conducted the training twice as often compared with those with access to the long version. These results suggest that the abbreviated version of the ATT is associated with greater adherence and possibly greater effects on stress than the long version. If these results are confirmed, the abbreviated version could be used to reduce stress and increase mental well-being in the general population.

Megalin-targeted acetylcysteine polymeric prodrug ameliorates ischemia-reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI), a condition associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS), causes high mortality in clinics annually. Active targeted antioxidative therapy is emerging as a novel strategy for AKI treatment. In this study, we developed a polymeric prodrug that targets the highly expressed Megalin receptor on proximal tubule cells, enabling direct delivery of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) for the treatment of ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced AKI. We conjugated NAC with low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC), a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer consisting of glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine, to enhance its internalization by tubular epithelial cells. Moreover, we further conjugated triphenylphosphonium (TPP), a lipophilic cation with a delocalized positive charge, to low molecular weight chitosan-NAC in order to enhance the distribution of NAC in mitochondria. Our study confirmed that triphenylphosphonium-low molecular weight chitosan-NAC (TLN) exhibits remarkable therapeutic effects on IRI-AKI mice. This was evidenced by improvements in renal function, reduction in oxidative stress, mitigation of pathological progress, and decreased levels of kidney injury molecule-1. These findings suggested that the polymeric prodrug TLN holds promising potential for IRI-AKI treatment.

The moisture absorption of 3D printed short carbon fibre reinforced polyamide

Polymer composites are commonly exposed to humid conditions and undergo reductions in mechanical properties. It is challenging to describe the moisture absorption dynamics of 3D printed parts due to manufacture-induced microstructures. This work investigates the moisture absorption of 3D printed short carbon fibre reinforced polyamide with varied microstructures and resulting influence on mechanical properties. The printed composites have inferior microstructures compared to the polyamide and diffusivity increases with the number of interlayer interfaces by up to 119 % (three times that of compression moulded composite). The microstructure is permanently aggravated by moisture resulting in more significant and irreversible reductions in yield stress (39 to 59 %) and tensile modulus (65 to 79 %) compared to injection moulded samples. Additionally, the shear modulus of printed polyamide and composites decrease by up to 63 % and 74 %, respectively. The results are helpful for prediction, evaluation, and maintenance of 3D printed applications subject to moisture environment.

Naodesheng Pills Ameliorate Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion-Induced Ferroptosis via Inhibition of the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway.

Ferroptosis plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and is regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). In China, Naodesheng Pills (NDSP) are prescribed to prevent and treat cerebrosclerosis and stroke. However, the protective effects and mechanism of action of NDSP against cerebral I/R-induced ferroptosis remain unclear. We investigated whether NDSP exerts its protective effects against I/R injury by regulating ferroptosis and aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The efficacy of NDSP was evaluated using a Sprague-Dawley rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model. Brain injury was assessed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), hematoxylin and eosin staining, Nissl staining, and neurological scoring. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), divalent metal-ion transporter-1 (DMT1), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1). Iron levels, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial morphology were also evaluated. Network pharmacology was used to assess the associated mechanisms. NDSP (1.08 g/kg) significantly improved cerebral infarct area, cerebral water content, neurological scores, and cerebral tissue damage. Furthermore, NDSP inhibited I/R- and OGD/R-induced ferroptosis, as evidenced by the increased protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11, suppression of TFR1 and DMT1, and an overall reduction in oxidative stress and Fe2+ levels. The protective effects of NDSP in vitro were abolished by the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that ERK1/2 was the core target gene and that NDSP reduced the amount of phosphorylated ERK1/2. NDSP exerts its protective effects against I/R by inhibiting cerebral I/R-induced ferroptosis, and this mechanism is associated with the regulation of ferroptosis via the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Hydroxytyrosol affects antioxidant Nrf2 expression in the kidneys of diabetic rats

Aim: Diabetic nephropathy is the result of oxidative stress caused by chronic hyperglycemia. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important transcription factor that responds to oxidative stress. Nrf2 relieves oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis associated with diabetes in the kidneys. In this study, we investigated the effects of hydroxytyrosol, which is a polyphenolic compound with proven antioxidant activity, on Nrf2 expression in diabetic kidneys. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were used in our study and the rats were divided into four groups as control (sterile water only), hydroxytyrosol (HT) (10mg/kg hydroxytyrosol administered intraperitoneally (ip) for 30 days), streptozotocin (STZ) (diabetes was induced by administering a single dose of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin ip), and streptozotocin + hydroxytyrosol (STZ+HT) (single dose of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin and 10 mg/kg hydroxytyrosol administered ip for 30 days). At the end of the study, Nrf2 expression in kidney tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results: Immunohistochemistry and Western blot findings of Nrf2 were similar. It was found that while Nrf2 expression increased significantly in the HT group compared to the control group, whereas it decreased significantly in the STZ group (p<0.001). In the STZ+HT group, Nrf2 expression was found to be significantly increased compared to the STZ group (p<0.001). Conclusions: It was found that hydroxytyrosol with known antioxidant activity increased Nrf2 expression in diabetic rats. These results suggest that hydroxytyrosol may mitigate diabetic nephropathy by Nrf2-induced reduction in oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Numerical study of hemodynamic flow in the aortic vessel of Williams syndrome patient with congenital heart disease

Congenital arterial stenosis such as supravalvar aortic stenosis (SVAS) are highly prevalent in Williams syndrome (WS) and other arteriopathies pose a substantial health risk. Conventional tools for severity assessment, including clinical findings and pressure gradient estimations, often fall short due to their susceptibility to transient physiological changes and disease stage influences. Moreover, in the pediatric population, the severity of these and other congenital heart defects (CHDs) often restricts the applicability of invasive techniques for obtaining crucial physiological data. Conversely, evaluating CHDs and their progression requires a comprehensive understanding of intracardiac blood flow. Current imaging modalities, such as blood speckle imaging (BSI) and four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (4D MRI) face limitations in resolving flow data, especially in cases of elevated flow velocities. To address these challenges, we devised a computational framework employing zero-dimensional (0D) lumped parameter models coupled with patient-specific reconstructed geometries pre- and post-surgical intervention to execute computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations. This framework facilitates the analysis and visualization of intricate blood flow patterns, offering insights into geometry and flow dynamics alterations impacting cardiac function. In this study, we aim to assess the efficacy of surgical intervention in correcting an extreme aortic defect in a patient with WS, leading to reductions in wall shear stress (WSS), maximum velocity magnitude, pressure drop, and ultimately a decrease in cardiac workload.

Effects of road- vs. field-recommended tyre inflation pressures and small variations in soil moisture content on traffic-induced soil compaction during seedbed preparation

Soil compaction has become one of the most common forms of soil degradation, with associated negative effects on the functioning of agricultural soils. Decades of research have led to publication of several practical measures that mitigate risk of soil compaction, yet adoption among European farmers remains limited. To improve adoption by farmers, experiments under practical conditions using common operations should be performed. A field experiment was set up to evaluate the effects of road- (200 kPa) vs. field- (140 kPa and 100 kPa) recommended tyre inflation pressure and soil moisture content (0.24 g g−1 vs. 0.22 g g−1) on traffic-induced compaction of a silt loam soil during seedbed preparation. The various tyre inflation pressures were tested using two tyre types (standard radial tyre at 200 kPa and 140 kPa; VF tyre at 100 kPa) of similar dimensions mounted onto the same tractor. Variation in experimental soil moisture content was achieved by performing the seedbed preparation on two dates in spring (early, March 30th, vs. late, April 14th). In this one-year study, reducing the standard-tyre inflation pressure from road- (200 kPa) to field-recommended (140 kPa) pressure did not prevent soil compaction. The use of VF tyres at field-recommended (100 kPa) tyre inflation pressure resulted in significant reductions in vertical contact stress and mean normal stress as compared to 200 kPa. Although non-significant, the pressure reduction from 200 kPa to 140 kPa did result in a 4 % increase in in-track dry matter sugar beet yield while a reduction from 200 kPa to 100 kPa resulted in an 11% increase. Lower tyre inflation pressure showed no significant effect on fuel consumption and penetration resistance. Seedbed preparation under slightly drier (0.22 g g−1) soil conditions negatively affected fuel consumption (+11 %) and resulted in an in-track dry matter sugar beet yield increase of 11 %. For both tested prevention strategies, the impact of soil compaction was better observable by sugar beet yield than by most of the measured soil physical parameters.

Penehyclidine hydrochloride alleviates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting pyroptosis

ObjectiveThe aim of this research was to examine how penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) impacts the occurrence of pyroptosis in lung tissue cells within a rat model of lung ischemia-reperfusion injury.MethodsTwenty-four Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, weighing 250 g to 270 g, were randomly distributed into three distinct groups as outlined below: a sham operation group (S group), a control group (C group), and a test group (PHC group). Rats in the PHC group received a preliminary intravenous injection of PHC at a dose of 3 mg/kg. At the conclusion of the experiment, lung tissue and blood samples were collected and properly stored for subsequent analysis. The levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and myeloperoxidase in the lung tissue, as well as IL-18 and IL-1β in the blood serum, were assessed using an Elisa kit. Pyroptosis-related proteins, including Caspase1 p20, GSDMD-N, and NLRP3, were detected through the western blot method. Additionally, the dry-to-wet ratio (D/W) of the lung tissue and the findings from the blood gas analysis were also documented.ResultsIn contrast to the control group, the PHC group showed enhancements in oxygenation metrics, reductions in oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions, and a decrease in lung injury. Additionally, the PHC group exhibited lowered levels of pyroptosis-associated proteins, including the N-terminal segment of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N), caspase-1p20, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3).ConclusionPre-administration of PHC has the potential to mitigate lung ischemia-reperfusion injuries by suppressing the pyroptosis of lung tissue cells, diminishing inflammatory reactions, and enhancing lung function. The primary mechanism behind anti-pyroptotic effect of PHC appears to involve the inhibition of oxidative stress.