Related Stress Research Articles

AN ENGINEERING MODEL FOR PRESSURE ASSESSMENT IN ROUGH CONTACTS

In many scenarios involving mechanical contacts loaded in the elastic-plastic domain, finding the pressure distribution and the related stresses without a detailed description of the plastic strains may be a sufficiently good approximation for the contact problem solution. This approach is considered in this work, which aims to achieve a rapid solution for the pressure distribution in elastic-plastic contacts without the solution of the residual part: the influence of the plastic strains on the contact geometry, i.e., the residual displacements, and on the subsurface stresses, i.e., the residual stresses, are not accounted for. Experimental works and numerical approaches from the literature prove that the pressure in elastic-plastic contacts is limited to roughly three times the yield strength of the softer material. The latter threshold is introduced in a previously developed computer code for the purely elastic contact, as an additional restriction. The elastic-plastic pressure is calculated from the solution of the purely elastic problem, but it is not allowed to exceed the aforementioned limit. Considering the iterative nature of the original elastic solver, algorithm convergence is not affected by the additional restriction. The technique is firstly applied to a Hertz-type contact to prove the solution viability. A roughness sample is then processed with the newly advanced computer program. The resulting pressure distribution is compared to the purely elastic case. Considering that the former was achieved with the same computational effort as the latter, it is clearly a more convenient solution for practical engineering purposes.

Determinants of COVID-19 related traumatic stress among black individuals in Canada: the role of health literacy, racial discrimination, and history of COVID-19 infection

Determinants of COVID-19 related traumatic stress among black individuals in Canada: the role of health literacy, racial discrimination, and history of COVID-19 infection

Peeking into the future: inferring mechanics in dynamical tissues.

Cells exert forces on each other and their environment, shaping the tissue. The resulting mechanical stresses can be determined experimentally or estimated computationally using stress inference methods. Over the years, mechanical stress inference has become a non-invasive, low-cost computational method for estimating the relative intercellular stresses and intracellular pressures of tissues. This mini-review introduces and compares the static and dynamic modalities of stress inference, considering their advantages and limitations. To date, most software has focused on static inference, which requires only a single microscopy image as input. Although applicable in quasi-equilibrium states, this approach neglects the influence that cell rearrangements might have on the inference. In contrast, dynamic stress inference relies on a time series of microscopy images to estimate stresses and pressures. Here, we discuss both static and dynamic mechanical stress inference in terms of their physical, mathematical, and computational foundations and then outline what we believe are promising avenues for in silico inference of the mechanical states of tissues.

Experimental Study on Spectral Response Characteristics and Mechanical State of Coal Based on Artificial Acoustic Signals

With the increase in coal mining depth, the stress and strain state of coal and rock mass affects the formation of dangerous zones of dynamic phenomena. In order to study the relationship between the frequency spectrum characteristics of artificial acoustic signals and the stress state of coal and gas pressure, a test device and system that can generate acoustic signals by mechanical vibration excitation are developed by using the design idea of the unit module. Firstly, the basic mechanical parameters of coal under uniaxial compression are analyzed. On this basis, we use the test device to study the qualitative and quantitative relationships between the relative stress coefficient K value of the coal body and the axial loading stress, whether it contains gas, and the mechanical vibration force. The test results show that when the gas-containing coal and the gas-free coal are subjected to the same external mechanical vibration knocking force to stimulate the artificial acoustic signal test, the relative stress coefficient K value increases first and then decreases with the increase in axial loading stress. The relationship between the relative stress coefficient K and the axial loading stress σ can be expressed in the form of exponential function K=e−Cσ. When the axial loading stress and the external mechanical vibration force are both fixed values, the relative stress coefficient K value of the coal body with gas is smaller than that without gas. When the axial loading stress and gas-bearing pressure of the coal body are both fixed values, the relative stress coefficient K value decreases with the increase in the impact force of the external mechanical vibration. This experimental study can provide a reference for the identification and prediction of dynamic disasters based on artificial acoustic signals.

Jaboticaba Peel Extract Exerts Chemopreventive Effects in Transgenic Mouse Model of Prostate Cancer

Introduction: Angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and epigenetic alterations involved in prostate cancer (PCa) are associated with different risk factors, such as a high-fat diet (HFD), overweight, and obesity. Jaboticaba peel extract (PJE) has shown antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and antioxidant activities in the prostate of senile mice. Method: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PJE on the dorsolateral prostate microenvironment in male transgenic mice for the prostate adenocarcinoma model, considering different pathological alterations, changed or unchanged by HFD, focusing on histopathology, and molecules related to extracellular matrix (ECM), oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and Dact-1. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed on Dact-1-associated tumor suppressor genes in transgenic mice. Mice were fed HFD and received patented jaboticaba peel extract (PJE) treatment. The plasma levels of systemic oxidative stress were evaluated. Results: Our results showed that PJE protected the dorsolateral prostate against proliferation and increased MMP9, TGFβ, and VEGF levels. PJE reduced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation by modulating catalase, SOD 2, and 4HNE. PJE exhibited an epigenetic action, evidenced by increased Dact-1 gene expression in PCa. Conclusion: PJE could be a natural protector of PCa and prostate lesions associated with HFD intake.

Drought Dynamics: Enhanced Characterization Through Hyper‐Temporal Satellite Observations

ABSTRACTDrought is a multifaceted hazard, influenced directly or indirectly by factors such as precipitation, evapo‐transpiration, soil moisture content and groundwater levels. Drought dynamics is fundamentally linked to hydrological processes, as droughts directly impact water availability, soil moisture and overall hydrological balance. Given the global climate change and consequent increasing frequency of extreme events, assessing the vulnerability to drought stress in underprivileged areas has become highly relevant. In this context, drought characterization has become crucial for understanding the complex patterns of droughts and its impacts on agriculture, ecosystems and communities, thereby contributing to food security, environmental sustainability and disaster preparedness. The major goal of this study was to evaluate the onset, duration, frequency and extent of agricultural drought using satellite‐based datasets. The hyper‐temporal Système Pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) VEGETATION (VGT) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data were used in this study to quantify the drought related stress on vegetation cover. The spatial extent of drought and its pattern were estimated using the long‐term Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) derived from hyper‐temporal SPOT‐VGT NDVI datasets. Notably, strong agreement was found between the estimations of onset and duration, particularly during severe drought years such as 2002 and 2008. The study reveals that more over 95% of the total area encountered severe crop stress before the second week of July in 1999, 2002 and 2008, which are identified as severe drought years in the region. The frequency maps effectively captured the occurrence of drought events over a sixteen‐year span, highlighting distinct drought episodes in the study area and underscoring the significant prevalence of drought stress across a considerable area. The high r2 (0.61) value indicates a significant level of shared variability between VCI and yield of major crops, demonstrating their consistent alignment in capturing vegetation health and crop yield anomalies. The comprehensive delineation of drought patterns in the Bundelkhand region revealed by this study is potential for future preparedness efforts, enabling strategic planning and facilitating the implementation of sustainable policy interventions.

Navigating Workplace Stigma: Examining the Relationship between Power, Authenticity and Religious Coping among employees in Industrial Sectors

Power dynamics, authenticity, religious coping, and workplace stigma within a socio-economic context in Punjab, Pakistan are explored. The research uses a mix methods design of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data from 350 professionals, from across different professions. Using quantitative analysis, we found there is a significant negative correlation between power dynamics and authenticity (r = -0.57, p < 0.01), meaning that the more power imbalance individuals experience, the less likely they are to display their true selves in their work environment. In addition, religious coping was shown to mediate the relationship between power dynamics and authenticity (? = 0.42, p < 0.01) suggesting that the use of religious practices can help those to maintain authenticity in the workplace. Second, religious coping was positively correlated with psychological well-being (r = 0.60, p <. 01), even among professionals who reported experiencing workplace stigma. Finally, qualitative findings further explained the protective nature of religious coping, showing how it allows individuals to cope with power hierarchies and to reduce stigma related stress. The need to create authentic workplaces and the impact of religious coping strategies on employee wellbeing are emphasized in this study. Organizations can thus create supportive atmospheres where professionals feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically while accessing psychological resilience by addressing power dynamics and stigma in the workplace.

Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide Alleviates Amyloid‐β‐Induced Toxicity in the Caenorhabditis elegans Model

ABSTRACTAlzheimer's disease (AD) poses a significant global health challenge, primarily characterized by the aggregation of β‐amyloid (Aβ) peptides and associated oxidative stress. Given the lack of effective AD drugs, we investigated the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), a water‐soluble polysaccharide from goji berries, on Aβ scavenging, aggregation, and Aβ‐induced toxicity using the transgenic AD nematode. LBP treatment delayed paralysis, mitigated Aβ‐induced chemotaxis deficits, and reduced Aβ1–42 deposition and oligomer formation in AD nematodes. Furthermore, LBP supplementation alleviated Aβ‐induced oxidative stress and improved oxidative stress resistance through the insulin/insulin growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) signaling (IIS) pathway. Evaluation of the Aβ clearance pathway revealed that LBP attenuated Aβ toxicity by increasing proteasome activity rather than lysosomal levels. Basic physiological assessments further indicated that LBP was non‐toxic in vivo and promoted nematode health. Our findings suggest that LBP ameliorates AD‐like symptoms in nematodes by activating the IIS pathway to reduce oxidative stress and enhancing proteasomal activity to clear Aβ aggregates, providing a new theoretical basis for considering LBP as a promising therapeutic drug for AD and related oxidative stress complications.

Prognostic value of morphology and hemodynamics in moyamoya disease for long-term outcomes and disease progression

To explore the relationship between morphological and hemodynamic parameters, baseline characteristics, and long-term outcomes in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) using a computational fluid dynamics model. We retrospectively reviewed 129 patients at Beijing Tiantan hospital between July 2020 and December 2021. Perioperative clinical variables and Suzuki stage were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors for unfavorable long-term outcomes. The association between morphological, CT perfusion parameters, hemodynamic parameters and the Suzuki stage, clinical variables of MMD was also analyzed. Patients with high relative Wall Shear Stress (rWSS) were older and had more cases with higher Suzuki stage and worse follow-up mRS scores (p < 0.05). High rWSS at the terminal ICA and diabetes mellitus were identified as independent predictors of unfavorable long-term outcomes [OR = 3.039(1.191–7.754), p = 0.020; OR = 3.164(1.141–8.723), p = 0.027, respectively]. ROC analysis demonstrated that predictive models incorporating rWSS improved AUC values, with the highest AUC in Model 2 (AUC = 0.889). High rWSS was significantly associated with future TIA and stroke events (p = 0.032). We speculated that high rWSS and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for unfavorable long-term outcomes in patients with MMD. rWSS and morphological parameters are crucial for predicting MMD progression and understanding its pathogenesis.

Isofraxidin alleviated radiation-induced testicular damage via the Nrf2/HO-1-NLRP3/ASC Axis

OBJECTIVE: Radiotherapy is used to treat patients with tumors; however, radiation (IR)-induced testicular injury, which has no effective treatment approved in clinical practice, significantly influences their prognosis and quality of life. The protective effects and underlying mechanisms of action of isofraxidin (IF) against IR-induced testicular injury were investigated. Methods: A mouse testis injury model was established using 5 Gy irradiation. H&amp;E staining, immunofluorescence staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure DNA damage, apoptosis, inflammatory reactions, and oxidative stress in the testes of mice after irradiation. The effectiveness of IF irradiation on testicular injury was evaluated, and the mechanisms of the related oxidative stress and inflammatory response pathways are discussed. Results: IF can improve IR-induced testicular injury by inhibiting the increased levels of DNA damage, apoptosis rate, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factors. The radioprotective effects of IF on testicular injury are mediated by the stimulation of Nrf2/HO-1 or suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways. In addition, crosstalk between the Nrf2/HO-1 and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways was elucidated, in which the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome was mediated by the activation of Nrf2 signaling with IF upon IR exposure. Conclusion: IF can be a potent radioprotective agent to mitigate testicular damage, and may provide a new therapeutic option to alleviate the side effects of radiotherapy in male patients with tumors.

The role of mindfulness in treating gaming addiction in high school students: A case study in Vietnam

The objective of this study is to understand how mindfulness heals gaming addiction among high schoolers in Vietnam by sampling 200 individuals. The analyses thus performed are robust enough to reveal that multiples of psychological constructs related to mindfulness can influence the reduction of self-control, alleviation, related stress, and further emotional control, social and emotional skills, enhancement of focus and attention, motivation for a healthier diet, and reduction of dopamine dependence. The present results also show that this holds the functioning of mindfulness as a significant mediator in healing from gaming addiction, with additional correlations found among constructs. In this study, the increased break was found to contribute more to self-control, emotional regulation, and attention enhancement. This analysis shows that the model is valid and reliable, such that mindfulness interventions tend to mainstreamably nudge adolescents toward engaging in better behaviors. This study points out the necessity of incorporating mindfulness training in the treatment of gaming addiction and promises insights relevant to educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals that will be beneficial in aiding youth in their digital-age challenges with gaming.

Prevalence of Stress, Sources and Coping Strategies among Nursing and Midwifery Students in Three Nursing Training Schools in the Buea Municipality, Cameroon

Background: Stress is a common human experience blamed for many ills. Nursing students experience high levels of stress and recent research on health care related fields and stress has indicated that nursing students experience higher levels of stress compared to students in the other health disciplines.Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of stress, identify its sources and coping strategies amongst nursing and midwifery students from three nursing training schools in the Buea Municipality.Methods: A quantitative cross sectional study design was used to conduct the study for 6 months. The study population consisted of nursing and midwifery students from the Faculty of Health Sciences University of Buea, Biaka University Institute and Redemption Higher Institute of Biomedical and Management Sciences in the Buea Municipality. Purposive and a simple random sampling techniques were used to select the three nursing training schools and the participants respectively. The participants were undergraduate student nurses and midwives who had had previous clinical experience. Probability proportionate to size sample technique was used to determine the number of participants from each school. Data was collected from the participants regarding their stress levels, sources of stress, and the strategies they used to cope with stress. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data collected was entered in to an excel spreadsheet version 2010 and analysed using SPSS Version 25. Inferential statistics was also used to describe association between variables (multivariate analysis and Pearson’s correlation); a p-value &lt; 0.05 was considered significant.Results: A total of 342 nursing and midwifery students participated in the study. The findings revealed a very high prevalence [223 (65.2%)] of stress among participants. Age 32 years+, marital status and level of studies (3rd &amp; 4th year) were significantly associated with stress with p values of 0.021, 0.022 and 0.001 respectively. The main sources of stress among students were from school work, from peers and personal life with mean values 2.13, and 1.96 respectively. Majority [201(58.8%)] of the students relied on problem-focused strategies as means to cope with stress, followed by the emotional-focused strategies [81(23.7%)].Conclusion: The prevalence of stress among student nurses and midwives in the Buea Municipality was very high with the main sources of stress being school work, stress from peer and personal life. It is recommended that guidance counseling services be provided in all nursing training institutions and students be encouraged to ultilise the services in order to reduce the prevalence of stress.

Exploring the association between mental health and extreme weather events related to climate change: a scoping review

Exploring the association between mental health and extreme weather events related to climate change: a scoping review

Analysis of the Seismic Vulnerability of a Masonry Pagoda Based on Increasing Dynamic Analysis

ABSTRACTFor the seismic vulnerability analysis method of masonry pagodas, the dynamic characteristic of the Bayun Pagoda in China was conducted by using environmental excitation technology. A numerical model of the masonry pagoda was established with the finite element software Abaqus. Ten seismic waves were selected as excitation signals to conduct incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) on the pagoda. The Sa(T1,5%) served as the seismic intensity indicator, whereas the damage factor (d) and relative stress () were employed as damage indicators for seismic vulnerability analysis of the pagoda. The failure probability of the structure reaching the limit state under different seismic intensities was determined. The results indicate that, comparing the IDA curves and seismic vulnerability curves under two different damage indicators, the Sa(T1,5%) range required for the IDA curves under the damage factor (d) is smaller than the relative stress (), with lower dispersion. Additionally, the failure probability of the pagoda reaching different limit states is higher under the damage factor (d). Considering the existing damage status of the masonry pagoda, the damage factor (d) is more reasonable as the damage indicator.

New Insights on the potential therapeutic effects of glibenclamide and Obeticholic acid against Alloxan-Induced diabetes mellitus in rat model

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a highly prevalent metabolic disorder across the globe. This study aimed to determine the ameliorative efficacy of glibenclamide (Gli) and obeticholic acid (OCA) against biochemical and pathological changes related to alloxan-induced diabetes. Twenty male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups; Control group, Diabetic group: received intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120mg/kg) for induction of diabetes, Diabetic+Gli group: Diabetic rats treated daily with oral Gli (5mg/kg) and Diabetic+OCA group: Diabetic rats treated daily with oral OCA (10mg/kg). All rats were subjected to 30days treatments. Our results indicated that Gli successfully ameliorated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia with a significant decline in serum pancreatic lipase activity and increased insulin level, while OCA had the same effect but without any enhancement in serum insulin levels. Additionally, the disturbances in liver function-related parameters and the evoked oxidative stress, interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-10 in the liver and pancreas were abrogated upon treatment with Gli and OCA. Furthermore, Gli and OCA increased AMP-activated protein kinase (P-AMPK), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), farnesoidXreceptor (FXR), and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) expressions and downregulated sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c mRNA expression. Besides, Gli and OCA have alleviated diabetes-induced histopathological distortions in hepatic and pancreatic tissues and enhanced the immunoexpression of insulin, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen with decreased immune reactivity of glucagon within pancreatic tissues. Gli and OCA decreased the immune reactivity of nuclear factor kappa B and increased the glycogen content of hepatic tissues. In conclusion, OCA is efficacious in the management of dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia of DM and its related oxidative stress.

Improving health workers’ well-being in Cittadella Hospital (Province of Padua)

Abstract Issue A healthy workplace increases productivity, creativity and decreases absenteeism and turn-over. It also contributes to creating a more secure work environment with fewer risks of violence. In the past 3 years, the healthcare system has suffered the psychological, economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, the healthcare staff reductions determine high levels of work related stress that are often unsustainable. Description In an effort to improve staff well-being, in the Hospital of Cittadella, which counts nearly 1,250 employees, a wide range of activities have been initiated. A questionnaire was submitted to the hospital’s staff and the results showed that nearly 10% of workers had experienced physical symptomatology related to work. The most commonly experienced symptoms included: anxiety, nervousness, headache, stomach ache, excessive fatigue and insomnia. Participants also indicated feeling excessive mental fatigue and emotional overload at the end of their work shift. Results Psychomotor practice, held according to the Aucouturier method, is one of the projects intended especially for the staff operating in Intensive Care, Emergency and Pneumology Units. This method brings focus to controlled breathing, posture, muscle work and movement that help manage stress and fatigue. A Qigong course, which is an ancient Chinese practice designed to optimize the energy within the body reducing the stress levels and increasing general wellbeing, was held every two weeks for 5 months. And finally, Tibetan singing crystal bowls sessions consisted of monthly guided meditation sessions using the sounds of the crystal bowls. Lessons In conclusion, well-being and organizational performance are closely related to each other. It is crucial for any organization to encourage and maintain better physical and mental health of the healthcare staff as it directly affects productivity and consequently user’s satisfaction of the services provided. Key messages • Stress management is important amongst healthcare professionals as they are continuously exposed to different job stressors. • Promoting self awareness and self care can help create a healthier work environment.

How Can the Coping Strategies Mediate the Relationship Among COVID-19 Stress, Depression, and Anxiety?

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a severe impact on mental health. To explore the underlying mechanisms that influence mental health, a critical question is whether different types of coping strategies may mediate the relationships between COVID-19 related stress and mental health. Recruited between October 19 and 24, 2021, a total of 500 participants aged 20 to 69 years completed an online survey to evaluate the COVID-19 stress, coping orientation, depression and state anxiety. The period corresponded to the highest level of COVID-19 restrictions (level 4) immediately before the adjusted restriction to level 3. Parallel mediation analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling. Distinct mediation effects of the COVID-19 stress (i.e., fear of infection, difficulties of social distancing, anger toward others) through three types of coping strategies (i.e., functional, dysfunctional, seeking support) were found. Fear of infection was likely to be related to functional coping and dysfunctional coping. Social distancing model indicated dysfunctional coping and seeking support, while anger toward others model was associated with functional coping and seeking support. The results highlight the different relationships between COVID-19 stress and mental health coping strategies. The identification of these mediation pathways offers guidance for designing effective interventions and support systems to promote psychological well-being during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Microstructure and compressive behaviour of PLA/PHA-wood lattice structures processed using additive manufacturing

Microstructure and compressive behaviour of PLA/PHA-wood lattice structures processed using additive manufacturing

Rheology of flexible fiber-reinforced cement pastes: Maximum packing fraction determination and structural build-up analysis

Rheology of flexible fiber-reinforced cement pastes: Maximum packing fraction determination and structural build-up analysis

Diagnostic accuracy of the lactate stress test for detecting mitochondrial disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Due to their variable phenotypes, mitochondrial disorders (MDs) can be difficult to diagnose. The absolute load lactate stress test (LSTA) and the relative load lactate stress test (LSTR) have been shown to be useful screening tools for the detection of MDs. In this study, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these tests in detecting MDs. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42022331710). We performed a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus from January 10th, 2022 to July 27th, 2022 and included case-control and cohort diagnostic studies that targeted participants with MDs and used LSTA and/or LSTR as index tests. Two reviewers worked separately to compile information from selected articles. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Sensitivity and specificity, as well as diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated using Meta-DiSc 2.0 and Stata software. The analysis included 14 studies with a total of 1064 participants, divided into six studies with 793 participants for LSTA and eight studies with 271 participants for LSTR. For LSTA the meta-analysis gave a pooled sensitivity of 0.67 (95% CI 0.62, 0.72), a specificity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.85, 0.97), DOR of 26.63 (95% CI 10.99, 64.52), and AUC of 0.70 (95% CI 0.66, 0.74). For LSTR, the pooled sensitivity was 0.52 (95% CI 0.33, 0.70), specificity 0.94 (95% CI 0.79, 0.99), DOR 18.14 (95% CI 2.99, 109.85), and the AUC 0.80 (95% CI 0.76, 0.83). LSTA and LSTR showed as screening tests moderate sensitivity and high specificity for MD diagnosis, particularly for LSTR. The choice of test may depend on the patient's individual aerobic capacity and motor skills and the availability of equipment.