Stress Challenge Research Articles

Drought Tolerance in Plants: Physiological and Molecular Responses

Drought, a significant environmental challenge, presents a substantial risk to worldwide agriculture and the security of food supplies. In response, plants can perceive stimuli from their environment and activate defense pathways via various modulating networks to cope with stress. Drought tolerance, a multifaceted attribute, can be dissected into distinct contributing mechanisms and factors. Osmotic stress, dehydration stress, dysfunction of plasma and endosome membranes, loss of cellular turgidity, inhibition of metabolite synthesis, cellular energy depletion, impaired chloroplast function, and oxidative stress are among the most critical consequences of drought on plant cells. Understanding the intricate interplay of these physiological and molecular responses provides insights into the adaptive strategies plants employ to navigate through drought stress. Plant cells express various mechanisms to withstand and reverse the cellular effects of drought stress. These mechanisms include osmotic adjustment to preserve cellular turgor, synthesis of protective proteins like dehydrins, and triggering antioxidant systems to counterbalance oxidative stress. A better understanding of drought tolerance is crucial for devising specific methods to improve crop resilience and promote sustainable agricultural practices in environments with limited water resources. This review explores the physiological and molecular responses employed by plants to address the challenges of drought stress.

Peer support groups and care burden in hemodialysis caregivers: a RCT in an Iranian healthcare setting

BackgroundChronic renal failure poses a significant global health challenge, exerting a substantial burden on both patients and their caregivers. Hemodialysis, a common treatment for end-stage renal disease, imposes extensive physical, emotional, and financial pressures on caregivers, often leading to a high care burden. This study uniquely examines the impact of peer support groups on reducing the care burden among caregivers of patients receiving hemodialysis in an Iranian healthcare setting, an aspect that has not been extensively explored before.MethodsA parallel-controlled clinical trial was conducted involving 60 caregivers, divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in an 8-session peer support program tailored to their identified needs, including coping with stress, social isolation, and financial challenges. The Zarit Care Burden Interview Scale was used to measure care burden before and after the intervention.ResultsThe study revealed statistically significant reductions in care burden, particularly in physical, social, and emotional dimensions, among caregivers in the intervention group compared to the control group. The total care burden score showed a marked decrease, indicating the effectiveness of the peer support intervention. While economic challenges remained a concern, the intervention had a limited impact in this domain.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that peer support groups significantly alleviate the care burden experienced by caregivers of patients receiving hemodialysis, improving their well-being across several dimensions. The findings highlight the importance of integrating peer support strategies into healthcare programs for chronic disease management and underscore the need for supplementary economic support measures to comprehensively address caregivers’ needs. Future research should explore the scalability and long-term sustainability of such interventions and address the unique economic challenges faced by these caregivers.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under the registration number IRCT20220724055540N1 on 11/08/2022.

Financial well-being, anxiety and payment delinquency among student loan holders in the United States: insights from the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, particularly intensifying the financial and psychological burden for individuals with student loans in the United States. Firstly, this study examined the association between student loan ownership and financial well-being during the pandemic. Secondly, among student loan holders, we tested the association of financial anxiety and payment delinquency with COVID-19 shocks and financial knowledge. Lastly, we investigated the associations between the recipients of student loans and their financial well-being, anxiety and behaviors concerning student loans.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing data from the 2021 National Financial Capability Study, we explored how unprecedented economic disruptions have affected student loan holders' financial well-being, levels of debt anxiety and payment delinquency, considering financial knowledge as a critical factor. We conducted Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and logistic regressions to examine the associations addressed in the purpose of the study.FindingsThe results of regression analyses indicate that individuals with student loans generally experienced lower financial well-being than those without loans. Among student loan holders, COVID-19 shocks were positively associated with student loan anxiety and payment delinquency. Additionally, subjective financial knowledge showed a positive association, while objective financial knowledge displayed a negative association with loan delinquency. Lastly, respondents who secured loans for themselves exhibited lower levels of financial well-being than other student loan holders.Originality/valueThis study represents one of the initial efforts to investigate the issues of financial well-being, debt anxiety and payment delinquency among student loan holders, along with their associations with the potential COVID-19 shocks they experienced. The research shed light on the acute financial stress and mental health challenges faced by student loan holders during global crises, highlighting the significance of effective policy development for student debt management and borrower support during times of economic uncertainty.

Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Taiwanese youth: soldiers and college students

Researchers have identified university students and military personnel as highly susceptible to the stress and emotional challenges imposed by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective of this study was to compare the psychological impact of COVID-19 on soldiers and students based on risk factors identified in self reports. We recruited 258 students (male: female = 58: 204, average age = 19.73 ± 1.52 years) and 194 active soldiers (male: female = 172: 22, average age = 24.88 ± 4.11 years) from northern Taiwan. Analysis was performed on demographic data, history of COVID-19 infection, vaccinations, and the subjective psychological impact of the pandemic, as well as their current (within one month) anxiety levels, depression level, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis models were used to compare soldier vs. student status and male vs. female. Overall, roughly 54% of the subjects had been infected by COVID-19 at least once, and the psychological impact of the pandemic was more pronounced in the infected group. The students reported more pronounced symptoms of PTSD (elevated anxiety and depression levels) than did the soldiers. All regression models other than those associated with age and sex revealed that the link between COVID-19 infection and the symptoms of PTSD was more salient among soldiers and males than among students and females. It appears that the psychological impact of COVID-19 is underreported by soldiers. These findings indirectly support previous research indicating that soldiers are less likely than students to disclose emotions related to trauma, indicating the need for psychological support for military personnel.

"This has reinvigorated me": perceived impacts of an innovation training program on employee experience and innovation support.

Innovation is widely desired within healthcare organizations, yet the efficacy of programs aimed at fostering it remain largely unassessed, with little consideration given to their effects on employee experience. The Veterans Health Administration (VA) innovators network (iNET) was established to provide organizational support to improve and reimagine patient care and processes across the VA. We evaluated participant perspectives on how iNET impacted workplace experience and fostered innovation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using purposive sampling to maximize diversity for program roles and site characteristics, reviewed using a rapid matrixed approach, then analyzed using a hybrid inductive/deductive approach that applied a theoretical framework of innovation supportive domains. 21 project investees, 16 innovation specialists and 13 leadership champions participated from 15 sites nationally. Most participants reported strongly positive impacts including feeling re-energized, appreciating new experiences and expanded opportunities for connecting with others, sense of renewed purpose, better relationships with leadership and personal recognition. Negative experiences included time constraints and logistical challenges. Participants' experiences mapped frequently onto theorized domains of supporting a curious culture, creating idea pathways and porous boundaries, fostering/supporting catalytic leadership and supporting (role) diverse teams. The program's delivery of ready resources was critically supportive though at times frustrating. Participants' experiences support the conclusion that iNET fosters innovation and positively impacts participating employees. In the post-pandemic context of unprecedented challenges of healthcare worker burnout and stress, effective innovation training programs should be considered as a tool to improve worker experience and retention as well as patient care.

Stress-induced eating in rural adolescents: Unique variability among boys and adolescents with obesity

Stress may contribute to the development of obesity through its effects on dysregulated eating, although this has not yet been examined among low-income, rural adolescents. We examined adolescents’ stress-induced changes in eating an ad libitum meal, and after, in the absence of hunger (EAH), and the extent to which these varied by sex, race, and weight status. Participants included 260 adolescents, drawn from a sample of rural households experiencing poverty. Adolescents completed two home visits while salivary cortisol was measured; during the control (low stress) visit, they completed questionnaires and procedures thought to elicit low levels of stress and had BMI assessed. During the stress visit, adolescents completed a 20-min set of psychosocial stress challenges before eating. At each visit, adolescents consumed an ad-libitum meal after which they were additionally given large portions of snacks (EAH task). Results revealed that indeed cortisol was higher during the stress visit, across the sample. Boys showed stress-induced increases during ad-libitum meal intake (for calories, fat, and carbohydrates) whereas girls exhibited decreased intake. Further, adolescents with obesity showed stress-induced increases in fat intake, but only when hunger was satiated (EAH). There were no differences by race. These findings provide the first evidence of stress-induced alterations in food intake in a rural, low-income sample of adolescents and point to a strong vulnerability for stress-induced increases in eating in rural boys as well as stress-induced increases in fat intake when satiated as a possible contributor to obesity in youth.

The effect of dietary supplementation of a Bacillus-based direct fed-microbial on Pekin duck subjected to heat stress challenge

Limited research investigating the use of direct-fed microbials (DFM) to mitigate the effects of heat stress in Pekin ducks exists. This study evaluated the use of a DFM at different inclusion rates. Treatments included commercial-type basal diet (CON), or CON supplemented with 125, 250, 500, or 750 ppm DFM. On d 21–35, ducks were subjected to a cyclic heat stress challenge for 12 h/d. Performance, gait scores, footpad lesions, complete cell blood counts, total plasma corticosterone concentrations, fear testing, bone health, litter quality, and gut health were measured. Body weight on d 35 was lower for CON (p < 0.05) than all other treatments. Feed conversion (d 15–35) was higher (p > 0.05) in CON than all other treatments. Total plasma corticosterone concentrations and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios were greater for CON (p < 0.05) compared to all other treatments, indicating lower stress susceptibility in DFM treatments. The CON had lower villus height (p < 0.05) than the 125 and 250 ppm DFM treatments. There was a quadratic response observed with 500 ppm as the peak in performance and stress measures indicating it may be the optimum. These results indicate that DFM supplementation during heat stress can improve duck performance and welfare.

Development of Odor Sensors Based on Membrane-Type Surface Stress Sensors and Challenges for Social Implementation

Development of Odor Sensors Based on Membrane-Type Surface Stress Sensors and Challenges for Social Implementation

Treatment of Traumatic Dental Injuries in the Public Dental Services—A Qualitative Exploration of Perceived Challenges and Needs

ABSTRACTBackground/AimThis study explored perceived challenges in the management of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) among general dentists in the public dental service (PDS) of Vestland County in Western Norway and their needs for improving treatment care for TDI patients.Participants and MethodsThis qualitative study conducted three focus group discussions. We recruited a purposive sample of seven general dentists employed in the PDS in Vestland County in Western Norway. The three focus groups consisted of two, two, and three participants, respectively. The focus group discussion took place via the Microsoft electronic platform Teams, and it was visual, and audio recorded. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using systematic text condensation.ResultsThe general dentists in this study experienced the management of TDI as a set of complex procedures that require good theoretical knowledge, clinical experience, skills, and teamwork. We were able to group these challenges into three results categories: (1) proficiency challenges, (2) the challenge of stress and discomfort during dental procedures, and (3) the challenge of the organization of the PDS. The participants also expressed the need for practical courses, calibration, and refresher courses in dental traumatology. Their needs fell into two categories: (1) regular, clinically relevant continuing professional development and (2) collective efforts in TDI management.ConclusionIncreasing awareness of the challenges in TDI management and addressing the need for improved dental treatment for TDI patients may lead to targeted programs to enhance dentists' knowledge and skills. There is considerable potential for training dentists in dental traumatology.

Hemoglobin alpha is a redox-sensitive mitochondrial-related protein in T-lymphocytes.

Hemoglobin subunits, which form the well-characterized, tetrameric, oxygen-carrying protein, have recently been described to be expressed in various non-canonical cell types. However, the exact function of hemoglobin subunits within these cells remains to be fully elucidated. Herein, we report for the first time, the expression of hemoglobin alpha-a1 (Hba-a1) in T-lymphocytes and describe its role as a mitochondrial-associated antioxidant. Within naïve T-lymphocytes, Hba-a1 mRNA and HBA protein are present and highly induced by redox perturbations, particularly those arising from the mitochondria. Additionally, preliminary data using a T-lymphocyte specific Hba-a1 knock-out mouse model indicated that the loss of Hba-a1 led to an exacerbated production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines after a stress challenge, further supporting the role of HBA acting to buffer the mitochondrial redox environment. Interestingly, we observed Hba-a1 expression to be significantly upregulated or downregulated depending on T-lymphocyte polarization and metabolic state, which appeared to be controlled by both transcriptional regulation and chromatin remodeling. Altogether, these data suggest Hba-a1 may function as a crucial mitochondrial-associated antioxidant and appears to possess critical and complex functions related to T-lymphocyte activation and differentiation.

Is inflammatory change associated with psychological risk and resilience in high-risk military personnel?

IntroductionIn military populations, the potential for under-reporting of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and challenges in recognising early changes can make it difficult to detect an emerging disorder. However, early...

Predicting indoor personalized heat stress using wearable sensors and data-driven models

Rising global temperatures pose heightened heat stress challenges, especially impacting vulnerable populations such as older adults in low-income urban areas of color, who disproportionately face energy inefficiencies and environmental burdens. Traditional research often overlooks individual metabolic rates and behaviors in heat stress assessments, relying instead on isolated environmental measures in laboratory settings. This paper presents a novel, occupant-centric approach that integrates wearable sensor data, building information, and air-conditioning usage to predict extreme heat events and assess their impact on occupants through calibrated thermal building simulations for seven older adults in Houston, Texas. We developed a personalized heat stress model based on existing heat index equations and dynamic predicted mean votes, enhanced by measured metabolic rates. A data-driven machine learning algorithm was then used to predict extreme heat events with this model serving as the ground truth. Our findings reveal that elevated activity levels significantly contribute to discomfort during extreme heat events, often undetected by the heat index equation—an environmental metric—alone. Furthermore, we observe that combining metabolic rates with measured indoor temperatures consistently predicts extreme heat events with over 95 % accuracy, demonstrating almost 13 % improvement compared to using indoor temperature in isolation. This study provides a valuable proof of concept that underscores the merits of integrating multiple data sources to raise the accuracy and predictability of indoor extreme heat events. Our research not only offers potential to enhance early warning systems and guide architectural decisions but also influences building material choices, significantly mitigating the adverse effects of extreme heat.

Botanical Bioflavonoid Composition from Scutellaria baicalensis- and Acacia catechu-Protected Mice against D-Galactose-Induced Immunosenescence, and Cyclophosphamide Induced Immune Suppression.

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation create a perpetual cycle in the elderly, where impaired immune function amplifies susceptibility to oxidative damage, and oxidative stress further weakens the immune response. This cycle is particularly detrimental to the respiratory system of the elderly, which is an easy target for constant exogenous harmful attacks during cold/flu season or under heavy air pollution. Herbal medicines that protect respiratory function are seen as safer alternatives to conventional therapies; however, there is limited availability of scientifically validated, safe, and effective natural supplements for these conditions. In this study, we evaluated a standardized bioflavonoid composition, UP446, that contains bioactives from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis and the heartwoods of Acacia catechu as a natural and nutritional supplement for its antioxidative and immunoregulatory effects in oxidative stress-accelerated aging and chemically induced immune suppression mouse models. Immunosenescence was induced through the repeated subcutaneous inoculation of D-galactose (D-Gal) at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day in CD-1 mice. UP446 was administered orally at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg starting in the fifth week of immunosenescence induction. This study lasted a total of ten weeks. All mice received a quadrivalent influenza vaccine 2 weeks before termination. Whole blood, serum, spleen homogenate, and thymus tissues were processed for analysis. Cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppression was triggered by three consecutive injections of cyclophosphamide at 80 mg/kg/day, followed by the oral administration of UP446 for 18 days at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. Blood was collected from each animal at necropsy, and serum was isolated for IgA and IgG ELISA analysis. UP446 was found to improve immune response, as evidenced by the stimulation of innate (NK cells) and adaptive immune responses (T cells and cytotoxic T cells), an increase in antioxidant capacity (glutathione peroxidase), the preservation of vital immune organs (the thymus), and a reduction in NFκB. UP446 also increased serum levels of IgA and IgG. The findings presented in this report demonstrate the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulatory activities of UP446, suggesting its potential use in respiratory conditions involving immune stress due to aging, oxidative stress, and/or pathogenic challenges.

Enhancing Coleoptile Length of Rice Seeds under Submergence through NAL11 Knockout.

Submergence stress challenges direct seeding in rice cultivation. In this study, we identified a heat shock protein, NAL11, with a DnaJ domain, which can regulate the length of rice coleoptiles under flooded conditions. Through bioinformatics analyses, we identified cis-regulatory elements in its promoter, making it responsive to abiotic stresses, such as hypoxia or anoxia. Expression of NAL11 was higher in the basal regions of shoots and coleoptiles during flooding. NAL11 knockout triggered the rapid accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and reduction of Gibberellin (GA), stimulating rice coleoptile elongation and contributes to flooding stress management. In addition, NAL11 mutants were found to be more sensitive to ABA treatments. Such knockout lines exhibited enhanced cell elongation for coleoptile extension. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that NAL11 mediated the gluconeogenic pathway, essential for the energy needed in cell expansion. Furthermore, NAL11 mutants reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde under submerged stress, attributed to an improved antioxidant enzyme system compared to the wild-type. In conclusion, our findings underscore the pivotal role of NAL11 knockout in enhancing the tolerance of rice to submergence stress by elucidating its mechanisms. This insight offers a new strategy for improving resilience against flooding in rice cultivation.

Challenges of Salinity Intrusion and Drought Stress on Olive Tree Cultivation on Mljet Island.

Understanding genotype-specific responses to environmental stressors is vital for developing resilience strategies that ensure sustainable olive cultivation and productivity. In this work, cultivar 'Oblica' and several olive genotypes from the island of Mljet (Croatia) were exposed to short-term (21 days) salinity and drought treatments. In contrast to other olive genotypes, genotype M29 as well as cultivar 'Oblica' managed to maintain growth and chlorophyll a levels under salinity stress to the same level as the control. Drought, however, significantly reduced the growth parameters in all olive trees. Cultivar 'Oblica' accumulated the greatest amount of Na+ ions in the leaves compared to olive genotypes from the island of Mljet, demonstrating superior resistance by translocating Na+ to leaf vacuoles. The observed reduction in K+ content in the roots of olive trees under all treatments suggests a generalized stress response. On the other hand, effective Ca2+ uptake has been identified as a crucial energy-saving strategy that olive trees use to cope with brief periods of salinity and drought. The proline content and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) varied among the olive trees, highlighting the importance of antioxidative capacities and stress adaptation mechanisms. According to the obtained results, stress-resistant olive genotypes like 'Oblica' and M29 show potential for breeding resilient varieties.

An Updated Review of Emerging Sources of Selenium in Weaned Piglet Nutrition.

The antioxidant and immune systems of weaned piglets are not fully mature and are also subjected to serious stress challenges related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Selenium (Se) is an essential element for pigs, with documented roles encompassing antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties via selenoproteins. Sodium selenite and Se-enriched yeast are commonly acknowledged as conventional sources of Se for piglets. In the past decade, several novel Se sources have emerged in the field of weaned piglet nutrition. In this review, we will initially outline the historical timeline of Se sources as reported in weaned piglet nutrition. Afterwards, our attention will turn towards the nutritional regulation of Se sources in relation to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory aspects of healthy weaned piglets. Ultimately, we will provide a detailed review highlighting the potential of emerging Se sources in alleviating various adverse effects of stress challenges faced by weaned piglets. These challenges include oxidative stress, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection, lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation, heat stress, and exposure to feed mycotoxins. The output of this review will emphasize the fundamental importance of incorporating emerging Se sources in the diet of weaned piglets.

Enhancement of immunity and disease resistance in Litopenaeus vannamei through injection of tyramine formulated with polyethylene glycol

This study investigates the prolonged effect of immune disease resistance in Litopenaeus vannamei through the administration of tyramine (TA) formulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Facing the challenges of intensive farming, environmental stress, and global climate changes, innovative approaches to improve shrimp health are essential. The research focuses on the role of biogenic amines in stress response and immune regulation, demonstrating that TA, especially when combined with PEG, significantly prolongs immunity and resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus. The experimental design included administering TA, PEG, and TA-PEG, followed by evaluations of immunity, lactate and glucose levels, and immune-related gene expressions. Results showed notable prolonged effects in total hemocyte count, phenoloxidase activity, and phagocytic activity in the TA-PEG group, indicating enhanced immune activation period. Additionally, the expression of prophenoloxidase system-related genes was significantly upregulated in the TA-PEG group. Furthermore, the TA-PEG group exhibited a significantly higher survival rate in a susceptibility test against V. alginolyticus. The results of this study confirm that the combined use of PEG can effectively extend the immunostimulatory duration of TA.

Performance of Recently Developed Single and Double Hybrids of Bivoltine Silkworm (Bombyx mori) in India

India, contributing over 18% to global silk production, has made significant strides in sericulture through advancements in silkworm breeding. This review evaluates the performance of recently developed single and double hybrids of bivoltine silkworms (Bombyx mori) in India. These hybrids are essential for enhancing silk productivity and quality, addressing the challenges of environmental stress. This assessment reveals that these new hybrids exhibit improved growth rates, silk yields, and thermotolerance. However, limitations such as genetic stability and environmental sensitivity persist, which could impact long-term sustainability. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive analysis of these hybrids’ performance under varied conditions, providing insights into their potential and areas needing further improvement. Continued research, advanced breeding techniques, integrated pest and disease management, large scale evaluation at farmer’s field and supportive policies are crucial for the sustainable growth of India’s sericulture industry. By adopting these hybrids and modern rearing practices, the industry can achieve higher yields, better quality silk and substantial contributions to the rural economy and global silk market.

Characterization of load-bearing and failure properties of fractured rock masses reinforced by negative pressure grouting

Grouting injection is a vital technique for addressing the challenges of high stress and significant deformation in the surrounding rock during deep mining operations, playing a crucial role in promoting green and low-carbon extraction methodologies. In this study, grouting reinforcement processes were examined by conducting grouting experiments on a fractured rock with varying negative pressures (0-100 kPa), followed by uniaxial compression testing of the grout-reinforced bodies. This investigation explored the diffusion patterns of grout under negative pressure and established a constitutive model of damage-bearing capacity for bodies reinforced by negative pressure grouting. It further studied the enhancement effect of negative pressure on the load-bearing capacity of the reinforced bodies and analyzed the instability mechanism of damage and failure in these bodies. The results indicated that the diffusion of grout under negative pressure is influenced by four types of forces, which alter the extent of grout diffusion within the fractured rock mass. Introducing a damage constitutive model that serially connects pore and framework elements characterizes the damage and failure behavior of grout-reinforced bodies under different negative pressures. As the negative pressure increases, changes in porosity, water-to-cement ratio, and admixture quantity occur in the grout-reinforced specimens, with the strength mean curve showing a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, reaching a threshold at a negative pressure of 60 kPa. With increasing negative pressure, the negative pressure damage variable decreases and then increases, and the stronger the interfacial microelement connections caused by the negative pressure, the greater the bearing capacity, ultimately manifesting in different failure modes.

Position Paper: Rationale for a Focused Attention on Mental Health of High-Performance Sports Coaches

High-performance (HP) coaching has been described as “a complex, social, and dynamic activity that is not easily represented as a set of tangible and predictable processes.” Coaches are not only responsible for extensive planning, monitoring, and leadership in a dynamic and complex environment but also have responsibility for supporting athlete development and safeguarding their athletes’ overall health, well-being, and psychological and physiological safety. However, HP coaching is often considered an unsustainable profession, due to the levels of stress and subsequent mental health challenges that are frequently part of the role. Therefore, this position paper will focus on the concerns, challenges, and resources needed to prevent and manage mental ill-being and support the mental well-being of sport coaching professionals in HP sport, and provide recommendations for individuals, systems, and organizations that work with HP sport coaches.