Stress-induced Factor Research Articles

INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF DAMAGE AGENTS ON ESTABLISHED TREES IN URBAN GREEN AREAS

Trees in urban green areas (UGAs) face various stress-inducing factors that, together with the incidence and severity of damage agents, reduce their growth and health condition. The objective of this study was to characterize the incidence and severity of damage to trees located in 21 UGAs in the city of Texcoco, Mexico, as well as the relationship between their health, green area typology, and urban infrastructure. Using tree damage indicators, the incidence of two damage agents per tree was determined, and seven damage groups were identified: biotic agents, parasitic and epiphytic plants, insects, animals, abiotic agents, and anthropogenic factors. A damage severity index (DSI) was estimated at species level and by green area. Chlorophyll fluorescence was used to assess stress as an indirect measure of tree health condition in UGAs, and surrounding urban infrastructure was classified. A total of 1543 trees were assessed, and 23 damage agents were identified, affecting 9.95 % of the foliage, 10.24 % of the branches, 4.47 % of the trunk, and 0.45 % of the root collar and roots. As for incidence, 60.01 % showed no damage at all, 29.49 % showed only one agent, and 10.5 % showed two agents. Most of the trees at the UGAs were found to be under stress (≤ 0.78) and uncorrelated with DSI; however, the index was different by species and UGA (p ≤ 0.05). Insect damage and poor management practices were associated with the presence of buildings, busy roads, and people congregation areas inside UGAs.

Stress induced factor 2 is a dual regulator for defense and seed germination in Arabidopsis

Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) constitute a diverse superfamily of proteins pivotal for various plant physiological processes, including responses to pathogens, hormone perception, growth, and development. Their ability to recognize conserved epitopes for general elicitors and specific pathogens marked significant advancements in plant pathology research. Emerging evidence suggests that RLKs and associated components also act as modulators in hormone signaling and cellular trafficking, showcasing their multifunctional roles in growth and development. Notably, STRESS INDUCED FACTOR 2 (SIF2) stands out as a representative with distinct expression patterns in different Arabidopsis organs. Our prior work highlighted the specific induction of SIF2 expression in guard cells, emphasizing its positive contribution to stomatal immunity. Expanding on these findings, our present study delves into the diverse functions of SIF2 expression in root tissues. Utilizing comprehensive physiology, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and genetic analyses, we reveal that SIF2 modulates abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in Arabidopsis roots. SIF2 is epistatic with key regulators in the ABA signaling pathway, thereby governing the expression of genes crucial for dormancy release and, consequently, Arabidopsis seed germination. This study sheds light on the intricate roles of SIF2 as a multi-functional RLK, underscoring its organ-specific contributions to plant immunity, hormonal regulation, and seed germination.

Mechanical stress-induced connective tissue growth factor plays a critical role in intestinal fibrosis in Crohn's-like colitis.

Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by transmural inflammation and intestinal fibrosis. Mechanisms of fibrosis in CD are not well understood. Transmural inflammation is associated with inflammatory cell infiltration, stenosis, and distention, which present mechanical stress (MS) to the bowel wall. We hypothesize that MS induces gene expression of profibrotic mediators such as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which may contribute to fibrosis in CD. A rodent model of CD was induced by intracolonic instillation of TNBS to the distal colon. TNBS instillation induced a localized transmural inflammation (site I), with a distended colon segment (site P) proximal to site I. We detected significant fibrosis and collagen content not only in site I but also in site P in CD rats by day 7. CTGF expression increased significantly in sites P and I, but not in the segment distal to the inflammation site. Increased CTGF expression was detected mainly in the smooth muscle cells (SMCs). When rats were fed exclusively with clear liquid diet to prevent mechanical distention in colitis, expression of CTGF in sites P and I was blocked. Direct stretch led to robust expression of CTGF in colonic SMC. Treatment of CD rats with anti-CTGF antibody FG-3149 reduced fibrosis and collagen content in both sites P and I and exhibited consistent trends toward normalizing expression of collagen mRNAs. In conclusion, our studies suggest that mechanical stress, by upregulating profibrotic mediators, i.e., CTGF, may play a critical role in fibrosis in CD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found that CTGF expression increased significantly not only in the inflammation site but in the distended segment proximal to inflammation in a rodent model of CD-like colitis. Release of mechanical distention prevented CTGF expression in CD rats, whereas direct stretch induced CTGF expression. Treatment with anti-CTGF antibody reduced fibrosis and collagen contents in CD rats. Thus, mechanical stress, via upregulating profibrotic mediators, i.e., CTGF, may play a critical role in fibrosis in CD.

Effect of leash walking on weight loss and assessment of hair cortisol in overweight dogs

Abstract Obesity results from excessive body fat accumulation. Leash-walking is a practical way to increase activity in treating obesity; however, limited studies have focused on the frequency and duration of dog leash-walking. There is few research reporting on whether initiating exercise or increasing physical activity in obese dogs can induce stress. Therefore, the present study conducted a clinical trial of the leash-walking effect on weight management and identified the relationship between stress and weight management. Thirty-one dogs participated in a 4-week weight management and were divided into four groups according to their leash-walking frequency and duration. Low walking group (LW): approximately 30 min, 3 times per week; Group 1: approximately 60 min, 3 times per week; Group 2: approximately 30 min, 5 to 7 times per week; Group 3: approximately 60 min, 5 to 7 times per week. Body weight and hair cortisol concentrations of participated dogs were also evaluated. There were significant () differences in the weight loss rate between the Group 2 (−1.08 ± 0.34%/week) and Group 3 (−1.26 ± 0.54%/week) compared to the LW (−0.13 ± 0.49%/week). However, there was an increasing tendency of hair cortisol concentration in Group 1 (0.15 ± 0.10 μg/dl to 0.20 ± 0.19 μg/dl) and Group 3 (0.19 ± 0.19 μg/dl to 0.45 ± 0.76 μg/dl) which are approximately 60 min of leash-walking duration groups. The results of this study suggest that it is more efficient to increase leash-walking frequency than duration for weight loss. However, suddenly increasing leash-walking may be a stress-inducing factor during weight management in overweight dogs. Therefore, it is important to start weight management with appropriate frequency and manageable duration of leash-walking and gradually increase the leash-walking times step by step.

Molecular characterization of the ER stress-inducible factor CRELD2.

Previously, we found by constructing various luciferase reporters that a well-conserved ATF6-binding element in the CRELD2 promoter is activated by transient ATF6 overexpression. In this study, we established ATF6-deficient and ATF4-deficient cell lines to analyze CRELD2 mRNA and protein expression together with that of other ER stress-inducible factors. Our results showed that ATF6 deficiency markedly suppressed tunicamycin (Tm)-induced expression of unglycosylated CRELD2. This reduction reflected a decrease in the CRELD2 transcription level. On the other hand, a putative ATF4-binding site in the mouse CRELD2 promoter did not respond to Tm stimulation, but ATF4 loss resulted in reductions in CRELD2 mRNA and protein expression, accompanied by a decrease in Tm-induced ATF6 expression. In contrast, transient suppression of GADD34, an ATF4 downstream factor, suppressed Tm-induced CRELD2 protein expression without a decrease in ATF6 protein expression. Furthermore, we investigated the association of CRELD2 with a well-known ERAD substrate, namely, an α1-antitripsin truncation mutant, NHK, by generating various CRELD2 and NHK constructs. Coimmunoprecipitation of these proteins was observed only when the cysteine in the CXXC motif on the N-terminal side of CRELD2 was replaced with alanine, and the interaction between the two was found to be disulfide bond-independent. Taken together, these findings indicate that CRELD2 expression is regulated by multiple factors via transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. In addition, the N-terminal structure of CRELD2, including the CXXC motif, was suggested to play a role in the association of the target proteins. In the future, the identification and characterization of factors interacting with CRELD2 will be useful for understanding protein homeostasis under various ER stress conditions.

Stress level and associated factors among nurses working in the critical care unit and emergency rooms at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Southern Ethiopia, 2023: explanatory sequential mixed-method study

BackgroundStress is a pervasive occurrence within certain professions, including nurses working in emergency and intensive care unit environments. Nurses in these settings often confront various stress-inducing factors, such as unsupportive management and distressing events like patient mortality, and experience notably higher levels of stress. Nevertheless, information is scarce regarding the precise level of stress in Ethiopia, particularly within southern hospitals.ObjectiveTo assess stress levels and associated factors among nurses working in the critical care unit and emergency rooms at comprehensive specialized hospitals in southern Ethiopia, 2023.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional explanatory sequential mixed-method study was undertaken, involving a total of 239 nurses. For the quantitative component, all nurses working in intensive care units and emergency rooms were included as participants, while a purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants for the qualitative aspect. Data for the quantitative study were gathered through the utilization of self-administered questionnaires, while interviews were conducted using a structured interview guide for the qualitative portion. Quantitative data entry and analysis were performed using EpiDataV4.6 and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, respectively. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted using the OpenCode software.ResultsThe level of stress among nurses in the emergency and intensive care units was low (19.3%), moderate (55.9%), and high (24.8%). Workload (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.17–10.56) and time constraints (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI (1.03–6.07) were significantly associated with moderate stress level, while duty demands (AOR = 3.03, 95% CI (1.17–7.14), availability of medical equipment and supplies (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI (1.18–4.97), and witnessing death and dying (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI (1.13–5.88) were significantly associated with high-stress level. The qualitative data analysis revealed that the participants underscored the significant impact of organizational factors, individual factors, and profession-related factors on the stress levels experienced by nurses in emergency and critical care settings.Conclusion and recommendationBased on the findings, the participants in this study experienced some level of stress, to varying degrees. Therefore, it is crucial to implement effective strategies such as optimizing staffing and workflow, improving communication and collaboration, providing adequate support and resources, leveraging technology and innovation, emphasizing patient-centered care, and implementing data-driven quality improvement to alleviate the burden.

Potential utility of l-carnitine for preventing liver tumors derived from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

Recent reports have unveiled the potential utility of l-carnitine to alleviate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) by enhancing mitochondrial metabolic function. However, its efficacy at preventing the development of HCC has not been assessed fully. l-carnitine (2g/d) was administered to 11 patients with MASH for 10 weeks, and blood liver function tests were performed. Five patients received a serial liver biopsy, and liver histology and hepatic gene expression were evaluated using this tissue. An atherogenic plus high-fat diet MASH mouse model received long-term l-carnitine administration, and liver histology and liver tumor development were evaluated. Ten-week l-carnitine administration significantly improved serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels along with a histological improvement in the NAFLD activity score, while steatosis and fibrosis were not improved. Gene expression profiling revealed a significant improvement in the inflammation and profibrotic gene signature as well as the recovery of lipid metabolism. Long-term l-carnitine administration to atherogenic plus high-fat diet MASH mice substantially improved liver histology (inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis) and significantly reduced the incidence of liver tumors. l-carnitine directly reduced the expression of the MASH-associated and stress-induced transcriptional factor early growth response 1. Early growth response 1 activated the promoter activity of neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated protein 9 (NEDD9), an oncogenic protein. Thus, l-carnitine reduced the activation of the NEDD9, focal adhesion kinase 1, and AKT oncogenic signaling pathway. Short-term l-carnitine administration ameliorated MASH through its anti-inflammatory effects. Long-term l-carnitine administration potentially improved the steatosis and fibrosis of MASH and may eventually reduce the risk of HCC.

Isolation and Identification of Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica from Pneumonic Small Ruminants and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility in Haramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia.

Pasteurella species are frequently encountered as serious diseases in small ruminants. It is the main cause of respiratory pasteurellosis in sheep and goats of all age groups. The cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023 in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia, to isolate and identify Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica and estimate their prevalence, associated risk factors, and antimicrobial sensitivity of isolates in small ruminants using a purposive sampling method. A total of 384 samples (156 nasal swabs from clinic cases and 228 lung swabs from abattoir cases) were collected. STATA 14 software was used to analyze the data. In addition, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess an association of risk factors. Out of the 384 samples examined, 164 were positive for pasteurellosis, resulting in a 42.70% prevalence. Similarly, 63 (38.4%) of the 164 positive results were from nasal swabs, while 101 (61.6%) came from lung samples. M. haemolytica accounted for 126 (76.82%) of the isolates, while P. multocida accounted for 38 (23.17%). Of the 63 nasal swab isolates, 33 (37%) were from goats and 30 (42.8%) were from sheep. And 17 (10.89%) and 46 (29.58%), respectively, were P. multocida and M. haemolytica. Of the 46 (40%) of the 101 (44.3%) isolates of the pneumonic lung, samples were from goats, while 55 (48.47%) were from sheep. In this study, the risk factors (species, age, and body condition score) were found to be significant (p < 0.05). Pasteurella isolates evaluated for antibiotic susceptibility were highly resistant to oxacillin (90.90%), followed by gentamycin (72.72%), and penicillin (63.63%). However, the isolates were highly sensitive to chloramphenicol (90.90%), followed by tetracycline (63.63%), and ampicillin (54.54%). This study showed that M. haemolytica and P. multocida are the common causes of mannheimiosis and pasteurellosis in small ruminants, respectively, and isolates were resistant to commonly used antibiotics in the study area. Thus, an integrated vaccination strategy, antimicrobial resistance monitoring, and avoidance of stress-inducing factors are recommended.

An industrialized diet as a determinant of methylation in the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene promoter.

Dietary composition can modify gene expression, favoring the development of chronic diseases via epigenetic mechanisms. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and NR3C1 gene methylation in users of the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS). We recruited 250 adult volunteers and evaluated their socioeconomic status, psychosocial characteristics, lifestyle, and anthropometrics. Peripheral blood was collected and evaluated for cortisol levels, glycemia, lipid profile, and insulin resistance; methylation of CpGs 40-47 of the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene was also measured. Factors associated with degree of methylation were evaluated using generalized linear models (p < 0.05). Lifestyle variables and health variables were included as confounding factors. The findings of our cross-sectional study indicated an association between NR3C1 DNA methylation and intake of processed foods. We also observed relevant associations of average NR3C1 DNA across the segment analyzed, methylation in component 1 (40-43), and methylation in component 2 (44-47) with a pattern of consumption of industrialized products in relation to BMI, serum cortisol levels, and lipid profile. These results may indicate a relationship between methylation and metabolic changes related to the stress response. These findings suggest an association of methylation and metabolic alterations with stress response. In addition, the present study highlights the significant role of diet quality as a stress-inducing factor that influences NR3C1 methylation. This relationship is further linked to changes in psychosocial factors, lifestyle choices, and cardiometabolic variables, including glucose levels, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia.

Breathing exercises influence on psychoemotional state in different age groups

The research aims to investigate the potential of employing breathing techniques to restore the psychological and emotional well-being of individuals who have been subjected to prolonged exposure to stress-inducing factors. The recognition of the public's demand for accessible mental health resources has led to the identification of the necessity to assess the efficacy of these interventions. Simultaneously, the matter of age disparities in the implementation of this approach is exposed. Due to the widespread adoption of breathing practices in Ukraine, it is imperative to provide recommendations that are grounded in empirical evidence. Methodology. The sample consisted of 514 individuals, categorised into four primary cohorts: high schoolers, young, young adults, and late adults. The groups were subdivided into equivalent subgroups based on their involvement in breathing practice. The authors utilised the POM-15 scale and the BBC Modified Scale of Subjective Well-being to evaluate psycho-emotional parameters. The statistical analysis employed multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Novelty. This study validates the beneficial impact of breathwork on mental health. Furthermore, the suitability of employing these methods for various age cohorts is assessed, taking into account the consistent lack of variation in the outcomes across different age groups. The importance of selecting specific breathwork methods tailored to the specific issues of the target audience is emphasised. Conclusion. The notable disparity in well-being levels between individuals who engage in regular breathing exercises and those who do not, suggests that this activity has the potential to enhance one's psycho-emotional state. No discrepancies were detected among the examined age cohorts. Breathing exercises are regarded as a cost-effective and non-intrusive approach to tending to the mental health of individuals across various age groups.

Genome-Wide and Expression Pattern Analysis of the HIT4 Gene Family Uncovers the Involvement of GHHIT4_4 in Response to Verticillium Wilt in Gossypium hirsutum.

Chromatin remodelers are essential for regulating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses. HIT4 (HEAT-INTOLERANT 4) is a novel stress-induced chromatin remodeling factor that has been less studied in abiotic stress and stress resistance, particularly in cotton. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the members of the HIT4 gene family in Gossypium hirsutum using bioinformatics methods, including phylogenetic relationships, gene organization, transcription profiles, phylogenetic connections, selection pressure, and stress response. A total of 18 HIT4 genes were identified in four cotton species, with six HIT4 gene members in upland cotton. Based on the evolutionary relationships shown in the phylogenetic tree, the 18 HIT4 protein sequences were classified into four distinct subgroups. Furthermore, we conducted chromosome mapping to determine the genomic locations of these genes and visually represented the structural characteristics of HIT4 in G. hirsutum. In addition, we predicted the regulatory elements in HIT4 in G. hirsutum and conducted an analysis of repetitive sequences and gene collinearity among HIT4 in four cotton species. Moreover, we calculated the Ka/Ks ratio for homologous genes to assess the selection pressure acting on HIT4. Using RNA-seq, we explored the expression patterns of HIT4 genes in G. hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we found that GHHIT4_4 belonged to the MEblue module, which was mainly enriched in pathways such as DNA replication, phagosome, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, steroid biosynthesis, and starch and sucrose metabolism. This module may regulate the mechanism of upland cotton resistance to Verticillium wilt through DNA replication, phagosome, and various metabolic pathways. In addition, we performed heterologous overexpression of GH_D11G0591 (GHHIT4_4) in tobacco, and the results showed a significant reduction in disease index compared to the wild type, with higher expression levels of disease resistance genes in the transgenic tobacco. After conducting a VIGS (virus-induced gene silencing) experiment in cotton, the results indicated that silencing GHHIT4_4 had a significant impact, the resistance to Verticillium wilt weakened, and the internode length of the plants significantly decreased by 30.7% while the number of true leaves increased by 41.5%. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that GHHIT4_4 mainly enhanced cotton resistance to Verticillium wilt by indirectly regulating the PAL, 4CL, and CHI genes. The subcellular localization results revealed that GHHIT4_4 was predominantly distributed in the mitochondria and nucleus. This study offers preliminary evidence for the involvement of the GHHIT4_4 in cotton resistance to Verticillium wilt and lays the foundation for further research on the disease resistance mechanism of this gene in cotton.

Beneficial Effects of Acupuncture for Depression-A Possible Mediation of Peripheral Sensory Stimulation and Central Oxytocin Release

In modern society, depression is one of the most common mental disorders. It is generally thought that depression is due to the disorders of neuronal circuits and chemical balance in the brain. Patients with depression often receive treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). However, recent studies suggest that the magnitude of benefit of pharmacological treatment is quite limited for these patients. Although recent studies propose acupuncture as a non-pharmacological approach to managing depression, the mechanism of its beneficial effects is not well understood. Somatosensory pathways stimulated by acupuncture relay to the central nervous system (CNS). In animal studies, acupuncture has demonstrated the potential to ameliorate neural abnormalities associated with depression. As complex daily life stress is highly associated with depression, the procedure that suppresses stress responses would be a good candidate to treat depression. Oxytocin (OXT) is a hormone produced at the hypothalamus and mediates social bonding and stress reduction. OXT inhibits stress-induced corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) expression at the hypothalamus, resulting in anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects. Research has demonstrated that acupuncture stimulates the release of hypothalamic OXT through somatosensory stimulation. Thus, stress-related mental disorders can be treated, at least in part, by acupuncture. It is proposed that somatosensory stimulations induced by acupuncture are a possible candidate as a non-pharmacological approach for depression.

Ammonia stress-induced heat shock factor 1 enhances white spot syndrome virus infection by targeting the interferon-like system in shrimp.

Ammonia is the end product of protein catabolism and is derived from feces and unconsumed foods. It threatens the health and growth of aquatic animals. In this study, we demonstrated that ammonia stress suppresses shrimp antiviral immunity by targeting the shrimp interferon-like system and that heat shock factor 1 (Hsf1) is a central regulator of this process. When shrimp are stressed by ammonia, they activate Hsf1 for stress relief and well-being. Hsf1 upregulates the expression of negative regulators that inhibit the production and function of interferon analogs in shrimp, thereby enhancing white spot syndrome viral infection. Therefore, this study, from a molecular perspective, explains the problem in the aquaculture industry that animals living in stressed environments are more susceptible to pathogens than those living in unstressed conditions. Moreover, this study provides new insights into the side effects of heat shock responses and highlights the complexity of achieving cellular homeostasis under stressful conditions.

Cysteine-rich with EGF-like domains 2 (CRELD2) is an endoplasmic reticulum stress-inducible angiogenic growth factor promoting ischemic heart repair

Tissue repair after myocardial infarction (MI) is guided by autocrine and paracrine-acting proteins. Deciphering these signals and their upstream triggers is essential when considering infarct healing as a therapeutic target. Here we perform a bioinformatic secretome analysis in mouse cardiac endothelial cells and identify cysteine-rich with EGF-like domains 2 (CRELD2), an endoplasmic reticulum stress-inducible protein with poorly characterized function. CRELD2 was abundantly expressed and secreted in the heart after MI in mice and patients. Creld2-deficient mice and wild-type mice treated with a CRELD2-neutralizing antibody showed impaired de novo microvessel formation in the infarct border zone and developed severe postinfarction heart failure. CRELD2 protein therapy, conversely, improved heart function after MI. Exposing human coronary artery endothelial cells to recombinant CRELD2 induced angiogenesis, associated with a distinct phosphoproteome signature. These findings identify CRELD2 as an angiogenic growth factor and unravel a link between endoplasmic reticulum stress and ischemic tissue repair.

Artificial light at night suppresses the day-night cardiovascular variability: evidence from humans and rats.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) affects most of the population. Through the retinohypothalamic tract, ALAN modulates the activity of the central circadian oscillator and, consequently, various physiological systems, including the cardiovascular one. We summarised the current knowledge about the effects of ALAN on the cardiovascular system in diurnal and nocturnal animals. Based on published data, ALAN reduces the day-night variability of the blood pressure and heart rate in diurnal and nocturnal animals by increasing the nocturnal values of cardiovascular variables in diurnal animals and decreasing them in nocturnal animals. The effects of ALAN on the cardiovascular system are mainly transmitted through the autonomic nervous system. ALAN is also considered a stress-inducing factor, as glucocorticoid and glucose level changes indicate. Moreover, in nocturnal rats, ALAN increases the pressure response to load. In addition, ALAN induces molecular changes in the heart and blood vessels. Changes in the cardiovascular system significantly depend on the duration of ALAN exposure. To some extent, alterations in physical activity can explain the changes observed in the cardiovascular system after ALAN exposure. Although ALAN acts differently on nocturnal and diurnal animals, we can conclude that both exhibit a weakened circadian coordination among physiological systems, which increases the risk of future cardiovascular complications and reduces the ability to anticipate stress.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing on Social Anxiety and Academic Procrastination among Students

Objective: The student period is an exciting and challenging time for students. During this period, due to facing more stress-inducing factors and the necessity for appropriate adaptation, all students must have greater mental health and self-reliance to achieve greater success in their studies and, ultimately, in their profession. This research aims to investigate the impact of motivational interviewing on social anxiety and academic procrastination among students of the Islamic Azad University, Saravan branch. Methods and Materials: The research method is descriptive-analytical. The statistical population includes all students of the Islamic Azad University, Saravan branch. Forty individuals suffering from social anxiety and academic procrastination were selected via convenience sampling method and introduced as the statistical sample, randomly divided into two groups (each group containing 20 participants) for motivational interviewing and control. The experimental group received concepts and strategies of motivational interviewing by Rollnick and Miller (2002) in eight 70-minute sessions. Solomon and Rothblum's (1984) Academic Procrastination Questionnaire and Connor's (2000) Social Anxiety Questionnaire were used to collect data. Covariance analysis with pre-test statistical control was used to examine the hypotheses of this research. Findings: Based on the results, motivational interviewing explains 63.9% of the variance in post-test scores in the academic procrastination variable and 30.1% of the variance in post-test scores in the social anxiety variable. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that motivational interviewing was effective on social anxiety and academic procrastination among students.

Stress-Inducing Factors and Coping Scale for Children (SICoS–C)

The main goal of this study was to establish the psychometric characteristics of the Stress-Inducing Factors and Coping Scale for Children (SICoS–C). This work also identified stress-inducing situations and coping mechanisms within educational settings, as reported by professionals working with children aged 3–10 years. The study surveyed 215 professionals, including Preschool Teachers and Psychologists who completed the SICoS–C, a new scale composed by items related to stress-inducing situations and coping strategies. An Exploratory Factorial Analysis revealed that the SICoS–C encompasses three distinct dimensions/factors. Subsequent Confirmatory Factorial Analysis suggested a good adjustment for a two-dimensional model, which includes “Events” and “Fears”, as well as a separate one-dimensional dimension construct labelled "Directed Activities". Internal consistency revealed adequate values and demonstrated evidence of divergent and convergent validity. This exploratory study uncovers a scale with promising psychometric attributes that uniquely combines the identification of stress-inducing situations with coping strategies within a single instrument. This study should be replicated as a starting point for other cross-cultural studies. The implications of this exploratory study point to the usefulness of this instrument in the planning of educational practices and in contexts of psychological evaluation, but studies with larger samples are needed.

Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice by regulating microglia polarization via A20/NF-κB pathway

Microglia, resident brain immune cells, is critical in inflammation, apoptosis, neurogenesis and neurological recovery during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), a novel identified endoplasmic reticulum stress-inducible neurotrophic factor, can alleviate I/R injury by reducing the inflammatory reaction, but its specific regulatory mechanism on microglia after ischemic stroke has not been fully clarified. To mimic the process of ischemia/reperfusion in vivo and in vitro, middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) was induced in C57BL/6J mice and oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was established in BV-2 cells. Moreover, MANF small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to silence the expression of endogenous MANF, while recombination human MANF protein (rhMANF) acted as an exogenous supplement. Seventy-two hours after MCAO/R, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium staining, neurological scores, brain water content, immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometry, hematoxylin and eosin staining, quantitative real-time PCR and western blot are applied to evaluate the protective effect and possible mechanism of MANF on cerebral I/R injury. In vitro, cell viability, inflammatory cytokines and the expression of MANF, A20, NF-κB and the markers of microglia were analyzed. The results showed that MANF decreased brain infarct volume, neurological scores, and brain water content. In addition, MANF promoted the polarization of microglia to an anti-inflammatory phenotype both in vivo and in vitro, which are related to A20/NF-κB pathway. In summary, MANF may offer novel therapeutic approaches for ischemic stroke in the process of microglia polarization.

PKCε activator protects hippocampal microvascular disruption and memory defect in 3×Tg-Alzheimer's disease mice with cerebral microinfarcts.

Current evidence suggests that microvessel disease is involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cerebrovascular disease correlates with cardiovascular disease and is complicated in ≈40% of AD patients. The protein kinase C (PKC) ε activator DCPLA can stimulate human antigen (Hu) R that prevents degradation and promotes the translation of mitochondrial Mn-superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) mRNAs. To induce brain microinfarcts, we injected triple transgenic (3×Tg) and wild-type (WT) control mice with microbeads (20 μm caliber) into common carotid arteries, with or without the DCPLA-ME (methyl-ester) for 2 weeks. After water maze training, mice at 16 months old were examined for confocal immunohistochemistry at a single cell or microvessel level in the hippocampal CA1 area, important for spatial memory storage, and in the dorsal hippocampus by western blots. In 3×Tg mice without cerebral microinfarcts, an accelerating age-related increase in (mild) oxidative stress and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α, but a reduction in VEGF, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), and MnSOD were associated with capillary loss. The change was less pronounced in arterioles. However, in 3×Tg mice with cerebral microinfarcts, increasing arteriolar diameter and their wall cells were related with the strong oxidative DNA damage 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), apoptosis (cleaved caspase 3), and sustained hypoxia (increased HIF-1α and VEGF/PKCε/extracellular signal regulated kinase or ERK pathway). Microocclusion enhanced the loss of the synaptic marker spinophilin, astrocytic number, and astrocyte-vascular coupling areas and demyelination of axons. DCPLA-ME prevented spatial memory defect; strong oxidative stress-related apoptosis; sustained hypoxia (by reducing HIF-1α and VEGF); and exaggerated cell repair in arteriolar walls, pericapillary space dilation, neuro-glial-vascular disruption, and demyelination. In conclusion, in 3×Tg mice with cerebral microinfarcts, sustained hypoxia (increased HIF-1α and VEGF signals) is dominant with arteriolar wall thickening, and DCPLA has a protective effect on sustained hypoxia.

Qualitative Analysis of Modern Dancers’ Post-Injury Psychological Experiences

Athletic injuries often trigger psychological distress, including frustration, depression, and anger (e.g., Tracey, 2003). Like sport athletes, dancers face injury risks due to the physicality of dancing (e.g., Jacobs et al., 2017; Skvarla &amp; Clement, 2019). There is limited research on psychological responses to dance-related injuries; particularly absent in the extant literature are the experiences of injured modern dancers (Thomas &amp; Tarr, 2009). Studies are needed on this population, given differences in training, choreography, and culture in modern dance compared to other dance forms (Clabaugh &amp; Morling, 2004). The purpose of the present study was to qualitatively explore post-injury psychological experiences of adult modern dancers. Participants included eight modern dancers (seven women, one man; Mage = 30.5 years; 75% White; M = 23.6 years of modern dance training) who suffered a recent serious injury (≥ 6 weeks recovery). Semi-structured, individual interviews were coded line-by-line using thematic analysis (Braun &amp; Clarke, 2006). Analysis resulted in six themes: Emotional Upheaval and Reactivity, Stress-Inducing External Factors, Challenges Presented by Physical Pain, Mental Disruptions and Eventual Cognitive Shifts, Coping through Redirection of Energy, and Buffering Effects of Positive Social Support. The dancers’ reported interpersonal trust/support, loss of independence, and growth were similar to previously studied sport athletes’ reports (e.g., Kampman et al., 2015). A novel theme in the current study was the influence of COVID-19 on reactions to injury. Overall, findings indicate that injuries are complex events that not only involve a mechanical disturbance to the physical body but also initiate profound psychological experiences.