Stress-relieving Effects Research Articles

Stress-Relieving Effects of Green Tea Depend on the Ratio of Its Special Ingredients and the Infusion Conditions.

Theanine, an amino acid unique to tea leaves, has been reported to exhibit stress-relieving effects. However, the stress-relieving effects of theanine (T) are greatly inhibited by caffeine (C) and epigallocatechin gallate (E), the main components of green tea, while being enhanced by arginine (A). Animal and clinical studies using matcha tea have shown that it can alleviate stress if the molar ratio of C and E against T and A (CE/TA) is less than 2. In general, the CE/TA ratio in tea leaves is reflected by the CE/TA ratio in the infused solution; however, it is not clear what infusion conditions would be expected to ensure a stress-relieving effect. In this study, to examine the stress-relieving effect of green-tea-infused solutions, the CE/TA ratio was measured under different infusion conditions. Furthermore, a study using a model solution consisting of C, E, T, and A revealed that a CE/TA ratio of at least less than 2 and a T content greater than 0.23 mM were required for stress reduction. Based on these results, we identified tea leaves and their infusion conditions that can be expected to reduce stress.

Combined Pretreatment with Bioequivalent Doses of Plant Growth Regulators Alleviates Dehydration Stress in Lactuca sativa

Plant hormones regulate adaptive responses to various biotic and abiotic stress factors. Applied exogenously, they trigger the natural plant defense mechanisms, a feature that could be implemented in strategies for supporting crop resilience. The potential of the exogenous cytokinin-like acting compound (kinetin), the auxin analogue 1-naphtyl acetic acid (NAA), abscisic acid (ABA) and the ethyleneprecursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) to mitigate dehydration was tested on Lactuca sativa (lettuce) grown on 12% polyethylene glycol (PEG). Priming with different blends containing these plant growth regulators (PGRs) applied in bioequivalent concentrations was evaluated through biometric measurements and biochemical analyses. The combined treatment with the four compounds exhibited the best dehydration protective effect. The antioxidative enzyme profiling of the PGR-primed individuals revealed increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and peroxidase activity in the leaves. Immunodetection of higher levels of the rate-limiting enzyme for proline biosynthesis (delta-pyroline-5-carboxylate synthase) in the primed plants coincided with a significantly higher content of the amino acid measured in the leaves. These plants also accumulated particular dehydrin types, which may have contributed to the observed stress-relieving effect. The four-component mix applied by spraying or through the roots exerted similar stress-mitigating properties on soil-grown lettuce subjected to moderate drought.

Comparison of the Protective Effects of Casein Hydrolysate Containing Tyr-Pro-Val-Glu-Pro-Phe and Casein on the Behaviors and Peripheral and Brain Functions in Mice with Chronic-Stress-Induced Anxiety and Insomnia.

Chronic stress is a major inducer of anxiety and insomnia. Milk casein has been studied for its stress-relieving effects. We previously prepared a casein hydrolysate (CP) rich in the sleep-enhancing peptide YPVEPF, and this study aims to systemically investigate the different protective effects of CP and casein on dysfunction and anxiety/insomnia behavior and its underlying mechanisms in chronically stressed mice. Behavioral results showed that CP ameliorated stress-induced insomnia and anxiety more effectively than milk casein, and this difference in amelioration was highly correlated with an increase in GABA, 5-HT, GABAA, 5-HT1A receptors, and BDNF and a decrease in IL-6 and NMDA receptors in stressed mice. Furthermore, CP restored these dysfunctions in the brain and colon by activating the HPA response, modulating the ERK/CREB-BDNF-TrκB signaling pathway, and alleviating inflammation. The abundant YPVEPF (1.20 ± 0.04%) and Tyr-based/Trp-containing peptides of CP may be the key reasons for its different effects compared to casein. Thus, this work revealed the main active structures of CP and provided a novel dietary intervention strategy for the prevention and treatment of chronic-stress-induced dysfunction and anxiety/insomnia behaviors.

Impact of Social Media Use on Depression

This paper tries to examine the influence test social media use(SMU) and teenagers depression. First, this paper looks into the direct relation between SMU and depression, finding a strong positive correlation that is backed by previous studies on different types of samples. Second, the paper explores mediating roles such as self-esteem, feelings of self-worth, and experiences of social support, revealing how these influencing factors impact the mechanism between SMU and depression. Finally, the present study discusses the duplicity of the impact of SMU. This expands the study's understanding of SMU and emphasises the stress-relieving effects of social media use to some extent. This study proposes to conduct more in-depth studies on the influence mechanism of social media in future studies. Longitudinal studies and laboratory studies can be used to try to detect the causal relationship between SMU and psychological well-being.

Performance and damage behaviors of detonation sprayed W/Fe/steel coatings under transient high heat fluxes

The fabrication of high-quality W/steel joints for the blanket first wall presents a challenge in the field of nuclear fusion due to the inherent differences in properties between W and steel. In this study, detonation sprayed (DS) pure iron coatings were utilized as interlayers between DS W coatings and steel to improve the performance of the W/steel joints. The morphology of the DS W/DS Fe/steel coatings indicated that both DS W and DS Fe coating materials were of high quality. Axial tensile tests showed lower bonding strength of the DS W/DS Fe/steel substrate coating system than the DS W/steel coatings. However, the three-layer coating system exhibited much better performance in transient high heat flux (HHF) loading tests compared to the two-layer coating system. Moreover, the addition of DS Fe interlayers changed the failure mode of DS W/steel coatings from W coating detachment to partial melting of the W coating surface. The damage behaviors of the three-layer coating system under 45 MJ/m2 transient HHF were investigated to comprehend the stress-relieving effect of the DS Fe interlayers. These results unequivocally illustrate the possibility of employing DS W/DS Fe/steel coatings as a viable approach for the manufacturing and in-situ repairing of the blanket first wall.

Utilization of essential oils mainly from Cupressaceae trees in the work environment creates a psychophysiological stress-relieving effect

Utilization of essential oils mainly from Cupressaceae trees in the work environment creates a psychophysiological stress-relieving effect

Effects and Stress-Relieving Mechanisms of Dark Tea Polysaccharide in Human HaCaT Keratinocytes and SZ95 Sebocytes.

A new skincare application scenario for dark tea, a unique and post-fermented tea popular in the health food industry, was developed in this paper. The effects of dark tea polysaccharide (DTP) on stress-induced skin problems and its mechanism of action were investigated by modeling cortisone-induced stress injury in human HaCaT keratinocytes and SZ95 sebaceous gland cells. The results showed a reduced cortisol conversion induced by cortisone under the action of DTP with a concentration of 200 μg/mL, probably by inhibiting the expression of the HSD11B1 enzyme. DTP was also able to suppress the cortisone-induced elevation of lipid levels in SZ95 sebocytes at this concentration. In addition, the composition and structure of DTP were verified by ultrafiltration, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-VIS), high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) and infrared spectroscopy. In brief, DTP has a unique and significant stress-relieving effect, which provides new ideas for the development of new ingredients for the skin care industry.

The effect of adaptogenic plants on stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Stress is a substantial part of life, however, persistent stress can disturb the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis leading to different diseases. Adaptogenic herbs are considered to have a stress-relieving effect via decreasing cortisol levels. We assessed the effect of adaptogenic plants on cortisol pathway (cortisol and ACTH levels) and on psychological stress levels of mentally stressed healthy adults, based on the results of randomized controlled trials published until June 25th, 2023. Twenty-five studies on nine adaptogenic herbs - Bacopa monnieri, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Eurycoma longifolia, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Lepidium peruvianum, Ocimum sanctum, Panax ginseng,Rhodiola roseaandWithania somnifera- were processed in the systematic review. The results onWithania somniferawere meta-analyzed. Significant serum cortisol level decrease (MD = -3.27 ug/dL, 95%CI:−4.62––1.92, p = 0.003) and clinically relevant Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score decrease were observed in the Withania somnifera-treated group compared to the placebo group after 56 or 60 days treatment.

Nanozyme-Integrated Thermoresponsive In Situ Forming Hydrogel Enhances Mesenchymal Stem Cell Viability and Paracrine Effect for Efficient Spinal Cord Repair.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the hostile microenvironment of SCI, which can adversely affect the survival and paracrine effect of the implanted MSCs, severely limits the therapeutic efficacy of this approach. Here, we report on a ceria nanozyme-integrated thermoresponsive in situ forming hydrogel (CeNZ-gel) that can enable dual enhancement of MSC viability and paracrine effect, leading to highly efficient spinal cord repair. The sol-gel transition property of the CeNZ-gel at body temperature ensures uniform coverage of the hydrogel in injured spinal cord tissues. Our results demonstrate that the CeNZ-gel significantly increases the viability of transplanted MSCs in the microenvironment by attenuating oxidative stress and, more importantly, promotes the secretion of angiogenic factors from MSCs by inducing autophagy of MSCs. The synergy between the oxidative stress-relieving effect of CeNZs and the paracrine effect of MSCs accelerates angiogenesis, nerve repair, and motor function recovery after SCI, providing an efficient strategy for MSC-based SCI therapy.

Stress Reduction Potential in Mice Ingesting DNA from Salmon Milt.

The functionality of food-derived nucleotides is revealed when nucleotide components are ingested in emergency situations, such as during stress loading, though it is difficult to elucidate the physiological function of dietary nucleotide supplementation. Using a stress load experimental system utilizing territoriality among male mice, we evaluated whether DNA sodium salt derived from salmon milt (DNA-Na) has stress-relieving effects. It was found that stress was reduced in mice fed a diet containing a 1% concentration of DNA-Na, but this was insignificant for yeast-derived RNA. Next, we attempted to elucidate the anti-stress effects of DNA-Na using another experimental system, in which mice were subjected to chronic crowding stress associated with aging: six mice in a cage were kept until they were 7 months of age, resulting in overcrowding. We compared these older mice with 2-month-old mice that were kept in groups for only one month. The results show that the expression of genes associated with hippocampal inflammation was increased in the older mice, whereas the expression of these genes was suppressed in the DNA-Na-fed group. This suggests that dietary DNA intake may suppress inflammation in the brain caused by stress, which increases with age.

Efficacy and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ashwagandha Sustained-Release Formulation on Depression and Anxiety Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Stress: in vivo and in vitro Studies.

Stress is the psychological, physiological, and behavioral response of an individual's body when they perceive a lack of equilibrium between the demands placed upon them and their ability to meet those demands. Adaptogens are herbs that help with stress management, and Ashwagandha is one such safe and effective adaptogen. We evaluated the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of Ashwagandha sustained-release formulation (AshwaSR) by estimating the in vitro expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and its efficacy on anxiety and depression in an in vivo study. Our in vitro study investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of AshwaSR by estimating the expression of tumour necrosis factor [TNF]-α and interleukin [IL]-1β levels in LPS-induced THP-1 human monocytes, and the antioxidant effects by its potential to inhibit the superoxide [SO] generation in PMA-induced HL-60 human monocytic cells. The in vivo study assessed the efficacy of AshwaSR on chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced comorbid anxiety and depression in Sprague Dawley rats. Antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of AshwaSR were evaluated by open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), forced swim test (FST), and Morris water maze (MWM) test. AshwaSR inhibited TNF-α, IL-1β and superoxide production in a dose-dependent manner in the in vitro study. The in vivo CUS model induced depression-like and anxiety-like behaviour. Treatments with AshwaSR and escitalopram showed improvement in the EPM and MWM models compared to the CUS-group. In vitro study demonstrated that AshwaSR inhibits expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and TNF-α, and superoxide production. Further, the in vivo study confirmed its anxiolytic and stress-relieving effects in the CUS model that confirmed AshwaSR's potential in managing stress and stress-related symptoms.

Heat shock protein 70 reflected the state of inhabited fish response to water quality within lake ecosystem

Heat shock proteins are natural biomarker that plays a vital role in genetic variability and adaptive survival in organisms under environmental stress. We assessed the effect of the stressor using Heat shock protein 70 in Hemibarbus labeo and Lepomis macrochirus at three geological points of Juam and Yedang lake. The study focused on the stress-relieving effect of heat shock protein 70 expressed in fish associated with physicochemical factors in the lake ecosystem. We recorded significant upregulation (p < 0.05) of the heat shock protein 70 gene in L. macrochirus in Juam (0.99-fold) and Yedang (1.44-fold). The upregulation in H. labeo indicated 0.83-fold in Juam and 1.21-fold in Yedang. The water quality index determined using physicochemical factors was low in the middle regions of both lakes. However, the maximum gene expression distribution was found in Yedang. The two-way clustering analysis revealed ammonia, total phosphorus, and suspended solids with maximum stress threshold. Dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrate, and organic carbon were the stress factors with minimal concentrations induced expression. The key observations are (i) the vital influence of molecular markers regulated tolerance at initial stress levels, (ii) the synergistic effect of the stressors and Heat shock protein 70 induction impacted adaptive strategy in fishes to regain tolerance (iii) fish population (L. macrochirus) with elevated response exhibited maximum distribution, correlating with the practical scenario. Heat shock protein 70 expressions through metabolic compensation strategy thus influenced the size of inhabited fish population retarding biodiversity of the lake ecosystem.

Stress-Relieving Effects of Colour-by-Number Mandalas in Children Hospitalised due to a Chronic Disease

Stress-Relieving Effects of Colour-by-Number Mandalas in Children Hospitalised due to a Chronic Disease

Stress Recovery Effects of Viewing Simulated Urban Parks: Landscape Types, Depressive Symptoms, and Gender Differences

Previous studies may have overstated the restorative benefits of natural environments by comparing them to low-quality urban environments. Few studies have compared the stress recovery effects across various park settings. Moreover, it is unclear how depressive symptoms affect these benefits. Depressive symptoms may lessen or boost the restorative effects of viewing nature. A total of 125 participants engaged in the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) to induce stress and were then randomly assigned to view one of five 10 min video presentations depicting greened streets, lawns, plazas, forests, or watersides. Depressive symptoms experienced over the last month were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The analysis revealed that, while greened streets had a physio-psychological stress-relieving effect, they were not as effective as the four park settings. The skin conductance level (SCL) declined significantly in the forest group’s first and second halves of the recovery period. However, the difference between the four park settings was insignificant at the end of recovery. Subjects viewing the four park conditions (vs. the greened street) reported that perceived stress remained stable as individual depressive symptoms increased; subjects with higher depressive symptoms reported lower perceived stress under lawn conditions. However, the SCL did not show the same trend. Our findings may support the hypothesis that natural interventions may be especially beneficial for people suffering from subclinical depressive symptoms. We also found gender differences in perceived stress and SCL reduction across all five settings, which may be due to the differences in women’s and men’s perceptions and use of restorative environments, or their responses to stressors.

Banana Intake Relieves the Stress of Daily Life in Healthy Adult Volunteers: An Open, Randomized, Parallel-Group Comparative Study

Bananas are a well-balanced typical prebiotic food rich in dietary fiber, oligosaccharides, vitamins, and minerals. However, evidence supporting the stress-relieving effects of banana consumption in daily life is scarce. Therefore, we investigated the effects of banana-intake on stress-related markers, such as the intestinal environment, biochemical markers, autonomic balance, and mood status, in an open, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial using 20 healthy adult volunteers divided into a banana-intake group (n = 13 subjects, two bananas daily for 2 weeks) and a non-intake control group (n = 7, no banana-intake for 2 weeks). We measured the intestinal environmental marker urinary indoxyl sulfate, stress markers (salivary cortisol and chromogranin A), autonomic nervous system activity markers (heart rate, natural logarithm of low-frequency power [LnLF], natural logarithm of high-frequency power [LnHF], and LnLF/LnHF ratio), and mood status before and after the 2-week experimental period. We assessed the rate of change before and after banana-intake for all parameters by performing comparisons between the banana-intake and the non-intake control group as well as between the effective and ineffective groups within the banana-intake group. There was no significant difference in the rate of change for all parameters before and after banana-intake compared with the non-intake group. However, approximately 50% of the banana-intake group showed decreased urinary indoxyl sulfate; decreased cortisol and chromogranin A levels; decreased heartbeat and LnLF power, increased LnHF power, and decreased LnLF/LnHF ratio; a decrease in the five negative subscales, an increase in the two positive subscales, and a decrease in total mood disorder score. Our findings suggest that banana-intake for 2 weeks improves the intestinal environment, leads to predominant parasympathetic activity, and provides stress relief and psychological stability in approximately 50% of healthy adults.

Tribological Characteristics of High-Chromium Based Multi-Component White Cast Irons

It has been evaluated the relationship between the microstructure and three-body abrasive wear behavior of high-chromium (18 and 27 mass % Cr) based (3 mass % each of V, Mo, W, and Co) multicomponent white cast iron materials (high-Cr MWCIs). It was also compared to MWCI to determine the service life of the materials. The results indicate that the microstructure of the material is composed of mainly martensite matrix and different types of precipitated carbides. The wear resistances of both the high-Cr MWCIs are higher than MWCI owing to the higher hardness (4–18% increment in hardness), although they contain fewer carbide types. The carbide volume fraction of high-Cr MWCI increases with increase in the Cr content, but the hardness decreases, leading to a reduction in wear resistance. This is because the transition metal significantly consumes C atoms to form more eutectic carbides during solidification, which is exacerbated by the depletion of C in the matrix during heat treatment to form coarser secondary carbides. This means that increasing the addition of Cr does not always lead to an increase in the hardness or wear resistance of the material. In addition, the wear resistance of 27Cr MWCI after tempering (wear rate: 8.80 × 10−5 g/m) is higher than that after quenching (wear rate: 9.25 × 10−5 g/m) owing to the increase in the fracture toughness of M7C3 carbide. This is contrary to the case of 18Cr-MWCI; the wear resistance after tempering (wear rate: 5.29 × 10−5 g/m) is worse than that after quenching (wear rate: 5.11 × 10−5 g/m) owing to the reduction in hardness as a stress-relieving effect.

Interfacial strengthening mechanism of C/C/Nb0.74CoCrFeNi2/Nb brazed joints: Stress-relieving effects of the FCC phase

Joining ceramics and metals has long been a key issue for manufacturing structures that are resistant to high temperature. This study joined a carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon-matrix (C/C) composite and Nb using a Nb0.74CoCrFeNi2 eutectic high-entropy alloy filler, and the evolution mechanism of the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints were systematically studied. The eutectic structure composed of face-centered cubic (FCC) and Laves phases gradually disappeared with the increasing temperature, while the Nb(s,s) layer thickness increased gradually. The lattice mismatch was ∼97% and ∼2.8% at the Cr23C6/C/C and FCC/C/C interfaces, respectively. Considering differences in the coefficient of thermal expansion and lattice mismatch, an increase in FCC phase content at the C/C interface is conducive to reinforcing the joint strength. At 1260 °C, the combined effects of the highly deformable FCC phase and high-strength Cr23C6 increased the strength of the mixing zone, causing fracture to occur in the Nb(s,s) layer. These results are expected to contribute to further improving the joining of dissimilar materials.

Crack growth behavior during actuation cycling of hot extruded and annealed Ni50Ti30Hf20 high temperature shape memory alloys

Actuator-type applications of high temperature shape memory alloys (HTSMAs) require better understanding of the crack growth behavior at high temperatures as there are few studies on how cracks propagate and cause fracture with phase transformation via cooling and heating under constant load. In this study, hot-extruded and subsequently annealed Ni50Ti30Hf20 (at.%) HTSMA dog-bone shaped tensile test samples with pre-notches were cooled and heated under uniaxially applied constant load magnitude till fracture. Therefore, the crack growth behavior and effect of annealing heat treatment on the crack growth rate of Ni50Ti30Hf20 (at.%) HTSMA during actuation fatigue were particularly determined. Additionally, fatigue tests were conducted twice on the pre-notched samples to investigate the repeatability of the data obtained from the experiments. It was shown that slower crack growth was observed in the pre-notched annealed samples than in the hot extruded samples because of the possible stress-relieving effect of annealing after the hot extrusion process. Several minor side crack formations and the propagation of these side cracks together with the crack growth behavior of the major crack were realized in the annealed samples. In contrast, the major crack growth rate was found to be higher than that of the growth rate of the minor side cracks. Additionally, the annealing process led to obtain consistent crack growth rate values and actuation behavior in the cooling-heating cycles.

Stress-Relieving Effects of Sesame Oil Aroma and Identification of the Active Components.

(1) Sesame oil aroma has stress-relieving properties, but there is little information on its effective use and active ingredients. (2) Methods: ICR male mice were housed under water-immersion stress for 24 h. Then, the scent of sesame oil or a typical ingredient was inhaled to the stress groups for 30, 60, or 90 min. We investigated the effects of sesame oil aroma on mice behavior and the expression of the dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) gene, a candidate stress marker gene in the brain. (3) Results: In an elevated plus-maze test, the rate of entering into the open arm of a maze and the staying time were increased to a maximum after 60 min of inhalation, but these effects decreased 90 min after inhalation. As for the single component, anxiolytic effects were observed in the 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-methoxy phenol group, but the effect was weakened in the furfuryl mercaptan group. The expression levels of DUSP1 in the hippocampus and striatum were significantly decreased in 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-methoxy phenol groups. (4) Conclusions: We clarified the active ingredients and optimal concentrations of sesame oil for its sedative effect. In particular, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-methoxy phenol significantly suppressed the stress-induced changes in the expression of DUSP1, which are strong anti-stress agents. Our results suggest that these molecules may be powerful anti-stress agents.

Generating Inclusive Health Benefits from Urban Green Spaces: An Empirical Study of Beijing Olympic Forest Park

Nature proximity contributes to improving many people’s health. In urban areas, how to increase the gaining of health benefits from urban green space (UGS) has gradually become a topic of concern for urban planners and public health practitioners. However, studies that can make causal inferences and evidence from developing countries and societies are still limited, and little has been done to address the issue of equity. Using data gathered in face-to-face surveys from 997 visitors to the Beijing Olympic Forest Park, we applied the instrumental variable approach to analyze park visit benefits to human physical and mental health, and explore ways that can help motivate visits and enhance equitable use. The results show that the overweight had more frequent visits, indicating that people with less-than-ideal health status might feel the urgency in improving their health and choose to engage in more recreation. In this sense, UGS showed a tendency to provide means for a certain group of people to proactively improve health. The study also solidifies the mid-term stress-relieving effect of park recreation that increased with visiting frequency, and found that visits to different types of UGS should all be beneficial, and do not have to be to large green parks. While distance is a decisive factor in encouraging UGS visits, route friendliness was found to have a complementing role, implying that creating routes to UGS that are more conducive to non-motorized travel (walking and cycling) could be seen as an important instrument. Both the incentives to park visitation and stress-relieving effect are more pronounced in elder groups, indicating higher potentials of such an approach in cities with an aging population. In terms of equity, differences in knowledge and income levels associated with use levels indicated inequitable use. To promote inclusiveness, the policy could start by increasing people’s recognition of health benefits derived from UGS recreation through for example publicity programs. The study could bring implications for planning practitioners to leverage health potentials from increased and equitable use of UGS. Limitations of the study includes: (1) given the nature of cross-sectional data, the possibility of two-way causality cannot be ruled out, and (2) the study was conducted in one park and only park visitors were surveyed. In the future, researchers could consider conducting multi-period surveys, and to look at the city level to include all kinds of recreational UGS, and, if possible, to cover all residents.