Stress Tolerance Research Articles

Effects of emotional labor on emotional memory: the moderating role of emotional tolerance levels

ABSTRACT This study investigates emotional labor’s influence on hotel employees’ emotional memory, focusing on their tolerance levels. We invited 603 participants interning at hotels to participate in a four-wave survey, which revealed two distinct groups: Emotional Labor Susceptibility (ELS) and Emotional Labor Resilience (ELR). From this cohort, we selected participants for a recognition task, comprising 52 subjects from the ELS group, 67 from the ELR group, and 40 from a control group of subjects in the same institution who had no prior hotel internship experience. Emotional pictures for the experiment were obtained from the Chinese Affective Picture System. We utilized a mixed experimental design featuring 3 (categories of emotional images: positive, neutral, negative) × 3 (groups of hotel employees: ELS, ELR, control group). The findings reveal that emotional labor differently impacts emotional memory among individuals with different emotional labor tolerances. Specifically, individuals with low emotional labor tolerance experience a decline in emotional memory, whereas no such decline is observed in individuals with high emotional labor tolerance.

Multigenerational exposure to glyphosate has only modest effects on life history traits, stress tolerance, and microbiome in a field cricket.

Glyphosate (GLY) is the most used herbicide worldwide, and it can be toxic to off-target species, such as insects. While GLY-based herbicides (GBHs) can influence insect microbiomes, little is known about its cascading effects on fitness-related traits, such as life history or stress tolerance, especially in the context of long-term, multigenerational exposure. Thus, we exposed the variable field cricket, Gryllus lineaticeps, to GBH within- and across-generations to examine the potential role of GBH in developmental plasticity and evolution. Specifically, we measured its effects on life-history traits (e.g., developmental duration, adult body size and mass, and a life-history tradeoff between investment into reproduction and flight), stress (heat and desiccation) tolerance, and the gut microbiome. One generation of exposure to GBH reduced desiccation tolerance, which was also lower in flight-capable individuals. However, after 11 generations of exposure to GBH, this cost of GBH disappeared, and GBH exposure instead increased adult body size and mass in flight-incapable individuals. Flight capacity had a stronger effect on the gut bacterial community than GBH exposure where flight-capable individuals contained more than twice as many Family Oscillospiraceae and fewer than half as many Family Erysipelotrichaceae. The effects of both flight capacity and GBH on the microbiome were only evident in Generation 1. Together, our results indicate that GBH exposure may have quite modest long-term effects on stress tolerance and the gut microbiome. However, GBH may facilitate the evolution of flightlessness given its potential benefits to flight-incapable individuals, which exhibit greater reproductive potential and tolerance to climate stressors compared to flight-capable individuals.

How does physical exercise influence self-efficacy in adolescents? A study based on the mediating role of psychological resilience

ObjectiveThis study explores the influence of physical exercise on self-efficacy in adolescents, focusing on the mediating role of psychological resilience. By analyzing direct and indirect pathways, the study provides insights into the psychological mechanisms linking physical activity and self-efficacy.MethodData were collected from 1,613 adolescent participants across 15 provinces in China using validated questionnaires to measure physical exercise, psychological resilience, and self-efficacy. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test direct and mediated effects, while multi-group invariance testing examined gender differences.ResultsPhysical exercise significantly predicts both psychological resilience (β = 0.410, p < 0.001) and self-efficacy (β = 0.220, p < 0.001). Psychological resilience positively predicts self-efficacy (β = 0.417, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that psychological resilience partially mediates the relationship between physical exercise and self-efficacy, contributing 43.85% to the total effect. Multi-group analysis confirmed structural invariance across genders.ConclusionPhysical exercise enhances adolescents’ self-efficacy both directly and indirectly through psychological resilience. It strengthens psychological resilience, which in turn boosts self-efficacy. These findings highlight the key role of physical activity in promoting resilience and building adolescents’ confidence in their abilities.

Inoculating maize (Zea mays L.) seeds with halotolerant rhizobacteria from wild halophytes improves physiological and biochemical responses of seedlings to salt stress.

Salinity stress is a major environmental factor that poses a significant constraint to plant growth, threatening agricultural productivity and sustainability. This study investigated the potential of halotolerant bacteria, isolated from the rhizosphere of wild halotolerant plants in Turkey's Salt Lake basin, to enhance salt stress tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.). The rhizospheres of 17 different wild halotolerant plants were selected for bacterial isolation, resulting in the identification of 22 halotolerant bacteria using 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Among these, 19 isolates were found to possess positive activity for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase and nitrogen fixation. When the maize seeds inoculated with these 19 isolates were grown under normal conditions, four isolates‒TG-4 (Halomonas arcis), TG-8 (Marinococcus tarigensis), TG-12 (Halobacillus dabanensis), and TG-20 (Halomonas eurihalina)-significantly stimulated seedling growth and development. To evaluate the effect of these four isolates on salt tolerance, inoculated seeds were grown under various salt conditions (0.0, 75, 150, and 250mM NaCl). The responses of plants to salt stress were analyzed by evaluating growth parameters, membrane damage, photosynthetic pigment and proline content, reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities. According to the parameters, the results indicated that TG-4, TG-8, and TG-12, in particular, have the potential to function as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and effectively enhance salt stress tolerance in the maize seedlings. Overall, this research highlights the potential of halotolerant bacteria to improve salt stress tolerance in maize plants through multifaceted mechanisms, offering valuable insights for sustainable agriculture in saline environments.

Psychological Resilience in Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Longitudinal Study.

Psychological resilience is considered a dynamic process or outcome. Most studies that have examined the psychological resilience of prostate cancer survivors have used cross-sectional designs, limiting the understanding of changes in psychological resilience across different stages of the disease. To investigate changes in psychological resilience and demoralization among newly diagnosed prostate cancer survivors from before treatment to 1 year after treatment initiation as well as the associated influencing factors. A longitudinal design was adopted, and cases were collected from the outpatient department. Data collection occurred at four time points: prior to treatment after the treatment decision was made and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Study variables included demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, physical symptoms, fear of cancer recurrence, social participation, cancer-related self-efficacy, psychological resilience, and demoralization. The psychological resilience and demoralization scores of prostate cancer survivors at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment were similar to their scores before treatment. Survivors with higher fear of cancer recurrence and lower cancer-related self-efficacy had poorer psychological resilience and more severe demoralization. Severe hormonal symptoms and lower interpersonal relationship activity participation were associated with more severe demoralization in survivors with prostate cancer. Fear of cancer recurrence, self-efficacy, hormonal symptoms, and interpersonal activity participation are associated with psychological resilience and demoralization. Assessing psychological resilience and demoralization is crucial in prostate cancer care. Integrated self-management interventions that address physical, psychological, and social aspects can enhance survivors' resilience.

The impact of earthquake preparedness training on mothers with physically disabled children: a randomized controlled study

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of earthquake preparedness training on the psychological resilience and earthquake preparedness levels of mothers with physically disabled children. The study was conducted at a special education and rehabilitation center in a province in eastern Turkey between January and April 2024, using a pre-test/post-test control group experimental design. A total of 78 mothers participated, with 39 randomly assigned to the experimental group and 39 to the control group. The experimental group received earthquake preparedness training. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. It was determined that 38.5% of the mothers in the experimental group were between 32–39 years of age, equal numbers of primary (35.9%) and secondary (35.9%) school graduates, 84.6% had nuclear families and 89.7% lived in urban areas. In the control group, 38.5% of the mothers were between 25–31 years of age, 33.3% were primary school graduates, 79.5% had nuclear families and 97.4% lived in urban areas. The experimental and control groups were similar in terms of baseline characteristics. Before the training, Adult Psychological Resilience Scale (APRS) scores were comparable between groups. After the training, the experimental group showed a significant increase in psychological resilience compared to the control group (p < .05). Similarly, Disaster Preparedness Scale (DPS) scores were comparable before the training, but the experimental group showed a significant increase in earthquake preparedness after the training (p < .05). The training enhanced both psychological resilience and earthquake preparedness in mothers, increasing their knowledge and awareness about earthquakes. Developing earthquake preparedness training and materials specifically for families with physically disabled children will contribute to the safety and well-being of both families and their children.

Resilience as a mediator between emotional intelligence (EI) and perceived stress among young adults in Malaysia

Stress encompasses a complex interplay of physical, mental, and emotional responses triggered by demanding or challenging circumstances. Perceived stress refers to the subjective assessment of stress levels by an individual. As existing research indicates, this subjective experience of stress is intricately connected to emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience. Aligned with this knowledge, the present study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by exploring the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between EI and perceived stress levels. A cross-sectional online study was conducted involving 207 young adults from Malaysia (152 females and 55 males). Sex (gender) differences in perceived stress levels were evaluated using t-tests, revealing that females reported higher levels of perceived stress. Interestingly, EI did not exhibit an age-related increase. Results confirmed the predictive relationships among EI, resilience, and perceived stress. Mediational analyses uncovered a full mediation model, illustrating that resilience is pivotal in mediating the relationship between EI and perceived stress. The findings strongly indicate that individuals with elevated EI levels are more likely to possess higher resilience, resulting in lower perceived stress levels. These results underscore the importance of interventions targeting EI and resilience enhancement, as such interventions hold promise for positively impacting the mental well-being of young adults.

Advances in CRISPR-enabled genome-wide screens in yeast.

CRISPR-Cas genome-wide screens are powerful tools for unraveling genotype-phenotype relationships, enabling precise manipulation of genes to study and engineer industrially-useful traits. Traditional genetic methods, such as random mutagenesis or RNA interference, often lack the specificity and scalability required for large-scale functional genomic screens. CRISPR systems overcome these limitations by offering precision gene targeting and manipulation, allowing for high-throughput investigations into gene function and interactions. Recent work has shown that CRISPR genome editing is widely adaptable to several yeast species, many of which have natural traits suited for industrial biotechnology. In this review, we discuss recent advances in yeast functional genomics, emphasizing advancements made with CRISPR tools. We discuss how the development and optimization of CRISPR genome-wide screens have enabled a host-first approach to metabolic engineering, which takes advantage of the natural traits of non-conventional yeast - fast growth rates, high stress tolerance, and novel metabolism - to create new production hosts. Lastly, we discuss future directions, including automation and biosensor-driven screens, to enhance high-throughput CRISPR-enabled yeast engineering.

Identification of Cysteine synthase (Cys) Gene Family in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Functional of SlCys5 in Cold Stress Tolerance

Identification of Cysteine synthase (Cys) Gene Family in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Functional of SlCys5 in Cold Stress Tolerance

ZmDREB1A Regulates myo-Inositol-1-phosphate Synthase 2 Controlling Maize Germination at Low Temperatures.

Transcription factor DREB1A positively regulates plant chilling stress tolerance. However, its role in regulating seed germination at low temperatures has remained a mystery. Our research has unveiled that maize zmdreb1a mutant seeds exhibit decreased ZmMIPS2 expression and a lower germination percentage than the control under low temperatures. The overexpression of ZmDREB1A upregulated ZmMIPS2 expression, while the mutation of DRE motifs in the ZmMIPS2 promoter nullified the influence of ZmDREB1A on the target gene expression. In addition, we demonstrated that ZmDREB1A directly binds to the three DRE motifs in the promoter of ZmMIPS2 both in vitro and in vivo. Further investigation has shown that maize zmmips2 mutant seeds are more sensitive, while ZmMIPS2 overexpressing seeds are more tolerant of low temperatures during seed germination. These findings could be applied to develop new crop varieties that are more resilient to low temperatures during the vulnerable germination phase.

Exploring the plant microbiome: A pathway to climate-smart crops.

Exploring the plant microbiome: A pathway to climate-smart crops.

The Influence of Illness Perception on Emotional Disorders in Perimenopausal Women in Macau: The Serial Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem and Psychological Resilience

The Influence of Illness Perception on Emotional Disorders in Perimenopausal Women in Macau: The Serial Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem and Psychological Resilience

Illness perception and resilience in patients with cancer: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases and is considered a debilitating and incurable condition. Following diagnosis, individuals often experience anxiety, depression, and diminished social energy. Therefore, identifying factors that influence the psychological state of these patients and intervening to improve their well-being is crucial.AimThis study aims to examine the relationship between illness perception and resilience in cancer patients visiting healthcare centers.MethodsThe study was conducted in a cross-sectional design, involving 262 cancer patients selected through stratified random sampling from two public and two private oncology treatment centers in Tabriz, Iran. Data were collected using a demographic checklist, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R). Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics (V.20) at a significance level of 0.05. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, t-test, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression to examine relationships between demographic variables, illness perception, and resilience.ResultsThe majority of participants in the study were male (74%), married (72%), suffering from gastrointestinal cancers (62%), with an average age of 40.9 (SD: 11.9) years. The average overall resilience score was 60.1 (SD: 16.6). Pearson correlation results showed a significant positive correlation between overall resilience and the subscales of illness identity (r = 0.26, p < 0.001), consequences of illness (r = 0.20, p < 0.001), personal control (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), treatment control (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), and time line cyclical (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that illness Identity (B = 0.94, CI [0.43, 1.44], p < 0.001), personal control (B = 1.75, CI [1.30, 2.21], p < 0.001), treatment control (B = 2.37, CI [1.87, 2.88], p < 0.001), and time line cyclical (B = 0.30, CI [0.40, 1.01], p = 0.04) significantly predicted resilience.ConclusionThe findings suggest that improving patients’ understanding and control over their illness may enhance their psychological resilience. These results highlight the importance of patient education and psychological interventions in cancer care, aimed at strengthening personal control and resilience. Integrating these strategies into standard care has the potential to improve patients’ ability to cope with the psychological challenges of cancer and ultimately lead to an enhanced quality of life.

Nitrogen-Metabolism Inhibitor NmrA Regulates Conidial Production, Melanin Synthesis, and Virulence in Phytopathogenic Fungus Verticillium dahliae.

NmrA homologs have been reported as conserved regulators of nitrogen metabolite repression in various fungi. Here, we identified an NmrA homolog in Verticillium dahliae and reported its functions in nitrogen utilization, growth and development, and pathogenesis. VdNmrA interacts with the V. dahliae AreA protein and regulates the expression of a typical NMR target, the formamidase gene. VdNmrA deletion mutants exhibited significantly slower colony growth on media with Gln or Arg. Furthermore, VdNmrA deletion impaired hyphal growth, spore production, hyperosmotic stress tolerance, and melanin biosynthesis. Fewer reactive oxygen species were produced in VdNmrA mutants, and the NADPH oxidase genes noxA and noxB showed lowered expression levels compared with the wild type. VdNmrA mutants exhibited reduced virulence on cotton and Arabidopsis compared with wild-type strains. Our results indicated that VdNmrA functioned as a nitrogen metabolite repression repressor and played important roles in nutrient utilization, fungal development, stress tolerance, and pathogenicity in V. dahliae.

Multiple functions of exogenous melatonin in cucumber seed germination, seedling establishment, and alkali stress resistance

BackgroundExogenous melatonin plays a crucial role in various plant developmental processes and stress responses and has considerable potential for future agricultural applications. However, its effects on early cucumber seedling growth and resistance to alkaline stress have not been adequately explored. This study investigated the role of exogenous melatonin during the early growth stages of cucumber, specifically focusing on seed germination, post-germination seedling growth, and 1-leaf stage seedling growth, with particular emphasis on its influence on alkali stress resistance. These findings are intended to enhance the application of melatonin in cucumber seedling cultivation and provide a theoretical basis for promoting growth and improving stress tolerance in agricultural production.ResultsExogenous melatonin enhanced cucumber seed germination and early seedling growth with promoting and inhibitory effects at low and high concentrations, respectively. However, the effects of exogenous melatonin on cucumber growth varied at different developmental stages. Additionally, alkali stress significantly hampered the growth of cucumber seedlings; however, the external application of melatonin mitigated the damage caused by this stress. This protective effect was evidenced by a marked increase in the survival rate, stem diameter, and biomass of cucumber seedlings, along with a significant reduction in malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage rate. Further investigation revealed that exogenous melatonin promotes the accumulation of osmoregulatory substances, specifically soluble sugars, and proline, under alkaline stress. It also enhances the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and dehydroascorbate reductase, while significantly decreasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species such as H2O2 and O2⋅−. Furthermore, exogenous melatonin increased the activities of PM-H+-ATPase and V-H+-ATPase and stimulated the expression of stress-related genes, thereby regulating Na+ and K+ homeostasis under alkali stress. Additionally, exogenous melatonin promoted the synthesis of endogenous melatonin in cucumbers subjected to alkaline stress by inducing the expression of melatonin synthase genes, namely, CsASMT, CsCOMT, CsTDC, and CsSNAT.ConclusionsExogenous melatonin promoted cucumber seed germination and seedling establishment and enhanced cucumber alkali stress tolerance by mediating osmotic adjustment, reactive oxygen species scavenging, ion homeostasis maintenance, endogenous melatonin synthesis, and expression of stress-related genes.

Acceptance and commitment therapy for enhancing mental health in military personnel: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis.

Military personnel frequently face unique psychological challenges due to high-stress environments, which increase the risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown potential in addressing these issues by enhancing psychological flexibility and resilience. To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of ACT in improving the mental health of military personnel. Through a scoping review and meta-analysis, we quantitatively assess the impact of ACT on psychological outcomes, guiding future research and clinical practice. Relevant literature was searched systematically from database inception to June 30, 2023, across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase. The Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) scoping review guidelines were used as the methodological framework. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model, and publication bias was assessed through Egger's regression test and Begg's funnel plot. Twenty-six studies were included, highlighting the application of ACT in addressing PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression among military personnel. The meta-analysis of eight studies demonstrated a significant positive effect of ACT on mental health, with a pooled mean difference of -4.99 (95%CI: -6.53 to -3.45). Despite high heterogeneity (I² = 63%), sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings. This study underscores the potential of ACT as an effective intervention for improving the mental health of military personnel. Future research should focus on large-scale, multi-center RCTs to further validate these findings, particularly within diverse military populations.

Narrative nursing as a holistic approach in modern healthcare: Integrating emotional and physical care.

Narrative nursing (NN) is emerging as a critical approach in modern healthcare, addressing the complex interplay between psychological well-being and physical recovery. This manuscript discusses a study on NN and its role in alleviating psychological distress in patients with acute pancreatitis, published in the World Journal of Psychiatry. Their research demonstrates that NN, through structured storytelling, significantly reduces anxiety and depression, thereby enhancing patient satisfaction and fostering emotional resilience. This therapeutic approach extends beyond symptom management, offering a comprehensive strategy that supports the mental and emotional recovery of patients facing severe health challenges. NN provides a unique framework for engaging patients in their care journey, promoting a sense of agency, and strengthening the patient-provider relationship. In this manuscript, we explore the broader implications of NN by synthesizing findings from various studies, showing that NN is effective not only in acute settings but also in oncology, chronic illness management, and palliative care. The evidence indicates that integrating NN into standard clinical practice could enhance healthcare outcomes by addressing the holistic needs of patients, supporting psychological resilience, and fostering a compassionate healthcare environment.

The ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR6-GRETCHEN HAGEN3.5 module regulates rooting and heat tolerance in Dimocarpus longan.

Heat stress can seriously affect plant growth and development. Ethylene response factors (ERFs) play important roles in plant development and physiological responses. Here, we identified DlERF6, an ERF family transcription factor that promotes heat tolerance in Dimocarpus longan. DlERF6 was strongly induced by heat stress and IAA treatment in longan roots. Overexpression of DlERF6 generated abundant, fast-growing hairy roots and enhanced longan heat stress tolerance by promoting IAA biosynthesis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. Additional assays indicated that DlERF6 directly binds to the DlGH3.5 promoter and represses its expression. Overexpressing DlGH3.5 reduced hairy root number, root length and heat tolerance, concomitant with a reduction in IAA content and ROS scavenging. Collectively, these results reveal the molecular mechanism through which the DlERF6-DlGH3.5 module regulates root growth and heat stress tolerance, providing a gene network that can be used for the genetic improvement of longan.

Natural range expansion promotes stress resistance as a component of dispersal syndromes in non‐native insects

Global changes and human activities have increased the likelihood of transport of non‐native insect species all around the globe. When established, the spread of organisms leads to the spatial sorting of the populations, progressively contributing to the selection of individuals with enhanced dispersal performance at the edges of the invaded range. During dispersal, propagules are also subjected to contrasting environmental conditions that can be stressful. These include temperature extremes and variations, desiccation and the quantity and quality of food, which can impose physiological constraints. As a consequence, higher stress tolerance and higher dispersal capacities may be promoted at the range edge. However, only few studies have examined the differences in stress resistance of non‐native insect populations along their invasion gradient. Merizodus soledadinus is a non‐native insect species invading low‐elevation coastal areas of the subantarctic Kerguelen Islands, where its quick spread highly impacts the native fauna. On the Kerguelen Islands, its invasion history is precisely known. This offers a unique opportunity to study its stress resistance in relation to the residence time. In this study, we investigated the effects of the residence time of populations of M. soledadinus on its resistance to heat, desiccation, food deprivation and the combination of these three stresses in the laboratory. We found that desiccation and multiple stress treatments caused the highest mortality rates. Populations close to the range edge showed a longer survival compared to populations with longer residence times. However, the dynamics of survival were different: core populations experienced a steady decline in survival, while range edge populations initially experienced a slow decline in mortality followed by rapid mortality. This suggests greater stress resistance for individuals from populations close to the invasion front, potentially explaining the intense expansion of M. soledadinus on Kerguelen Islands.

Enhancing plant stress resilience and agricultural sustainability through rhizosphere microbiome optimization

Enhancing plant stress resilience and agricultural sustainability through rhizosphere microbiome optimization