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Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant global health threat due to their complex pathogenesis and high incidence, imposing a substantial burden on global healthcare systems. Integrins, a group of heterodimers consisting of α and β subunits that are located on the cell membrane, have emerged as key players in mediating the occurrence and progression of CVDs by regulating the physiological activities of endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, platelets, fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes, and various immune cells. The crucial role of integrins in the progression of CVDs has valuable implications for targeted therapies. In this context, the development and application of various integrin antibodies and antagonists have been explored for antiplatelet therapy and anti-inflammatory-mediated tissue damage. Additionally, the rise of nanomedicine has enhanced the specificity and bioavailability of precision therapy targeting integrins. Nevertheless, the complexity of the pathogenesis of CVDs presents tremendous challenges for monoclonal targeted treatment. This paper reviews the mechanisms of integrins in the development of atherosclerosis, cardiac fibrosis, hypertension, and arrhythmias, which may pave the way for future innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many aspects of society were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including physical health, psychological well-being, social dynamics, and the economy. The construction sector experienced a significant influence from the pandemic. This research aimed to analyze the relationship between psychosocial factors (individual, home, and work factors) and the level of work distress among construction sector workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employed a quantitative analytical approach with a cross-sectional design. Data collection took place in November–December 2021, and the total sample that met the inclusion criteria was 110 respondents. Work distress and psychosocial data were collected using a questionnaire that had undergone validity and reliability tests. Univariate analyses (frequency distribution), bivariate analyses (chi-square test), and multivariate analyses (multiple logistic regression tests) were conducted to analyze the data. The research revealed that the most closely related variables to the work distress levels were work duration, followed by employment status and career opportunities. This study underscores the importance of regulating working hours and providing opportunities for permanent employment and career advancement for the mental health of construction workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny membranous structures that mediate intercellular communication. The role(s) of these vesicles have been widely investigated in the context of neurological diseases; however, their potential implications in the neuropathology subjacent to human psychiatric disorders remain mostly unknown. Here, by using next-generation discovery-driven proteomics, we investigate the potential role(s) of brain EVs (bEVs) in schizophrenia (SZ) by analyzing these vesicles from the three post-mortem anatomical brain regions: the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HC), and caudate (CAU). The results obtained indicate that bEVs from SZ-affected brains contain region-specific proteins that are associated with abnormal GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission. Similarly, these vesicles from the analyzed regions were implicated in synaptic decay, abnormal brain immunity, neuron structural imbalances, and impaired cell homeostasis. Our findings also provide evidence, for the first time, that networks of molecular exchange (involving the PFC, HC, and CAU) are potentially active and mediated by EVs in non-diseased brains. Additionally, these bEV-mediated networks seem to have become partially reversed and largely disrupted in the brains of subjects affected by SZ. Taken as a whole, these results open the door to the uncovering of new biological markers and therapeutic targets, based on the compositions of bEVs, for the benefit of patients affected by SZ and related psychotic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are related cardiovascular diseases in which common mechanisms lead to tissue calcification. Oxidative stress plays a key role in these diseases and there is also evidence that the redox state of serum albumin exerts a significant influence on these conditions. To further explore this issue, we used multimarker scores (OxyScore and AntioxyScore) to assess the global oxidative status in patients with CAVD, with and without CAD, also evaluating their plasma thiol levels. In addition, valvular interstitial cells were treated with reduced, oxidized, and native albumin to study how this protein and its modifications affect cell calcification. The differences we found suggest that oxidative status is distinct in CAVD and CAD, with differences in redox markers and thiol levels. Importantly, the in vitro interstitial cell model revealed that modified albumin affects cell calcification, accelerating this process. Hence, we show here the importance of the redox system in the development of CAVD, emphasizing the relevance of multimarker scores, while also offering evidence of how the redox state of albumin influences vascular calcification. These data highlight the relevance of understanding the overall redox processes involved in these diseases, opening the door to new studies on antioxidants as potential therapies for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine night working conditions by shift work type and identify the effects of night working conditions on nurses' perceptions of shift work safety and health effects., Background: Night work is the main factor affecting nurses' health. However, the safety of night working conditions has not been sufficiently examined in previous studies., Methods: This study used a cross-sectional research design and an online survey using a tool released by the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, and the responses of 348 shift work nurses in Korea were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effects of shift work conditions on the perceived safety of night work and health effects. The STROBE reporting guidelines were utilized, and data were collected from December 1 to December 31, 2021., Results: The adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that perceived threat to safety and the health effects of shift work were not significant according to shift type. However, night-shift-work nurses who worked alone (P = 0.003), lacked an emergency recovery system (P = 0.026), and had difficulty commuting perceived a threat to their health (P = 0.007). Additionally, nurses who experienced loss of concentration (P = 0.006) and inadequate rest time (P < 0.001) perceived the health effects of shift work., Discussion: Urgent monitoring of night work conditions is necessary for the 2-shift work type. Nurses must work night shifts together and an emergency system should be established for their safety., Conclusion: Night work conditions should be improved to prevent the hazards of night work and its negative health effects on nurses., Implications for Nursing and Health Policy: This study suggests the necessity of a policy to enhance night work safety, including emergency coping systems and sufficient inter-shift rest time., (© 2024 International Council of Nurses.)