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Physical function is regarded as the cornerstone of healthy aging, and exercise is an important determinant of healthy aging. This study examined the feasibility and physiological (heart rate, blood pressure, blood lactate, and rate of perceived exertion) and psychological (enjoyment) response resulting from an acute progressive sled-push (SLP) exercise session using the novel XPO Sled Trainer in older adults and compared that with walking (WKC) condition. The exercise session comprised six exercise bouts at 75%, 85%, 100% (2×), and 125% (2×) of normal velocity with a 2-min rest between bouts. Thirty-six older adults were randomly allocated into either the SLP or WKC conditions. No adverse events were observed during the exercise session, and all participants completed the exercise protocol as prescribed. One-third of the participants in the SLP group reported minimal body discomfort. Significantly higher responses were observed for all physiological variables as the intensity of the exercise increased in the SLP group compared with the WKC group (p <.001). The SLP group presented a decline in enjoyment as the intensity of the exercise increased (during), but similar enjoyment level than the WKC group for the overall exercise session (p =.711). Our findings support the viability and safety of SLP exercise using the XPO Sled Trainer in older adults. Such exercise demonstrated an intensity-driven modality that may have potential to elucidate positive adaptations in the cardiovascular system of older adults with acceptable levels of enjoyment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between items of the Short Recovery and Stress Scale (SRSS) related to physical stress and recovery and the biomarker creatine kinase (CK) in professional handball. Methods: CK and SRSS items (physical performance capability, overall recovery, muscular stress, and overall stress) were assessed in an observational study of 16 adult male professional handball players from a team in the highest German league during the 2019–20 preseason. Their preseason training schedule included several microcycles, each consisting of 3 consecutive days of intense training followed by a rest day. On 5 of these rest days, when players were classified as nonrested, and the 5 immediately following days, when players were classified as rested, players completed the SRSS between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, followed by blood sampling. Correlations between SRSS items were performed using Kendall τ. The relationship between each SRSS item and CK levels over time was examined using a mixed-effects model with a random intercept. Results: CK levels and SRSS stress items were significantly higher and SRSS recovery items were significantly lower in nonrested players. SRSS items were significantly positively or negatively correlated (all items: P <.001) and showed a significant effect indicating lower CK levels in rested players (all items: P ≤.001; η p 2 =.1 −.32). Conclusions: The investigated SRSS items may be a viable option for assessing muscle recovery in adult male professional handball players in a cost-effective and noninvasive manner. They can be used as a single monitoring tool or as part of a multimodal approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive sport involves physical and psychological stressors, such as training load and stress perceptions, that athletes must adapt to in order to maintain health and performance. Psychological resilience, one's capacity to equilibrate or adapt affective and behavioral responses to adverse physical or emotional experiences, is an important topic in athlete training and performance. The study purpose was to investigate associations of training load and perceived sport stress with athlete psychological resilience trajectories. Sixty-one collegiate club athletes (30 females and 31 males) completed self-reported surveys over 6 weeks of training. Athletes significantly differed in resilience at the beginning of competitive training. Baseline resilience differences were associated with resilience trajectories. Perceived stress and training load were negatively associated with resilience. Physical and psychological stressors had a small but statistically significant impact on resilience across weeks of competitive training, indicating that both types of stressors should be monitored to maintain athlete resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify contextual factors that negatively affect activity and participation among powerchair football (PF) players. Thirty-seven semistructured interviews were conducted with PF players (Mage = 27.9 ± 8.2 years) in France (n = 18) and the United States (n = 19). Participants reported acute back and neck pain as the primary morbidities resulting from PF participation, with sustained atypical posture in the sport chair as the primary cause. Competition-related physical and mental stress were also identified as participation outcomes. Accompanying the many benefits of PF, participants recognized negative impacts of discomfort, physical fatigue, and mental fatigue. Interventions such as seating modifications, thermotherapy to combat pain, napping to combat acute physical stress, and mental preparation to manage state anxiety were all identified as prospective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association of physical activity through early childhood on children's chronic stress still is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to test the association of physical activity through early childhood (1–4 y) with chronic stress, measured by hair cortisol at age 4. Methods: Longitudinal study including children from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort. Cortisol at age 4 was measured using a hair sample, which provided cortisol concentration from the past months. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers at 1, 2, and 4 years. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between physical activity and chronic stress. Trajectory models were also applied to examine chronic stress in relation to physical activity patterns throughout early childhood. Results: Children with valid physical activity and hair cortisol data were included in the analyses (N = 1475). Three groups of physical activity trajectories between 1 and 4 years were identified: low, medium, and high. No association between physical activity at 1, 2, and 4 years and chronic stress at age 4 was observed. However, children in the "high" physical activity trajectory presented low cortisol concentration; the magnitude of the regression coefficient was slightly larger in girls (β = −0.125; 95% confidence interval, −0.326 to 0.074) than boys (β = −0.051; 95% confidence interval, −0.196 to 0.09). Conclusion: There was no clear association between physical activity and chronic stress in early childhood. Trajectories models suggest that higher activity throughout early childhood may positively impact chronic stress; however, more studies are needed to confirm that hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore complex system behavior and subsequent team performance in professional rugby union. Methods: Here, we present 2 studies. In the first, we used global positioning system technology to measure player clustering during stoppages in play in nearly 100 games of professional rugby union to explore team (complex system) behavior and performance. In the second, we measured stress hormones (cortisol and testosterone) prior to team meetings and analyzed these relative to amount of time and the frequency with which players looked at peer presenters, as well as subsequent training performance, to explain how stress may lead to behaviors observed in the first study and subsequent match performance. Results: No link between player clustering during stoppages of play and performance was observed. When players (complex system agents) demonstrated greater levels of stress (as indicated by greater cortisol-awakening response and a greater decline in testosterone-to-cortisol ratio across the morning), they tended to look at peer presenters more; however, training quality declined (P =.02). Correlational analysis also showed that training quality was related to testosterone-to-cortisol ratio (P =.04). Conclusions: Team behavior is complex and can be unpredictable. It is possible that under stress, complex system agents (ie, rugby union players) look at (and cluster toward) their teammates more; however, meaningful interaction may not necessarily occur. Furthermore, while complex system (team) analysis may be valuable strategically in rugby union in the context of describing behavior, without understanding "how" or "why" intrateam/interagent behaviors emerge it may have little meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harris lines (HLs) are radiographically visible transverse lines of thickened bone that develop from temporary growth cessation during early life. Often attributed to physiological stress during development, HLs are frequently observed in the long bones of adolescents and become less visible over time due to bone remodeling. In recent years, the validity of HL as a sign of stress has been called into question and the methods used in studying HL through X‐ray analysis scrutinized. In this study, 80 individuals from the Middle Holocene Cis‐Baikal region of Siberia, from the Early Neolithic (EN; 7560–6660 HPD cal. BP) and Late Neolithic (LN; 6060–4970 HPD cal. BP), were studied for the presence and severity of HL. Radiographic analysis employed both the traditional clinical anteroposterior (A–P) orientation and a potentially improved mediolateral (M–L) orientation. EN groups in the Cis‐Baikal are known to have experienced higher levels than their LN counterparts; thus, if HL reflect stress experiences, we expected to see more HL in the EN population compared with the LN population. We also expected more visible HL in the M–L orientation due to the suggested improvement in capturing more lines compared with the A–P orientation. While the results support the use of M–L orientation during X‐ray capture of HL, there was not a higher number of HL in the EN population as expected. Instead, no significant differences were found in HL severity between the EN and LN populations, and age‐at‐death resulted in a greater effect on HL counts regardless of mortuary site. The results from this study align not with known stress data from the Middle Holocene Cis‐Baikal populations but rather with data pertaining to known growth patterns. We therefore advocate against the use of HL as a sign of physiological stress and instead suggest HL as a reflection of bone growth trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allostatic load (AL) is the accumulation of physiological dysregulation attributed to repeated activation of the stress response over a lifetime. We assessed the utility of AL as a prognostic measure for high-risk benign breast biopsy pathology results. Method: Eligible patients were women 18 years or older, with a false-positive outpatient breast biopsy between January and December 2022 at a tertiary academic health center. AL was calculated using 12 variables representing four physiological systems: cardiovascular (pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein); metabolic (body mass index, albumin, and hemoglobin A1C); renal (creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate); and immune (white blood cell count). Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between AL before biopsy and breast biopsy outcomes controlling for patients' sociodemographics. Results: In total, 170 women were included (mean age, 54.1 ± 12.9 years): 89.4% had benign and 10.6% had high-risk pathologies (radial scar/complex sclerosing lesion, atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia, flat epithelial atypia, intraductal papilloma, or lobular carcinoma in-situ). A total of 56.5% were White, 24.7% Asian, and 17.1% other races. A total of 32.5% identified as Hispanic. The mean breast cancer risk score using the Tyrer–Cuzick model was 11.9 ± 7.0. In multivariable analysis, with every one unit increase in AL, the probability of high-risk pathology increased by 37% (odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.03, 1.81; p = 0.03). No significant association was seen between high-risk pathology and age, ethnicity, breast cancer risk, or area deprivation index. Conclusion: Our findings support that increased AL, a biological marker of stress, is associated with high-risk pathology among patients with false-positive breast biopsy results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health issue worldwide. As the population ages, more older patients including octogenarians will require CRC treatment. However, this vulnerable group has decreased functional reserves and increased surgical risks. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways aim to reduce surgical stress and complications, but concerns remain about applying ERAS protocols to older patients. We assessed whether a modified ERAS (mERAS) protocol combined would improve outcomes in octogenarian CRC patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we compared 360 non‐octogenarians aged 50–64 years and 114 octogenarians aged 80–89 years before and after mERAS protocol implementation. Outcomes including postoperative functionary recovery, length of stay, complications, emergency department visits, and readmissions were analyzed. Results: Despite comparable tumor characteristics, octogenarians had poorer nutrition, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, and more comorbidities. After mERAS, octogenarians had reduced complications, faster return of bowel function, and shorter postoperative length of stay, similar to non‐octogenarians. mERAS implementation improved recovery in both groups without increasing emergency department visits or readmissions. Conclusion: Although less remarkable than in non‐octogenarians, mERAS protocols mitigated higher complication rates and improved recovery in octogenarians after minimally invasive surgery for CRC, confirming protocol feasibility and safety in this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus is an important aquaculture species worldwide, and understanding its behavior and growth performance under variable culture conditions is essential for optimizing culture. Light as an environmental factor profoundly affects fish development, growth, food consumption, hormone secretion, and other life processes. This study investigated the effects of different light colors (blue, green, and red) on the stress response of individually reared Nile tilapia using a wireless biosensor system for real-time glucose monitoring. The biosensor system effectively measured glucose concentration (stress indicator) by enzymatic oxidation, allowing continuous monitoring of fish eyeball interstitial sclera fluid (EISF), providing longer and more accurate data. Air exposure and ammonia exposure were used as stressors, and stress responses were monitored under different light colors. Nile tilapia exhibited lower quiescent blood glucose levels, lower blood glucose elevations, and faster stress recovery under blue light. Green light induced more significant glucose elevations during acute physical stress, but showed similar fluctuations to blue light during chronic chemical stress, indicating potential benefits for fish welfare. In contrast, whether exposed to air or ammonia, red light induced large fluctuations in blood glucose levels, which may be detrimental to the fish. The study highlights the importance of light color in influencing stress responses and recovery in Nile tilapia, providing valuable insights for improving aquaculture practices and promoting fish welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although personality traits are assumed to have biological/physiological foundations, research has yielded mixed evidence regarding the relationship between personality and physiological stress responses. Moreover, the field has often overlooked the contemporary neuroscience-based personality approach, known as the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) of Personality, in stress research. Method: The present study examined the relationship between the revised RST's personality dimensions and heart rate and skin conductance level (SCL) in response to the Trier Social Stress Test in a sample of 61 healthy university students. Results: Piecewise latent growth curve analysis controlling for the participants' current life stress, smoking use, and caffeine intake revealed that individuals with higher behavioral inhibition exhibited higher physiological reactivity, whereas those with high reward sensitivity showed smaller heart rate reactivity. The behavioral disengagement facet of the behavioral inhibition scale was associated with reduced sympathetic arousal during the stress task. Additionally, reward interest was associated with a larger recovery of SCL. Conclusion: Results were generally in line with the revised theory. The study findings were discussed within the paradigm of the approach-avoidance conflict and highlighted the importance of reward sensitivity in stress resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusions Yoga is a form of complementary medicine for substance use disorder (SUD). Randomised controlled trials involving yoga for the treatment of SUD have found that yoga practice reduces the risk of relapse and improves mood and well‐being for people undergoing treatment for SUD; however, the lived experience of yoga practice involving the benefits of reducing SUD is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the in‐depth experience of yoga to inform the treatment of SUD.Five semi‐structured interviews explored experiences of yoga among people with a prior history of substance use. Four out of the five participants reported prior use of alcohol, and one reported the use of ‘GBL’ and methamphetamine. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.The analysis resulted in three final superordinate themes: (1) growing awareness of the body, mind and emotions; (2) yoga opens a positive way of life; and (3) blending the worlds of yoga and 12‐step recovery. Yoga was reported to enhance awareness of muscle tension, reduce physical stress, increase positive emotions and build tolerance to negative emotions. The integration of the eight‐limb philosophy of yoga, notably withdrawing of the senses, helped combat internal cues and triggers (negative thoughts and emotions) for relapse. Yoga was reported to be compatible with an abstinence‐based lifestyle found in 12‐step mutual aid programmes and helped extend social networks to support long‐term abstinence.The experience of integrating the eight‐limb philosophy to support abstinence and the asana practice helped participants to reduce cue reactivity. Yoga appeared to enhance interoceptive awareness, which is useful for reducing physical stress related to triggers for relapse, making yogic practice a valuable tool to integrate within mainstream group and individual relapse prevention programmes. Therefore, programmes and health policymakers may want to consider treatments that integrate yogic practices to enhance and support long‐term abstinence for SUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate assessment of self-perceived stress is crucial because perceived stress has been linked to post-stroke depression in persons with aphasia and may be related to linguistic performance. Measuring self-reported perceived stress can be difficult in persons with aphasia (PWA) due to linguistic impairments; therefore, using proxy ratings could be an alternative. The accuracy of proxy ratings of perceived stress may be influenced by the proxy's familiarity with the person with aphasia and/or the condition of aphasia. Additionally, accuracy may be affected by genuine or mistaken signs of perceived stress in PWA due to linguistic behavioural markers common in both stress and aphasia. An observation of stress in a PWA may also trigger a stress response in the proxy. This physiological stress response, known as stress contagion, may be mediated by trait empathy and impact proxy ratings of perceived stress in PWA. The current study investigates the accuracy of proxy ratings of perceived stress made by proxy reporters unfamiliar with PWA and unfamiliar with aphasia by exploring the agreement between PWA self- and unfamiliar proxy-reported stress ratings, the effect of aphasia severity on proxy ratings, stress contagion, and the contribution of trait empathy to proxy ratings. Fifty-five proxy reporters unfamiliar with aphasia self-reported their trait empathy and perceived stress, then watched two video cases of unfamiliar PWA and rated the stress of the PWA and their own stress level. No correlation was found between self-report and unfamiliar proxy report of PWA perceived stress. Aphasia severity did not affect proxy ratings. The proxy reporter's self-reported stress matched the PWA's stress level. Trait empathy did not predict proxy ratings. The lack of association between PWA self-report and the ratings of proxy reporters unfamiliar with PWA and aphasia indicates that unfamiliar proxy ratings are not ideal for representing objective measures of perceived stress. While aphasia severity does not affect ratings by proxy reporters unfamiliar with PWA and aphasia, unfamiliar proxy reporters may overestimate perceived stress levels in PWA. The correlation between proxy reporter self-report and PWA self-report suggests that some aspect of stress contagion is present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or gender‐nonconforming (LGBTQ+) experience discrimination and minority stress that may lead to elevated cancer risk. Methods: In the absence of population‐based cancer occurrence information for this population, this article comprehensively examines contemporary, age‐adjusted cancer risk factor and screening prevalence using data from the National Health Interview Survey, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and National Youth Tobacco Survey, and provides a literature review of cancer incidence and barriers to care. Results: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults are more likely to smoke cigarettes than heterosexual adults (16% compared to 12% in 2021–2022), with the largest disparity among bisexual women. For example, 34% of bisexual women aged 40–49 years and 24% of those 50 and older smoke compared to 12% and 11%, respectively, of heterosexual women. Smoking is also elevated among youth who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (4%) or transgender (5%) compared to heterosexual or cisgender (1%). Excess body weight is elevated among lesbian and bisexual women (68% vs. 61% among heterosexual women), largely due to higher obesity prevalence among bisexual women (43% vs. 38% among lesbian women and 33% among heterosexual women). Bisexual women also have a higher prevalence of no leisure‐time physical activity (35% vs. 28% among heterosexual women), as do transgender individuals (30%–31% vs. 21%–25% among cisgender individuals). Heavier alcohol intake among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals is confined to bisexual women, with 14% consuming more than 7 drinks/week versus 6% of heterosexual women. In contrast, prevalence of cancer screening and risk reducing vaccinations in LGBTQ+ individuals is similar to or higher than their heterosexual/cisgender counterparts except for lower cervical and colorectal cancer screening among transgender men. Conclusions: People within the LGBTQ+ population have a higher prevalence of smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption compared to heterosexual and cisgender people, suggesting a higher cancer burden. Health systems have an opportunity to help inform these disparities through the routine collection of information on sexual orientation and gender identity to facilitate cancer surveillance and to mitigate them through education to increase awareness of LGBTQ+ health needs. Minority stress and health care discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and gender‐nonconforming (LGBTQ+) individuals can influence cancer occurrence and outcomes. The authors investigated prevalence and disparities in major cancer risk factors and screening by sexual orientation and gender identity and conducted a literature review describing health care challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities and opportunities for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of person-centered communication on bereaved young adults' physiological stress responses when they talked about the death of their parent. Heart rate variability – indexed by the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD), and the heart rate variability index (HRVi) – was monitored before, during, and after the interaction as an objective measure of stress reactivity and recovery. The final sample included 69 subjects, and they conversed with research confederates who provided varying levels of person-centered support. The results showed that participants who received highly person-centered support experienced faster stress recovery, as indicated by increased HRVi, compared to those who received moderately or low person-centered support. Bereaved adults' SDNN during the interaction was positively associated with subjective evaluations of cognitive reappraisal, emotional improvement, and support quality. The discussion highlights the significance of supportive interactions on physiological, psychological, and emotional well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing is a natural ontogenetic phenomenon that entails a decrease in the adaptive capacity of the organism, as a result of which the body becomes less adaptable to stressful conditions. Nitrate and nitrite enter the body from exogenous sources and from nitrification of ammonia nitrogen by intestinal microorganisms. This review considers the mechanisms of action of l -arginine, a known inducer of nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis, and nitrates as supplements in the processes of ageing and aggravated stress states, in which mechanisms of individual physiological reactivity play an important role. This approach can be used as an element of individual therapy or prevention of premature ageing processes depending on the different levels of initial reactivity of the functional systems. A search was performed of the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases (n = 181 articles) and the author's own research (n = 4) up to May 5, 2023. The review presents analyses of data on targeted treatment of NO generation by supplementation with l -arginine or nitrates, which is a promising means for prevention of hypoxic conditions frequently accompanying pathological processes in an ageing organism. The review clarifies the role of the individual state of physiological reactivity, using the example of individuals with a high predominance of cholinergic regulatory mechanisms who already have a significant reserve of adaptive capacity. In studies of the predominance of adrenergic influences, a poorly trained organism as well as an elderly organism correspond to low resistance, which is an additional factor of damage at increased energy expenditure. Conclusion It is suggested that the role of NO synthesis from supplementation of dietary nitrates and nitrites increases with age rather than from oxygen-dependent biosynthetic reactions from l -arginine supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Law enforcement officers are routinely exposed to high-threat encounters that elicit physiological stress responses that impact health, performance, and safety. Therefore, self-regulation using evidence-based approaches is a priority in police research and practice. This paper describes a five-module heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) protocol that is part of a larger resilience program (the International Performance Resilience and Efficiency Program – iPREP) established in 2014. Supported by 10 years of user-informed research and development, our methods are tailored to address occupational stressors and the practical realities of training and resource availability in operational settings. Building on existing clinical methods that comprise five to six weekly sessions and up to 40-min of daily practice, our iPREP HRVB protocol is typically delivered in a condensed format across 2–3 days and is seamlessly integrated with reality-based training scenarios commonly employed in policing. By combining best practices in clinical HRVB with police-specific pedagogical frameworks, officers receive accelerated and job-relevant training to adaptively modulate autonomic responses to acute and chronic stress. Efficacy of the iPREP HRVB protocol is supported by several research studies of various methodological designs (i.e., randomized control trial, longitudinal cohort) that demonstrate immediate and sustained improvements in police performance and physiological health outcomes. We conclude with a critical appraisal of the available empirical evidence contrasting common and emerging breathing techniques proposed for use in operational policing contexts. The critical appraisal guide is intended to serve as a resource for law enforcement agencies, governing bodies, and operators when choosing appropriate and effective self-regulation training approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between perceived effort and external load markers in the opening match evaluated in sequential matches within a youth soccer international tournament. Methods: Data were obtained from a total of 6 games of the FIFA® under-17 World Cup 2019 and were analyzed in each period and the full match time (entire match). Physical activity profiles were obtained using GPS units. The match activities were divided into the following categories: total load (TL), total distance covered (TDC), number of accelerations (Acc) and decelerations (Dec), distance covered at high-speed (HSR), and distance covered sprinting (Sprint). The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained after every match. Results: The TL observed in the first period and the entire match was higher compared to the average of the other matches. However, the RPE in the first match was lower when compared to the average of the other matches. Consequently, TL/RPE ratio was higher in the first match compared to the average for the other matches. The TDC, the HSR and the Sprint were higher in the first half and the entire match in the first match compared to the average of the following matches. Conclusions: The data found in the present study indicate that the first match may present higher mental and psychological stress relative to the physical strain compared to the ongoing matches during the tournament and may be an important information for coaches during short-term international tournaments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have explored the effects of n utero radiation exposure on human health and cognition and none have taken into account thyroid hormone levels (T3), which have shown to affect cognitive performance. We investigated mechanisms of possible radiation effects on IQ in two cohorts of 250 persons each: exposed n utero after the Chernobyl accident: a 'higher exposure group (HEG)', whose mothers resided in more heavily contaminated territories at the time of the Chernobyl accident, and a 'lesser exposure group (LEG)' whose mothers resided in less contaminated areas. The dataset included information on estimated prenatal thyroid radiation dose, gestation week at the time of the accident (ATA); thyroid hormones: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) levels measured at age 11–12 years and general IQ measured at three time points: t1: 6–7 years old; t2: 11–12 years old and t3: 15–16 years old. Descriptive and inference analyses were used to explore the dynamic of changes through time and the associations between key variables at the three time points. Estimated radiation doses to the thyroid gland were substantially higher in the HEG than in the LEG (mean 391 vs 25 mGy respectively). Significant differences in thyroid hormones levels were observed between the two groups, with lower values in T3 (higher in T4) in the LEG. At t1, the general IQ, as well as verbal and non-verbal IQ scores, were lower in the HEG than in the LEG. In the HEG, analyses adjusting simultaneously for radiation dose, gestational week ATA and T3 levels suggest that all three variables are associated with IQ, with the latter being highest among those exposed later during gestation and decreasing with increasing level of dose and of T3. No significant association was observed between IQ and T4 levels. No effect of exposure on IQ was seen in the LEG. Further investigation of this hypothesis will be important to understand the relation between n utero exposure radiation dose to thyroid, thyroid hormone levels and IQ, taking into account effects of potential confounding factors (physiological stress, maternal anxiety related evacuation). HIGHLIGHTS: We followed up persons exposed in utero to radiation from the Chernobyl accident Among the most highly exposed, IQ was higher among those exposed later during gestation Among the most highly exposed, IQ also decreased with increasing level of dose and of T3 No such relation was seen in those with lower exposure Our study provides insights into the possible relation between prenatal radiation dose and IQ and the factors which may modify it [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of time-series analyses in exploring the relationship between daily ambient temperature and mortality has expanded our understanding of the potential health impacts of climate change. However, it raises significant concerns about the risk of overinterpretation and misattribution of statistical findings. This review examines the methodological assumptions and interpretation pitfalls prevalent in current research on ambient temperature-mortality associations. Extremely elevated ambient temperatures are well-known to elicit physiological stress and increase mortality risk; however, there is no physiological evidence for lethality risk within normal ambient temperature ranges. Despite this, many studies attribute mortality risks across the entire ambient temperature-mortality curve, including normal range ambient temperatures, thus oversimplifying complex underlying physiological processes. Overinterpretation may lead to inaccurate assessments and misguided public health policies. We caution against the tendency to extrapolate results from extreme heat conditions to milder, more typical summer ambient temperature ranges. We advocate for an interdisciplinary approach that combines physiological, clinical, and epidemiological perspectives, with a strong emphasis on the role of behavioral thermoregulation and socio-economic factors to link normal range ambient temperatures with mortality. We recommend analyses centered on excess mortality during defined heatwave periods, and to incorporate heat stress biomarkers to substantiate causal claims for temperatures below heatwaves threshold. A careful approach to interpreting ambient temperature-mortality associations is crucial for formulating evidence-based public health policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiologically based stress detection systems have proven to be effective in identifying different stress conditions in the body to determine the source of stress and be able to counteract it. However, some stress conditions have not been widely studied, including thermal stress, cognitive stress, and combined (thermal–cognitive) stress conditions, which are frequently encountered in work or school environments. In order to develop systems to detect and differentiate these conditions, it is necessary to identify the physiological indicators that characterize each of them. The present research aims to identify which physiological indicators (heart rate, respiratory rate, galvanic skin response, and local temperature) could differentiate different stress conditions (no‐stress, cognitive stress, thermal stress, and combined (thermal–cognitive) stress conditions). Thirty participants were exposed to cognitive, thermal, and combined stress sources while recording their physiological signals. The findings indicate that both mean heart rate and mean galvanic skin response identify moderate thermal and cognitive stress conditions as distinct from a no‐stress condition, yet they do not differentiate between the two stress conditions. Additionally, heart rate uniquely identifies the cognitive–thermal stress condition, effectively distinguishing this combined stress condition from the singular stress conditions and the no‐stress condition. Mean local temperature specifically signals thermal stress conditions, whereas mean respiratory rate accurately identifies cognitive stress conditions, with both indicators effectively separating these conditions from each other and from the no‐stress condition. This is the first basis for differentiating thermal and cognitive stress conditions through physiological indicators. Different sources of stress (thermal and cognitive) generate different physiological responses in the body. Mean heart rate, mean local temperature, mean respiratory rate, and mean galvanic skin response allow to differentiate between different stress conditions in the body. Physiological indicators can be used to develop signal‐based detection systems to identify different stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple method set for assessing biochemical changes associated with osmotic stress responses was developed using coffee (Coffea arabica L.) leaf disks. Stress was induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) exposure. Quantitative evaluation of tissue physiological stress parameters was carried out using analytical methods to validate the conversion of classic qualitative histochemical tests for localizing lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, and total xanthine alkaloids into semi-quantitative assays. Relative electrolyte leakage (EL%) and chlorophyll content (SPAD index) were also recorded. EL% levels of treated disks were higher than those of control ones, whereas SPAD indexes were comparable. Histochemical localization indicated that levels of lipid peroxidation, H2O2, and total xanthines were also higher under osmotic stress than in control conditions. Semi-quantitative data obtained by image processing of histochemical staining consistently matched quantitative evaluations. Chromatographic analyses revealed that theophylline and caffeine concentrations increased in the presence of PEG, whereas theobromine remained constant in relation to the control. The methods herein described can be useful to rapidly acquire initial data regarding biochemical osmotic stress responses in coffee tissues based on simple staining and imaging steps. Moreover, it is likely that the same method may be applicable to other types of stresses and plant species upon minor adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interpersonal touch buffers against stress under challenging conditions, but this effect depends on familiarity. People benefit from receiving touch from their romantic partners, but the results are less consistent in the context of receiving touch from an opposite-gender stranger. We propose that there may be important gender differences in how people respond to touch from opposite-gender strangers. Specifically, we propose that touch from an opposite-gender stranger may only have stress-buffering effects for men, not women. Stress was induced as participants took part in an emotion recognition task in which they received false failure feedback while being touched by a romantic partner or stranger. We measured subjective and physiological markers of stress (i.e., reduced heart rate variability) throughout the experiment. Neither stranger's nor partner's touch had any effect on subjective or physiological markers of stress for men. Women, however, subjectively experienced a stress-buffering effect of partner and stranger touch, but showed increased physiological markers of stress when receiving touch from an opposite-gender stranger. These results highlight the importance of considering gender when investigating touch as a stress buffer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social anxiety (SA) is characterized by concerns about the expected occurrence (probability) and anticipated distress (cost) of social threats. Unclear is whether SA correlates specifically with biased expectations of belongingness or status threats. Aims: We aimed to discern if SA is uniquely tied to biased expectancies of either belongingness or status threats. Materials and Methods: We assessed 757 participants' perceptions of exclusion and put‐down scenarios, analysing associations between SA and threat perceptions. Discussion: Our findings support the status‐sensitivity hypothesis, suggesting individuals with high SA are particularly attuned to the perceived cost of status threats, potentially informing treatment approaches. Conclusion: Understanding SA's link to status concerns enhances therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the need to address status‐related situations, cognitions, and emotions in interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

INTRODUCTION: Firefighters operating in hot environments face challenges from protective garments that restrict heat dissipation, resulting in increased core temperature, thermal discomfort, and performance decline. Cooling vests represent a viable solution. The study aim was to compare effectiveness of the same amount of cooling power to the upper body (UB) or whole body (WB) in alleviating thermoregulatory and physiological stress, enhancing cognitive function, and reducing ratings of thermal discomfort and exertion, during 60 min of exercise in a hot environment (40°C, 40% relative humidity) while wearing firefighter turnout gear. METHODS: E ight healthy individuals (27.5 ± 3 y) participated in three conditions with either no cooling (Control) or active cooling with a liquid perfused shirt (UB cooling), or with a liquid perfused shirt and pants (WB cooling). In each trial, subjects performed three sets of 15 min of stepping (20 steps · min-1) and 5 min of rest. RESULTS: Both cooling strategies were beneficial compared to having no cooling at all. Subjects could only complete two exercise bouts during Control, but they completed all three bouts with active cooling. WB cooling provided an advantage over UB cooling for core and skin temperature, and thermal comfort and sensation. The advantage in minimizing the increase in core temperature was only evident during the third exercise bout. DISCUSSION: A ctive cooling is advantageous under these conditions. WB cooling provided some benefits vs UB cooling during heavy intensity exercise; however, it is uncertain whether these benefits would be observed during light-to-moderate exercise, which more likely reflects an actual firefighting scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professor Richard (Rick) Morimoto is the Bill and Gayle Cook Professor of Biology and Director of the Rice Institute for Biomedical Research at Northwestern University. He has made foundational contributions to our understanding of how cells respond to various stresses, and the role played in those responses by chaperones. Working across a variety of experimental models, from C. elegans to human neuronal cells, he has identified a number of important molecular components that sense and respond to stress, and he has dissected how stress alters cellular and organismal physiology. Together with colleagues, Professor Morimoto has coined the term "proteostasis" to signify the homeostatic control of protein expression and function, and in recent years he has been one of the leaders of a consortium trying to understand proteostasis in healthy and disease states. I took the opportunity to talk with Professor Morimoto about proteostasis in general, the aims of the consortium, and how autophagy is playing an important role in their research effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves of Tartary buckwheat stress-tolerant variety Chuanqiao No.1 and stress-sensitive variety Chuanqiao No.2 were sprayed with 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 mg/kg ozonated water, and the physiological indexes such as fresh weight, chlorophyll and nitrogen content, plasma membrane permeability, and SOD activity of seedlings were measured. The results showed that spraying ozonated water with appropriate concentration was beneficial to improve the physiological characteristics and stress resistance of Tartary buckwheat. The appropriate concentrations of ozonated water for Chuanqiao No.1 and Chuanqiao No.2 were 0.6 mg/kg and 0.4 mg/kg. The expression of chlorophyll synthesis-related gene FtDCL, nitrogen transport-related gene FtAMT1-1 and stress resistance-related genes (FtSOD, FtNHX1, FtSOS1) in Tartary buckwheat could be significantly promoted by spraying ozonated water with appropriate concentration. The maximum expression level of FtDCL, FtSOD and FtSOS1 genes in Chuanqiao No.1 and Chuanqiao No.2 was at 12 h, while that of FtAMT1-1 and FtNHX1 genes in Chuanqiao No.2 was at 24 h and 6 h. The growth rate and stress resistance of Tartary buckwheat may be improved by ozonated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First episode mild depression (FE-MDD) is characterized by elevated malondialdehyde. • FE-MDD is characterized by increased NO production and lowered antioxidant defenses. • Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with nitro-oxidative stress. • Negative life events (NLEs) are associated with nitro-oxidative stress. • ACEs and NLEs and nitro-oxidative stress are associated with the depression phenome. Undergraduate students are frequently afflicted by major depressive disorder (MDD). Oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of MDD. There is no information regarding whether mild outpatient MDD (SDMD) and first episode SDMD (FE-SDMD) are accompanied by O&NS. The current study compared lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced protein oxidation products, nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), thiol groups, plasma total antioxidant potential (TRAP), and paraoxonase 1 activities among SDMD and FE-SDMD patients versus healthy controls. We found that SDMD and FE-SDMD exhibit elevated MDA and NOx, and decreased TRAP and LOOH as compared with controls. There was a significant and positive correlation between O&NS biomarkers and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and negative life events (NLEs). O&NS pathways, NLEs and ACEs accounted for 51.7 % of the variance in the phenome of depression, and O&NS and NLS explained 42.9 % of the variance in brooding. Overall, these results indicate that SDMD and FE-SDMD are characterized by reduced total antioxidant defenses and increased aldehyde and NOx production. The combined effects of oxidative and psychological stressors are substantially associated with the manifestation of SDMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prey alter their foraging when threatened by predators. Two mutually inclusive hypotheses explain this response. The first entails that defence behaviours to minimise exposure to predators prevent prey from achieving their preferred diet, while the second postulates that prey deliberately change their diet to fulfil new stress‐induced nutritional demands. We combined field observations and laboratory experiments to determine which hypothesis dictates snail dietary responses to risk of beetle predation. Snails exposed to predation‐risk reduced activity, increased climbing, increased respiration, ate distinctively to achieve a certain nutrient target, and preferred eating on the cage floor at the costs of nutritional imbalance and elevated risk. When only carbohydrates‐rich food was on the floor, stressed snails reduced activity and foraged less, but when only protein‐rich food was on the floor snails increased activity and consumed more carbohydrates than their no‐risk conspecifics. This outcome suggests that nutrient accessibility may determine which hypothesis governs the prey dietary reaction to predation risk. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the impact of multiple protection model in the operating room on patients' physiological stress and risk events after coronary artery stent implantation (CASI). Methods: During October 2021 to October 2022, 150 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) were picked as the research subjects, all of whom underwent CASI. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were divided into two groups according to different nursing methods, with 75 cases in each group. Patients in the intervention group received multiple protection model intervention in the operating room, and the patients in the control group adopted conventional care model. The patient satisfaction with nursing, postoperative recovery, psychological stress scores, physiological stress indicators, and adverse cardiac risk events were recorded. Results: Patients in the intervention group had much higher percentage of the patient satisfaction with nursing than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The time to get out of bed and hospital stay was significantly shorter and the 6-min walking distance was markedly longer in the intervention group than the control (P < 0.05). The Hamilton Anxiety (HAMA) scale and Hamilton Depression (HAMD) scale score of patients in two groups were sharply decreased after the intervention (P < 0.05), which were strongly lower in the intervention group than the control (P < 0.001). After the intervention, the heart rate, cortisol and epinephrine of patients were all sensibly elevated in two groups (P < 0.05), which were all memorably lower in the intervention group than the control (P < 0.001). The incidence of adverse cardiac risk events in the intervention group was 5.33%, which was dramatically lower than 16.00% in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The application of multiple protection model in the operating room on patients undergoing coronary stent implantation promoted postoperative recovery, reduced patients' psychological and physiological stress, maintained blood pressure and other vital signs, reduced the incidence of adverse cardiac risk events, and improved the patient satisfaction with nursing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cells utilize diverse organelles to maintain homeostasis and to respond to extracellular stimuli. Recently, multifaceted aspects of organelle stress caused by various factors have been emerging. The endosome is an essential organelle, functioning as the central hub for membrane trafficking in cooperation with the ubiquitin system. However, knowledge regarding endosomal stress, which refers to organelle stress of the endosome, is currently limited. We recently revealed ubiquitin‐mediated endosomal stress of early endosomes (EEs) and its responsive signaling pathways. These findings shed light on the relevance of ubiquitin‐mediated endosomal stress to physiological and pathological processes. Here, we present a hypothesis that ubiquitin‐mediated endosomal stress may have significant roles in biological contexts and that ubiquitin‐specific protease 8 is a key regulator of ubiquitin clearance from EEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Failure of treatment with gemcitabine in most cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients is due to drug resistance. The therapeutic potential of natural plant secondary compounds with minimal toxicity, such as cannabidiol (CBD), is a promising line of investigation in gemcitabine-resistant CCA. We aim to investigate the effects of CBD on gemcitabine-resistant CCA (KKU-213BGemR) cells in vitro and in vivo. Materials: In vitro, cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were assessed using MTT assay, clonogenicity assay and flow cytometry. The effect of CBD on ROS production was evaluated using the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe. The mechanism exerted by CBD on ER stress-associated apoptosis was investigated by western blot analysis. A gemcitabine-resistant CCA xenograft model was also used and the expression of PCNA and CHOP were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis. Results: The IC50 values of CBD for KKU-213BGemR cells ranged from 19.66 to 21.05 µM. For a non-cancerous immortalized fibroblast cell line, relevant values were 18.29 to 19.21 µM. CBD suppressed colony formation by KKU-213BGemR cells in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 10 to 30 µM. CBD at 30 µM significantly increased apoptosis at early (16.37%) (P = 0.0024) and late (1.8%) stages (P < 0.0001), for a total of 18.17% apoptosis (P = 0.0017), in part by increasing ROS production (P < 0.0001). Multiphase cell cycle arrest significantly increased at G0/G1 with CBD 10 and 20 µM (P = 0.004 and P = 0.017), and at G2/M with CBD 30 µM (P = 0.005). CBD treatment resulted in increased expression of ER stress-associated apoptosis proteins, including p-PERK, BiP, ATF4, CHOP, BAX, and cytochrome c. In xenografted mouse, CBD significantly suppressed tumors at 10 and 40 mg/kg·Bw (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.0278, respectively), which was supported by an increase in CHOP, but a decrease in PCNA expression in tumor tissues (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The results suggest that CBD exhibits potent anti-cancer activity against gemcitabine-resistant CCA in vitro and in vivo, in part via ER stress-mediated mechanisms. These results indicate that clinical explorative use of CBD on gemcitabine-resistant CCA patients is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With its unique audiovisual environment, bamboo forest spaces serve as natural sanctuaries for urban residents, offering significant restorative effects by reducing physical and mental stress and alleviating fatigue. This promotes the vigorous development of outdoor recreation activities. To further explore the restorative effects of bamboo forest space on people's audiovisual perceptual aspects. In this study, we conducted field research in the Southern Sichuan Bamboo Sea, collecting audiovisual materials from four types of bamboo forest spaces: pathway type, cultural type, ornamental type, and recreational. These spatial photographs were combined with three types of soundscapes (silent, background, and background + wind-blown bamboo sound). Eye tracking experiments were utilized to investigate the physical and mental restorative effects of these different audiovisual features on college students. The results showed that in the visual aspect, the visual restorative properties of recreational-type and ornamental-type bamboo spaces were better than those of pathway type and cultural-type spaces; in the auditory aspect, the sounds of wind-blown bamboo, flowing water, and chirping birds in the bamboo forest significantly enhanced the subjective restorative properties of the bamboo forest space, reducing the number of fixations and the average pupil diameter. In addition, this paper found that the soundscape guided people's visual attention, with the wind-blown bamboo sound increasing focus on natural elements, and the extensibility of the bamboo forest space was positively correlated with the number of fixations, while fascination was negatively correlated with the average saccade amplitude. These findings provide insights for the optimized design of audiovisual restorative environments in bamboo forest space in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An N-of-1 observational design characterizes associations among several variables over time in a single individual. Traditional statistical models recommended for experimental N-of-1 trials may not adequately model these observational relationships. We propose an additive Bayesian network using a generalized linear mixed-effects model for the local mean as a novel method for modeling each of these relationships in a data-driven manner. We validate our approach via simulation studies and apply it to a 12-month observational N-of-1 study exploring the impact of stress on daily exercise engagement. We demonstrate the improved performance of the additive Bayesian network to recover the underlying network structure. From the empirical study, we found statistically discernible associations between reports of stress and physical activity on a population level, but these associations may differ at an individual level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity stress is one of the most important stress barriers to crop production worldwide. Developing and implementing new strategies against salinity stress is critical for increasing agricultural productivity and supporting sustainable farming. Elicitors such as nanoparticles and Salicylic acid have recently been used potentially for better product yield. Therefore, in our research the Salvia virgata plant was exposed to salinity (NaCl) stress, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP), salicylic acid (SA), and the ZnONP + SA combination were applied to plants divided into different groups. While salinity stress decreased the amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid pigments, SA, ZnONP, and SA + ZnONP elicitors combined with salinity stress enhanced the content of all three pigments. While salt stress raised MDA, H2O2, total phenolic, total flavonoid, soluble sugar and proline content, elicitor applications enhanced proline, soluble sugar, total phenolic and total flavonoid content more. Additionally, the application of NaCl + SA + ZnONP increased proline content by 21.55% and sugar content by 15.73% compared to NaCl application, while decreasing MDA content by 42.28% and H2O2 levels by 42.34%, thereby alleviating the plant's salt stress. It was revealed that DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC antioxidant activity sequence used to determine the total antioxidant activity displayed similarities, and it was found as NaCI + ZnONP > NaCI + SA > NaCI + SA + ZnONP > NaCI > Control. Furthermore, all elicitor applications increased CAT, GR, APX, and SOD enzyme activities while reducing oxidative stress in S. virgata plants. When all the data were evaluated, it was confirmed that SA and ZnONP had a synergistic effect and that SA and ZnONP have the potential to support plant development and growth under salinity. SA and ZnONP applications may have the capacity to least the detrimental impacts of salinity stress on plants. However, further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of SA and ZnONPs in ameliorating salinity or different stress factors in various other plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Construction workers are a population that is at risk for mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and even suicide due to the high stress and physical demands of their work. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for depression, anxiety, and stress among Bangladeshi construction workers. Methods: From February 2022 to June 2022, community-based cross-sectional research was conducted among construction workers. Survey data was gathered using interviewer administered questionnaires with 502 participants from the construction sites. Data were collected based on the information related to socio-demographics, lifestyle, occupation, health hazards, and mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress). The results were interpreted using the chi-square test and logistic regression utilizing SPSS statistical software. Results: The study revealed the prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among construction workers to be 17.9%, 30.3%, and 12%, respectively. Key findings indicate that construction workers who maintained a healthy sleep duration were 64% less likely to be depressed compared to those with poor sleep (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.21–0.61, p<0.001). Workers who did not experience breathing issues upon starting construction work had a 45% lower likelihood of experiencing depression (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32–0.97, p = 0.037) and an 82% lower likelihood of experiencing anxiety (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.11–0.30, p<0.001). Bricklayer construction workers were 72% less likely to experience stress (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.08–0.95, p = 0.041), and workers without breathing issues after starting construction work were 66% less likely to experience stress (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17–0.66, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The study found that depression, anxiety, and stress are prevalent among construction workers in Bangladesh, with breathing issues as a significant risk factor. Thus, there is a need for effective measures to reduce these problems and provide a safe working environment for construction workers to ensure their productivity and the country's overall growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress has various impacts on the health of human beings. Recent success in wearable sensor development, combined with advancements in deep learning to automatically detect features from raw data, opens several interesting applications related to detecting emotional states. Being able to accurately detect stress-related emotional arousal in an acute setting can positively impact the imminent health status of humans, i.e., through avoiding dangerous locations in an urban traffic setting. This work proposes an explainable deep learning methodology for the automatic detection of stress in physiological sensor data, recorded through a non-invasive wearable sensor device, the Empatica E4 wristband. We propose a Long-Short Term-Memory (LSTM) network, extended through a Deep Generative Ensemble of conditional GANs (LSTM DGE), to deal with the low data regime of sparsely labeled sensor measurements. As explainability is often a main concern of deep learning models, we leverage Integrated Gradients (IG) to highlight the most essential features used by the model for prediction and to compare the results to state-of-the-art expert-based stress-detection methodologies in terms of precision, recall, and interpretability. The results show that our LSTM DGE outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithm by 3 percentage points in terms of recall, and 7.18 percentage points in terms of precision. More importantly, through the use of Integrated Gradients as a layer of explainability, we show that there is a strong overlap between model-derived stress features for electrodermal activity and existing literature, which current state-of-the-art stress detection systems in medical research and psychology are based on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing evidence that a relationship exists between mental and emotional wellbeing and the gut microbiota. Little is known regarding how the microbiota reacts to repeated acute stress events in dogs, and whether it is a predictor of stress response. In this study, we explored the impact on the gut microbiota and digestive health with two common events many pet dogs find stressful. Twenty healthy adult dogs, living within a colony, were exposed to either car travel or separation three times across eight-week intervals. Faecal samples were collected 24 h before, within 24 h, and 24–48 h after. Faecal quality and pH, and microbiota diversity and composition were analysed in context with wider published work on physiological stress measures. No significant changes were observed in faecal quality or pH with either stress event at any timepoint, indicating all pets remained in good digestive health. Microbiota analysis demonstrated no significant impact on alpha or beta diversity with either stressor. Microbial signatures previously linked to stress were not identified in these dogs and no changes were observed in the functional gut composition. Irrespective of whether the pet was considered "stressed" (i.e., exhibited an increase in serum cortisol), there was no effect on the microbiota and no taxa were predictive of stress response. Collectively, this work demonstrates, for this population, certain acute stress events have no meaningful impact on the canine gut microbiota, and it has no impact on the associated stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a thickness-wise functionally graded (FG) beam, the midplane does not coincide with its physical neutral plane. This paper presents a consistent shear beam theory that guarantees the warping of the cross-section with vanishing shear stress on the surfaces and maximal shear strain/stress at the physical neutral plane. The governing equation of the free vibration of FG beams is derived. For typical end conditions, the characteristic equations are obtained exactly. The numerical natural frequencies are calculated and verified for special cases by comparing the existing solutions. Effects of the exponential gradient of material properties on the natural frequencies are elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization severely limits the quality and productivity of economic crops, threatening global food security. Recent advancements have improved our understanding of how plants perceive, signal, and respond to salt stress. The discovery of the Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway has been crucial in revealing the molecular mechanisms behind plant salinity tolerance. Additionally, extensive research into various plant hormones, transcription factors, and signaling molecules has greatly enhanced our knowledge of plants' salinity tolerance mechanisms. Cucurbitaceae plants, cherished for their economic value as fruits and vegetables, display sensitivity to salt stress. Despite garnering some attention, research on the salinity tolerance of these plants remains somewhat scattered and disorganized. Consequently, this article offers a review centered on three aspects: the salt response of Cucurbitaceae under stress; physiological and biochemical responses to salt stress; and the current research status of their molecular mechanisms in economically significant crops, like cucumbers, watermelons, melon, and loofahs. Additionally, some measures to improve the salt tolerance of Cucurbitaceae crops are summarized. It aims to provide insights for the in-depth exploration of Cucurbitaceae's salt response mechanisms, uncovering the roles of salt-resistant genes and fostering the cultivation of novel varieties through molecular biology in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All animal species, from arthropods to vertebrates, must deal with occasional stressors in their lives, though most research on this has been focused on vertebrates. Meanwhile, our understanding of stress reactions in arthropod species like spiders is nascent. In the United States, a non‐native orb‐weaving spider, Trichonephila clavata (‘jorō’ spider), is spreading as is its already‐established cousin in the United States, T. clavipes (golden silk spider). Prior study has revealed how these two species have a unique behavioural reaction to physical stressors, whereby they remain in a thanatosis state for a prolonged period compared with other species. Here, we investigate the physiological stress reactions of these Trichonephila spiders by evaluating how each species' dorsal vessel contractions (heart rates) become elevated after being subjected to a non‐lethal stressor. For comparison, we also evaluate two similarly‐sized orb weavers, Argiope aurantia (garden spider) and A. trifasciata (banded garden spider). We record baseline heart rates of inactive, resting, spiders in our lab, then restrain them under an electronic, ‘optocardiographic’, sensor for 10 min, to record their ‘stressed’ heart rates. Argiope aurantia has a pronounced heart rate elevation, for reasons unknown. We observe that all spider heart rates increase during restraint, though each has a species‐specific pattern of elevation over time under restraint. Notably, heart rates of both Trichonephila spiders are less variable under stress, since they tend not to struggle during restraint. Meanwhile, both Argiope spiders frequently struggle, leading to marked fluctuations in cardiac output. The stress reactions of Trichonephila spiders could be characterized as ‘even‐tempered’, which may factor into their ability to live in habitats with frequent disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to identify maternal characteristics predicting interpretation of infant emotions, as well as relations between such interpretations and mother-infant stress. Specifically, we investigated (1) prospective associations between maternal dispositional mindfulness and interpretation of infant emotions, and (2) concurrent associations between maternal interpretation of infant emotions and mothers’ and infants’ cortisol during a dyadic stressor in a non-clinical community sample (n = 78) of mother-infant dyads. Mothers completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire at 3 months postnatal, and the IFEEL Picture infant emotion interpretation task at 6 months postnatal. At 6-months, mother-infant dyads completed the Face-to-Face Still Face paradigm, and physiological stress was assessed via salivary cortisol. Regression analyses revealed significant links between aspects of maternal mindfulness – specifically, Observing, Describing, and Acting with Awareness facets – and infant emotion interpretation; more mindful mothers’ emotion ratings were less negatively biased and covered the full spectrum of infant emotions, congruent with the range of responses given by a low-risk reference sample. In turn, less negativity bias and greater interpretive congruence predicted lower infant and mother cortisol during the stress session, with effects small-medium in size. Findings highlight the potential role of maternal interpretation of infant emotions in mindful parenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]