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Context: Mindfulness interventions (yoga, meditation) in traumatic brain injury populations show promising improvements in injury outcomes. However, most studies include all injury severities and use in-person, general programming lacking accessibility and specificity to the nuance of concussion. Therefore, this study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an online, concussion-focused meditation intervention among young adults with a concussion history. Design: Unblinded, single-arm, pilot intervention. Methods: Fifteen young adults aged 18 to 30 with a concussion history within the past 5 years completed 10 to 20 minutes per day of online, guided meditations for 6 weeks. Feasibility was assessed using the Feasibility of Intervention Measure. Concussion symptoms were measured using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire, perceived stress the Perceived Stress Scale-10, and mindfulness the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics described the study sample and determined intervention adherence and feasibility. Paired sample t tests were used to examine preintervention/postintervention changes in concussion symptoms, perceived stress, and mindfulness, with descriptive statistics further detailing significant t tests. Results: Fifteen participants were enrolled, and 12 completed the intervention. The majority completed 5+ days per week of the meditations, and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (17.4 [1.8]) scores indicated high feasibility. Concussion symptom severity significantly decreased after completing the meditation intervention (11.3 [10.3]) compared with before the intervention (24.5 [17.2]; t[11] = 3.0, P =.01). The number of concussion symptoms reported as worse than before their concussion significantly decreased after completing the meditation intervention (2.7 [3.9]) compared with before the intervention (8.0 [5.7]; t[11] = 3.7, P =.004). Postintervention, 83.33% (n = 10) reported lower concussion symptom severity, and 75.00% (n = 9) reported less concussion symptoms as a mild, moderate, or severe problem (ie, worse than before injury). Conclusions: Findings suggest positive adherence and feasibility of the meditation intervention, with the majority reporting concussion symptom improvement postintervention. Future research is necessary to expand these pilot findings into a large trial investigating concussion-specific meditation programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four decades of research into the influences of time pressure on risky decisions have produced widely contrasting findings: 38.5% of the effects indicate that time pressure increases risk preferences, whereas 61.5% show the opposite. A theoretical framework with four conceptual categories of moderators is proposed to explain these heterogeneous findings: nature of the time constraint, negative outcome salience, negative outcome severity, and vulnerability to the outcomes. This framework is tested through a meta-analysis of 213 effect sizes reported in 83 papers, representing 65,574 unique respondents. The four categories of moderators effectively resolve notable conflicts. For example, regarding the nature of the time constraint, an absolute versus relative constraint increases risk preferences, but an ambiguous versus objective constraint decreases risk preferences. In terms of negative outcome salience, risk preferences decrease if the risk is learned about from a description (vs. experience) or the outcome is framed as a loss (vs. gain). Negative outcome severity also exerts an effect, as discrete choices lower risk preferences compared with attitudinal risk. In addition to managerial and public policy implications based on simulations, a comprehensive research agenda that builds on the robust insights of this meta-analysis is offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the impact of oral contraceptive (OC) phases on performance, physiological, and subjective responses to prolonged, intensive exercise when carbohydrate (CHO) stores are reduced. Methods: Ten well-trained female cyclists using monophasic OC completed 4 identical trials (>150 min) under conditions of in-trial 60-g·h−1 CHO supplementation (CHO+) or placebo (CHO−) during the sugar- (SUG) and active-pill (ACT) phases of their OC cycle. Each trial comprised two 400-kcal time trials (TT) separated by 1 hour of submaximal cycling at first ventilatory threshold. Results: Change in completion time from TT1 to TT2 was minimized in CHO+ compared with CHO− (4.06 [2.55] vs 6.08 [5.33] min; P =.019, effect size = −0.36). An interaction effect of OC and CHO was observed for time to complete TT (P =.006), mean TT power (P =.002), mean TT heart rate (P =.002), and posttrial emotional balance (P =.020) and negative emotional state (P =.033). In ACT, mean TT power and heart rate were higher in CHO+ when compared with CHO−, resulting in faster TTs in CHO+ and improved posttrial emotional well-being. When CHO was not supplemented, TT power and heart rate were higher in SUG when compared with ACT, resulting in faster TTs in SUG and improved posttrial emotional balance. Conclusion: CHO depletion during ACT negatively influenced TT performance and emotional well-being when compared with SUG. Irrespective of OC pill phase, CHO supplementation should be prioritized to sustain performance and improve postexercise recovery–stress balance. [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]

Purpose: This study compared the effects of individualizing supramaximal interval rowing interventions using anaerobic power reserve (APR [high-intensity interval training (HIIT) prescribed according to individual APR (HIITAPR)]) and power associated with maximal oxygen uptake ( W V ˙ O 2 max [HIIT prescribed based on the individual W V ˙ O 2 max (HIITW)]) on the homogeneity of physiological and performance adaptations. Methods: Twenty-four well-trained rowers (age 24.8 [4.3] y, stature 182.5 [3] cm, body mass 86.1 [4.3]) were randomized into interventions consisting of 4 × 30-second intervals at 130%APR ( W V ˙ O 2 max + 0.3 × maximal sprint power) with weekly progression by increasing the number of repetitions per set (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, from first to sixth session) and the same sets and repetitions with the intensity described as 130% W V ˙ O 2 max. The work-to-recovery ratio was 1:1 for repetitions and 3 minutes between sets. Responses of aerobic fitness indices, power output, cardiac hemodynamics, locomotor abilities, and time-trial performance were examined. Results: Both HIITAPR and HIITW interventions significantly improved V ˙ O 2 max , lactate threshold, cardiac hemodynamics, and 2000-m performance, with no between-groups difference in changes over time. However, HIITAPR resulted in a lower interindividual variability in adaptations in V ˙ O 2 max and related physiological parameters, but this is not the case for athletic performance, which can depend on a multitude of factors beyond physiological parameters. Conclusions: Results demonstrated that expressing supramaximal interval intensity as a proportion of APR facilitates imposing the same degrees of homeostatic stress and leads to more homogeneous physiological adaptations in maximal variables when compared to prescribing a supramaximal HIIT intervention using W V ˙ O 2 max. However, lower interindividual variability would be seen in submaximal variables if HIIT interventions were prescribed using W V ˙ O 2 max. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surf lifesaving members are essential first responders who patrol public waterways, performing rescues and resuscitation to individuals in the community when needed. In this way, surf lifesaving members experience arduous physical requirements alongside extensive psychological stress during resuscitation. Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) represents the predominant, frontline lifesaving service in Queensland, Australia; however, little research has explored key aspects of drowning resuscitations involving this organisation, as well as in the broader lifesaving industry, limiting current understanding on this vital topic. We sought to explore key aspects of drowning resuscitations within SLSQ and create a framework to generate evidence-based practice. In guiding future lines of inquiry addressing this deficiency, a six-step research framework has been proposed to aid in holistically understanding the resuscitation process from a surf lifesaving perspective. Evidence generated from applying this framework will create a much- needed knowledge base for surf lifesaving organisations to use in the development of practical, strategic, and effective decisions to enhance their practices and ultimately better prevent drowning fatalities. [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]

Exercise is the single most effective strategy to reduce the risk of falls. Online classes have grown in popularity, but the benefits of online classes remain unknown. Zoomers on the Go is a peer-led 12-week exercise program offered twice weekly to adults 50+ years old. The main outcome was lower body strength measured by the 30-s chair stand test. Other outcomes included dropout, attendance, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and perceived health. A total of 74 participants (age 66.3 ± 7.1 years) in the online group and 84 participants in the in-person group (age 67.3 ± 7.2 years) completed the program, with attendance for the online group. Both groups significantly improved their 30-s chair stand, cardiorespiratory fitness, and balance (p <.001) with no difference in functional benefits between groups. The in-person group improved their perceived health and significantly reduced levels of stress and depression, while no such changes were observed in the online group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reentry period after maternity leave can be a stressful but important transition for mothers, their significant others, and their organizations. In the present study, we integrate conservation of resources theory, the crossover model, and the relative contribution model to understand the influence of perceived organizational support during reentry on both mothers' and their significant others' home stress and, ultimately, workplace experiences. Beyond actor effects, we investigate the relationship between each parent's perceived organizational support on their partner's home stress via three crossover mechanisms: (a) direct, (b) indirect, (c) shared stressor. Notably, we offer a theoretically novel lens through which to view the shared-stressor mechanism. Drawing upon the relative contribution model, we conceptualize dual-earner parents as a team and argue that because mothers are the critical members during this period, their resources will directly influence both parents' home stress. Findings yielded by this multistage, multisource field study demonstrate the importance of supporting mothers as critical members of the family during reentry, as organizational support that is perceived as inadequate directly affects home stress and indirectly influences workplace experiences that can impede successful transitions and threaten career outcomes for both parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the stresses caused by different All-on-4 surgical techniques—conventional, a combination of monocortical and bicortical, bicortical, and nasal floor elevation—on the implant and the surrounding bone using 3D finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods: A 3D bone model of the atrophic maxilla was created based on CT imaging of the fully edentulous adult patient. All implants used in the models were 4 mm in diameter, and the length was 13 mm in the anterior and 15 mm in the posterior. Implants were applied to four different atrophic maxillary models with the All-on-4 technique: anterior and posterior monocortical implants in the first model, anterior monocortical and posterior bicortical in the second model, anterior and posterior bicortical in the third model, and anterior and posterior bicortical with nasal floor elevation in the fourth model. Eight linear analyses were performed by applying force from both vertical and 45-degree oblique directions to the four models prepared in our study. Results: When the cortical and cancellous bone around the anterior implants was examined, it was observed that the oblique and vertical loading conditions and the stresses around the implant were similar in all models. When the posterior implants were examined, model 1 (ie, anterior and posterior monocortical implants) showed the greatest oblique compression, vertical compression, and vertical tension forces. According to the Von Mises stress (VMS) analysis results for anterior and posterior implants, higher values were observed in model 1 compared to models 3 and 4 under oblique and vertical forces. It was observed that bicortical placement of the implants reduced the stresses on the bone and implant-abutment system but had no significant effect on the stress on the bar. Conclusions: According to the results of our study, in the All-on-4 technique, bicortical placement of the implants reduced the stresses on the bone and implant when the anatomical limitations allowed. In addition, nasal floor elevation can be applied in the atrophic maxilla in appropriate indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leisure walking has been found to be positively associated with increased mental health. However, the benefits of leisure walking of varying intensities on the mental health of older adults (>50 years old) with mild cognitive impairment are not clear. This study employed 2020 Health and Retirement Study data to investigate the benefits of leisure walking for three groups based on levels of participation (low, mid, and high). We conducted a multivariate analysis of covariance (n = 834) to examine the group mean differences (MDs). The respondents in the high and mid groups presented higher life satisfaction and happiness than those in the low group. The high group had lower loneliness and stress scores than those in the low and mid groups. These findings indicate that older adults with mild cognitive impairment gained more mental health benefits and life satisfaction through moderate and vigorous leisure walking than through light leisure walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined posttravel perceptual responses of national-team footballers (soccer) following different flight paths, arrival/departure times, and trip contexts. Methods: Details of 396 flights from national-team players (N = 68) were obtained and verified via an online flight database. Each player provided ratings of perceptual fatigue, sleep, soreness, stress, and jet lag for 2 days before and after each trip. The flight path (continents of departure and arrival), travel context (into vs out of national team), and arrival and departure times were obtained for each trip. Linear mixed models compared the pretravel with posttravel change in perceptual responses based on flight path, context, and schedule. Results: Perceived jet-lag ratings were more responsive to travel variables (R2 =.48) than other perceptual ratings (R2 <.26). Travel from Asia to Europe (P <.05) and Europe to Australia (P <.001) had significantly higher jet-lag ratings than all other paths. Fatigue scores were worst following Asia to Europe (P <.05) and Europe to Australia (P <.05) travel, while sleep scores were worst following Europe to Australia travel (P <.01). Perceptual responses were poorer following travel from national team to club compared with all other travel contexts (P <.05). Arrival during the daytime (11 AM to 5 PM) resulted in better perceptual responses than early-morning or late-night arrivals (P <.05). Conclusions: Perceived jet-lag ratings are more responsive to travel demands than perceptual wellness scales in national-team football athletes. Poorer perceptual responses may be expected when travel is longer in nature, ends later in the day, or involves travel out of the national team back to club. [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: Mental rehearsal is commonly employed, with positive visualization proposed to enhance complex skill performance. Additionally, video stimulus has been associated with enhanced kinesthetic sensations and rapid hormone fluctuations that may contribute to enhancing mental rehearsal and the conscious and unconscious emotional state for skill execution. Here, we assessed the impact of a 15-minute mental rehearsal intervention on rugby-specific tasks and the associated hormone profile. Methods: Professional rugby players (N = 10) volunteered for a randomized crossover study. They completed three 15-minute preparatory phases (positive or negative video-guided mental rehearsal or self-directed mental rehearsal alone) prior to an exercise stressor and rugby-specific passing task. Salivary testosterone and cortisol were monitored to assess stress responses. Results: Performance during the rugby passing task was improved following the positive video condition (91% [7.4%]) compared to the negative video (79% [6.0%]; ES: 1.22 ± 0.75) and self-visualization (86% [5.8%]; ES: 0.58 ± 0.75), with a significant correlation observed between passing performance and salivary testosterone (r =.47 ±.34, P =.0087). Positive video imagery prior to an exercise stressor also significantly enhanced physiological stress resilience (r =.39 ±.36, P =.0352). Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates that mental rehearsal was enhanced by appropriate, context-specific video presentation. We propose that the interaction between sex steroids, the adrenal axis, and subsequent conscious and unconscious behaviors may be relevant to competitive rugby. Specifically, we suggest that relatively elevated free testosterone imparts a degree of stress resilience, which may lead to enhanced expression of competitive behaviors and provide an enhanced state for rugby skill execution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mental fatigue causes decreases in aspects of athletes' performance. Elite coaches commonly undertake cognitively demanding tasks and are seemingly at similar risk of subsequent performance impairment. However, elite sport coaches' experiences of mental fatigue, alongside other markers of psychobiological stress, have yet to be quantified. Methods: Three elite coaching and performance staff (2 women and 1 man) provided 100-mm visual analog scale ratings of mental fatigue, physical fatigue, readiness to perform, and salivary samples for later cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA) analysis. Data were obtained on the same morning each week across a 16-week preseason. Data were subset by individual coach for descriptive and repeated-measures correlational analyses. Results: Fluctuating mental fatigue was observed over the 16 weeks (min–max; coach 1 = 25–86 AU; coach 2 = 0–51 AU; and coach 3 = 15 − 76 AU). Elevated levels of mental fatigue were reported at multiple time points, with individual variability observed. sCort (in nanomoles per liter), sAA (in micromoles per liter), and sAA:sCort indicated that coaches experienced psychophysiological stress (min–max; coach 1 sCort = 8.42–17.31, sAA = 52.40–113.06, sAA:sCort = 3.20–12.80; coach 2 sCort = 4.20–9.70, sAA = 158.80–307.20, sAA:sCort = 21.10–61.70; and coach 3 sCort = 6.81−19.66, sAA = 86.55–495.85, sAA:sCort = 4.90–35.50). A significant inverse relationship between mental fatigue and readiness to perform (r = −.44 [−.64 to −.17], P =.002) was identified. Conclusions: Elite sport coaches report elevated instances of mental fatigue during a preseason training period. Those involved in elite sports should act to understand the presence and potential subsequent impacts of staff mental fatigue and consider management or mitigation strategies. Optimization of the cognitive performance of coaches and performance staff presents as a potential source of competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the load and wellness of second-team academy football players during a first-team preseason with those of first-team players and those of their previous second-team preseason. Methods: Athletic Club's first- (n = 10) and second-team (n = 9) players were prospectively followed during the 2019–20 first- and second-team and 2020–21 first-team preseasons. Weekly external and internal loads and average wellness z-scores (fatigue, sleep quality, muscle soreness, stress, and mood) were compared between preseasons and teams. Results: While training together during the 2020–21 preseason, second-team players performed more decelerations <−3 m/s2 per week than first-team players (moderate effect size). For first-team players, there were only small differences between preseasons in external load, but session rating of perceived exertion was higher (moderate) and stress (moderate) and mood (large) z-scores were worse in 2020–21. For second-team players, more total distance (large), accelerations >3 m/s2 (large), and decelerations <−3 m/s2 (very large) were performed; total loading (moderate) and session rating of perceived exertion (moderate) were higher; and fatigue (very large) and stress (moderate) z-scores were worse during the 2020–21 first-team preseason compared to their previous second-team preseason. Conclusions: Players transitioning from the second team faced higher external and internal loads, fatigue, and stress during the first-team preseason compared to the previous second-team preseason. Player development and monitoring plans appear necessary to manage the transition from the academy to the first team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that female athletes are at risk for eating disorders. It is thought that factors such as pressure and stress experienced by professional athletes may affect emotional eating and body appreciation. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the emotional eating and body appreciation of professional Turkish female athletes. A total of 265 professional female athletes were categorized according to their sport types and nationality. Emotional eating was found to be higher and body appreciation to be lower in athletes competing at the national level. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis, which included variables such as age, body mass index, professional sports background, national level, and sport type show that the most effective factor in explaining emotional eating in professional female athletes is body appreciation. The present study findings support that professional female athletes are at risk in terms of emotional eating and body appreciation. In addition, emotional eating scores were found to be higher and body appreciation scores were lower in national athletes. Psychological factors such as intense stress and pressure have an impact on the eating behavior and body appreciation of national athletes. These results suggest that athletes should be evaluated by nutritionists, doctors, and psychologists from a multidisciplinary perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is a disabling and highly prevalent psychiatric illness. Multiple studies have linked glutamatergic dysfunction with the pathophysiology of depression, but the exact alterations in the glutamatergic system that contribute to depressive‐like behaviors are not fully understood. Recent evidence suggests that a decreased level in neuronal glutamate transporter (EAAT3), known to control glutamate levels and limit the activation of glutamate receptors at synaptic sites, may contribute to the manifestation of a depressive phenotype. Here, we tested the possibility that increased EAAT3 expression at excitatory synapses could reduce the susceptibility of mice to develop depressive‐like behaviors when challenged to a 5‐week unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) protocol. Mice overexpressing EAAT3 in the forebrain (EAAT3glo/CMKII) and control littermates (EAAT3glo) were assessed for depressive‐like behaviors and long‐term memory performance after being subjected to UCMS conditions. We found that, after UCMS, EAAT3glo/CMKII mice did not exhibit depressive‐like behaviors or memory alterations observed in control mice. Moreover, we found that EAAT3glo/CMKII mice did not show alterations in phasic dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens neither in long‐term synaptic plasticity in the CA1 region of the hippocampus after UCMS, as observed in control littermates. Altogether these results suggest that forebrain EAAT3 overexpression may be related to a resilient phenotype, both at behavioral and functional level, to the deleterious effect of chronic stress, highlighting the importance of neuronal EAAT3 in the pathophysiology of depressive‐like behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusions This study assessed the effects of hand‐bathing on sympathetic nervous activity exacerbated by psychological stress. Participants immersed one hand in warm water for 2 min while exposed to noise, and changes in blood flow and skin temperature of the non‐immersed hand were observed.Twenty‐nine healthy university students aged 20 years or older were randomly assigned to either the hand‐bathing group (n = 14) or the control group (n = 15). After a brief rest in a quiet environment, participants were exposed to noise for 6 min. Those in the hand‐bathing group submerged their left hand in a 40°C thermostatic bath for 2 min, starting 2 min into the noise exposure. The tympanic temperature, blood flow, and skin temperature of the non‐immersed hand were continuously measured, along with blood pressure and subjective evaluations before and after the noise exposure.Both groups experienced a decrease in fingertip skin temperature at the start of the noise exposure, persisting longer in the control group. Conversely, the hand‐bathing group showed increased fingertip skin temperature after 150 s, significantly higher after the noise exposure than the control group (p = .04). Participants in the hand‐bathing group reported significantly increased overall body warmth, thermal comfort, and relaxation during hand‐bathing (p = .007, p = .01, p < .001).The 2‐min hand‐bathing intervention reversed the pronounced vasoconstrictive response induced by noise exposure and elicited heightened sensations of overall body warmth, thermal comfort, and relaxation. Hand‐bathing may mitigate heightened sympathetic nervous activity associated with psychological stress induced by noise exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with persistent critical illness experience prolonged multi-system morbidity, functional impairments, and chronic conditions. As a result, these patients have prolonged intensive care unit admissions. If discharged, they return home with long-term medical dependencies. Care partners take on a variety of physical, mental health, cognitive, and social roles to support the provision of care for these patients. There is limited evidence, however, of the impact of being a care partner for this patient population during hospitalization. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to explore the impact care provision on care partners for patients experiencing persistent critical illness. Patients who have or have had persistent critical illness and care partners were recruited from two inpatient units in a single community academic hospital in Toronto, Canada to participate in semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed using a team-based inductive content analysis. Results: Seven (43.8%) participants were patient survivors, and nine (56.3%) were care partners. Patients and care partners reported physical, socio-emotional, and social stress as impacts of care provision during persistent critical illness hospitalization. Care partners identified several protective strategies that they used to mitigate the impacts of care provision on them such as seeking external mental health support and boundary setting. Features of formalized and care partner programs were also identified and suggest that these programs can be protective of care partner values, mitigate feelings of helplessness and stress, and may improve relationships between the family members who are in the care partner role and the healthcare team. Conclusions: This study identified physical, socio-emotional, and social stress related impacts of care provision on care partners of patients with persistent critical illness during hospitalization. Additionally, this study identified protective factors initiated by care partners to mitigate the reported stresses of the role, as well as protective features of a care partner program. The results provide a better understanding supportive features of care partner programs that are specific to the experiences and needs of persistent critical illness and add to the growing body of evidence about how to provide equitable access to care during and post hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether and to what extent perioperative hypnosis and relaxation techniques are used in German anaesthesia departments, what they are, where any difficulties in their application lie and how great the interest in this type of therapy is. Another research question was to find out whether there are specialist areas in which these methods are used more frequently than in other specialist areas. Methods: A descriptive survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire in all hospitals with anaesthesia departments in Germany. 1124 questionnaires were sent out by post. The survey period was five months from 27/02/2023 to 31/07/2023. The clinic directors of all anaesthesiology departments in German hospitals were surveyed. Results: 476 departments (42%) responded by pre-paid envelope. Of these, only 39 (8%) use hypnosis and relaxation techniques perioperatively. These are mostly progressive muscle relaxation, hypnotic trance according to Erickson, calming words and suggestions or the use of virtual reality (e.g. using VR-glasses). Conclusions: Hypnosis techniques have been shown in many studies to be effective in increasing patient comfort (less anxiety and stress) and reducing both the need for medication and perioperative pain. The therapy is rarely used in Germany, although once established it can be easily integrated into perioperative procedures. Many departments have shown great interest in the topic. In the interests of patients, a structural change should be considered to promote the use of hypnotic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mentorship is crucial to career advancement, medical education, and psychosocial support, especially for women and minorities. Although anesthesia mentoring programs have shown promise, there are no survey data regarding mentor-mentee relationship dynamics. This study aimed to explore the dynamics of the anesthesia mentor/mentee relationship. Methods: A open cross-sectional web-based survey was distributed by the European Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care and European Society of Regional Anesthesia to European anesthesiologists. Participation was anonymous and consent was obtained. The study evaluated responses relating to preferences, facilitators, and barriers to mentorship relationships along with sociodemographic information. Results: In total, 543 anesthesiologists responded to the survey, and 406 (111 mentees, 49 mentors, 193 both, 53 neither) responded to questions regarding mentorship. 184 anesthesiologists identified as woman and 22 as other genders (non-binary, transgender, gender-fluid, and self-described gender). Moreover, 250 anesthesiologists identified as white. Both mentors and mentees indicated that personal compatibility was the most important factor for successful mentorship. Barriers to mentorship included time consumption and perceived lack of interest from the mentor and mentee. Both mentors and mentees benefited from this relationship. The former reported feeling helpful, and the latter supported the development of clinical skills. The mentors indicated that their participation was important for protecting against burnout/exhaustion and impostor syndrome. Participants reported a preference for mentorship programs organized at the departmental level, offered at the start of the anesthesiology education curricula. Women were more likely to feel a 'lack of interest' in mentoring them as a barrier (OR = 2.49, P = 0.033). Gender was a barrier for mentors of other genders (OR = 23.9, P = 0.0027) and ethnicity (OR = 48.0, P = 0.0023). White mentees found gender (OR = 0.14, P = 0.021) and ethnicity (OR = 0.11, P = 0.048) to be less important barriers to successful mentorship relationship. Conclusion: When possible, programs should prioritize matching mentors and mentees based on personal compatibility and experience in the mentee's area of interest. Addressing the perceived lack of interest in mentoring is essential for promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion within anesthesiology, as well as and uplifting women and minorities. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05968339, First posted (01/08/2023). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose Experimental approach Key Results Conclusion and Implications The emerging antidepressant effects of ketamine have inspired tremendous interest in its underlying neurobiological mechanisms, although the involvement of 5‐HT in the antidepressant effects of ketamine remains unclear.The chronic restraint stress procedure was performed to induce depression‐like behaviours in mice. OFT, FST, TST, and NSFT tests were used to evaluate the antidepressant‐like effects of ketamine. Tph2 knockout or depletion of 5‐HT by PCPA and 5,7‐DHT were used to manipulate the brain 5‐HT system. ELISA and fibre photometry recordings were used to measure extracellular 5‐HT levels in the brain.60 min after injection, ketamine (10 mg·kg−1, i.p.) produced rapid antidepressant‐like effects and increased brain 5‐HT levels. After 24 h, ketamine significantly reduced immobility time in TST and FST tests and increased brain 5‐HT levels, as measured by ELISA and fibre photometry recordings. The sustained (24 h) but not rapid (60 min) antidepressant‐like effects of ketamine were abrogated by PCPA and 5,7‐DHT, or by Tph2 knockout. Importantly, NBQX (10 mg·kg−1, i.p.), an AMPA receptor antagonist, significantly inhibited the effect of ketamine on brain 5‐HT levels and abolished the sustained antidepressant‐like effects of ketamine in naïve or CRS‐treated mice.This study confirms the requirement of serotonergic neurotransmission for the sustained antidepressant‐like effects of ketamine, which appears to involve AMPA receptors, and provides avenues to search for antidepressant pharmacological targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the mediating role of psychological resilience and gender on mental health workers' perceptions of coping with trauma and secondary traumatic stress. Following the February 6 earthquake, the study group consisted of 212 mental health workers who came from various provinces of Turkey to support the earthquake region. We collected data using the “Perception of Coping with Trauma Scale,” “Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale,” “Brief Psychological Resilience Scale,” and “Personal Information Form.” We conducted analyses using PROCESS Macro Model 4 and Model 8. The results show that the perception of coping with trauma indirectly affects secondary traumatic stress through psychological resilience. The relationship between men's perception of coping with trauma and their psychological resilience appears to be greater than that of women. The direct effect of perceptions of coping with trauma on secondary traumatic stress also varies by gender. As men's perceptions of coping with trauma and psychological resilience decrease, the level of secondary traumatic stress increases. We found no significant relationship between these three variables in women. We found that psychological resilience and gender mediate the relationship between perceptions of coping with trauma and secondary traumatic stress. While this relationship was significant for men, it was not significant for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Strabismus influences health-related quality of life. Individuals may have functional and psychosocial consequences of strabismus that impact their well-being. As strabismus is prevalent in all age groups, patients are seen in varied specialties in healthcare organizations. Therefore, healthcare professionals need to be aware of the psychosocial consequences when caring for strabismic individuals. Objective: To describe strabismic adults' experiences of the psychosocial influence of strabismus. Methods: Twelve strabismic adults participated in face-to-face or online semistructured individual interviews to share their experiences of the psychosocial influence of strabismus. The participants were selected purposefully. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results: The participating adults described challenges with social environments, which showed stress in social situations and pressure in interactions. Strabismic adults had experienced staring from others, avoided social situations, and were uncomfortable with photography. They hid their strabismus, avoided eye contact, and struggled with intimate relationships. They also expressed struggles with mental well-being, which were emotional and psychological burdens. The adults described feeling negative emotions, worry, and irritation due to their condition. Struggles with self-confidence, difficulties with acceptance, negative thoughts about their appearance, experiences of bullying, and dealing with being different were described. Conclusion: Strabismic adults experience psychosocial consequences of strabismus, influencing their psychosocial health-related quality of life. Further studies should focus on how healthcare professionals could support strabismic individuals' psychosocial well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]