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Indian Journal of Public Health Apr 2024Adolescents are exposed to various psycho-physiological stressors due to rapid changes in their bodies along with increased academic pressure, peer pressure, and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Adolescents are exposed to various psycho-physiological stressors due to rapid changes in their bodies along with increased academic pressure, peer pressure, and pressures from other sources of society. Group health education sessions in schools could have a positive outcome in not only the way they perceive stress but also tackle it efficiently.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of group health education intervention on "perceived stress" among the high school children of Kolar.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An open-label cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among high school students (8th, 9th, and 10th standard) in selected English Medium Schools of Kolar Taluk. The study was conducted in three phases spanning 5 months of duration. Phase I included baseline data collection wherein "perceived stress" level was captured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) 10 questionnaire. Phase II was the interventional phase in the form of group health education sessions. Phase III was end-line assessment.
RESULTS
Before the intervention, 6.2%, 92.4%, and 1.5% of the students had mild, moderate, and severe stress, respectively, in the intervention group. After the intervention in the intervention group, about 57.9% had mild stress, 42.1% had moderate stress, and none had severe stress. The difference in difference analysis (DID) showed that the mean PSS scores in the intervention group changed by -8.84 while in the control group by 0.40.
CONCLUSION
Group health education delivered was effective in reducing the perceived stress levels among high school children and it is a feasible and acceptable intervention for stress in school-going adolescent children.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adolescent; Male; Stress, Psychological; Health Education; India; Students
PubMed: 38953806
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_786_23 -
Journal of Cellular and Molecular... Jul 2024Both osteoporosis and tendinopathy are widely prevalent disorders, encountered in diverse medical contexts. Whilst each condition has distinct pathophysiological... (Review)
Review
Both osteoporosis and tendinopathy are widely prevalent disorders, encountered in diverse medical contexts. Whilst each condition has distinct pathophysiological characteristics, they share several risk factors and underlying causes. Notably, oxidative stress emerges as a crucial intersecting factor, playing a pivotal role in the onset and progression of both diseases. This imbalance arises from a dysregulation in generating and neutralising reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to an abnormal oxidative environment. Elevated levels of ROS can induce multiple cellular disruptions, such as cytotoxicity, apoptosis activation and reduced cell function, contributing to tissue deterioration and weakening the structural integrity of bones and tendons. Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow down the oxidation process, including Vitamin C, melatonin, resveratrol, anthocyanins and so on, demonstrating potential in treating these overlapping disorders. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the complex role of oxidative stress within the interlinked pathways of these comorbid conditions. By integrating contemporary research and empirical findings, our objective is to outline new conceptual models and innovative treatment strategies for effectively managing these prevalent diseases. This review underscores the importance of further in-depth research to validate the efficacy of antioxidants and traditional Chinese medicine in treatment plans, as well as to explore targeted interventions focused on oxidative stress as promising areas for future medical advancements.
Topics: Humans; Oxidative Stress; Osteoporosis; Antioxidants; Tendinopathy; Reactive Oxygen Species; Animals
PubMed: 38953556
DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18508 -
Chronobiology International Jul 2024Shift work is a recognized work pattern for nurses worldwide. The disruption of shift workers' biological clocks usually leads to sleep disorders and affects their... (Review)
Review
Shift work is a recognized work pattern for nurses worldwide. The disruption of shift workers' biological clocks usually leads to sleep disorders and affects their awareness at work. Eveningness and occupational stress might be effective in causing burnout syndrome. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the chronotype, job burnout and perceived stress among Chinese tertiary hospital nurses, and understand the predictors of circadian rhythm in this group. Between July and September 2020, 23 hospitals were randomly selected from 113 tertiary hospitals in Hunan Province. Twenty-five percent of the nurses working in each hospital were targeted for selection. 28.1% and 17.6% of nurses reported eveningness type and morningness type, respectively. The scores for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and perceived stress of eveningness nurses were higher than those of morningness counterparts. Eveningness nurses also reported a lower sense of personal accomplishment. Risk factors of eveningness included being under 30 years old, never exercising, having the stressors of late-night shifts and career development, higher levels of emotional exhaustion, sleep latency, sleep duration, and hypnotic use. Shifts may be unavoidable for nurses, nevertheless, understanding the predictors and related factors of chronotype for nurses is necessary for nursing educators and managers to develop a reasonable shift system and appropriate measures to assist nurses in adjusting their work.
PubMed: 38953516
DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2024.2373224 -
MBio Jul 2024Phytopathogens secrete numerous molecules into the environment to establish a microbial niche and facilitate host infection. The phytopathogenic fungus which causes...
UNLABELLED
Phytopathogens secrete numerous molecules into the environment to establish a microbial niche and facilitate host infection. The phytopathogenic fungus which causes pear anthracnose, can colonize different plant tissues like leaves and fruits, which are occupied by a diversity of microbes. We speculate that this fungus produces antimicrobial effectors to outcompete host-associated competitive microorganisms. Herein, we identified two secreted ribonucleases, CfRibo1 and CfRibo2, from the secretome. The two ribonucleases both possess ribonuclease activity and showed cytotoxicity in without triggering immunity in an enzymatic activity-dependent manner. CfRibo1 and CfRibo2 recombinant proteins exhibited toxicity against , , and, importantly, the phyllosphere microorganisms isolated from the pear host. Among these isolated microbial strains, is a pathogenic bacterium causing pear soft rot. Strikingly, CfRibo1 and CfRibo2 were found to directly antagonize to facilitate infection. More importantly, CfRibo1 and CfRibo2 functioned as essential virulence factors of in the presence of host-associated microorganisms. Further analysis revealed these two ribonucleases are widely distributed in fungi and are undergoing purifying selection. Our results provide the first evidence of antimicrobial effectors in fungi and extend the functional diversity of fungal ribonucleases in plant-pest-environment interactions.
IMPORTANCE
is emerging as a devastating pathogenic fungus causing anthracnose in various crops in agriculture, and understanding how this fungus establishes successful infection is of great significance for anthracnose disease management. Fungi are known to produce secreted effectors as weapons to promote virulence. Considerable progress has been made in elucidating how effectors manipulate plant immunity; however, their importance in modulating environmental microbes is frequently neglected. The present study identified two secreted ribonucleases, CfRibo1 and CfRibo2, as antimicrobial effectors of . These two proteins both possess toxicity to pear phyllosphere microorganisms, and they efficiently antagonize competitive microbes to facilitate the infection of pear hosts. This study represents the first evidence of antimicrobial effectors in fungi, and we consider that CfRibo1 and CfRibo2 could be targeted for anthracnose disease management in diverse crops in the future.
PubMed: 38953357
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01053-24 -
Journal of Fish Diseases Jul 2024The aquaculture sector plays a vital role in global food security, yet it grapples with significant challenges posed by infectious diseases. Piscine lactococcosis is one...
The aquaculture sector plays a vital role in global food security, yet it grapples with significant challenges posed by infectious diseases. Piscine lactococcosis is one of the significant threats in rainbow trout aquaculture due to its potential to cause severe economic losses through mortalities, reduced growth rates, and increased susceptibility to other pathogens. It poses challenges in disease management strategies, impacting the sustainability and profitability of rainbow trout farming. The current study focuses on the variations in serum blood parameters of farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss during a lactococcosis outbreak caused by Lactococcus garvieae. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, fish were examined for parasites and bacteria, and DNA from bacterial colonies was PCR-amplified and sequenced for identification. Overall, 13 biochemical parameters, including proteins, enzymes, lipids, chemicals, and minerals, were measured in serum blood samples from both diseased and healthy fish. The results indicate significant alterations in the levels of these parameters during the outbreak, highlighting the impact of infections on the blood profile of farmed rainbow trout. Urea levels were significantly higher in diseased fish compared to controls, and creatinine, phosphorus, and magnesium also showed similar trends. Alanine aminotransferase and total protein levels were higher in control fish. Chloride levels differed significantly between groups. Iron levels were higher in controls and lower in diseased fish. No significant differences were found in other parameters. This study reveals significant changes in serum blood parameters of rainbow trout during a lactococcosis outbreak caused by L. garvieae. These changes highlight the potential of these parameters as tools for monitoring health status, stress, and aquaculture management. Continuous monitoring can provide valuable insights into disease severity and overall fish health, aiding in the development of improved management practices. The presented data contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of piscine lactococcosis and developing effective mitigation strategies for farmed rainbow trout.
PubMed: 38953153
DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13994 -
Cureus May 2024Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is the term used to describe the decline in the physical, cognitive, and/or mental condition of individuals who have been discharged... (Review)
Review
Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is the term used to describe the decline in the physical, cognitive, and/or mental condition of individuals who have been discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU). This complication could result in a significant reduction in quality of life, with some patients experiencing symptoms of prolonged weakness, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Intensive care advancement over the years has resulted in an increase in ICU survival rates and a proportional increase in PICS, creating a need for more in-depth research into the prevention and management of the disease. Hence, this study aims to examine the present body of literature on PICS, encompassing its underlying physiological processes and elements that contribute to its development, methods for evaluating and diagnosing the condition, current treatment choices as well as potential new approaches, and the constraints in managing PICS and the necessity for further investigation. In this article, studies were compiled from several databases, including, but not limited to, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. These studies were reviewed, and their data were used to highlight important aspects regarding the efficacy of current PICS screening tools, the optimization and limitations of both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment methods, and the feasibility and safety of emerging treatments and technologies. The major conclusions of this review were centered around the need for multidisciplinary management of PICS. From pharmacological management using analgesia to non-pharmacological management using early mobilization and exercise therapy, the effective treatment of PICS requires a multifaceted approach. Patient follow-up and its importance were touched upon, including strategies and policies to bolster proper follow-up, thereby increasing favorable outcomes. Lastly, the importance of family involvement and the increased need for research into this topic were highlighted.
PubMed: 38953087
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61443 -
Research (Washington, D.C.) 2024The menace of drought has persistently loomed over global crop production, posing a serious threat to agricultural sustainability. Research on drought stress highlights... (Review)
Review
The menace of drought has persistently loomed over global crop production, posing a serious threat to agricultural sustainability. Research on drought stress highlights the important role of the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) in orchestrating plant responses to drought conditions. ABA regulates various drought/dehydration-responsive genes, initiates stomatal closure, and influences cellular responses to drought stress. Additionally, plants employ a phosphate starvation response (PSR) mechanism to manage phosphate (Pi) deficiency, with ABA playing a role in its regulation. However, despite intensive research in these fields, the precise connection among PSRs, drought stress, and ABA signaling still needs to be determined. Recently, PSR-related gene induction has been reported to occur before the induction of ABA-responsive genes under progressive mild drought. Mild drought decreases Pi uptake and contents in plants, triggering PSRs, which play an important role in plant growth during mild drought. Both ABA-responsive and PSR-related gene expression could indicate plant perception of external moisture conditions. Thus, integrating the information regarding their associated gene expression with soil moisture contents and thermographic data can enable timely irrigation optimization to mitigate the effect of drought on crop productivity.
PubMed: 38952996
DOI: 10.34133/research.0405 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2024Several fluorescent proteins (FPs) and chromoproteins (CPs) are present in anthozoans and play possible roles in photoprotection. Coral tissues in massive corals often...
INTRODUCTION
Several fluorescent proteins (FPs) and chromoproteins (CPs) are present in anthozoans and play possible roles in photoprotection. Coral tissues in massive corals often display discoloration accompanied by inflammation. Incidences of the pink pigmentation response (PPR) in massive , described as inflammatory pink lesions of different shapes and sizes, has recently increased worldwide. FPs are reported to be present in PPR lesions, wherein a red fluorescent protein (RFP) appears to play a role in reducing reactive oxygen species. However, to date, the biochemical characterization and possible roles of the pigments involved are poorly understood. The present study aimed to identify and characterize the proteins responsible for pink discoloration in massive colonies displaying PPRs, as well as to assess the differential distribution of pigments and the antioxidant properties of pigmented areas.
METHOD
CPs were extracted from PPR lesions using gel-filtration chromatography and identified via genetic analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The coexistence of CPs and RFP in coral tissues was assessed using microscopic observation. Photosynthetic antivity and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activitiy were measured to assess coral stress conditions.
RESULTS
The present study revealed that the same CP (plut2.m8.16902.m1) isolated from massive was present in both the pink spot and patch morphologies of the PPR. CPs were also found to coexist with RFP in coral tissues that manifested a PPR, with a differential distribution (coenosarc or tip of polyps' tentacles). High hydrogen peroxide-scavenging rates were found in tissues affected by PPR.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The coexistence of CPs and RFP suggests their possible differential role in coral immunity. CPs, which are specifically expressed in PPR lesions, may serve as an antioxidant in the affected coral tissue. Overall, this study provides new knowledge to our understanding of the role of CPs in coral immunity.
PubMed: 38952870
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1339907 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Occupational stress and job satisfaction significantly impact the well-being and performance of healthcare professionals, including radiologists. Understanding the...
BACKGROUND
Occupational stress and job satisfaction significantly impact the well-being and performance of healthcare professionals, including radiologists. Understanding the complex interplay between these factors through network analysis can provide valuable insights into intervention strategies to enhance workplace satisfaction and productivity.
METHOD
In this study, a convenience sampling method was used to recruit 312 radiologists for participation. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, job satisfaction measured by the Minnesota job satisfaction questionnaire revised short version (MJSQ-RSV), and occupational stress assessed using the occupational stress scale. Network analysis was employed to analyze the data in this study.
RESULTS
The network analysis revealed intricate patterns of associations between occupational stress and job satisfaction symptoms among radiologists. Organizational management and occupational interests emerged as crucial nodes in the network, indicating strong relationships within these domains. Additionally, intrinsic satisfaction was identified as a central symptom with high connectivity in the network structure. The stability analysis demonstrated robustness in the network edges and centrality metrics, supporting the reliability of the findings.
CONCLUSION
This study sheds light on the complex relationships between occupational stress and job satisfaction in radiologists, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions and support strategies to promote well-being and job satisfaction in healthcare settings.
Topics: Humans; Job Satisfaction; Female; Male; Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Occupational Stress; Middle Aged; Radiologists; Workplace
PubMed: 38952733
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1411688 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health condition of people ≥75 years of age and on their family caregivers in Spain.
AIMS
To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health condition of people ≥75 years of age and on their family caregivers in Spain.
DESIGN
Multicentric, mixed method concurrent study.
METHODS
This work, which will be conducted within the primary care setting in 11 administrative regions of Spain, will include three coordinated studies with different methodologies. The first is a population-based cohort study that will use real-life data to analyze the rates and evolution of health needs, care provision, and services utilization before, during, and after the pandemic. The second is a prospective cohort study with 18 months of follow-up that will evaluate the impact of COVID-19 disease on mortality, frailty, functional and cognitive capacity, and quality of life of the participants. Finally, the third will be a qualitative study with a critical social approach to understand and interpret the social, political, and economic dimensions associated with the use of health services during the pandemic. We have followed the SPIRIT Checklist to address trial protocol and related documents. This research is being funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III since 2021 and was approved by its ethics committee (June 2022).
DISCUSSION
The study findings will reveal the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the older adults and their caregivers. This information will serve policymakers to adapt health policies to the needs of this population in situations of maximum stress, such as that produced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Identifier: NCT05249868 [ClinicalTrials.gov].
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Spain; Aged; Self Care; Prospective Studies; Caregivers; Female; Aged, 80 and over; Quality of Life; Male; Health Status; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 38952731
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1389641