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Frontiers in Neurology 2024The online study investigated the sleep, psychological conditions, and risk factors during the wave of transmission of COVID-19 since December 7, 2022.
INTRODUCTION
The online study investigated the sleep, psychological conditions, and risk factors during the wave of transmission of COVID-19 since December 7, 2022.
METHODS
We distributed questionnaires through networking mediums to residents to gather information about COVID-19 infection, sleep, and mental status.
RESULTS
During the extraordinary period in China, 91.9% of 1094 participants claimed to be infected with COVID-19, 36.8% reported poor sleep quality, 75.9% reported anxiety, and 65.5% reported depression. In retrospect, people have experienced lower sleep quality, longer sleep latency, enhanced rising time, and decreased sleep efficiency after the infection wave. After adjusting confounding factors, the elderly, women, urban residents, people with comorbidity, anxiety, depression, stress state, and COVID-19 infection have high risks for sleep disorders during the period.
DISCUSSION
The survey indicates that sleep disturbance caused by COVID-19 involves multiple dimensions, such as physiology, psychology, and society. The COVID-19 infection-related sleep problem should be taken seriously. Apart from conventional treatment, psychological issues of insomnia can not be ignored.
PubMed: 38952466
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1396673 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024This report describes a case of concomitant diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and thyroid storm (TS) in a 20-year-old male patient that presented both diagnostic and...
This report describes a case of concomitant diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and thyroid storm (TS) in a 20-year-old male patient that presented both diagnostic and management challenges owing to their intricate interrelationship in endocrine-metabolic disorders. The patient, previously diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and hyperthyroidism, was admitted to the emergency department with symptoms of DKA and progressive exacerbation of TS. Initial treatment focused on correcting DKA; as the disease progressed to TS, it was promptly recognized and treated. This case emphasizes the rarity of simultaneous occurrence of DKA and TS, as well as the challenges in clinical diagnosis posed by the interacting pathophysiological processes and overlapping clinical manifestations of DKA and TS. The patient's treatment process involved multiple disciplines, and after treatment, the patient's critical condition of both endocrine metabolic diseases was alleviated, after which he recovered and was eventually discharged from the hospital. This case report aims to emphasize the need for heightened awareness in patients with complex clinical presentations, stress the possibility of concurrent complications, and underscore the importance of prompt and collaborative treatment strategies.
Topics: Humans; Male; Diabetic Ketoacidosis; Thyroid Crisis; Young Adult; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
PubMed: 38952386
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1403893 -
Lab on a Chip Jul 2024The initial emergence of the primary root from a germinating seed is a pivotal phase that influences a plant's survival. Abiotic factors such as pH, nutrient...
The initial emergence of the primary root from a germinating seed is a pivotal phase that influences a plant's survival. Abiotic factors such as pH, nutrient availability, and soil composition significantly affect root morphology and architecture. Of particular interest is the impact of nutrient flow on thigmomorphogenesis, a response to mechanical stimulation in early root growth, which remains largely unexplored. This study explores the intricate factors influencing early root system development, with a focus on the cooperative correlation between nutrient uptake and its flow dynamics. Using a physiologically as well as ecologically relevant, portable, and cost-effective microfluidic system for the controlled fluid environments offering hydraulic conductivity comparable to that of the soil, this study analyzes the interplay between nutrient flow and root growth post-germination. Emphasizing the relationship between root growth and nitrogen uptake, the findings reveal that nutrient flow significantly influences early root morphology, leading to increased length and improved nutrient uptake, varying with the flow rate. The experimental findings are supported by mechanical and plant stress-related fluid flow-root interaction simulations and quantitative determination of nitrogen uptake using the total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) method. The microfluidic approach offers novel insights into plant root dynamics under controlled flow conditions, filling a critical research gap. By providing a high-resolution platform, this study contributes to the understanding of how fluid-flow-assisted nutrient uptake and pressure affect root cell behavior, which, in turn, induces mechanical stress leading to thigmomorphogenesis. The findings hold implications for comprehending root responses to changing environmental conditions, paving the way for innovative agricultural and environmental management strategies.
PubMed: 38952240
DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00180j -
Stress (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Jan 2024Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol release appear to have contrasting effects on stress perception during stressful tasks. This study aimed to investigate...
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol release appear to have contrasting effects on stress perception during stressful tasks. This study aimed to investigate anticipatory examination stress in college students by considering DHEA, cortisol, psycho-emotional aspects and examination performance. Seventy-six students (66 females, 10 males; age range 18-25 years) provided saliva samples and completed questionnaires in two sessions 48 hours apart. During the second session, the students performed the examination. The questionnaires used were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and the Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory. DHEA, cortisol, anxiety and negative affect showed an anticipatory rise before the examination (all s < 0.001). This rise of DHEA and cortisol was associated with lower positive affect ( = 0.001 and = 0.043, respectively). However, only the DHEA anticipatory levels were linked to poorer examination marks ( = 0.020). Higher levels of the DHEA/cortisol ratio in anticipation of the examination were related to lower scores on the support-seeking strategy ( = 0.022). There was no association between DHEA and cortisol levels and anxiety, negative affect, active and avoidant coping strategies, or academic record. These results suggest that how DHEA and cortisol respond in anticipation of examination stress significantly impacts students' emotional well-being during examination periods and how they cope with stress. They also suggest that levels of DHEA in anticipation of an academic stressor have detrimental effects on stress management.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Hydrocortisone; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Young Adult; Students; Adult; Adolescent; Saliva; Stress, Psychological; Affect; Anxiety; Adaptation, Psychological; Surveys and Questionnaires; Anticipation, Psychological; Universities
PubMed: 38952223
DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2330009 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2024Pink bollworm (PBW) Pectinophora gossypiella is an important pest cotton worldwide. There are multiple factors which determines the occurrence and distribution of P....
Pink bollworm (PBW) Pectinophora gossypiella is an important pest cotton worldwide. There are multiple factors which determines the occurrence and distribution of P. gossypiella across different cotton growing regions of the world, and one such key factor is 'temperature'. The aim was to analyze the life history traits of PBW across varying temperature conditions. We systematically explored the biological and demographic parameters of P. gossypiella at five distinct temperatures; 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 ± 1 °C maintaining a photoperiod of LD 16:8 h. The results revealed that the total developmental period of PBW shortens with rising temperatures, and the highest larval survival rates were observed between 30 °C and 35 °C, reaching 86.66% and 80.67%, respectively. Moreover, significant impacts were observed as the pupal weight, percent mating success, and fecundity exhibited higher values at 30 °C and 35 °C. Conversely, percent egg hatching, larval survival, and adult emergence were notably lower at 20 °C and 40 °C, respectively. Adult longevity decreased with rising temperatures, with females outliving males across all treatments. Notably, thermal stress had a persistent effect on the F1 generation, significantly affecting immature stages (egg and larvae), while its impact on reproductive potential was minimal. These findings offer valuable insights for predicting the population dynamics of P. gossypiella at the field level and developing climate-resilient management strategies in cotton.
Topics: Animals; Temperature; Larva; Female; Male; Gossypium; Lepidoptera; Fertility; Moths; Longevity; Pupa
PubMed: 38951576
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65241-8 -
Journal of Clinical Psychology in... Jun 2024Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may emerge in late life in the context of illness, role changes, and life review, leading to complications in disease management....
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may emerge in late life in the context of illness, role changes, and life review, leading to complications in disease management. The "Talking Later" podcast was developed as an accessible educational product to improve knowledge about late-life PTSD. We describe the process of systematically developing a ten-episode podcast following Kern's six-step curricular model. Following release, the podcast was evaluated via listenership analytics, external clinician feedback survey (N = 45), and internal team survey (N = 9). In 22 months since release, the podcast was played or downloaded 10,124 times across 45 countries. In the external survey, 97% of clinician experts reported the episodes as engaging and informational; 87% stated that no more than general knowledge of PTSD was required to enjoy the podcast. Qualitative analysis of open-ended feedback items found that participants were interested in learning about additional comorbidities and diversity issues related to late-life trauma reengagement. Both the external and internal survey identified discrete elements for improvement. Results suggest the podcast was engaging and informational to a diverse clinical audience. Podcasts represent a relatively new way to deliver educational content. Further consideration of their pedagogical value and limits is warranted.
PubMed: 38951304
DOI: 10.1007/s10880-024-10019-3 -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Jul 2024Microplastics, an emerging contaminant, are widespread in oceans around the world, and rivers are the key conveyors of these pollutants into the oceans. There exists a...
Microplastics, an emerging contaminant, are widespread in oceans around the world, and rivers are the key conveyors of these pollutants into the oceans. There exists a dearth of available data pertaining to seasonal fluctuation, spatial distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in rivers extending from upper reaches to the lower reaches. The collection of such data is of utmost importance for the purpose of formulating beneficial management strategies for riverine microplastics. In order to bridge this research gap, an investigation was made in the Periyar River in Kerala, India, which is exposed to anthropogenic stress and is at risk of microplastic pollution. A total of eighteen sites (six sites each from downstream, midstream and upstream) along the 244 km of the river were investigated across three seasons in a year. The study revealed a discernible pattern in the spatial distribution of microplastic concentrations, wherein there was a rise in abundance from the upstream to midstream and then a sudden increase of abundance along the downstream regions towards the lower reaches. The highest mean microplastic abundance of 124.95 items/L was obtained during the monsoon season followed by post-monsoon season i.e. 123.21 items/L and pre-monsoon i.e. 120.50 items/L. The predominant forms of microplastics were found to be fibres, fragments and filaments. Most prevalent polymer types acquired were polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Pollution hazard index (PHI) and pollution load index (PLI) were also evaluated to assess the water quality of this river. The findings of this study conclude that the Periyar River is polluted with microplastics throughout its course and offer significant insights into the detection of microplastic origins in river systems and lend support to the implementation of potential measures aimed at mitigating their impact.
Topics: India; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Rivers; Environmental Monitoring; Microplastics; Risk Assessment; Seasons; Water Pollution, Chemical
PubMed: 38951273
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12820-x -
BMJ Open Jul 2024The natural and best approach to give newborns the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development is through breast feeding. Breastfeeding rates fall more...
BACKGROUND
The natural and best approach to give newborns the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development is through breast feeding. Breastfeeding rates fall more sharply with time for mothers under the age of 20 years.
AIM
This study sought to explore the challenges experienced by adolescent mothers who visit the department of obstetrics and gynaecology of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana.
METHOD
This study employed a qualitative phenomenology design and collected data from adolescent mothers. Data were gathered with the aid of a semistructured in-depth interview guide from 13 breastfeeding adolescent mothers. Data for the study were analysed using content analysis. The study was conducted at the obstetrics and gynaecology department of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana.
FINDINGS
Two major themes were generated from the study to be the challenges that confront adolescent breastfeeding mothers, and they are maternal factors of breastfeeding barriers and societal factors of breastfeeding barriers. Subcategories were generated for both themes during the process.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Training of pregnant adolescents during antenatal care visits on how to manage the inability to lactate, breastfeeding stress, painful and sore nipple, engorged breast, stigma from society will lessen their burden. Furthermore, training close family members and friends on how to be kind and support adolescent mothers during breast feeding is important. In-service training should be organised for health workers to enhance their knowledge and practice of approaching and guiding adolescent mothers on effective breast feeding and the provision of cubicles in public places where adolescent mothers can comfortably breastfeed.
Topics: Humans; Breast Feeding; Ghana; Female; Adolescent; Hospitals, Teaching; Mothers; Qualitative Research; Young Adult; Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Interviews as Topic; Pregnancy in Adolescence; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
PubMed: 38950996
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077504 -
BMJ Military Health Jul 2024Harmful gambling negatively impacts individuals, families and communities. Growing international evidence indicates that the Armed Forces (AF) community may be at a...
INTRODUCTION
Harmful gambling negatively impacts individuals, families and communities. Growing international evidence indicates that the Armed Forces (AF) community may be at a comparatively higher risk of experiencing harm from gambling than the general population. The current study sought to identify general predictors of harmful gambling and gambling engagement among UK AF serving personnel (AFSP).
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional, exploratory survey to identify associations between demographic factors, mental health, gambling engagement and gambling type in a sample (N=608) of AFSP.
RESULTS
Most of the sample reported past-year gambling, with 23% having experienced harm. Male gender, younger age and lower educational attainment all predicted harmful gambling, as did mental health variables of prior generalised anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptomatology. Strategy-based gambling and online sports betting were also predictive of experiencing harm from gambling.
CONCLUSIONS
The risk of harm from gambling is associated with demographic, mental health and gambling engagement variables among AFSP. Better understanding of these predictors is important for the development of individualised treatment approaches for harmful gambling.
PubMed: 38950959
DOI: 10.1136/military-2024-002726 -
Ergonomics Jul 2024Fatigue and stress are critical variables that impair railway train drivers' safety performance, and individual differences may influence these effects. This study...
Fatigue and stress are critical variables that impair railway train drivers' safety performance, and individual differences may influence these effects. This study investigates how fatigue and stress affect high-speed train drivers' human error and the role of individual differences. We hypothesised that situation awareness (SA) mediates the effects of fatigue and stress on human error, and individual differences (age and work experience) moderate these effects. We surveyed 1,391 male drivers from eight Chinese railway bureaus and used PROCESS Macro for data analysis. The results revealed that fatigue and stress increased human error, directly and indirectly through SA. Age and work experience moderated the effect of fatigue and stress on SA, respectively. Older drivers had better SA under high fatigue, while more experienced drivers had better SA under high stress. These findings can inform more tailored safety management strategies to lower human error and enhance the safety of high-speed train operations.
PubMed: 38950888
DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2024.2369207