A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO DETERMINE STRESS LEVEL AMONG POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN RURAL AREA OF BHAGALPUR (BIHAR)

Background: Menopause is a natural reproductive period that affects women's lives between the ages of 45 and 55 due to various physical and mental changes. It usually happens when a lady is in her late 40s to early 50s (Barkha D et al., 2018). Many women see the menopausal transition as distressing (The North American Menopause Society, 2016). Menopausal women in rural locations may experience higher physical, psychological, and social stress. They also have more medical issues and worse self-esteem than males. The objective of present is to measure the stress experienced by pos Objective: tmenopausal women living in rural areas of the Bhagalpur district of Bihar. A cross-sectional survey method is used to measure stre Method: ss level of postmenopausal women. total 100 postmenopausal women were selected using simple random sampling within the age range of 45-55 years. The level of stress was measured by using a structured self-administered schedule. The result of this study revealed that most pos Result: tmenopausal women (70%) reported severe stress levels, 28% had moderate stress levels, whereas only 2% reported low-stress levels. Alt Conclusion: hough this is a short study but it offers a beginning for the future mapping of stress levels on menopause timing. Researchers looking into the stress experienced by postmenopausal women can also use this knowledge.

Review of Human Physiology in the Underwater Environment

Since before centuries, human tries hard to explore underwater and in 1940’s human-introduced an important and revolutionary gear i.e. scuba that allowed human-made long interaction in the underwater world. Since diving using pressure gas under pressure environment, it should be considered to remember gas law (Boyle’s law). The gas law gives a clear understanding of physiological consequences related to diving diseases such as barotrauma or condition in which tissue or organ is damage due to gas pressure. The organ which has direct effect related to compression and expansion of gas were lungs, ear, and sinus. These organs were common and potentially fatigue injury for a diver. In this article we shall review the history of scuba diving, physical stress caused underwater environment, physiology adaptation of lung, ear, and sinus, and diving disease.

A physiology based model of heart rate variability

Heart rate variability (HRV) is governed by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and is routinely used to estimate the state of body and mind. At the same time, recorded HRV features can vary substantially between people. A model for HRV that (1) correctly simulates observed HRV, (2) reliably functions for multiple scenarios, and (3) can be personalised using a manageable set of parameters, would be a significant step forward toward understanding individual responses to external influences, such as physical and physiological stress. Current HRV models attempt to reproduce HRV characteristics by mimicking the statistical properties of measured HRV signals. The model presented here for the simulation of HRV follows a radically different approach, as it is based on an approximation of the physiology behind the triggering of a heart beat and the biophysics mechanisms of how the triggering process—and thereby the HRV—is governed by the ANS. The model takes into account the metabolisation rates of neurotransmitters and the change in membrane potential depending on transmitter and ion concentrations. It produces an HRV time series that not only exhibits the features observed in real data, but also explains a reduction of low frequency band-power for physically or psychologically high intensity scenarios. Furthermore, the proposed model enables the personalisation of input parameters to the physiology of different people, a unique feature not present in existing methods. All these aspects are crucial for the understanding and application of future wearable health.

Acute physical and psychological stress effects on visceral hypersensitivity in male rat: role of central nucleus of the amygdala / Efeitos agudos do estresse físico e psicológico na hipersensibilidade visceral em rato macho: papel do núcleo central da amídala

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute physical and psychological stress and temporary central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) block on stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity. Methods: Forty two male Wistar rats were used in this study. Animals were divided into 7 groups (n = 6); 1 - Control, 2 - physical stress, 3 - psychological stress, 4 - sham, 5 - lidocaine, 6 - lidocaine + physical stress and 7 - lidocaine + psychological stress. Stress induction was done using a communication box. Results: Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score was monitored one hour after stress exposure. AWR score significantly heightened at 20, 40 and 60 mmHg in the psychological stress group compared with control (p < 0.05), while, it was almost unchanged in other groups. This score was strikingly decreased at 20, 40 and 60 mmHg in lidocaine + psychological stress group compared with psychological stress with no tangible response on physical stress. Total stool weight was significantly increased in psychological stress group compared with control (0.72 ± 0.15, 0.1 ± 0.06 g) (p < 0.05), but it did not change in physical stress compared to control group (0.16 ± 0.12, 0.1 ± 0.06 g) (p < 0.05). Concomitant use of lidocaine with stress followed the same results in psychological groups (0.18 ± 0.2, 0.72 ± 0.15 g) (p < 0.05), while it did not have any effect on physical stress group (0.25 ± 0.1, 0.16 ± 0.12 g) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Psychological stress could strongly affect visceral hypersensitivity. This effect is statistically comparable with physical stress. Temporary CeA block could also reduce visceral hypersensitivity post-acute psychological stress.

RESUMEN Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar os efeitos do estresse físico e psicológico agudo e bloqueio temporário do núcleo central da amídala (CeA) na hipersensibilidade visceral induzida por estresse. Métodos: Quarenta e dois ratos Wistar machos foram empregados nesse estudo. Os animais foram divididos em 7 grupos (n = 6): 1 - Controle, 2 - estresse físico, 3 - estresse psicológico, 4 - simulacro, 5 - lidocaína, 6 - lidocaína + estresse físico e 7 - lidocaína + estresse psicológico. A indução do estresse foi feita com o uso de uma caixa de comunicação. Resultados: O escore do reflexo de retirada abdominal (RRA) foi monitorado uma hora depois da exposição ao estresse. O escore RRA aumentou significativamente a 20, 40 e 60 mmHg no grupo de estresse psicológico versus controle (p < 0,05), enquanto que praticamente permaneceu inalterado nos demais grupos. Esse escore diminuiu drasticamente a 20, 40 e 60 mmHg no grupo de lidocaína + estresse psicológico versus estresse psicológico, sem resposta tangível no estresse físico. O peso total das fezes aumentou significativamente no grupo de estresse psicológico versus controle (0,72 ± 0,15, 0,1 ± 0,06 g) (p < 0,05), mas não houve mudança no grupo de estresse físico versus controle (0,16 ± 0,12, 0,1 ± 0,06 g) (p < 0,05). O uso simultâneo da lidocaína com o estresse acompanhou os mesmos resultados nos grupos psicológicos (0,18 ± 0,2, 0,72 ± 0,15 g) (p < 0,05), enquanto que não foi observado qualquer efeito no grupo de estresse físico (0,25 ± 0,1, 0,16 ± 0,12 g) (p < 0,05). Conclusões: O estresse psicológico pode afetar fortemente a hipersensibilidade visceral. Esse efeito é estatisticamente comparável com o estresse físico. Um bloqueio temporário do CeA também pode reduzir a hipersensibilidade visceral pós-estresse psicológico agudo.

Effect of pertussis toxin pretreated centrally on blood glucose level induced by stress

In the present study, we examined the effect of pertussis toxin (PTX) administered centrally in a variety of stress-induced blood glucose level. Mice were exposed to stress after the pretreatment of PTX (0.05 or 0.1 µg) i.c.v. or i.t. once for 6 days. Blood glucose level was measured at 0, 30, 60 and 120 min after stress stimulation. The blood glucose level was increased in all stress groups. The blood glucose level reached at maximum level after 30 min of stress stimulation and returned to a normal level after 2 h of stress stimulation in restraint stress, physical, and emotional stress groups. The blood glucose level induced by cold-water swimming stress was gradually increased up to 1 h and returned to the normal level. The intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) or intrathecal (i.t.) pretreatment with PTX, a Gi inhibitor, alone produced a hypoglycemia and almost abolished the elevation of the blood level induced by stress stimulation. The central pretreatment with PTX caused a reduction of plasma insulin level, whereas plasma corticosterone level was further up-regulated in all stress models. Our results suggest that the hyperglycemia produced by physical stress, emotional stress, restraint stress, and the cold-water swimming stress appear to be mediated by activation of centrally located PTX-sensitive G proteins. The reduction of blood glucose level by PTX appears to due to the reduction of plasma insulin level. The reduction of blood glucose level by PTX was accompanied by the reduction of plasma insulin level. Plasma corticosterone level up-regulation by PTX in stress models may be due to a blood glucose homeostatic mechanism.

Lipid profile in sports persons playing different sports.

Background: The beneficial effects of exercise on plasma lipids have been widely explored. These changes depend upon the type of sports in which one is indulged. The aim of the present study was to analyze these changes in different sportspersons. Methods: 32 male sportspersons participating in 3 different games in the university were selected for this study. Lipid profile of the three groups was compared to each other. Results : Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels were found to be significantly lower in distance runners as compared to football players and basketball players . Whereas High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level was found to be significantly increased in runners as compared to other groups. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the lipid profile is more favourable in sports involving more aerobic activity with less physical stress.

The involvement of amygdala nucleus in chronic stress induced changes on ingestive behavior of wistar rats.

Organisms are constantly subjected to stimuli that can be construed as stressors. Stress regulation is a highly integrated process controlled largely by the brain. The role of amygdala in stress tolerance has attracted continued interest because of its central role in processing emotional information. In the present study, the Wistar albino rats were subjected to chronic swimming (physical) stress and chronic immobilization (psychological) stress for 60 days with or without bilateral lesions of the nucleus of amygdala. Their food intake, water intake and body weight were measured. Exposure to stressors significantly decreased the body weight, food and water intake whereas amygdala lesioning significantly increased the body weight (P<0.001), food intake (P<0.001) and water intake (P<0.001).However, the stress induced decrease observed in the body weight and food intake of the amygdala lesioned groups was significantly more (P<0.001) during immobilization stress than swimming stress. It can be concluded that amygdala nucleus appears to play a prominent role in minimizing the stress induced changes in the food intake and body weight; and this role was more evident in immobilization stress than a physical stress. Thus, the present study support the notion that the amygdala nucleus play a definite role in minimizing stress induced changes in the ingestive behavior and its role in psychological stress is more prominent.

EFFECTS OF ACUTE PROLONGED STRENUOUS EXERCISE ON THE SALIVARY STRESS MARKERS AND INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES / 体力科学

The aim of the present study was to examine whether amount of oral cortisol, immunoglobulin A (IgA), chromogranin A (CgA) and inflammatory cytokines, might be affected by prolonged strenuous exercise. Ten young male volunteers either exercised on recumbent ergometer at 75 % VO₂ max for 60 min (exercise session) or sat quietly (resting session). Saliva samples were obtained at 60 min intervals during sessions for measurements of salivary stress markers (cortisol, IgA and CgA), salivary inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and osmolality. Saliva flow rate was decreased and saliva osmolality was increased during the 60-min exercise. Saliva cortisol and CgA concentrations and secretion rates were increased during and after the exercise, whereas saliva IgA concentration and secretion rates were decreased after the exercise. Salivary inflammatory cytokines was increased during and after the exercise. The present findings suggested a single bout of prolonged strenuous exercise caused a transient increase in the salivary cortisol, CgA and inflammatory cytokines levels, whereas salivary IgA concentration and secretion rates were decreased after the exercise. Further studies, however, are needed to delineate whether or not salivary stress markers and inflammatory cytokines may be used as biological markers to determine the host responses to acute prolonged strenuous exercise.

A Case of Milia en Plaque Induced by Physical Stress / 대한피부과학회지

Milia en plaque is designated as an atypical subtype of milia which is characterized by a group of milia on an erythematous base. It usually arises spontaneously in predisposed persons without any apparent causative factor and commonly occurs on the periauricular area. Histopathologic finding is consistent with milia and treatment is not established. We report a case of milia en plaque produced by physical stress in the right arm.

Physical Stress Symptoms and Health Risk Behaviors between Adolescent Athletes and High School Students / 아동간호학회지

The purpose of the study was to investigate physical stress symptoms and health risk behaviors of adolescent athletes and high school students as a basis for providing a health promotion program of adolescent athletes. The subjects consisted of 160 male students of a physical education high school(athletes) in Kyonggi and 147 male high school students(non-athletes) in Seoul. Data was obtained from the physical stress symptoms and the health risk behaviors questionnaire. The result were as follows : 1.Physical stress symptoms didn't make significant difference between groups. GI symptom, as the subscale of physical stress symptoms of non-athletes were higher then those of athletes. The highest ranked physical stress symptoms in athletes was cardiopulmonary symptom ll(upper respiratory symptoms) and in non- athletes was central-neurological symptoms. 2.Health risk behaviors didn't make significant difference between groups. Weight control, as the subscale of health risk behaviors of athletes were higher then those of non-athletes. The highest ranked health risk behaviors in athletes was alcohol and in non-athletes was smoking. 3.There were the low positive correlation between physical stress symptoms and health risk behaviors.

Relationship between Manufacturing Workers'Job Conditions and Stress / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: In this study we performed an analysis of the stress associated with the working conditions of 6,764 workers based on 'A survey of healthy condition of workers on 1999'by the Korean Occupational Safety and Health Agency. The Purpose of this study was to provide basic data for health education and management for industrial workers'health promotion. METHODS: Collected data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis, using the SPSS 10.0 program. RESULTS: When the degrees of stress were analyzed according to demographic characteristics, females were found to have higher levels of stress than males (p<0.001). Furthermore, as age was lowered and as the work space became larger, the degrees of a stress were also found to be higher (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). When the degrees of stress were analyzed according to working conditions, longer working hours (p<0.001) and reduced break times (p<0.05), gave rise to higher degrees of stress. Also, as the work space was reduced in size and as the work intensity was augmented, the degrees of a stress were made higher (p<0.01). In terms of physical working conditions, humidity and a lack of sense of security resulted in higher degrees of stress (p<0.01). When the workers sense that their environment is noisy or dusty has poor lighting or ventilation or that the rest room and cafeteria facilities are inadequate, the degrees of stress are found to be higher. As regards the social environment, when the workers sensed that the degree of job demand or job control was higher or that the degree of social support was lower, the degrees of stress were increased (p<0.001). Among those factors which influenced physical stress in the stepwise multiple regression analysis, the primary factor was found to be the safety of the working place (5.1 %). Other factors which influenced physical stress were degree of job demand, age, work intensity, humidity, sexual discrimination, length of working hours, size of work space and the existence or not of a regular break time in this order. Total R2 due to these factors was 12%. Among those factors which influenced mental stress in the stepwise multiple regression analysis, the primary factor was the degree of job demand (4.8 %). Other factors which influenced mental stress were humidity, age, sexual discrimination, the degree of a job control, safety of the working place, degree of social support, a working site, size of the work space, quality of lighting, the existence or not of a regular break time and length of working hours in this order. Total R2 due to these factors was 13.1 %. CONCLUSIONS: The above results shows that working conditions are strongly related to stress. Furthermore, when both physical and social working conditions are continuously managed and improved, workers may not only reduce their levels of stress but also maximize their working efficiency.

ALTERATION OF PHOSPHORYLATED ERK1/2 IN THE RAT BRAIN INDUCED BY WATER RESTRICTION / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the effect of stress induced by water restriction on the level of phosphorylated(ERK1/2) in rat brain. Methods Fifty-eight male Wistar rats were used and randomly divided into control group(C,n=4) and three experimental groups: TW(drinking at scheduled time),EB(empty bottle stimulus),WR(restricted water drinking),which were subdivided into three subgroups by time as 3d,7d, 14d(n=6 for each).In C group,water was freely accessed to the animal for one week.In the experimental groups the water supply was restricted following a week of accommodation and the other week for timed water supply training.In TW group,the water was supplied twice a day and 10 min for each in a fixed time. In EB and WR groups,the water was served only once a day for 10 min,and in the other scheduled time for water supply only an empty bottle without water was provided in the EB group and water was limited in the WR group.All the animals were deeply anesthetized 1h after the last stimulus and transcardially infused,then the brains were cut into free-floating sections and processed for immunohistochemical staining of pERKI/2 with ABC method.The expression of pERK1/2 positive staining was measured with image analysis system. Results The area of phosphorylated ERK1/2 was significantly increased in many brain structures,especially in paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus(PVN),supraoptic nucleus(SON),ventrolateral septum(LSV),medial amygdaloid nucleus(MeA),central amygdaloid nucleus(CEA) and nucleus of solitary tract(NTS) in TW,EB and WR group compared with C group.The expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 in SON,LSV, MeA and CeA in EB and WR group were higher than that in TW group;pERK1/2 expression of LSV,MeA,CeA and NTS in EB group increased and went down more early and quickly than that in WR group.The response of phosphorylated ERK1/2 was dependent on both stimulus methods and time in all the nuclei mentioned above except PVN,in which only the stimulus time was related. Conclusion The level of pERK 1/2 was significantly altered in PVN,SON,LSV,MeA,CeA and NTS following stimulation of water restriction.The results indicate that the activated nuclei in the brain by physical and psychological stressors are different.