Search Results (679)

COVID-19 brought on health-related stressors which have not been previously explored as risks for intimate partner violence (IPV). The current study applies the ABCX model of family stress to assess whether health-related stressors were associated with more severe IPV and the mediational role of resources (i.e., negotiation skills, emotion regulation skills, social support) and perceptions (i.e., meaning in life, loneliness) in these relationships. Using MTURK, adults across the United States participated in an anonymous online survey. Participants were allocated to groups according to relationship status and IPV presence and severity. A series of multiple mediation analyses was conducted to investigate if personal resources and perception of circumstance mediated the relationship between health-related stressors and IPV severity. The findings indicate a positive association between COVID-19 health-related stressors and IPV severity. These relationships were primarily mediated by increased attempts to suppress emotional expression, feelings of loneliness, and search for meaning in one’s life. The findings support the applicability of the ABCX models to understanding IPV, suggesting that the health-related stressors should be considered as risk factors for IPV, and identify explanatory mechanisms that could also be targets for intervention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition with an increasing life expectancy in recent years. As a result, addressing psychosocial aspects in this population has become an increasingly important concern. This mixed-methods systematic review aimed to update the current knowledge on the psychosocial aspects of living with CF in adults. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted in November 2024 across several databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, Supplemental Index, Complementary Index, APA PsycInfo, Business Source Complete, SciELO, and the Directory of Open Access Journals via EBSCO. Results: Of the 701 articles retrieved, 24 were analyzed, including a total of 2023 participants (mean age: 31.2 years; 57.2% female). Quantitative findings identified optimistic coping as the most frequent strategy associated with improved survival. High social support and gratitude emerged as key factors for treatment adherence and quality of life, while depression remained the primary mental health concern. Qualitatively, the findings highlighted concerns with adult life transitions and financial stressors. Participants described experiences of social stigma and embarrassment linked to chronic symptoms, often leading to selective disclosure to avoid discrimination. Conclusions: This review confirms that psychosocial factors are central to the adult CF experience, shifting the focus beyond biological survival and highlighting areas that require clinical intervention. As life expectancy increases, clinical care must evolve to incorporate interventions that address these factors to improve mental health and overall quality of life (QoL), ensuring that patients are supported through the unique challenges of extended adulthood. Full article

Parental stress is a critical yet understudied dimension of childhood total blindness, a condition that imposes substantial developmental, emotional, and functional challenges on families. This cross-sectional study assessed parenting stress, maternal health symptoms, and children’s functional vision-related quality of life in 81 mothers of children aged 0 to 12 years with total congenital blindness. Parenting stress was assessed in the full sample using the Parenting Stress Index–Fourth Edition (PSI-4). Children’s functional vision-related quality of life was evaluated in age-specific subsamples using the Quality of Family Vision Impact (QFVI-3 for children aged 0–3 years and QFVI-7 for children aged 3–7 years). All participants also completed a sociodemographic and maternal health survey. Total Parent Stress showed moderately elevated percentile scores (mean ≈ 67), with the highest PSI-4 subdomains in Adaptability, Depression, and Health. Approximately 21% of mothers scored within the clinical range for high stress. Maternal symptoms including sadness, insomnia, headaches, forgetfulness, and musculoskeletal pain were significant (all p < 0.01). QFVI global scores indicated moderate impairments in functional vision-related quality of life across age groups. Life Stress demonstrated a small-to-moderate negative correlation with QFVI-7, suggesting that cumulative environmental stressors may adversely affect children’s functional outcomes. Several factors were associated with more favorable outcomes. Among children under three years of age, maternal engagement in physical activity was associated with higher QFVI scores, whereas among children aged 3–7 years, school attendance was associated with higher functional vision-related quality of life scores. In contrast, sociodemographic disadvantage, limited access to educational adaptations, and reduced maternal participation in work or leisure activities were associated with higher levels of parental stress. These findings highlight the importance of multidisciplinary, family-centered care incorporating psychosocial assessment, early stimulation, orientation and mobility support, and maternal mental health interventions in pediatric ophthalmology. Full article

A living organism can be regarded as a dissipative, self-organizing physical system operating far from thermodynamic equilibrium. Such systems can be effectively described within the framework of Markov jump processes subjected to an external driving force that sustains the system away from equilibrium—leading, in the special case of stabilization, to a non-equilibrium steady state (NESS). By combining the Markov formalism with concepts from stochastic thermodynamics, we demonstrate the temporal evolution of entropy in such systems: entropy decreases during growth and development, stabilizes at maturity under NESS conditions, and subsequently increases during aging, death, and decomposition. This characteristic trajectory, which we term the entropy bathtub, highlights the universal thermodynamic structure of living systems. We further show that the system exhibits continuous yet time-dependent positive entropy production, in accordance with fundamental thermodynamic principles. Perturbations of the driving force—whether reversible or irreversible—naturally capture the impact of external stressors, providing a conceptual analogy to pathological processes in biological organisms. Although the model does not introduce fundamentally new elements to the physics of life, it offers a simple tool for exploring entropy-driven mechanisms in living matter. Full article

Redox (reduction–oxidation) processes underlie all forms of life and are a universal regulatory mechanism that maintains homeostasis and adapts the organism to changes in the internal and external environments. From capturing solar energy in photosynthesis and oxygen generation to fine-tuning cellular metabolism, redox reactions are key determinants of life activity. Proteins containing sulfur- and selenium-containing amino acid residues play a crucial role in redox regulation. Their reversible oxidation by physiological oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), plays the role of molecular switches that control enzymatic activity, protein structure, and signaling cascades. This enables rapid and flexible cellular responses to a wide range of stimuli—from growth factors and nutrient signals to toxins and stressors. Mitochondria, the main energy organelles and also the major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS), play a special role in redox balance. On the one hand, mitochondrial ROS function as signaling molecules, regulating cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, and immune response, while, on the other hand, their excessive accumulation leads to oxidative stress, damage to biomolecules, and the development of pathological processes. So, mitochondria act not only as a “generator” of redox signals but also as a central link in maintaining cellular and systemic redox homeostasis. Redox signaling forms a multi-layered cybernetic system, which includes signal perception, activation of signaling pathways, the initiation of physiological responses, and feedback regulatory mechanisms. At the molecular level, this is manifested by changes in the activity of redox-regulated proteins of which the redox proteome consists, thereby affecting the epigenetic landscape and gene expression. Physiological processes at all levels of biological organization—from subcellular to systemic—are controlled by redox mechanisms. Studying these processes opens a way to understanding the universal principles of life activity and identifying the biochemical mechanisms whose disruption causes the occurrence and development of pathological reactions. It is important to emphasize that new approaches to redox balance modulation are now actively developed, ranging from antioxidant therapy and targeted intervention on mitochondria to pharmacological and nutraceutical regulation of signaling pathways. This article analyzes the pivotal role of redox balance and its regulation at various levels of living organisms—from molecular and cellular to tissue, organ, and organismal levels—with a special emphasis on the role of mitochondria and modern strategies for influencing redox homeostasis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hemodialysis (HD) is the commonest life sustaining form of kidney replacement therapy in the world; however, this method of treatment have many adverse effects, and even a single HD session affects many organs, including the eyes. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a single HD session on the ophthalmologic findings in patients with End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The second aim of the study was to examine the correlation of these changes with each other and between changes in systemic stressors related to the HD session. Methods: This was a single-center cross-sectional observational study conducted on 32 patients undergoing HD. Selected parameters of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye as well as systemic parameters were assessed before and after a single HD session. Results: Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved, and lens thickness (LT), axial length (AXL), average macular thickness (MT), central MT and total vessel density (VD) of the deep capillary plexus DCP increased significantly after a single HD session. The Schirmer test results, tear break up time (TBUT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), central and average choroidal thickness (CT) decreased significantly after HD. Body weight loss was the only significant systemic change. Decrease in TBUT correlated positively with Schirmer’s test results decrease. Increase in CCT correlated positively with AXL increase. Decrease in central and average CT correlated positively with IOP decrease. Increase in central MT correlated positively with increase in average MT. Decrease in central CT correlated positively with average CT decrease. Change in VD of the SCP correlated positively with change in VD of DCP. Apart from the positive correlation between SBP change and Schirmer’s test results change, there were no correlations between systemic and ophthalmic parameters changes. Conclusions: Our study showed that HD affected the parameters of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Numerous correlations between these changes suggest that they are interrelated and represent the complex response of the eye to the HD process. Full article

Testosterone is a key regulator of male and female physiology, influencing reproductive function, muscle and bone anabolism, metabolic homeostasis, and psychological well-being. Growing evidence indicates a secular, age-independent decline in testosterone levels across populations, a trend associated with reduced fertility, metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunction, mood disturbances, and impaired quality of life. While aging and genetic factors play a role, a wide range of modifiable influences—including obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary patterns, chronic stress, poor sleep, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals or other environmental stressors—appear to contribute substantially to this phenomenon. This narrative review synthesizes the evidence on testosterone’s physiological significance, the causes and consequences of its secular decline, and evaluates potential interventions, emphasizing lifestyle and environmental strategies (physical activity, nutrition, weight management, sleep, stress reduction, sunlight exposure) as well as pharmacological and nutraceutical options. Overall, the contemporary testosterone decline represents a complex, multifactorial public health issue requiring integrated approaches to preserve hormonal and systemic health. Full article

Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive and life-threatening disorder affecting approximately 1% of the global population, with increasing prevalence among elderly individuals. Although it most commonly arises as a complication of chronic cardiac or pulmonary diseases, it may also develop in otherwise healthy individuals exposed to chronic hypoxia at high altitude. In this setting, sustained alveolar hypoxia triggers pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling, key processes driving the elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure and highlighting the critical role of environmental stressors in disease pathogenesis. In this review, we examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the hypoxia-pulmonary hypertension axis, focusing on the complex and interconnected signaling networks involving redox imbalance, PI3K–Akt signaling, Na⁺/H⁺ exchange, nitric oxide bioavailability, autophagy, mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy, metabolic reprogramming, inflammation, adventitial remodeling with particular emphasis on pulmonary arterial adventitial fibroblasts, and erythropoietin signaling. We also discuss current knowledge gaps and emerging therapeutic opportunities that may arise from a deeper understanding of these pathways. Collectively, while many of the signaling mechanisms implicated in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension offer therapeutic promise, none have yet proven fully translatable, underscoring the multifactorial and tightly integrated nature of this disease. Full article

Understanding the drivers of population dynamics in long-lived, slow reproducing species such as bats is critical for conservation, particularly during vulnerable life history stages like hibernation. We reviewed winter mortality records from more than 109 monitored hibernacula in Bulgaria. We found that unusual mortality events (UME > 7 individuals) were recorded at only four sites, involving carcasses from at least five species, indicating that such events are uncommon and likely under-detected due to uneven survey effort. Because the conditions under which bats hibernate can shape vulnerability to stressors, we used available long-term survey data to outline species-specific hibernation preferences as a first step toward identifying ecological settings that may influence winter mortality risk. Across Bulgaria, species exhibited distinct preferences for hibernacula: most bats selected humid, low-altitude caves, whereas others occupied colder, high-elevation roosts. Roost temperatures and altitudes differed significantly among species, with Miniopterus schreibersii using the broadest range of conditions, yet neither variable explained variation in colony size. We further analysed the age structure of deceased Miniopterus schreibersii (Bonaparte, 1837) from Bulgaria’s largest hibernation colony following mortality events in winter 2022. Carcasses spanned a wide range of age classes, yet younger individuals predominated, consistent with the idea that early-life mortality represents a key demographic filter in bats. These findings emphasise the need for consistent mortality monitoring in bats, using standardised protocols that account for detection biases, scavenger removal, and site-specific variation. Such efforts are essential for clarifying the roles of environmental extremes, disease, and human disturbance in winter mortality. Full article

Stress in the workplace has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global health epidemic. Research examining the most stressful industries to work in the UK consistently ranks education among the highest groups, encompassing early years practitioners to higher education academics. One of the most commonly reported contributory factors is poor work–life balance, with high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation—key components of burnout—endemic. Related research has highlighted unprecedented mental health difficulties among children and young people; while many educators feel ill-equipped to manage the levels of mental distress they encounter in the classroom and playground on a daily basis, contributing to their own diminished wellbeing. The current author posits that at the heart of a well-functioning learning environment is the holistic wellbeing of every member of the education community. This paper brings together evidence from across different levels of education to expose systemic failures to address work-related stressors, highlighting gaps in effective support mechanisms to meet the needs of both learners and educators. Philosophical questions concerning professional identities and the function of a contemporary education system with mental health on its agenda are considered. Finally, recommendations are put forward to help tackle the current crisis and curb the exodus of professionals from across the sector. Full article

Amphibians are among the most threatened vertebrate groups globally, with over 40% of species at risk of extinction. However, a gap remains in understanding how to effectively develop and implement amphibian conservation strategies at local and global scales to minimize extinction risk. This review synthesizes multidisciplinary evidence to frame amphibian conservation as a priority not only for species preservation but for safeguarding ecosystem functioning and human well-being. Drawing on ecological, physiological, biomedical, and technological literature, we highlight the foundational roles amphibians play in various biomes: regulating invertebrate populations, mediating nutrient and energy flows, modifying physical habitats, and supporting biodiversity through trophic interactions. Their dual aquatic–terrestrial life cycles and highly permeable skin make them highly sensitive to environmental change, positioning them as bioindicators for ecosystem health. We further explore emerging tools and concepts such as environmental metabolomics, remote sensing, and citizen science for monitoring population trends and environmental stressors. Additionally, we discuss conservation challenges in relation to land-use change, climate disruption, invasive species, emerging diseases, and institutional underinvestment. We argue for the recognition of amphibians as ecological allies and the increased integration of amphibian conservation into broader frameworks such as ecosystem service valuation, climate resilience planning, and public health policy improvement. Finally, we identify key research gaps and suggest future directions to remedy these oversights, including the incorporation of traditional knowledge, socio-cultural engagement, and technological innovations for sustainable amphibian conservation. Realizing this vision will require globally coordinated, locally grounded strategies that fuse scientific insight, inclusive governance, and long-term investment—ensuring that amphibian conservation advances ecosystem stability and benefits both nature and society. Full article

Melanin pigments are ubiquitous biopolymers across diverse life forms and play multifaceted roles in cellular defense and environmental adaptation. The specialized neuromelanin in human brains accumulates mainly within catecholaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus, serving as a crucial modulator of brain homeostasis, metal detoxification, and oxidative stress responses. The intricate processes of human melanogenesis, encompassing both cutaneous and neuronal forms, are governed by complex genetic networks. Concurrently, melanin in fungi (synthesized through distinct genetic pathways) confers remarkable resistance to environmental stressors, including ionizing radiation. Recent advancements in omics technologies—including transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics—have profoundly enhanced our understanding of neuromelanin’s molecular environment in health, aging, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and other neurological disorders. This article reviews the genetic underpinnings of human melanogenesis and fungal melanogenesis, explores the convergent and divergent evolutionary pressures driving their functions, and synthesizes the rapidly accumulating omics data to elucidate neuromelanin’s critical, and often dual, role in human brain pathology. Moreover, we discuss the intriguing parallels between neuromelanin and fungal melanin, highlighting radioprotection and its potential implications for neuroprotection and astrobiology, with a special emphasis on the need to investigate neuromelanin’s potential for radioprotection in light of fungal melanin’s remarkable protective properties. Full article

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) offers a decentralized and renewable solution to global freshwater scarcity. Bio-derived and hybrid aerogels, characterized by ultra-high porosity and hierarchical pore structures, show significant potential for high water uptake and energy-efficient, low-temperature regeneration. This PRISMA-guided systematic review synthesizes evidence on silica, carbon, MOF-integrated, and bio-polymer aerogels, emphasizing green synthesis and circular design. Our analysis shows that reported water uptake reaches up to 0.32 g·g⁻¹ at 25% relative humidity (RH) and 3.5 g·g⁻¹ at 90% RH under static laboratory conditions. Testing protocols vary significantly across studies, and dynamic testing typically reduces these values by 20–30%. Ambient-pressure drying and solar-photothermal integration enhance sustainability, but performance remains highly dependent on device architecture and thermal management. Techno-economic models estimate water costs from USD 0.05 to 0.40 per liter based on heterogeneous assumptions and system boundaries. However, long-term durability and real-world environmental stressor data are severely underreported. Bridging these gaps is essential to move from lab-scale promise to scalable, commercially viable deployment. We propose a strategic roadmap toward 2035, highlighting the need for improved material stability, standardized testing protocols, and comprehensive life cycle assessments to ensure the global viability of green aerogel technologies. Full article

Pollution in aquatic ecosystems is intensifying under the combined pressures of climate change and anthropogenic contaminants, with nanoplastics (NPs) emerging as a critical threat to fish reproduction. Although extensive research has demonstrated the physiological impacts of NPs, their direct effects on sperm quality and functionality remain poorly characterized. This review synthesizes evidence from original research articles that specifically examined NPs’ impacts on fish sperm quality and related reproductive endpoints. The findings reveal that NPs consistently impair sperm motility, viability, and fertilization capacity, while inducing oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endocrine disruption. Particle size, surface chemistry, and exposure route were identified as key determinants of toxicity, with direct sperm exposure causing immediate impairments and chronic or maternal transfer exposures leading to systemic and transgenerational effects. Notably, several studies reported reduced offspring survival, altered development, and disrupted gene expression, highlighting the intergenerational risks of NPs contamination. Despite these advances, significant knowledge gaps remain, including limited research on marine wild and cultured fish species, the effects of diverse life histories on NPs toxicity, environmentally relevant exposure levels, and the combined effects of NPs with other stressors. Overall, this review underscores that fish sperm are highly sensitive to NPs pollution, with consequences that extend across generations and threaten population stability, calling for urgent mechanistic and ecologically realistic investigations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Physician burnout and mental health issues are widespread, with over 50% experiencing burnout and nearly 25% suffering from depression, trends that have worsened since 2018. High-demand specialties like urology face additional stressors, including increasing workloads and technological changes. Gender disparities further exacerbate these challenges, with female urologists reporting higher burnout and work–life balance struggles. To evaluate perceptions of work–life balance, career satisfaction, and workplace experiences among urologists worldwide, and to provide potential strategies to improve physician well-being, promote gender equity, and support the sustainability of urology. Methods: A web-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to June 2025, involving urologists, residents, and fellows globally. The 30-item questionnaire covered demographics, working conditions, work–life balance, and gender-related workplace issues. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics stratified by gender, age, role, and region. Results: We received replies from 390 doctors in urology. Work-related stress was reported by 87.4% (340). A total of 17.7% (69) felt their career progression to be fully compatible with their personal life, while 42.3% (165) perceived a significant imbalance. Female urologists experienced higher perceptions of inequality in career and work–life opportunities. Over 50% expressed willingness to reduce workload for family reasons, highlighting systemic barriers. Burnout was most prevalent among younger urologists (<50 years), with persistent gender disparities across regions. Conclusions: Work–life imbalance and burnout remain major concerns for urologists globally, especially among female and early-career physicians. Addressing these issues requires institutional policies promoting flexibility, gender equity, and targeted support. Further research is needed to develop effective interventions to sustain a resilient urological workforce. Full article