Search Results (356)

Background/Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is strongly associated with cardiovascular morbidity, and depressive symptoms are common in affected individuals. Both OSA and depression have been linked to autonomic dysfunction, but the independent contribution of depressive symptoms to autonomic dysfunction in OSA remains unclear. We investigated whether depressive symptom severity is associated with autonomic function, indexed by heart-rate variability (HRV), in patients with OSA. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1713 adults with OSA at a university-affiliated sleep center from 2011 to 2024. HRV was derived from electrocardiography during polysomnography, and frequency-domain indices (natural log-transformed LF, HF, VLF, TP, and LF/HF) were computed. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Associations between BDI-II and HRV indices were evaluated using univariable and multivariable linear regressions. Results: In univariable regression analyses, higher BDI-II scores were significantly associated with lower HRV indices (ln LF, ln HF, ln VLF, ln TP; all p < 0.01). In multivariable analyses, higher BDI-II scores were independently associated with lower ln LF, ln HF, and ln TP (all p < 0.05), adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, apnea–hypopnea index, arousal index, and sleep quality. Conclusions: Greater depressive symptom burden is independently associated with reductions in multiple HRV indices, suggesting attenuated parasympathetic activity and autonomic dysregulation in patients with OSA. These findings support integrated management strategies that address both physiological and psychological domains in OSA and motivate longitudinal studies to test whether effective depression treatment improves HRV and mitigates long-term cardiovascular risk. Full article

Occupational environments often expose workers to physical and psychological stressors that compromise well-being and productivity. While biophilic design has gained attention, there remains limited systematic integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) within workplace management frameworks. This review aims to map the empirical impacts of NbSs on occupational health, productivity, and environmental quality, and to identify key barriers and facilitators for their integration into comprehensive Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety (QEHS) management systems. A scoping literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases for studies published between 2019 and 2024. A total of 2452 records were initially retrieved, with 39 studies retained for synthesis following screening, eligibility assessment, and critical appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Findings indicate that NbSs can reduce stress, improve physical and cognitive health, and enhance workplace productivity. Reported benefits include reduced absenteeism, improved indoor air quality, and measurable financial returns. However, significant challenges persist, including high upfront costs, ongoing maintenance demands, a shortage of specialized labor, and methodological heterogeneity across studies. In particular, hybrid approaches combining physical natural elements and immersive technologies such as virtual reality emerged as promising alternatives for spatially constrained environments. Participatory co-design and stakeholder engagement were also identified as critical success factors for effective implementation. Integrating NbSs into QEHS frameworks has the potential to foster healthier, more resilient, and sustainable workplaces. Alignment with recognized certifications can further support systematic adoption and monitoring. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs, standardized outcome metrics, and physiological markers, while addressing geographical gaps through studies in underrepresented regions. Embedding participatory processes and certification alignment can enhance stakeholder buy-in and practical scalability, advancing the integration of NbSs into holistic workplace management strategies. Full article

Monitoring heart rate (HR) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) in underwater environments has gained increasing importance due to the expanding popularity of diving activities such as SCUBA diving, freediving, and professional underwater operations. These physiological parameters are critical indicators for detecting adaptive responses and early signs of physiological distress caused by environmental stressors like elevated ambient pressure, hypoxia, cold temperatures, and psychological stress. Although recent advances in wearable sensor technologies offer new opportunities for real-time physiological monitoring underwater, significant limitations persist due to issues such as signal interference, cold-induced vasoconstriction, sensor durability, and the complexity of reliably measuring these parameters in dynamic underwater conditions. Evidence shows HR can fall by more than 50% in freedivers and SpO₂ may decline to below 50% during repeated dives, with proposed depth-specific thresholds (e.g., <98.5% at 30 m) serving as early warning levels. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the cardiovascular and oxygenation responses observed during diving, explores the technological challenges associated with underwater HR and SpO₂ monitoring, and discusses future directions, including the integration of multisensor platforms and predictive analytics to enhance diver safety and physiological monitoring capabilities. Addressing these technological and methodological gaps holds the potential to substantially improve safety standards and expand the clinical applicability of underwater physiological monitoring systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental fear and anxiety are areas of concern in clinical pediatric dentistry, often leading to treatment avoidance and negative oral-health consequences. Cortisol and alpha amylase, measurable in saliva, have been proposed as biomarkers of stress and may provide an objective means of assessing and monitoring distress over time. This study examined measures of psychological and physiological distress in pediatric patients undergoing dental procedures and their correlation. Methods: 7-to-17-year-old new patients scheduled for a dental procedure or orthodontic bonding completed a psychological battery assessing dental fear (using Children’s Fear Survey Schedule—Dental Subscale), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and dental anxiety (Modified Children Dental Anxiety Scale). Before the dental appointment, we assessed anticipated pain intensity, heart rate (HR), and collected two saliva samples to quantify cortisol and alpha amylase. Correlations between psychological and physiological measures were assessed with Pearson’s correlation and treatment groups were compared with independent t-tests. Results: Out 34 participants (12.8 ± 2.7 y/o, 52.9% females, 73.5% pediatric patients and 26.5% orthodontic patients), 38.2% endorsed moderate anxiety; 85.3% reported moderate to high stress; and 29.6% indicated dental fear. Psychological distress was not influenced by procedure type. Dental fear positively correlated with dental anxiety (p < 0.001) and HR (p < 0.001); dental anxiety positively correlated with anticipated pain (p = 0.010) and HR (p = 0.003); stress positively correlated with HR (p = 0.006). Even if 72.2% of participants had cortisol value outside normal range and those with greater stress exhibited elevated cortisol, cortisol and alpha amylase levels (measured on n = 18) were not correlated with psychological variables. Conclusions: Cortisol and alpha amylase levels were not correlated with psychological measures in a cross-sectional study on pediatric patients undergoing dental procedures. Full article

Background: Scientific research on fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) workers has identified a gap in understanding the dynamics of job stress parameters among forest workers throughout the shift cycle. Methods: This study investigated the relationship between psychological and psychophysiological parameters of job stress and work capacity among loggers. The research was conducted during two simultaneous scientific expeditions in July 2024, involving 47 loggers from two teams with differing socio-psychological characteristics. Data were collected daily (morning and evening) using a battery of psychophysiological and psychological tests. Teams’ socio-psychological characteristics were assessed five times during the 15-day fly-in period. Results: The adaptation (beginning) and fatigue (end) phases of the shift were significantly more stressful than the middle period. During these critical phases, assessments of functional state showed greater consistency but were less favorable. Key findings indicate a psychological mobilization effect at the period’s start, where high subjective comfort coexisted with physiological strain. By the end, functional capabilities were maintained despite high fatigue. Furthermore, loggers in teams with a positive socio-psychological climate exhibited a more favorable functional state throughout the shift. Conclusions: The study’s novelty lies in its comprehensive mapping of the dynamic interplay between job stress and work capacity across the FIFO cycle, using both instrumental and questionnaire-based methods. The results underscore the critical influence of the team’s socio-psychological climate on worker well-being and highlight specific high-stress phases that warrant targeted interventions. Full article

In the process of revitalizing historic districts, creating a healthy living environment requires a focus on the microclimate comfort of historic districts. Microclimate comfort refers to the comprehensive physiological perception and psychological satisfaction of climate elements such as heat, wind, and humidity under specific local environmental conditions, typically within a spatial range of horizontal scale < 100 m and vertical scale < 10 m. Among these, wind environment quality, as a key factor influencing pedestrian health experiences and cultural tourism appeal, holds particular research value. This study takes the Dabao Island Courtyard District in Qingdao as its subject, employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation methods from the artificial intelligence (AI) technology framework for modeling. CFD is a numerical method based on computer simulation, which solves fluid control equations (such as the Navier–Stokes equations) through iterative optimization to achieve high-fidelity simulation of physical environments such as airflow, turbulence, and heat transfer. A three-dimensional geometric model of the Dabao Island courtyard district was established, and boundary conditions were set based on local meteorological data. Numerical simulations were conducted to analyze the wind environment before and after the renovation of different layouts, functional spaces, and spatial scales (individual courtyards, clustered courtyards, and surrounding neighborhoods) of the courtyard district. The results indicate that factors such as building layout, street orientation, and renovation strategies significantly influence the wind environment of the Dabao Island neighborhood courtyards, thereby affecting residents’ perceptions of wind comfort. For example, unreasonable building layouts can lead to excessive local wind speeds or vortex phenomena, reducing wind comfort, whereas reasonable renovation and update strategies can facilitate the introduction of wind corridors into the historical courtyard buildings, improving wind environment quality. This study contributes to better protection and utilization of traditional neighborhoods during urban renewal processes, creating a more comfortable wind environment for residents, providing scientific decision-making support for the renovation of historical neighborhoods under the Healthy China strategy, and offering methodological references for wind environment research in other similar traditional neighborhoods. Full article

Background: Preoperative stress is a multifactorial phenomenon shaped by physiological, psychological, and social influences, with a substantial impact on postoperative recovery. This study aimed to quantify preoperative stress levels, identify associated factors, and rank their predictive importance. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 197 patients scheduled for general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, or otorhinolaryngology procedures between December 2024 and June 2025 at Suceava County Emergency Clinical Hospital. Stress levels were assessed using the Brief Measure of Emotional Preoperative Stress (B-MEPS), translated and culturally adapted into Romanian. Statistical analyses included nonparametric tests, generalized linear modeling, and Random Forest regression. Results: The mean B-MEPS score was 21.42 ± 6.04 (range: 11–34), indicating a moderate level of preoperative stress. Higher stress scores were significantly associated with female sex (p < 0.001), lower educational attainment (p = 0.003), divorced marital status (p = 0.007), a history of cancer (p = 0.002), and the type of surgical intervention (p = 0.003). Random Forest analysis identified the type of surgery, educational level, and sex as the strongest predictors. Conclusions: Preoperative stress is chiefly influenced by the type of surgical procedure, educational level, and sex, with potential synergistic effects among these factors. Early identification of high-risk patients enables targeted, personalized interventions to mitigate anxiety and improve perioperative outcomes. Further research should include formal validation of the Romanian version of B-MEPS and the integration of additional psychosocial variables. Full article

Background: Hyperventilation Syndrome (HVS) is a well-recognized physiological consequence of acute anxiety, often resulting in respiratory alkalosis and subsequent electrolyte imbalances. Among these, a reduction in ionized calcium levels can lead to neuromuscular irritability and electrocardiographic abnormalities such as QTc prolongation. Although well-documented in specific settings, including autism spectrum disorders and drug-induced crises, such complications are rarely described in otherwise healthy pediatric patients presenting with isolated anxiety episodes. This report aims to raise awareness of anxiety-driven somatic manifestations, particularly in the context of the rising prevalence of mental health disorders among children and adolescents. Methods: We report the case of a previously healthy 10-year-old girl presenting to the emergency department with acute agitation and hyperventilation. Clinical examination revealed neuromuscular symptoms, including Trousseau’s sign and flexion posture. Initial laboratory testing and arterial blood gas analysis indicated respiratory alkalosis with decreased ionized calcium levels, and a resting ECG showed QTc prolongation (510 ms). Treatment included intravenous midazolam, a balanced electrolyte solution, and oral bromazepam during intensive observation with cardiac monitoring. Results: The patient’s symptoms progressively improved following anxiolytic and supportive therapy. Electrolyte abnormalities normalized within 48 h, with complete resolution of the prolonged QTc (430 ms). No arrhythmias or other complications occurred. Outpatient psychological follow-up was arranged upon discharge. Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of considering anxiety as a primary etiology in pediatric patients with apparent metabolic or cardiac abnormalities. Early psychiatric recognition and targeted supportive care can prevent overtreatment and reduce the burden on emergency and cardiologic resources. Full article

Background: Exercise has been widely recognized as an effective non-pharmacological intervention method for maintaining the mental health and sleep quality of the elderly. However, existing studies rarely distinguish the types of exercise based on cultural attributes, and this is even more so for the situation of elderly women. This oversight limits the accuracy of exercise recommendations for this population. Hence, this study aimed to compare the differential effects of three types of exercise—Oriental exercise, general exercise, and sedentary leisure exercise (SLE)—on physiological indicators and mental health in elderly women and to examine the associations between physiological indicators, sleep quality, and mental health. Methods: A total of 386 participants were included in the study, comprising 252 individuals in the Oriental exercise group (mean ± SD: 67.83 ± 5.36), 110 individuals in the general exercise group (mean ± SD: 67.19 ± 4.47), and 24 individuals in the SLE group (mean ± SD: 67.38 ± 4.75). Psychological tests (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Subjective Well-being Scale (SWB), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Geriatric Anxiety Scale-20 (GAI-20), and the Exercise Motivation Scale (SMS)) and physiological measurements (such as body weight and pulmonary capacity) were conducted. ANOVA was performed to compare the effects of the three types of exercise on physiological and psychological outcomes, and correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between different types of exercise and mental health indicators, physiological indicators, and sleep quality. Results: Primary Objective: One-way ANOVA showed significant group differences in key outcomes. Bonferroni post hoc tests confirmed the following: Oriental exercise > general exercise in SWB (p = 0.032); general exercise > SLE in sleep quality (PSQI, p = 0.028) and lower body weight (p = 0.019); Oriental exercise > general exercise in vital capacity (p < 0.001). Secondary Objective: Pearson correlations revealed the following: PSQI negatively correlated with life satisfaction (SWLS: p = 0.035) and positively with GDS (p = 0.021); SWB positively correlated with SWLS (p < 0.001) and negatively with GDS (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Different exercise modalities have distinct benefits for elderly women. Oriental exercise improved vital capacity and well-being, while general exercise reduced body weight and enhanced sleep quality compared with sedentary leisure activity. Tailored exercise programs may effectively promote both physical and mental health in this population. Full article

Background: Anxiety and stress are common mental health issues that affect both psychological and physiological well-being as well as quality of life. The Tibetan Singing Bowl, which combines sound and vibration, is often used in meditation and relaxation and may offer therapeutic benefits. However, current research findings are scattered and lack systematic integration and quantitative validation. Methods: This study is a systematic review that included 14 quantitative studies from the past 16 years investigating the effects of Tibetan Singing Bowl interventions on adult psychological and physiological health. Data were sourced from six major databases and supplemented through citation tracking. Inclusion criteria were adults aged 18 and over, with interventions primarily involving Tibetan Singing Bowls, and reporting quantitative outcomes related to psychological indicators (e.g., anxiety and depressive symptoms) and physiological indicators (e.g., Heart Rate Variability and brainwave activity). Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) criteria, and findings were synthesized narratively to identify patterns and trends. Results: Study populations included general adults, individuals with emotional distress, and patients with cancer or chronic illnesses. Interventions ranged from single sessions to multiple courses, with some incorporating breathing or other practices. Most studies reported significant reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms, improvements in well-being and quality of life, increases in Heart Rate Variability, and decreases in heart rate. Some studies also found increased Delta and Theta brainwave activity. Due to heterogeneity in study design and limited articles, no meta-analysis was conducted. Conclusions: Tibetan Singing Bowl interventions demonstrate potential for stress reduction and psychological well-being, offering a non-invasive, low-risk, and widely accepted complementary method supporting therapeutic processes, which can be suitable for clinical and community settings. Future research should focus on rigorously designed controlled trials and consider follow-up assessments to more accurately evaluate the effectiveness of TSB interventions. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary cannabidiol (CBD) supplementation on behavior, blood parameters, oxidative status, metabolomic profile, and the fatty acid composition of meat and liver in rabbits. A total of 42 New Zealand White × California rabbits (60 days old; 1:1 sex ratio; average weight 1621.3 ± 46.2 g) were randomly assigned to two groups (a control group, CTRL, and a CBD group, n = 21 each). Both groups received the same commercial diet, with the CBD group additionally supplemented with 0.1 mL of cannabis extract in coconut oil, corresponding to 10 mg CBD/animal/day. At 92 days of age, rabbits were slaughtered, and samples were collected for analyses. Results showed that CBD supplementation significantly improved body weight gain, reduced plasma triglyceride levels, and enhanced oxidative status. Behavioral observations indicated increased motor and grooming activities in CBD-supplemented animals, suggesting enhanced psychological well-being. The fatty acid profile of meat and liver was not significantly altered by CBD supplementation. Overall, dietary CBD demonstrated the potential to positively influence physiological and behavioral responses, representing a promising strategy to enhance animal welfare and productivity in rabbit farming. Although no adverse effects on lipid profiles were observed, further studies are warranted to explore CBD’s role in lipid metabolism and cholesterol regulation. Full article

Defensive pessimism, an important emotion regulation and motivation strategy, has increasingly attracted scholarly attention in psychology. Recently, sensor-based methods have begun to supplement or replace traditional questionnaire surveys in personality research. However, current approaches for collecting vital signs data face several challenges, including limited monitoring durations, significant data deviations, and susceptibility to external interference. This paper proposes a novel approach using a NiCr/NiSi alloy film temperature sensor, which has a K-type structure and flexible piezoelectric pressure sensor to identify and predict defensive pessimism personality traits. Experimental results indicate that the Seebeck coefficients for K-, T-, and E-type thermocouples are approximately 41 μV/°C, 39 μV/°C, and 57 μV/°C, respectively, which align closely with national standards and exhibit good consistency across multiple experimental groups. Moreover, radial artery frequency experiments demonstrate a strong linear relationship between pulse rate and the intensity of external stimuli, where stronger stimuli correspond to faster pulse rates. Simulation experiments further reveal a high correlation between radial artery pulse frequency and skin temperature, and a regression model based on the physiological sensor data shows a good fit (p < 0.05). These findings verify the feasibility of using temperature and flexible piezoelectric pressure sensors to identify and predict defensive pessimism personality characteristics. Full article

Emotion regulation is essential for mental health. However, many people ignore their own emotional regulation or are deterred by the high cost of psychological counseling, which poses significant challenges to making effective support widely available. This review systematically examines the convergence of multimodal sensing technologies and large language models (LLMs) for the development of Automated Emotional Regulation (AER) systems. The review draws upon a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, encompassing research papers, technical reports, and relevant theoretical frameworks. Key findings indicate that multimodal sensing offers the potential for rich, contextualized data pertaining to emotional states, while LLMs provide improved capabilities for interpreting these inputs and generating nuanced, empathetic, and actionable regulatory responses. The integration of these technologies, including physiological sensors, behavioral tracking, and advanced LLM architectures, presents the improvement of application, moving AER beyond simpler, rule-based systems towards more adaptive, context-aware, and human-like interventions. Opportunities for personalized interventions, real-time support, and novel applications in mental healthcare and other domains are considerable. However, these prospects are counterbalanced by significant challenges and limitations. In summary, this review synthesizes current technological advancements, identifies substantial opportunities for innovation and application, and critically analyzes the multifaceted technical, ethical, and practical challenges inherent in this domain. It also concludes that while the integration of multimodal sensing and LLMs holds significant potential for AER, the field is nascent and requires concerted research efforts to realize its full capacity to enhance human well-being. Full article

This review explores the advantages of ivabradine in the management of cardiac surgery patients, particularly highlighting its heart rate (HR)-reducing properties, its role in minimizing the impact of atrial fibrillation, and its contributions to improving left ventricular diastolic function, as well as reducing pain, stress, and anxiety. In parallel, studies provide evidence that ivabradine influences endothelial inflammatory responses through mechanisms such as biomechanical modulation. Unlike traditional beta-blockers that may induce hypotension, ivabradine selectively inhibits hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, allowing for effective HR reduction without compromising blood pressure stability. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for patients at risk of atrial fibrillation post-surgery, where HR control is crucial for cardiovascular stability. This is an area in which ivabradine appears to play a role prophylactically, possibly in combination with beta-blockers. Furthermore, ivabradine has been associated with enhanced diastolic parameters in left ventricular function, reflecting its potential to improve surgical outcomes in patients with compromised heart function. In addition to its cardiovascular benefits, it appears to alleviate psychological stress and anxiety, common in postoperative settings, by moderating the neuroendocrine response to stress, thereby reducing stress-induced hormone levels. Furthermore, it has notable analgesic properties, contributing to pain management through its action on HCN channels in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Collectively, these findings indicate that ivabradine may serve as a valuable therapeutic agent in the perioperative care of cardiac surgery patients, addressing both physiological and psychological challenges during recovery. Full article

Background: Postoperative pain management after a cesarean section remains a significant challenge, as inadequate control can delay maternal recovery and hinder early bonding and breastfeeding. While multimodal analgesia is the standard approach, non–pharmacological strategies like immediate skin–to–skin contact (SSC) are often underused despite their potential benefits in reducing pain, improving uterine contractions, and increasing maternal satisfaction. Objective: To evaluate the effects of immediate SSC on postoperative pain perception, uterine contraction quality, and maternal satisfaction, and to explore ways to incorporate SSC into routine post–cesarean care to promote recovery and humanized care. Method: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 80 women undergoing elective cesarean sections, divided into two groups: SSC (40 women) and control (40 women). Postoperative pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at various intervals, while uterine contraction quality and maternal satisfaction were assessed through clinical observation and a Likert scale, respectively. Results: We found that women in the SSC group experienced significantly lower pain scores (VAS2 and VAS3, p < 0.001), stronger infraumbilical uterine contractions (92.5%, p < 0.001), and higher satisfaction levels (average 9.98 vs. 6.50, p < 0.001). An inverse correlation was observed between pain intensity and satisfaction, indicating that SSC enhances both physiological and psychological recovery. Conclusions: Immediate SSC after cesarean is an effective, humanizing intervention that reduces pain, supports uterine contractions, and boosts maternal satisfaction. These findings advocate for integrating SSC into standard postoperative care, aligning with ethical principles of beneficence and autonomy. Further research with larger samples is necessary to confirm these benefits and facilitate widespread adoption in maternity protocols. Full article