Abstract WP402: Hypertension-linked oxidative stress and inflammatory transcriptomic pathways in the brain cortical regions of a rat model following ischemic stroke

Stroke, Volume 56, Issue Suppl_1, Page AWP402-AWP402, February 1, 2025. Background:Patients with hypertension (HTN) are almost 3 times more likely to have a stroke than non-hypertensive individuals. HTN is associated with oxidative stress (OS), exacerbated inflammation, and vascular remodeling. In experimental models, normotensive Sprague-Dawley (SD) and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) show different susceptibilities and outcomes to ischemic stroke. We propose that better understanding of the modulation in gene expression profile in HTN brains may provide critical insight into this complex process.Methods:We focused on transcriptomic characterization of OS, inflammatory, and apoptosis pathway specific genes in SD and SHR brains before and after ischemic stroke. Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion was used to induce focal ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R). Using pathway specific arrays containing 84 selected genes, we performed a transcriptome analysis in the brain cortical regions. Fold-changes in gene expression were determined using the 2−ΔΔCtmethod.Results:In no-stroke SHR brain, HTN was associated with increased levels of pro-inflammatory genes including chemokine ligand (CCL)5 (3.0-fold), IL-6 (3.3-fold), and TNF superfamily member 7 (14-fold) as compared to normotensive SD rats without stroke. On the other hand, Mitogen-activated protein kinase 13, involved in tissue remodeling and cell proliferation was significantly decreased in SHR brains. However, following I/R, expression of redox signaling genes including aldehydeoxidase1 (3.4 fold), dual oxidase 1 (2.5-fold), and lactoperoxidase (3.3-fold) were upregulated in SHR brains as compared to SD rat brains. This was linked to a dysregulation in inflammatory response genes including SELE (2.8-fold), IL-1β (2-fold), and CCL21 (3.2-fold). The downstream effects of OS and inflammation on apoptotic process was supported by an upregulated expression of pro-apoptotic genes, including caspases-3,6,12 (2.1,1.7, 3.4-fold), CIDEA (1.7-fold), FAS (1.7-fold), and PYCARD (2-fold). These data indicate that OS and inflammatory pathways are further over-activated in hypertensive rat brains.Conclusion:Our data show that the expression of genes involved in OS and inflammation are coordinately upregulated as a function of HTN, which may worsen the outcome of ischemic stroke by likely regulating vascular remodeling, neuronal apoptosis, and blood brain barrier functions. Further studies focusing on these key genes may open up new ways to mitigate HTN-linked post-stroke brain damage.

Leggi
Gennaio 2025

Abstract TP63: Combining Stress First Aid And The 4-As Models To Improve Resiliency

Stroke, Volume 56, Issue Suppl_1, Page ATP63-ATP63, February 1, 2025. Background and Issues:A neurovascular intensive care unit (ICU) had a large volume of employee turnover associated with burnout and moral distress. Literature suggested nurses caring for stroke patients experienced significant moral distress and secondary traumatic stress injuries. ICU leadership implemented a combined approach of Schwartz Center Rounds (SCR) Stress First Aid (SFA) and American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) 4-As methodology to support and improve staff resiliency.Purpose:Would employees experience decreased moral distress, improved sense of resiliency, decreased burnout, and decreased turnover through a combined implementation of the SCR SFA and AACN 4-A’s process?Methods:SFA and 4-As models were selected because they both aligned with project goals. They guided support for and educated on how to support one another. Models were launched one month apart via computerized learning modules. All employees were educated, but the measures focused on nursing. Techniques used for ongoing educational support included:-Monthly newsletters-Self-care and stress reduction tactics-Awareness of hospital resources, including crisis resources-Quarterly Mobile Town Hall: Unit rounding with therapy dogs, education, snacks, senior directors, chaplaincy, and employee assistance program directorResults:The annual employee engagement survey used a numeric rating scale of 0-5. The statement specific to this project was “This facility helps me deal with stress and burnout”. In fiscal year (FY)2021, the ICU scored 2.43. In FY2022, the score improved to 2.53. Unfortunately, the survey question changed in 2023 to “The amount of job stress I feel is reasonable”, so an equal comparison could not be made. The score for FY2023 was 3.06.Turnover rates decreased from a high of 32.76% to a low of 26.87% one year following implementation.Conclusions:Implementation of SFA and 4-As skills improved resiliency and the unit benefited in decreased turnover. Lessons learned included implementing both programs during the onboarding process and leadership role-modeling to support enculturation.Initially, staff felt awkward approaching one another. Use of case studies would have improved confidence and comfort in approaching peers about their stress level.A comprehensive list of hospital resources was essential.Senior Directors played a valuable role in modeling new behaviors, increasing frontline visibility, budgeting, and supporting efforts.

Leggi
Gennaio 2025

Abstract WP271: Low Endothelial Shear Stress is Associated with Early Neurological Deterioration in Patients with Single Subcortical Infarction

Stroke, Volume 56, Issue Suppl_1, Page AWP271-AWP271, February 1, 2025. Introduction:Patients with single subcortical infarction (SSI) have relatively favorable prognosis, but they often experience early neurological deterioration (END) in a clinical course. Endothelial shear stress (ESS) applied to the vascular wall may also be one of the causes.Hypothesis:We would like to analyze the association between ESS and occurrence of END in SSI patients.Methods:We included consecutive patients with SSI within 72 hours of symptom onset between 2010 and 2020. END was defined as an increase of ≥ 2 in the total NIHSS score or ≥ 1 in the motor NIHSS score within the first 72 hours of admission. As a parameter for ESS, the signal intensity gradient (SIG) value was obtained at the vessel boundary in time-of-flight image in initial brain magnetic resonance angiography. The maximum, minimum, mean, and standard deviation of SIG were obtained from all intracranial vessels. Among them, the SIG value of the relevant vessel that caused SSI was taken as the main independent variable.Results:A total of 495 patients with SSI were evaluated (median age: 67 years, END prevalence: 17.2%). In multivariable analysis, the mean SIG value of relevant vessels was significantly associated with END (adjusted odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.68-0.97). However, maximum, minimum, or standard deviation SIG value of relevant vessel was not associated with END. Additionally, the mean SIG value of the whole intracranial vessel also showed no correlation with the occurrence of END. The statistical correlation between the average SIG value of relative vessels and END was clearly evident in distal SSI, but the correlation was lost in proximal SSI. Age or proximal type SSI also showed an association with END regardless of SIG value.Conclusions:In patients with acute SSI, the mean SIG value of relevant vessels showed a negative association with the occurrence of END. In other words, if the ESS applied to the relevant vessel where the index stroke occurred is weak, END may occur relatively easily. This tendency was more evident in patients with distal SSI lesions.

Leggi
Gennaio 2025

Stress dynamics between clinical supervisors and allied health students: a scoping review protocol

Introduction
The aim of this scoping review is to connect theoretical research related to stress with practical applications to supervision experiences within allied health professions. Understanding the implications of stress between clinical supervisors and allied health students will allow for better insights to improve supervisory methods within clinical training, stronger mentorship and lead to better quality patient care.

Methods and analysis
This review is conducted according to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews, which includes defining the research question, developing inclusion criteria and searching for, selecting, extracting and analysing the evidence. A literature search will be conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCO), ERIC (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO) and Embase (Elsevier), as well as various grey literature resources. Studies will be included if they focus on undergraduate or graduate allied health students in a clinical setting and allied health clinical educators, and report on outcomes related to stress dynamics between these two populations. Results will pass through title/abstract and full-text screening before data are extracted using a tool developed by the reviewers. Data will be analysed and summarised descriptively and presented in both tabular and narrative formats.

Ethics and dissemination
Ethical approval is not required for this scoping review. Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and professional conferences.

Trial registration number
The protocol was registered with Open Science Framework on 2 October 2024 (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/REK7Z).

Leggi
Gennaio 2025

Impact of immigration-specific stress on safety attitudes: a national cross-sectional study on overseas qualified nurses in Japan

Background
Many countries have addressed the global issue of nursing shortage by recruiting overseas nurses who are also qualified in the host country. Nevertheless, such nurses may encounter various obstacles in their personal and professional lives in the host country, leading to apprehensions about their perceptions of workplace safety in healthcare organisations.

Objective
This study investigated the current state of immigration-specific stress among overseas qualified nurses (OQNs) working in Japan and its impact on safety attitudes.

Settings
Invitation letters with a Quick Response (QR) code for a survey were sent to 119 hospitals across Japan that accepted OQNs as per the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Additionally, the survey QR code was shared with OQN-specific social media groups.

Participants
The inclusion criteria were being born and having received basic nursing education outside Japan, passing the Japanese national nursing examination, and current employment in the Japanese healthcare organisations. Valid responses were received from 214 OQNs.

Methods
Data were collected via an online survey, including the Demands of Immigration Scale and Safety Attitudes Questionnaire-Short Form (SAQ-SF) to measure stress and safety attitudes evaluation, respectively. Spearman’s correlation analysis and a generalised linear model were used to analyse the relationship between immigration-specific stress and safety attitudes as perceived by OQNs.

Results
The findings showed that various safety attitude dimensions were significantly impacted by stressors such as ‘Not at home’, ‘Occupation’ and ‘Discrimination’. Notably, ‘Occupation’ disadvantages perceived by OQNs significantly affected all the safety attitude dimensions, such as ‘Teamwork climate’ (B=–5.69, [–7.78, –3.60], p

Leggi
Gennaio 2025

Transauricular vagus nerve stimulation in preventing post-traumatic stress disorder in emergency trauma surgery patients in China: a study protocol for a multicenter, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial

Introduction
The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in emergency trauma surgery patients is 24%, emphasising the urgent need for effective early interventions and treatments. Transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) modulates the autonomic nervous system by stimulating the nucleus tractus solitarius while affecting PTSD-related neural networks, including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala, potentially offering new options for PTSD prevention and treatment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ta-VNS in preventing PTSD in emergency trauma surgery patients.

Methods and analysis
This multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled study aims to evaluate the incidence of PTSD in emergency trauma surgery patients receiving either ta-VNS or sham stimulation. A total of 350 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active or sham stimulation. The active group will undergo electrical stimulation of the left cymba conchae at 30 Hz with a pulse width of 250 µs, using a 30 s on/30 s off cycle. The intensity will start at 0.4 V, increasing in 0.4 V increments until a tingling sensation is detected, and will be adjusted to the highest tolerable level without causing pain. The initial intervention will begin once informed consent is obtained and randomisation is completed in the preoperative preparation room, continuing until the surgery is finished. For the four postoperative days, the intervention will be administered two times per day in 2-h sessions each morning and evening. The sham stimulation group will follow a similar procedure without actual stimulation. The primary outcome is the incidence of PTSD evaluated on postoperative day 30, with secondary outcomes including recovery quality, sleep quality, and adverse events.

Ethics and dissemination
The protocol received approval from Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, affiliated with Zhejiang University School of Medicine, on 15 October 2024 (approval number: 20240562). The study will adhere to the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines, and written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Trial registration number
China Clinical Trial Registration Center (ChiCTR2400080342). Trial details: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=217809

Leggi
Gennaio 2025

Efficacy of yeast beta-glucan 1,3/1,6 supplementation on respiratory infection, fatigue, immune markers and gut health among moderate stress adults in Klang Valley of Malaysia: protocol for a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study

Introduction
Yeast beta-glucan (YBG) are recognised for enhancing the immune system by activating macrophages, a key defence mechanism. Given the global prevalence and impact of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) on productivity and healthcare costs, YBG has shown promise as a potential therapeutic and preventive strategy for recurrent respiratory tract infections. However, little is known regarding the efficacy of YBG at lower dosages in relation to URTI, fatigue, immune response and uncertainties of how they affect the gut microbiota composition.

Methods and analysis
This 12-week randomised, double-blinded, placebo control, parallel-group clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of YBG 1,3/1,6 on respiratory tract infection, fatigue, immune markers and gut health among adults with moderate stress. The study involves 198 adults aged 18–59 years with moderate stress levels as assessed using Perceived Stress Scale 10 (score 14–26) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (score ≥9); and had symptoms of common colds for the past 6 months as assessed using Jackson Cold Scale. These participants will be randomised into three groups, receiving YBG 1,3/1,6 at either 120 mg, 204 mg or a placebo. The outcomes measures include respiratory infection symptoms, fatigue, mood state and quality of life assessed using Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptoms Scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Profile of Mood State and Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire, respectively. In addition, full blood analysis and assessment of immune, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers will be taken. Secondary outcome includes gut microbiota analysis using stool samples via 16S rRNA sequencing.

Ethics and dissemination
The research protocol of the study was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM/PPI/111/8/JEP-2023–211). The findings will be disseminated to participants, healthcare professionals and researchers via conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number
ISRCTN48336189

Leggi
Gennaio 2025

The Q for immune evasion in HCC: ER stress in myeloid cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In most cases, HCC develops in an already perturbed liver microenvironment with pre-existing liver cirrhosis and tissue remodelling. Once a tumour nodule evolves, a complex ecosystem comprising tumour, immune, structural cells and extracellular matrix develops and forms the so-called tumour microenvironment (TME).1 This TME is shaped by distinct metabolic networks particularly driven by metabolic reprogramming of tumour cells, which supports their function, as one of the hallmarks of cancer.2 For example, in many cancer types, tumour cells mostly depend on glucose consumption for their energy supply, leading to lactate production and acidic conditions in the TME even with enough oxygen (Warburg effect).3 In addition, tumour cells also heavily rely on the amino acid glutamine (single letter code: Q) for their nucleotide biosynthesis and thus proliferation as well as for lipid biosynthesis and…

Leggi
Gennaio 2025