Circulating nitrite and nitrate are associated with job-related fatigue in women, but not in men

Beetroot as a Potential Functional Food for Cancer Chemoprevention, a Narrative Review

Patients with cancer are prone to several debilitating side effects including fatigue, insomnia, depression and cognitive disturbances. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) as a health promoting functional food may be potentially beneficial in cancer. As a source of polyphenols, flavonoids, dietary nitrates and other useful nutrients, beetroot supplementation may provide a holistic means to prevent cancer and manage undesired effects associated with chemotherapy. The main aim of this narrative review is to discuss beetroot's nutrient composition, current studies on its potential utility in chemoprevention and cancer-related fatigue or treatment-related side effects such as cardiotoxicity. This review aims to provide the current status of knowledge and to identify the related research gaps in this area. The flavonoids and polyphenolic components present in abundance in beetroot support its significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. Most in vitro and in vivo studies have shown promising results; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying chemopreventive and chemoprotective effects of beetroot have not been completely elucidated. Although recent clinical trials have shown that beetroot supplementation improves human performance, translational studies on beetroot and its functional benefits in managing fatigue or other symptoms in patients with cancer are still lacking.

Operationalizing occupational fatigue in pharmacists: An exploratory factor analysis

BACKGROUND

The Quadruple Aim recognizes that caring for the healthcare employee is necessary to optimize patient outcomes and health system performance. Although previous research has assessed pharmacists' workload, this study is the first to describe pharmacist occupational fatigue-a characteristic of excessive workload that inhibits workers' abilities to function at normal capacity.

OBJECTIVE

(s): The purpose of this study was to describe occupational fatigue in pharmacists using exploratory factor analysis (EFA)-assessing whether dimensional structures used to describe occupational fatigue in other health professions fit pharmacist perceptions.

METHODS

A model was created to conceptualize two "fatigue" domains found in the literature-physical fatigue (ex. Physical discomfort) and mental fatigue (ex. trouble thinking clearly). These domains were operationalized and used to create a survey that was distributed to licensed pharmacists at a conference. An EFA was conducted to identify the key domains underlying pharmacist perceptions of fatigue.

RESULTS

A total of 283 surveys were distributed, and 115 were returned and useable. Respondents were primarily white, female, and worked 9.5 h-per-day on average. The EFA suggested a statistically significant two-factor model (Χ² 9.73, p = 0.28), which included physical fatigue (α = 0.87) and mental fatigue (α = 0.82) dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

The EFA yielded a structure similar to what was anticipated from the literature. While working, pharmacists may not be aware of fatigue related short-cuts or lapses that pose risks to patient safety. This study is just the first step in promoting systematic interventions to prevent or cope with fatigue and prevent the patient, pharmacist, and institutional outcomes.

Moderating effects of salivary testosterone levels on associations between job demand and psychological stress response in Japanese medical workers

Levels of job stress have been shown to be inversely associated with testosterone levels, but some inconsistent results have been documented. We investigated the moderating effects of testosterone levels on associations between job stress-factors and psychological stress responses in Japanese medical workers. The participants were 63 medical staff (20 males and 43 women; mean age: 30.6 years; SD=7.3) in Okayama, Japan. Their job-stress levels and psychological stress responses were evaluated using self-administered questionnaires, and their salivary testosterone collected. Multiple regression analyses showed that job demand was positively associated with stress responses in men and women. An interaction between testosterone and support from colleagues had a significant effect on depression and anxiety for women. In women with lower testosterone levels, a reducing effect of support from colleagues on depression and anxiety was intensified. In women with higher testosterone levels, depression and anxiety levels were identical regardless of support from colleagues. Testosterone may function as a moderator between perceived work environment and psychological stress responses for female medical workers.

Modification Effects of Changes in Job Demands on Associations Between Changes in Testosterone Levels and Andropause Symptoms: 2-Year Follow-up Study in Male Middle-Aged Japanese Workers

PURPOSE

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to ascertain if changes in job demands modify associations between changes in testosterone levels and andropause symptoms in male Japanese workers.

METHOD

A baseline survey including job demands and the Aging Males' Symptoms scale, lifestyle factors, and blood levels of testosterone was conducted in 2007. Among 192 men (mean age ± SD 52.2 ± 7.6 years) who completed all relevant questionnaires and provided blood at baseline, 104 men (50.9 ± 7.2 years) were followed up in 2009. Changes of variables in 2 years were calculated (data of follow-up minus those of baseline).

RESULTS

Testosterone levels were increased significantly, whereas job demands and somatic symptoms were reduced significantly, at follow-up. Changes in testosterone levels were negatively associated with changes in total andropause symptoms, psychological symptoms, and sexual symptoms (standardized β = -0.27, -0.24, and, -0.29, p < 0.05, respectively), after adjustment for confounders. Changes in job demands were positively associated with changes in somatic symptoms (standardized β = 0.21, p < 0.05). Significant interactions of changes in testosterone levels and job demands were noted for changes in psychological symptoms (standardized β = 0.26, p < 0.05). For men with a 1-SD reduction in job demands, negative associations between changes in testosterone levels and psychological symptoms were intensified, but not for men with a 1-SD increase in job demands.

CONCLUSION

Andropause symptoms may be affected by changes in testosterone levels and job demands. Change in job demands may modify associations between changes in testosterone levels and andropause symptoms.

Potential Contribution of Work-Related Psychosocial Stress to the Development of Cardiovascular Disease and Type II Diabetes: A Brief Review

Two of the major causes of death worldwide are cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes. Although death due to these diseases is assessed separately, the physiological process that is attributed to the development of cardiovascular disease can be linked to the development of Type II diabetes and the impact that this disease has on the cardiovascular system. Physiological, genetic, and personal factors contribute to the development of both these disorders. It has also been hypothesized that work-related stress may contribute to the development of Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This review summarizes some of the studies examining the role of work-related stress on the development of these chronic disorders. Because women may be more susceptible to the physiological effects of work-related stress, the papers cited in this review focus on studies that examined the difference in responses of men or women to work-related stress or on studies that focused on the effects of stress on women alone. Based on the papers summarized, it is concluded that (1) work-related stress may directly contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease by inducing increases in blood pressure and changes in heart rate that have negative consequences on functioning of the cardiovascular system; (2) workers reporting increased levels of stress may display an increased risk of Type II diabetes because they adopt poor health habits (ie, increased level of smoking, inactivity etc), which in turn contribute to the development of cardiovascular problems; and (3) women in high demand and low-control occupations report an increased level of stress at work, and thus may be at a greater risk of negative health consequences.