Stress Profiles Research Articles

Modular cone-and-plate device for mechanofluidic assays in Transwell inserts

In this work, we present a cost effective and open-source modular cone-and-plate (MoCAP) device that incorporates shear stress in the popular Transwell® insert system. This system acts as a lid that incorporates flow into 24-well Transwell® inserts while preserving the ability to conduct molecular profiling assays. Moreover, the MoCAP device can be rapidly reconfigured to test multiple shear stress profiles within a single device. To demonstrate the utility of the MoCAP, we conducted select assays on several different brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) lines that comprise models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), since shear stress can play an important role in BBB function. Our results characterize how shear stress modulates passive barrier function and GLUT1 expression across the different BMEC lines. Overall, we anticipate this low cost mechanofluidic device will be useful to the mechanobiology community.

Application of Finite Pointset Method to Study Two‐Way Coupled Transient Bio‐Thermoelastic Effects in Skin Tissue

ABSTRACTIn this research, we introduce the finite pointset method as an innovative approach for approximating transient linear thermoelasticity in biological tissue, addressing the complex interplay between thermal and elastic effects under three distinct shock conditions. Numerical simulations are performed to solve the coupled thermoelasticity equations, demonstrating the temperature distribution, displacement, and stress profiles within the tissue. The results highlight the influence of shock conditions on the thermal and mechanical responses of the tissue, emphasizing the impact of coupling parameter and perfusion rate. Numerical simulations are applied to several benchmark thermoelasticity problems, providing numerical results that validate the approach. Notably, our findings reveal the cooling effects induced by perfusion under both coupled and uncoupled scenarios and highlight the variability of temperature, displacement and stresses based on the coupling parameter. This work contributes to the field of biomedical engineering by providing insights into tissue behavior under thermal stress and offering potential applications in medical technology and therapeutic interventions. The use of FPM not only enhances the accuracy of modeling thermal and mechanical effects in biological tissues but also paves the way for advancements in medical technology. These findings have the potential to inform the development of new therapeutic strategies, particularly in areas related to laser treatments, thermal therapies, and other medical interventions requiring precise control of temperature and stress within tissues.

The Role of Adaptogenic Herbs in Combating Stress: A Review of Scientific Evidence

Adaptogens are bioactive compounds which allow the body to cope with stress, to be on homeostasis again. Its history dates back thousands of years, when Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine developed knowledge on adaptogenic compounds and functions, specifically on modulatory aspects of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and of cortisol regulatory pathways. The present review explores the history and classification of adaptogens as well as the underlying mechanisms, including hormone modulation, neurobiological pathways, and antioxidant activity. Botanical examples are Withaniasomnifera and Rhodiolarosea, as well as some non-botanical adaptogens including fungi and nutraceuticals. Preclinical and clinical evidence is presented as proof of the efficacy of the substances in diminishing stress, augmenting cognitive ability, and promoting physical endurance. Discussions on modern trends of formulations like teas, capsules, and functional foods in relation to practical uses regarding stress management and maintenance of psychological well-being and avoidance of burnout will be covered. Although generally safe, adaptogen risks include high dose toxicity and inter-medication interactions. Current challenges include variability in standardization of preparations and limitations in understanding long-term effects and associated molecular mechanisms. This review draws attention to the potential therapeutic role of adaptogens in modern life, provides insights into their safe and effective use, and points out areas for further work. Specific practical recommendations are given for how to select and combine adaptogens tailored to individual stress profiles, thus paving the way for their further integration into health care and wellness practice.

Prenatal Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation Modulates Gastrointestinal Immunity and Oxidative Status in Weaned Pigs.

Gastrointestinal immunity and antioxidant defenses may be bolstered in young animals through prenatal immune system stimulation (PIS), but this is largely uninvestigated in swine. This study tested the hypothesis that PIS could regulate offspring's gastrointestinal immune response and oxidative stress profile. To this end, a PIS model was utilized in sows, delivering low-dose LPS during the final third of gestation to target the developing immune system. On day 78±1.8 of gestation, 14 Camborough sows (parity = 2.6±1.4) received either saline (CON) or LPS from E. coli O111:B4 (2.5 μg/kg of body weight). A subset of 34 weaned barrows (n=17 CON, PIS), weaned at 21±1.3 days, were anesthetized for subcutaneous temperature loggers and jugular catheter placement. Following recovery, all pigs received an intravenous injection of LPS (10 μg/kg body weight) from E. coli O111:B4. Our findings demonstrate that PIS enhances the gut immune response by upregulating key inflammatory cytokines, indicative of a proinflammatory profile. Consistently across the jejunum and ileum, SCF was modulated with heightened expression in PIS than CON (P≤ 0.05). In the ileum alone, PIS exhibited heightened expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, and CCL3L1, compared to CON (P≤ 0.05). Exposure to PIS resulted in reduced systemic total antioxidant capacity (TAC) at hours 2-4 post-challenge (P= 0.004). Piglets exposed to PIS had decreased jejunal tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (P= 0.049). Together, these data indicate that exposure to PIS alters the inflammatory profile of the GI immune response and oxidative status in weaned pigs.

Using Initiators In Portland Cement Concrete Pavements To Propagate Transverse Joint Cracking

Past research on dowel bar placement has evaluated dowel bar misalignment relative to the saw cut at the top of the pavement. Determining misalignment measurements relative to the saw cut at the top of the pavement assumes that the crack propagates vertically downward immediately below the saw cut joint. This assumption is flawed although it is current practiced by the industry. Present detection methods cannot accurately determine the point at which the crack crosses the dowel bar. This study recognizes that there is not a technique to determine the path of the crack to measure the true misalignment but offers an alternative by dictating the crack path with cracking initiators attached to the dowel bars. Previous research has indicated that cracking initiators secured to the base of the pavement are ineffective or have little benefit due to the stress profile in the pavement slab. This study presents the results of work performed in dictating the path of a crack by attaching the crack initiator to the dowel bars. The results include utilizing different shape and size initiators. The work performed to date on crack initiation and the benefits attributed to utilization of crack initiator, including the ability to determine the true amount of misalignment are presented.

Ameliorative effect of aqueous leaf extract of Pistacia lentiscus L. against oxaliplatin-induced hepatic injury, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in vitro and in vivo.

The current study aimed to assess the preventive effects of aqueous leaf extract of Pistacia lentiscus (ALEPL) against Oxaliplatin (OXA)-induced DNA damage, hepatic injury, and oxidative stress. The in vitro cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of OXA and ALEPL on HCT116 colon cancer cells were evaluated using the MTT (Tetrazolium salt reduction) assay and comet assay. The in vivo study involved 24 female NMRI (Naval Medical Research Institute) mice that were equally divided into four groups as follows: Control group, ALEPL-treated group (100 mg/kg), OXA-treated group (7 mg/kg), and ALEPL-treated group (100mg/kg) + OXA (7mg/kg). All animals were sacrificed 48 h after OXA treatment. Samples of liver and blood were collected for histopathological, micronucleus, and biochemical analyses. Oxidative stress parameters were also evaluated through non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant activities. Our findings demonstrated that ALEPL contains high phenolic compounds. In the MTT assay, OXA exerted the most potent cytotoxic effect, but ALEPL alone showed no toxic effect in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, OXA administration caused significant DNA fragmentation both in vitro and in vivo, elevated serum biochemical parameters, and confirmed acute liver damage through histopathological observations compared to the control group. OXA exposure also led to a decrease in hepatic glutathione (GSH) and an increase in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities. From the results of our study, ALEPL pretreatment significantly restored the hepatic toxicity and DNA damage as well as the oxidative stress profile induced by OXA.

Pirfenidone regulates seizures through the HMGB1/TLR4 axis to improve cognitive functions and modulate oxidative stress and neurotransmitters in PTZ-induced kindling in mice

BackgroundEpilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Pirfenidone, an antifibrotic drug, has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in various disease models, including neurological conditions. However, its potential anticonvulsant effects have not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to evaluate the anticonvulsant potential of pirfenidone in a pentylenetetrazol-induced kindling model of epilepsy, focusing on its effect on seizure activity, cognition, antioxidant profiles, inflammatory markers, neurotransmitter balance, liver enzyme levels, and histopathological changes.MethodsHealthy male Swiss albino mice were subjected to an acute Increasing Current Electroshock test and chronic pentylenetetrazol-kindling model. Pirfenidone was administered at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, orally, with sodium valproate as a standard drug. Seizure severity and cognitive function were assessed in the pentylenetetrazol-kindling model, along with biochemical assays that evaluated antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory markers, neurotransmitter levels, and liver enzyme levels. Histopathological changes were also assessed in the hippocampus and cortex of experimental mice.ResultsPirfenidone at 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg significantly increased Seizure Threshold Current in the Increasing Current Electroshock test, indicating a protective effect against seizures. In the pentylenetetrazol-kindling model, pirfenidone delayed seizure onset and reduced severity, with the 300 mg/kg dose showing the strongest impact. Pirfenidone also demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive function, as evidenced by enhanced performance in passive avoidance and elevated plus maze tests. Antioxidant profiles showed increased levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione, with a corresponding reduction in malondialdehyde and acetylcholinesterase levels. Pirfenidone significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, transforming growth factor-β, tumor necrosis factor- α, high-mobility group box-1, and toll-like receptor-4, elevated gamma-aminobutyric acid, decreased glutamate levels, modulated aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels. Histopathological analysis revealed that pirfenidone ameliorated cellular disintegration and neuronal damage in the hippocampus and cortex.ConclusionPirfenidone shows potential as an anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective agent, with additional benefits in improving cognition and oxidative stress profiles in epilepsy treatment. Further studies are required to explore its long-term safety and efficacy.

Impact of Anti-Müllerian Hormone, Oxidative Stress and Lipid Profile Levels on Female Fertility

Impact of Anti-Müllerian Hormone, Oxidative Stress and Lipid Profile Levels on Female Fertility

Thermal stresses in porcelain veneered lithium disilicate and zirconia dental crowns: Comparative analysis using a validated viscoelastic finite element model.

This study aims to investigate the effects of material compatibility, variable cooling rates, and crown geometry on thermal stress development in porcelain-veneered lithium disilicate (PVLD) and porcelain-veneered zirconia (PVZ) dental crown systems, and subsequently anticipate parameters for their optimum performance. An anatomically correct 3D crown model was developed from STL files generated using 3D scans of the experimental crown sample. Next, the viscoelastic finite element model (VFEM) based on the 3D crown model was developed and validated for anatomically correct bilayer PVLD and PVZ crown systems. The Vicker's indentation method was used on experimental PVLD and PVZ crown samples to validate the simulated thermal stress results from the VFEM. The validated VFEM was then used to predict thermal transient and residual stresses within the dental crown systems. The comparison between thermal residual stress profiles in PVLD and PVZ crowns showed that the interfacial stress concentrations were comparatively lower for PVLD crowns. However, the PVLD crowns also experienced prominent tensile stresses in the veneer layer. Furthermore, the rapid cooling protocol was seen to cause intensification of compressive stresses on the exterior veneer surface for both PVLD and PVZ crowns which can enhance resistance against crack growth. But faster cooling rates also caused rapid stress evolution which may cause material defects within the crown. This study highlights the importance of material compatibility by comparing stress distribution within the PVLD and PVZ crowns. Moreover, the post-firing cooling protocols showed significant effects on overall thermal stress distribution and consequently, the long-term dental crown performance.

Multidimensional Assessment of Orthorexia Nervosa: A Case-Control Study Comparing Eating Behavior, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Body Mass Index, Psychological Symptoms, and Autonomic Arousal.

Background: The research on orthorexia nervosa (ON) has thoroughly outlined the connection between it and various mental disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorders and eating disorders, in addition to stress. However, research has not considered psychophysical stress and other measures of psychophysical health, such as adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Methods: This cross-sectional and case-control research involved 63 students from the University of Parma, aged between 18 and 49 years. The ORTO-15 questionnaire was utilized to categorize the entire sample into two groups: one without orthorexia (score > 35) and another with orthorexia (score < 35). All subjects were assessed with the Psychophysiological Stress Profile (PSP) and completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). In addition, they were interviewed using the PREDIMED questionnaire to assess adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results: Subjects with orthorexia represented 38.10% of the total sample and reported a higher BMI than controls, although the PREDIMED score did not show a difference in adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The EDI-3 highlighted emotional dysregulation and hypercontrol in students with orthorexia, and a dissociation between subjective and objective measures of stress emerged. Particularly, the psychophysiological parameters of skin conductance, heart rate, and heart rate variability showed greater reactivity to stressful stimuli, but no difference was noted in psychological symptoms. Conclusions: These findings confirmed the presence of alterations in eating behavior in people with orthorexia as well as a higher BMI. It was hypothesized that hypercontrol might favor the perception of psychological well-being at a subjective level, although inadequate management of stress emerged at an objective psychophysiological level. Further studies are needed to highlight the causality between ON, hypercontrol, diet, and psychophysical stress, given that students with orthorexia present a dysregulation of emotions associated with greater autonomic arousal.

Size effect on Raman measured stress and strain induced phonon shifts in ultra-thin silicon film

The fabrication of complex nano-scale structures, which is a crucial step in the scaling of (nano)electronic devices, often leads to residual stress in the different layers present. This stress gradient can change many of the material properties, leading to changes in device performance, especially in the active part of the transistor, the channel. Measuring, understanding, and, ultimately, controlling the stress fields is hence crucial for many design steps. The level of stress can in principle be measured by micro-Raman spectroscopy. This, however, requires a priori knowledge of the mechanical properties of the material. However, mechanical properties start to deviate from the bulk values when film dimensions become thinner than 5 nm. If this effect is ignored, errors of up to 400% can be introduced in the extracted stress profile. In this work, we illustrate this effect for a range of Si (001) slabs with different silicon film thicknesses, ranging from 5 to 0.7 nm and provide best practices for the proper interpretation of micro-Raman stress measurements.

The investigation of peripheral inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in dementia with Lewy Bodies, compared with Alzheimer's Disease, and mild cognitive impairment.

Although inflammation and oxidative stress have been increasingly recognised as components of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) pathologies. Few studies have investigated peripheral inflammation, and none have examined oxidative stress in Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The purpose of our study was to characterize and compare those biomarkers in DLB with those in AD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Plasma samples were obtained from Chinese patients with DLB (n = 50), AD (n = 59), and aMCI (n = 30), and healthy controls (HCs) (n = 54). Peripheral inflammatory biomarkers, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Oxidative stress markers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), were also assessed. The findings revealed that DLB patients had higher IL-6 levels than AD and HCs and elevated IL-10 and IL-17A levels compared to HCs. In terms of oxidative stress, the levels of SOD were significantly lower and MDA were significantly higher in the DLB and AD compared with HCs. Significant positive correlations were found between Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores and CRP levels. Our study identifies a unique peripheral immune and oxidative stress profile in DLB, characterized by elevated IL-6, MDA, and reduced SOD levels, distinguishing it from AD. These findings, linked to α-synuclein (α-Syn) pathology, provide novel insights into DLB mechanisms and highlight potential biomarkers for disease monitoring, targeted therapies, and future clinical trials.

Pymetrozine induced remarkable hemato-biochemical modifications and genotoxicity in vital organs of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis)

Pymetrozine (a pyridine azomethine pesticide) is one of the most commonly and frequently used insecticides. Scanty information is available about the deleterious effects of Pymetrozine on fish especially bighead carp. Hence, the current study investigated chronic toxicological effects of pymetrozine in bighead carp. A total of 80 fish were reared and divided into four groups(A–D) each containing 20 fish. Pymetrozine was given to experimental fish of groups B, C, and D mixed in water at doses of 5, 10, and 15 mg/L respectively for 30 days. Group A remained as control group. On days 10, 20, and 30 of the experiment, blood and other visceral tissues were collected for analysis of genotoxic effects, erythrocytic morphological and nuclear changes, antioxidant enzymes, and oxidative stress profile. The results revealed significantly higher values of various nuclear abnormalities (erythrocyte with micronuclei, red blood cells with condensed and lobed nuclei) and morphological changes (pear shaped erythrocyte, spindle shaped erythrocytes and spherocyte) in erythrocytes of bighead carp. The investigations on status of antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress indicated higher values of oxidative stress biomarkers and lower values of antioxidant enzymes in visceral organs (brain, liver, gills, and kidneys) of treated fish. The findings on genotoxic potential of pymetrozine revealed a considerably increased frequency of DNA damage in isolated cells of multiple tissues (brain, liver, gills, and kidneys) of experimental fish at higher doses. In conclusion, it may be suggested that pymetrozine induces toxic effects via disruption of physiological mechanisms of multiple visceral organs of bighead carp.

A Comparative Study of Two WAAM Patterns for Structures with Grid Fin Characteristics.

As a critical component of rocket systems, the grid fin is widely applied in the aerospace industry. Compared to traditional manufacturing methods and other additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is more advantageous in its time and cost efficiency, especially when it is utilized in the large-scale production of components. Given the significant effect of the welding strategies on the quality of manufactured parts, we investigated two distinct WAAM printing orientations, horizontal, or lie (L), and perpendicular, or stand (S), using a small-scale model. The feasibility of these two printing approaches was evaluated by analyzing the surface quality, microstructure, and mechanical properties at the junctions of the grid fin. Furthermore, a finite element analysis (FEA) was adopted to simulate and analyze the main factors, including the temperature distribution, deformation, and stress profiles at the welding joints, in both AM strategies. The integrated approach adopted in this study provides important insights for optimizing the application of WAAM in grid fin manufacturing. In summary, our results indicate that while the L mode is easily manufacturable and exhibits stable properties, the S mode holds significant market potential if its welding parameters are optimized.

The Influence of Reinforcement Size and Shape on the Mechanical Properties of Composites

Abstract: In the present work the effects of size and shape of reinforcements on the mechanical properties of composite material is discussed in detail Since reinforcements have a dominant control on mechanical properties such as, tensile strength, stiffness, toughness and fracture resistance. This work comprehensively assesses how the size and the shape of reinforcements, which can be nano, micro and macroscopic, and can be fibers, particles, or platelets, affect the behaviour of the resulting composites. Both numerical and experimental approaches were used to investigate the interface adhesion, stress profile and fracture characteristics as influenced by the kind of reinforcements. Specific outcomes suggest that the use of nano-sized reinforcements results in enhanced values of toughness and thermal stability, when compared with the use of micro- and macro-sized reinforcements of glass fibers in epoxy composites, which in turn results in improved tensile strength and bulk mechanical stability. Reinforcement shape was also identified as playing a significant part; continuous fibers provided the best load-carrying capability, spherical particles uniform stress distribution, while platelet strengthened impact strength of the composite. In addition, the study on the hybrid reinforcement systems revealed the interaction and cooperation of different reinforcement types to design composite properties for certain industries. The findings of the current study offer corollary guidelines on the development high-performance composites with enhanced mechanical features and fathom the innovative research solutions for the existing flaws such as testing methodologies and bio- spheres reinforcements.

Machine learning-based prediction and optimisation framework for as-extruded cell viability in extrusion-based 3D bioprinting

ABSTRACT Extrusion-based 3D bioprinting has revolutionised tissue engineering, enabling complex biostructure manufacturing. However, extrusion imposes substantial shear stress on cells, compromising cell viability. Predicting and optimising cell viability remains challenging due to rheological modelling complexity and cell-type dependency. To address these challenges, this study developed a quantitative framework integrating numerical simulation and machine learning. Support vector regression and simulation were utilised to evaluate alginate ink viscosity and shear stress profiles, while multi-layer perceptron regressors were trained on experimental datasets for diverse cell types to predict as-extruded cell viability based on wall shear stress magnitude and exposure time. Results showed vascular endothelial cells were most susceptible to shear stress, with viability dropping to 80% at 2.05 kPa for 400 ms, while mesenchymal stem, cervical cancer, and embryonic fibroblast cells showed such decrease at 2.65, 2.85, and 3.72 kPa, respectively. This versatile framework enables rapid bioink optimisation across various cell types.

The Relationship Between Lipid Profile, Oxidative Stress, and Thiol-Disulfide Levels in Healthy, Naturally Overweight and Obese Cats

This study aimed to evaluate systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and lipid profile in cats that had either naturally gained excess weight or had developed obesity. The following groups were examined in the study: ten obese cats with a body condition score of (BCS) &amp;gt;8 (the obesity group), ten overweight cats with a BCS score of &amp;gt;6 (the overweight group) and ten ideal weight cats with a BCS score of 4-5 (the control group). In the cats that had either gained too much weight or had become obese, the serum AST (P &amp;lt; .001), albumin (P = .002) and total protein (TP) (P &amp;lt; .001) levels were found to be significantly higher than the values determined in the control group cats. Furthermore, blood serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = .009) and triglyceride (TG) (P &amp;lt; .001) levels in cats that had developed obesity were found to be significantly higher than the values defined in the control group cats. In the obese cats, serum procalcitonin (PCT), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), total thiol, native thiol and MDA levels were found to be significantly higher than in overweight cats (P &amp;lt; .001). As a result, it was concluded that it would be useful for veterinarians to consider significant changes in parameters related to liver function and lipid metabolism, as well as to emphasize systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in their clinical evaluations in cats that had either naturally gained excess weight or had developed obesity.

Influence of substrate material and coating thickness on biomechanical stress distribution

This study investigates the influence of TiO₂ coating thickness on the mechanical performance of metallic substrates 316L stainless steel and Ti6Al4V, commonly used in biomedical applications. A finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to evaluate stress and pressure distributions under varying coating thicknesses during simulated mechanical loading. The analysis aimed to optimize coating parameters to enhance stress resistance and load distribution while minimizing potential substrate failure. Results revealed that increasing TiO₂ coating thickness significantly alters the stress profile and pressure distribution, with specific thicknesses providing optimal load-bearing capabilities. Ti6Al4V demonstrated superior mechanical performance compared to 316L under identical conditions, attributed to its higher strength-to-weight ratio. The findings highlight the critical role of coating thickness and substrate material selection in improving mechanical reliability and longevity of biomedical implants. This study provides valuable insights for designing durable and efficient coated metallic biomaterials, paving the way for advanced applications in the medical field.

Mental Health and Well-Being of LGBTQ+ Refugees in Comparison to LGBTQ+ Host Country Population

Abstract Introduction LGBTQ+ refugees are likely to experience heightened mental health burdens and lower levels of well-being when compared to LGBTQ+ individuals without refugee experience. Still, the distinctive psychological mechanisms explaining their heightened levels of distress remain understudied. We examined the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ refugees in comparison to LGBTQ+ host country individuals in Germany and explored whether disparities are potentially mediated by proximal and distal minority stress. Methods In 2019, LGBTQ+ refugees (n1 = 139) and LGBTQ+ Germans (n2 = 262) participated in a cross-sectional online survey. Using path analysis, we compared mental health burdens (symptoms of depression/anxiety, post-traumatic stress) and well-being (life satisfaction, self-esteem) to understand how these variables are mediated by proximal (internalized homophobia, heightened vigilance) and distal minority stress (experiences of discrimination). Results LGBTQ+ refugees reported higher mental health burdens and lower life satisfaction yet no differences in self-esteem. Distal minority stress (discrimination) mediated the link between LGBTQ+ refugee status and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Proximal minority stress mediated both heightened symptoms of depression/anxiety and lower well-being for LGBTQ+ refugees. Conclusions Linked to experiences of minority stress, LGBTQ+ refugees in Germany might be at a heightened risk for increased mental health burdens and lower well-being. Compared to host-country LGBTQ+ communities, LGBTQ+ refugees might experience different profiles of minority stress, including more distal minority stress. Policy Implications Both administrators and the local LGBTQ+ community need to be aware of the particular vulnerability and needs of LGBTQ+ refugees for protection and safety (e.g., housing) and the prevention of exploitation.

Oxidative stress profile and auto-antibodies production in Tunisian patients with COVID-19.

The clinical evidence, complications and the pathogenesis of COVID-19 are not clearly understood. In COVID-19 patients, cellular immune response biomarkers and oxidative stress parameters have been used as gravity markers. Indeed, oxidative stress has been proposed to play an essential role in the genesis of COVID-19. In the present research, we investigated lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, superoxide dismutase activity and the production of auto-antibodies against superoxide dismutase, in the blood of Tunisian patients with corona virus. To evaluate lipid peroxidation, plasma malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes, have been determined in 69 corona virus patients and 30 controls. To determine protein oxidation the thiol level was measured. Plasma superoxide dismutase activity has been measured in 30 corona virus patients and 30 controls on one hand. Utilizing a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the level of immunoglobulin G (IgG), and M (IgM) directed against superoxide dismutase was evaluated. To investigate the implication of auto-antibody production in COVID-19 patients in the generation of oxidative stress, a correlation study between auto-antibodies production and oxidative stress parameters was performed. High levels of both malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes were found in the plasma of patients (p < 0.001, respectively). Protein oxidation was confirmed by the high level of thiol (p < 0.001). Superoxide dismutase activity was not significantly lower in COVID-19 patients (p > 0.05). The level of immunoglobulin G (IgG), and M (IgM) directed against superoxide dismutase is significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in control group (p < 0.001 respectively). Statistical analyses have demonstrated a positive correlation between superoxide dismutase activity and IgM and IgG isotypes antibodies level against superoxide dismutase (p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between IgG and malondialdehyde level in all cases (r = 0.368; p ≤ 0.01). In addition, a significant positive correlation was noted between IgM and malondialdehyde (r = 0.290; p = 0.024). Similarly, two significant positive relationship was found between IgG / conjugated dienes (r = 0.356; p = 0.005) and between IgM / conjugated dienes (r = 0.285; p = 0.027).