Stress Process Research Articles

Therapeutic Efficacy of Wet Cupping on Uterine Inflammation in Primary Dysmenorrhea: An In Vivo Investigation Targeting Bilateral L4/L5 Vertebrae

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a prevalent problem in gynecology affecting the quality of life for young women. This medical condition is often responsible for the absence of young women from school or work, increasing the risk of developing hyperemesis gravidarum in the future. Furthermore, PD causes pain due to the activation of the local PGF2α pathway in the endometrium, which triggers oxidative stress processes, uterine ischemia and spasmodic uterine contractions. The first-line therapies for PD, Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral contraceptives, can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, intestinal ulcers and platelet abnormalities. To overcome the impact of PD, cupping has been proven effective as an alternative pain therapy with minimal side effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of cupping on writing latency threshold time, PGF2α levels and FP receptor expression in PD model rats. The experiment was conducted using female Sprague Dawley rats to analyze the effects of wet cupping therapy (WCT) on inflammatory repair in the uterus. The method used was a pre- and post-test control group design, with 35 female rats randomly divided into 5 groups. These consisted of normal control (NC), negative control (C−), positive control (C+) + ibuprofen 7.2 mg, as well as treatment groups, comprising dry cupping (DC) and WCT. The results showed that writhing time threshold of WCT was the same as C+ (p = 0.368), while PGF2α decreased in DC (43.43 pg/mL, p = 0.008) and WCT (189.25 pg/mL, p = 0.0154). Similar to C+, WCT significantly decreased serum PGF2α levels compared to C−. WCT also influenced the expression of PTGFR subunit similarly to NC, showing the capacity to control the inflammatory pathway. The study suggested that WCT was a promising therapeutic strategy for PD by decreasing PGF2α and PTGFR expression. HIGHLIGHTS Previous investigations conducted on experimental animals using wet cupping therapy (WCT) have shown histopathological results associated with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) caused by estradiol benzoate and oxytocin. Moreover, this study shows the potential of WCT in reducing inflammation-induced PD pain by inhibiting the expression of PGF2α and PTGFR in the cyclooxygenase pathway, potentially increasing the pain threshold. The results show that WCT offers a potential alternative therapy for PD caused by estradiol benzoate and oxytocin. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Diagnostic Challenges and Pathogenetic Differences in Biomass-Smoke-Induced versus Tobacco-Smoke-Induced COPD: A Comparative Review.

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major global health challenge, primarily driven by exposures to tobacco smoke and biomass smoke. While Tobacco-Smoke-Induced COPD (TSCOPD) has been extensively studied, the diagnostic challenges and distinct pathogenesis of Biomass-Smoke-Induced COPD (BSCOPD), particularly in low- and middle-income countries, remain underexplored. Objective: To explore the differences in clinical manifestations, pulmonary function, and inflammatory profiles between BSCOPD and TSCOPD and highlight the diagnostic complexities of BSCOPD. Methods: This review analyzes the current literature comparing BSCOPD with TSCOPD, focusing on distinctive pathophysiological mechanisms, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress processes. Results: BSCOPD presents differences in clinical presentation, with less emphysema, smaller airway damage, and higher rates of pulmonary hypertension compared to TSCOPD. BSCOPD is also characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness and significant hypoxemia, unlike TSCOPD, which exhibits severe airflow obstruction and emphysema. Additionally, the inflammatory profile of BSCOPD includes distinct mucous hypersecretion and airway remodeling. Conclusions: The unique genetic, epigenetic, and oxidative stress mechanisms involved in BSCOPD complicate its diagnosis and management. Biomass smoke's underrecognized impact on accelerated lung aging and exacerbation mechanisms emphasizes the need for targeted research to refine diagnostic criteria and management strategies for BSCOPD. Future directions: Further research should focus on identifying specific biomarkers and molecular pathways to enhance early diagnosis and improve clinical outcomes in populations exposed to biomass smoke.

Nicotine addiction and the influence of life adversity and acute stress on PYY: Prediction of early smoking relapse.

Early life adversity (ELA) is associated with earlier initiation and maintenance of tobacco smoking and with a greater risk of subsequent relapse. There is growing evidence that appetite hormones, including peptide YY (PYY), which modulates craving and satiety responses, play a role in stress and addiction processes. This study employed a quasi-experimental design to examine the association between ELA and circulating PYY stress responses in smokers and nonsmokers (N = 152, ages 19-73 years) to examine the effects of nicotine addiction. Smokers initiated a quit attempt as part of the study and were classified as either abstinent smokers or relapsed smokers based on their nicotine use during the follow-up period. PYY levels were measured at five timepoints during three lab sessions and compared between nonsmokers and the two smoking groups (abstainers, relapsers): while smokers were using nicotine adlibitum, 24 h after smokers initiated a quit attempt, and 4 weeks after smokers initiated a quit attempt. Multivariate analyses showed the main effects of time on PYY, which decreased over time within each session. The main effects of ELA during the first (ad libitum smoking) and second (24-h post-cessation for smokers) sessions indicated that experiencing ELA was associated with lower PYY. No systematic effect of nicotine addiction or relapse was observed in this study. These findings suggest that adults with higher ELA may experience lower PYY. Additional research is needed to further explore the role of PYY in stress and addiction processes.

Activity and gene expression analysis of the NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP-ICDH) through pepper fruit ripening and its modulation by nitric oxide (NO). Molecular characterization of the peroxisomal isozyme

NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP-ICDH) is one of the main sources of cellular reductant capacity in the form of NADPH. Although there is significant knowledge about the relevance of this enzyme during some physiological and stress processes, the available information about its involvement in fruit ripening is scarce. Using sweet green pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits, a 50–75 % ammonium-sulfate-enriched protein fraction containing the NADP-ICDH activity allowed its biochemical characterization. The enzyme displayed a typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics and exhibited Vmax and Km values of 97 μUnits and 78 µM for isocitrate, and 92 μUnits and 46 µM for NADP+. Three NADP-ICDH isozymes were identified by non-denaturing PAGE designated as NADP-ICDH I to III, each representing 33 %, 24 %, and 43 %, respectively, of the total activity. Based on our previous transcriptome (RNA-Seq), three CaICDH genes (CaNADP-ICDH1, CaNADP-ICDH2, and CaNADP-ICDH3) were identified in sweet pepper fruits encoding isozymes potentially distributed in the cytosol, cytosol/mitochondrion, and peroxisome, according to their percentage of identity with the Arabidopsis isozymes. The time-course expression analysis of these genes during different fruit ripening stages including green immature (G), breaking point (BP), and red ripe (R), and in fruits subjected to nitric oxide (NO) treatments, showed dissimilar expression patterns. During ripening from green to red fruits, CaNADP-ICDH1 and CaNADP-ICDH2 were upregulated but were negatively affected by NO; however, CaNADP-ICDH3 was downregulated during ripening but unaffected by NO treatment. Furthermore, during ripening, the NADP-ICDH activity increased in red ripe fruits whereas the NO gas treatment produced a significant inhibition. These findings provide, to our knowledge, the first characterization of the NADP-ICDH family in this non-climacteric fruit and suggest that NADP-ICDH must play an important role in maintaining the supply of NADPH during pepper fruit ripening and that NO partially modulates this NADPH-generating system.

Developing customer service quality: Influences of job stress and management process alignment in banking industry

Job stress and management process alignment can influence work attitudes and productivity; however, there is still no empirical evidence addressing how these factors influence customer service quality in banking industry. Thus, this research aims to explore how job stress and management process alignment influence commitment and employee performance which develop customer service quality. 650 bank employees who were working at different banks in Cambodia were asked to join the survey process via a survey questionnaire. Researchers applied a path analysis technique to analyze the collected data. This research found that job stress and management process alignment significantly influenced organizational commitment. Meanwhile, job stress, management process alignment, and organizational commitment significantly influenced employee performance. Furthermore, customer service quality was significantly influenced by employee performance, except organizational commitment. Finally, employee performance mediated the relationship between organizational commitment and customer service quality. These key findings revealed workers’ insights which could be an evidence-based strategy for banks to issue an effective working policy to develop better customer service quality.

Genome-wide identification and expressional analysis of carotenoid cleavage oxygenase (CCO) gene family in Betula platyphylla under abiotic stress

BackgroundCarotenoid cleavage oxygenases (CCOs) are a group of enzymes that catalyze the oxidative cleavage of carotenoid molecules. These enzymes widely exist in plants, fungi, and certain bacteria, and are involved in various biological processes. It would be of great importance and necessity to identify CCO members in birch and characterize their responses upon abiotic stresses.ResultsA total of 16 BpCCOs, including 8 BpCCDs and 8 BpNCEDs were identified in birch, and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that they could be classified into six subgroups. Collinearity analysis revealed that BpCCOs have the largest number of homologous genes in Gossypium hirsutum and also have more homologous genes in other dicotyledons. In addition, promoter analysis revealed that the promoter regions of BpCCOs contained many abiotic stress-related and hormone-responsive elements. The results of qRT-PCR showed that most of the BpCCOs were able to respond significantly to ABA, PEG, salt and cold stresses. Finally, the prediction of the interacting proteins of BpCCOs by STRING revealed several proteins that may interact with BpCCOs and be involved in plant growth and development/abiotic stress processes, such as HEC1 (bHLH), ATABA1, ATVAMP714, etc.ConclusionIn this study, the CCO members were identified in birch in a genome-wide scale. These results indicate that BpCCO genes may play important roles in the abiotic stress responses of birch plants.

Neurophysiological response to social feedback in stressful situations.

The relationship between external feedback and cognitive and neurophysiological performance has been extensively investigated in social neuroscience. However, few studies have considered the role of positive and negative external social feedback on electroencephalographic (EEG) and moderate stress response. Twenty-six healthy adults underwent a moderately stressful job interview consisting of a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Test. After each preparation, feedback was provided by an external committee, ranging from positive to negative with increasing impact on subjects. Stress response was measured by analysing response times (RTs) during the speech phase, while cognitive performance was assessed using a Stroop-like task before and after the test. Results indicate that RTs used to deliver the final speeches with negative feedback were significantly lower compared with those used for the initial speech with positive feedback. Moreover, a generalized improvement in Stroop-like task performance was observed in the post-SST compared with the pre-SST. Consistent with behavioural results, EEG data indicated greater delta, theta, and alpha band responses in right prefrontal and left central areas, and for delta and theta bands, also in parietal areas in response to positive feedback compared with aversive-neutral feedback, highlighting greater cognitive effort required by the former. Conversely, an increase in these bands in right and left temporal and left occipital areas was observed following negative and aversive feedback, indicative of an adaptive response to stress and emotion-regulatory processes. These findings suggest that negative social feedback in moderately stressful and noncritical conditions could contribute to improving individual cognitive performance.

Affective Responsivity to Daily Stressors is Amplified in Young Females

Despite mounting evidence that young adults experience greater exposure and affective responsivity to daily stressors than middle-aged and older adults, few studies have examined potential sex differences in these daily stress processes in young adults. We tested the hypotheses that young women would experience (1) a greater percentage of days with at least one daily stressor event and (2) exaggerated negative and positive affective responsivity to daily stressors compared to young men. Young adults ( n = 215) completed a daily web-based interview for eight consecutive days to assess multiple dynamic aspects of daily stress processes. Women experienced a greater frequency of daily stressor days. Further, the magnitude of the difference in both negative and positive affect between stressor-free and stressor days were greater in young women compared to young men. Greater exposure and amplified affective responsivity to daily stressors may potentially contribute to increased susceptibility to adverse psychological outcomes in young women.

Investigating differential item functioning among borderline personality disorder diagnostic criteria and internalizing/externalizing domains based on sexual orientation.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is more frequently diagnosed among sexual minority (SM) populations. SM populations also report higher levels of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, two core domains of clinical problems that are highly comorbid with BPD. Contextual factors (e.g., group-specific norms) might affect endorsement of BPD items for reasons other than an underlying liability to experience BPD or internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Therefore, BPD items may be "easier" to endorse (i.e., be associated with lower indicator thresholds) for SM populations relative to non-SM populations. We tested this hypothesis in a large, nationally representative sample of the U.S. population (N = 35,723, SM n = 1,150) using an item response theory approach. Several BPD indicators demonstrated differential item functioning of indicator thresholds, though these results varied based on impairment and sex. Endorsement of impulsive sex and chronic suicidality were consistently associated with lower indicator thresholds among SM groups; lower BPD, internalizing and externalizing factor levels were necessary for item endorsement for SM individuals. Chronic suicidality and impulsivity criteria may conflate BPD-related variance with SM-specific factors, such as potentially nonpathological SM group norms and minority stress processes. Implications for equitable diagnosis and future research on the BPD syndrome in SM populations are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Curcumin Prevents Renal Damage of l-NAME Induced Hypertension in by Reducing MMP-2 and MMP-9.

In the present study, we investigated whether curcumin administration would interfere with the main renal features of l-NAME-induced hypertension model. For this purpose, we conducted both in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate renal indicators of inflammation, oxidative stress, and metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression/activity. Hypertension was induced by l-NAME (70 mg/kg/day), and Wistar rats from both control and hypertensive groups were treated with curcumin (50 or 100 mg/kg/day; gavage) or vehicle for 14 days. Blood and kidneys were collected to determine serum creatinine levels, histological alterations, oxidative stress, MMPs expression and activity, and ED1 expression. l-NAME increased blood pressure, but both doses of curcumin treatment reduced these values. l-NAME treatment increased creatinine levels, glomeruli area, Bowman's space, kidney MMP-2 activity, as well as MMP-9 and ED1 expression, and reduced the number of glomeruli. Curcumin treatment prevented the increase in creatinine levels, MMP-2 activity, and reduced MMP-2, MMP-9, ED1, and superoxide levels, as well as increased superoxide dismutase activity and partially prevented glomeruli alterations. Moreover, curcumin directly inhibited MMP-2 activity in vitro. Thus, our main findings demonstrate that curcumin reduced l-NAME-induced hypertension and renal glomerular alterations, inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression/activity, and reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory processes, which may indirectly impact hypertension-induced renal outcomes.

Melatonin's protective effect against placental transfer of Methadone in mice: An experimental study.

Methadone is a substance widely used in the substitution treatment of opiate addiction in pregnancy. The placental transfer of methadone influences oxidative stress processes. Melatonin is a hormone with antioxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of melatonin on oxidative stress induced by the transfer of transplacental methadone in mice. In this experimental study, 36 female mice (2 months old, 20 2 gr) were divided into 6 groups (n = 6/each) of control, methadone (0.3 mg/kg intraperitoneal, single dose) and melatonin (2, 4, and 6 mg/kg/day gavage) were administered 30 min before methadone, and one group received melatonin alone (0.6 mg/kg with single injection). Administration for 10 consecutive days of the pregnancy period was done. After baby mice were born, all neonatal mice were killed by beheading or sacrificing after anesthesia. The liver tissues were extracted. The samples were then sent for studying oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and protein carbonyl contents. Also, we have used the immunohistochemistry method for apoptotic markers such as: BAX, Bcl2, and Caspase3 for assaying apoptosis. This study has shown that methadone caused a significant decrease in glutathione concentration (p = 0.035). Also, we observed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl contents (p = 0.015, 0.025 respectively). However, melatonin treatment significantly inhibited oxidative stress markers (p = 0.025). Also, apoptosis assay has shown that melatonin could decrease BAX and Caspase 9 as apoptotic and increase Bcl2 as an antiapoptotic proteins (p = 0.015). Our findings have shown that melatonin has a protective effect against oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by the placental transfer of methadone via its antioxidant effects.

A novel approach to triazole fungicides risk characterization: Bridging human biomonitoring and computational toxicology

Brazil stands as the world's leading coffee producer, where the extensive use of pesticides is economically critical yet poses health and environmental risks due to their non-selective mechanisms of action. Specifically, triazole fungicides are widely used in agriculture to manage fungal diseases and are known to disrupt mammalian CYP450 and liver microsomal enzymes. This research establishes a framework for risk characterization of human exposure to triazole fungicides by internal-dose biomonitoring, biochemical marker measurements, and integration of high-throughput screening (HTS) data via computational toxicology workflows from the Integrated Chemical Environment (ICE). Volunteers from the southern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were divided into two groups: farmworkers and spouses occupationally and environmentally exposed to pesticides from rural areas (n = 140) and individuals from the urban area to serve as a comparison group (n = 50). Three triazole fungicides, cyproconazole, epoxiconazole, and triadimenol, were detected in the urine samples of both men and women in the rural group. Androstenedione and testosterone hormones were significantly reduced in the farmworker group (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.0001). The data show a significant inverse association of testosterone with cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, and glucose and a direct association with HDL (Spearman's correlation, p < 0.05). In the ICE workflow, active in vitro HTS assays were identified for the three measured triazoles and three other active ingredients from the pesticide formulations. The curated HTS data confirm bioactivities predominantly related to steroid hormone metabolism, cellular stress processes, and CYP450 enzymes impacted by fungicide exposure at occupationally and environmentally relevant concentrations based on the in vitro to in vivo extrapolation models. These results characterize the potentially significant human health risk, particularly from the high frequency and intensity of exposure to epoxiconazole. This study showcases the critical role of biomonitoring and utility of computational tools in evaluating pesticide exposure and minimizing the risk.

Surface weathering process of earthen heritage under dry-wet cycles: A case study of Suoyang City, China

Dry-wet cycle is a key factor in surface weathering of earthen heritage, which remains insufficiently explained. It involves the interaction of humidity, stress, and damage. Using the RFPA (realistic failure process analysis) numerical method, this study reproduced the processes of humidity diffusion, deformation, stress, and damage evolution under dry-wet cycles in the soil site of Suoyang City, China. The numerical results indicate that the drying phase following rainfall has the most significant deteriorative impact on the earthen heritage. The evaporation of surface moisture during this phase causes volume shrinkage, which in turn generates tensile stress and leads to the formation of numerous desiccation cracks. Desiccation cracks provide channels for moisture diffusion, which further exacerbates generation of the cracks, leading to a mutual promotion between the two phenomena. Furthermore, during the wetting phase, the model elements undergo hygroscopic expansion, resulting in a slight increase in strain and displacement. Previously formed cracks may exhibit temporary narrowing or closure, but will revert during the subsequent drying phase. Ultimately, the overall displacement increases with the number of dry-wet cycles. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for protection against surface weathering and other damage in earthen heritage in arid regions.

Financial Strain and Smoking Cessation and Relapse Among U.S. Adults Who Smoke: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

IntroductionThis study examines the prospective association between financial strain and smoking cessation and smoking relapse among US adults with established smoking. MethodsDiscrete-time survival models were fit to nationally representative data in Waves 1-5 (2013-2019) of the US Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study for smoking cessation (n=6,972) and smoking relapse (n=1,195). Models were adjusted for demographics (age, sex, race and ethnicity), socioeconomic positioning (education, income, health insurance status), and tobacco-related confounders (quit attempts, coupon receipt, and nicotine dependence). Data were collected between 2013 and 2019, and the analysis was conducted in 2023-2024. ResultsAmong adults with established cigarette smoking, financial strain was associated with a reduced likelihood of cigarette smoking cessation (HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72, 0.92) and an increased likelihood of cigarette smoking relapse (HR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.96) in multivariable models. Results were robust to sensitivity analyses varying confounder control, sample restrictions, and survey weights used. ConclusionsThe results from this study suggest that financial strain is a barrier to cigarette smoking without relapse, which may be due to stress and coping processes. Smoking cessation interventions would benefit from considering the role that financial strain plays in inhibiting smoking cessation without relapse.

Oxidative stress and aging: synergies for age related diseases.

Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function and underlies several disabilities, including the increased sensitivity of cells and tissues to undergo pathological oxidative stress. In recent years, efforts have been made to better understand the relationship between age and oxidative stress and further develop therapeutic strategies to minimize the impact of both events on age-related diseases. In this work, we review the impact of the oxidant and antioxidant systems during aging and disease development and discuss the crosstalk of oxidative stress and other aging processes, with a focus on studies conducted in elderly populations.

Mitochondrial Physiology of Cellular Redox Regulations.

Mitochondria (mt) represent the vital hub of the molecular physiology of the cell, being decision-makers in cell life/death and information signaling, including major redox regulations and redox signaling. Now we review recent advances in understanding mitochondrial redox homeostasis, including superoxide sources and H2O2 consumers, i.e., antioxidant mechanisms, as well as exemplar situations of physiological redox signaling, including the intramitochondrial one and mt-to-cytosol redox signals, which may be classified as acute and long-term signals. This review exemplifies the acute redox signals in hypoxic cell adaptation and upon insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells. We also show how metabolic changes under these circumstances are linked to mitochondrial cristae narrowing at higher intensity of ATP synthesis. Also, we will discuss major redox buffers, namely the peroxiredoxin system, which may also promote redox signaling. We will point out that pathological thresholds exist, specific for each cell type, above which the superoxide sources exceed regular antioxidant capacity and the concomitant harmful processes of oxidative stress subsequently initiate etiology of numerous diseases. The redox signaling may be impaired when sunk in such excessive pro-oxidative state.

Bond-slip models on interfacial behavior between Fe-SMA and steel in hygrothermal environments

Strengthening the existing steel structures to enhance performance can prolong their service life and reduce carbon emissions. Previous studies have employed iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) to adhesively and actively retrofit long-span steel bridges in practice, achieving satisfactory repair efficiency. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding the long-term performance of Fe-SMA-bonded parent structures, principally stemming from the performance degradation of the adhesives in hygrothermal environments. In this study, the damage evolution and debonding mechanisms of Fe-SMA/steel single-lap joints (SLJs) in hygrothermal environments are investigated through 54 lap-shear tests. The evolutionary process of Fe-SMA strain and shear stress within the overlapping zone is assessed, varying with aging time and adhesive type under shear load. Furthermore, the bond-slip models of the Fe-SMA/steel SLJs are put forward, which change with the aforementioned influencing factors in hygrothermal environments. The lap-shear tests demonstrate that the ultimate shear stress of SLJs is transmitted approximately up to 50 mm away from the initial end, with shear stress developing swiftly towards the free end during this phase. In hygrothermal environments, the effective overlapping length of the SLJs is highly contingent on the material properties of adhesives, improving with the prolonged aging time. This study proposes bond-slip models that describe the interfacial performance between Fe-SMA and steel, accounting for the detrimental influence of temperature, humidity, plastic deformation of components and strain relaxation. The experimental outcomes can guide the analysis of the debonding characteristics of Fe-SMA-bonded structures, and the theoretical study can provide reliable predictions for the service performance of reinforcement systems in hygrothermal environments.

Sandwich caregiving and midlife women's health: An examination of racial disparities

AbstractObjectiveThis research project aims to (a) investigate the association between sandwich caregiving and midlife women's health and (b) ask how this relationship differs by race.BackgroundAlthough researchers consistently find that physical health declines substantially during midlife for women, much about what produces this trend is unexplored. One notable gap in prior literature is the impact of simultaneously providing care to both aging parents and young children (i.e., sandwich caregiving) on the health and well‐being of midlife women.MethodThis study analyzes six consecutive waves of nationally representative data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) between 2008 and 2018 with growth curve models.ResultsThe analysis illustrates that sandwich caregiving does not have a significant relationship with self‐reported physical health among White and Black mothers but has a negative association with fair or poor self‐rated physical health among Hispanic mothers.ConclusionThis study contributes to previous scholarship by specifying the heterogeneous consequences of sandwich caregiving for the health and well‐being of White, Black, and Hispanic women during midlife. Moreover, this work highlights the importance of exploring the complex implications of sandwich caregiving, as more and more midlife adults begin to provide care to dual generations.ImplicationsThis study underscores the relevance of the life course perspective and the stress process model in understanding sandwich caregiving. Furthermore, my findings emphasize the significance of the family as a social institution in shaping social inequality and the need for race‐specific interventions to mitigate the adverse health outcomes of sandwich caregiving.

Validation of dementia care-related scales among informal caregivers of Latinos with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

To test the psychometric properties of several dementia care-related scales among Latinos in the US. We leveraged secondary baseline data from a one-arm mHealth trial on dementia caregiver support. We included 100 responses for caregiver-focused scales and 88 responses for care recipient-focused scales. Scales included the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire Severity and Distress scales, six-item Zarit Burden Inventory, Ten-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Geriatric Depression Inventory, Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease, and Single-item Satisfaction With Life Scale. We calculated concurrent validity using Pearson and Spearman correlations and expected correlations amongst all variables in line with the Stress Process Framework. We calculated internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha. All concurrent validity correlations followed the expected directionality, with 19/21 inter-scale correlations in the total sample reaching statistical significance (p<0.05), and 17/21 reaching at least a low correlation (0.3). Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.832 to 0.879 in all scales in the total sample. The English and Spanish caregiver-administered scales tested in this manuscript have good psychometric properties. The dementia care-related scales are now appropriately available for use among US Latinos in research and clinical contexts.

Unveiling the effect of PFOA presence on the composting process: Roles of oxidation stress, carbon metabolism, and humification process

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), an emerging pollutant, has been frequently detected in organic solid waste. It becomes a major concern for compost application, but studies on its toxic effects during composting are rare. This study evaluated the impact of PFOA presence at the environmentally relevant level on the humification process and microbiology during composting. The results showed that the PFOA presence (15.5 μg/kg dry) caused 45.5 % and 40.5 % decreases in the total organic carbon and humic acid-like substances, respectively. PFOA negatively affected microbial activity during the thermophilic period, as evidenced by the increases in reactive oxygen species and lactate dehydrogenase concentration. It altered the microbial community with an enrichment of Bacteroidota, conducive to resisting press. Unexpectedly, the PFOA presence induced hormesis at the maturity period, consistent with stimulated carbon metabolism (i.e., glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation). The modulated microbial metabolism stimulated the catabolic metabolism of small-molecule humus precursors and reduced intracellular quinone availability. Furthermore, the secretion of auxiliary activities for crude fiber degradation was suppressed, which decreased the generation of extracellular quinone, and thereby impeded the humification process. These findings deciphered the metabolic response of composting to PFOA presence and highlighted the potential carbon loss of PFOA-containing composting.