Cortisol Content Research Articles

How do crate materials impact the winter transport of broilers?

Pre-slaughter transportation adversely impacts the welfare, meat yield, and quality of broilers, yet the effects of different crate types on broiler chickens during winter remain underexplored. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of plastic and iron crates in transit on meat quality, carcass, and physiological traits of broiler chickens during winter. A total of 175, 35-day-old Ross 308 male broilers with an average body weight of about 1,708 ± 33.3 g (mean ± standard error of the mean) were picked after 4 hours of feed withdrawal before transport. The control group comprises birds in the farm (n = 15) without transportation at 173 cm2/kg density. The birds were transported into fixed iron (25 birds per crate) and plastic crates (15 birds per crate) with four replicates per crate type at the same 173 cm2/kg densities. The transportation distance was 20 km for 40 min at an average speed of 30-50 km/h early morning at 8:00 am under - 1 ℃ and 47% relative humidity. There was no difference (p>0.05) in carcass traits among the treatments. Concerning meat quality, broilers transported in both crate types exhibited lower (p<0.01) a* values compared to the control group. Additionally, the iron crate group demonstrated higher (p<0.05) b* values for the breast meat compared to the other groups. In terms of blood metabolites, the iron crate group had higher (p<0.05) cortisol, glucose, and lactate levels compared to the control group that did not transport. Broilers transported in the iron crates increase stress levels in terms of higher cortisol, glucose, and lactate contents in the blood plasma compared to untransported broilers during the winter. Therefore, employing plastic crates, which induce significantly reduced cortisol and numerically lower glucose levels compared to iron crates, appears more favorable for animal welfare by mitigating stress.

Effects of Stocking Density on the Survival, Growth, and Stress Levels of the Juvenile Lined Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems.

Seahorses are increasingly regarded as a promising farming object suitable for recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) due to their high economic value. However, reports on the large-scale farming of seahorses in RASs are rare, and some key parameters, such as stocking densities, are still unclear. In the present study, we employed the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus), for which large-scale farming has been achieved, to determine the suitable stocking density for three different-sized juveniles in RASs. The three different-sized juveniles had body heights of 4.0, 7.0, and 9.0 cm, and their test density gradients were 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4 inds/L; 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, and 0.3 inds/L; and 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, and 0.1 inds/L, respectively. The juveniles were cultivated for one month, and then their survival, growth, and plasma cortisol and brain serotonin contents (two stress-related indicators) were analyzed. The results show that, regardless of the size of the juveniles, a high density can inhibit growth and trigger stress responses. In addition, for small- (4.0 cm) and medium-sized (7.0 cm) juveniles, a high density can also exacerbate size heterogeneity and cause death. Taking into account the welfare and yield of farmed seahorses, the present study suggests that the suitable stocking densities for 4.0, 7.0, and 9.0 cm juveniles in RASs are 0.6, 0.4, and 0.2 inds/L, respectively.

The effectiveness of combined anesthesia in comparison with general anesthesia in thyroid and parathyroid surgery: a single-center prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND. Operations on the organs of the anterior surface of the neck (thyroidectomy, carotidectomy, plastic surgery, etc.) are widespread in the Russian Federation. The development of adequate anesthesiological support for these interventions is an urgent task of modern anesthesiology. The introduction of combined regional anesthesia techniques into surgical practice makes it possible to minimize postoperative complications, manifested in the form of severe pain syndrome, postoperative nausea and vomiting. AIM. To conduct a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of combined (general + regional) and only general anesthesia during operations on the thyroid and parathyroid glands. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In a prospective randomized study, 60 patients operated on for thyroid and parathyroid gland diseases were divided into 2 groups: in group 1, general anesthesia was performed in combination with blockade of the internal fascia of the neck and bilateral blockade of the superficial branches of the cervical plexus, as well as the Berry ligament area under ultrasound navigation; patients of group 2 were operated on in conditions of combined general anesthesia. The hemodynamic profile during surgery, plasma cortisol concentration, required doses of fentanyl, intensity of postoperative pain syndrome, need for anesthesia, and recovery time were evaluated. RESULTS. Combined (general + regional) anesthesia was characterized by a decrease in fentanyl consumption compared with the group receiving only general anesthesia (p 0.0001), a decrease in cortisol content in blood plasma 12 hours after extubation (p=0.0439), a reduction in median pain after tracheal extubation 3 and 12 hours after surgery (p=0.0190, p 0.0001), as well as a twofold reduction in the time interval from the end of the operation to the moment of extubation (p=0.0001). The assessment of patients on the Aldreth awakening scale in the group of people who underwent combined anesthesia indicates a higher willingness of patients to be transferred from the operating room to the awakening ward (p=0.0114). CONCLUSION. The study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the combined anesthesia technique in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, which provides adequate anesthetic protection for patients.

Sexual dimorphism in physiological responses of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L) under acute hypoxia and reoxygenation

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a crucial factor throughout fish life cycle. In this study, the hematology, hepatic antioxidant levels, histomorphology of the liver and gill were determined in both female and male turbot under acute hypoxia to evaluated the underlying mechanisms and potential sexual dimorphism difference. Results showed that acute hypoxia stress treatment for 3 h significantly increased plasma cortisol, glucose, hemoglobin (HGB), cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, red blood cell count (RBC) number, hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) activity in both male and female turbot. Male obtained higher plasma CHO, TG and LDL contents, GSH-Px and SOD activity than female under hypoxia. Meanwhile, hypoxia increased gill respiratory frequency, secondary lamellar length, secondary lamellar width, perimeter, lamellar surface area and gill surface area and decreased interlamellar distance. Acute hypoxia induced clubbing, hyperplasia, hypertrophy of gill filaments and hepatic vacuolization in both male and female turbot. The aforementioned parameters were recovered to normal levels after reoxygenation for 12 h. In conclusion, sex dimorphism difference of turbot hematological (RBC, HGB) and biochemical (glucose, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA) parameters were observed under hypoxia stress, while male demonstrated more hypoxia tolerance than female. These results help understand turbot hypoxia tolerance mechanisms and provide more data for management in captivity.

Long-term hypoxia-induced physiological response in turbot Scophthalmus maximus L.

Hypoxia affects fish's survival, growth, and physiological metabolism processes. In this study, turbot plasma glucose and cortisol contents, hepatic glycolysis (hexokinase [HK], phosphofructokinase [PFK], pyruvate kinase [PK]) and lipolysis (fatty acid synthetase [FAS], lipoprotein lipase [LPL]) enzyme activities, anti-oxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px]) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate and glycogen contents, gill histological parameters (lamellar length [SLL], width [SLW], interlamellar distance [ID]), respiratory frequency (RF), the proportion of the secondary lamellae available for gas exchange (PAGE), and hifs (hif-1α, hif-2α, hif-3α) expression were determined during long-term hypoxia and reoxygenation. Results showed that long-term hypoxia (3.34 ± 0.17mg L-1) significantly elevated plasma cortisol and glucose contents; increased hepatic HK, PK, PFK, FAS, and LPL activity; decreased hepatic glycogen, lactate contents, and lipid drop numbers; and caused changes of hepatocyte (vacuolation, pyknotic, and lytic nucleus) after treatment for 4weeks. Hepatic SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activity, and MDA contents; lamellar perimeter, SLL, ID, RF, and PAGE; and hepatic hif-1α, hif-2α, and hif-3α manifested similar results. Meanwhile, hif-1α is significantly higher than hif-2α, and hif-3α. Interestingly, females and males demonstrated no sex dimorphism significantly different from the above parameters (except hepatic FAS, LPL activity, and lipid drop number) under hypoxia. The above parameters recovered to normal levels after reoxygenation treatment for 4weeks. Thus, long-term hypoxia promotes turbot hepatic glycogenolysis and lipolysis, induces oxidative damage and stimulates hepatic antioxidant capacity, and alters gill morphology to satisfy insufficient energy demand and alleviate potential damage, while hif-1α plays critical roles in the above physiological process.

Effects of dietary tryptophan levels on growth performance, serotonin metabolism, brain 5-HT and cannibalism activities in tiger puffer, Takifugu rubripes fingerlings

Essential amino acid (EAA) requirements of aquaculture fish species can be used as a guideline for commercial feed formulation. Several EAA requirements have been quantified in tiger puffer (Takifugu rubripes). However, as the third limiting amino acid (AA) of many plant protein sources, tryptophan requirement of this species has yet to be quantified. This study was conducted to determine dietary tryptophan requirement of tiger puffer, and investigate the effect of dietary tryptophan supplementation on the cannibalism, brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptpamine, 5-HT) metabolism and serum cortisol levels. Six experimental diets were prepared using fish meal, gelatin and corn protein concentrate as intact protein, and then supplemented with crystalline AA premix. The analyzed tryptophan levels in the experimental diets were 3.5, 4.1, 4.5, 5.5, 7.0 and 11.8 g/kg of dry diet. Experimental diets were randomly fed in triplicate to tiger puffer (initial average weight of 17.5 g) for 58 days. The weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly affected by dietary tryptophan, and the break points were observed at 5.07, 4.82 and 4.99 g/kg of dry diet, respectively. Compared to the basal diet, the cannibalism (the rate of bite mark appearance) was significantly lower and survival rate was significantly higher when fish were given diets containing 7.0 and 11.8 g/kg tryptophan. The concentrations of free tryptophan and phenylalanine in the brain exhibited a nonlinear increase in response to the incremental levels of dietary tryptophan. Brain 5-HT concentration was significantly affected by dietary tryptophan levels, but did not show a significant dose-dependent response. The expression of genes related to 5-HT metabolism (tph1a, ddc and aldh) and serotonin reuptake (sert) in the brain varied significantly and exhibited a nonlinear relationship with the graded levels of dietary tryptophan. In addition, serum cortisol levels showed a decreasing trend till the 5.5 g/kg tryptophan inclusion level, at which point there appeared to be the lowest level. In conclusion, based on nonlinear regression analysis of the WG, FCR and PER, dietary tryptophan requirement of tiger puffer was determined to be range between 4.82 and 5.07 g/kg of dry diet (10.48–11.03 g/kg of dietary protein). Dietary tryptophan supplementation above requirement could mitigate cannibalism and improve the survival of tiger puffer, which may be attributed to regulating the synthesis and catabolism of 5-HT and its availability in the synaptic cleft, and subsequently the reduction of serum cortisol content.

Exploring the novel benefits of leucine: Protecting nitrite-induced liver damage in sub-adult grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) through regulating mitochondria quality control

Leucine is an essential amino acid for fish. The ability of leucine to resist stress in fish has not been reported. Nitrite is a common pollutant in the aquatic environment. Therefore, we investigated the effects of dietary leucine on growth performance and nitrite-induced liver damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, and apoptosis for sub-adult grass carp. A total of 450 grass carp (615.91 ± 1.15 g) were selected and randomly placed into 18 net cages. The leucine contents of the six diets were 2.91, 5.90, 8.92, 11.91, 14.93, and 17.92 g/kg, respectively. After a 9-week feeding trial, the nitrite exposure experiment was set up for 96 h. These results indicated that dietary leucine significantly promoted FW, WG, PWG, and SGR of sub-adult grass carp (P < 0.05). Appropriate levels of dietary leucine (11.91–17.92 g/kg) decreased the activities of serum parameters (glucose, cortisol, and methemoglobin contents, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase), the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO−). In addition, appropriate levels of dietary leucine (11.91–17.92 g/kg) increased the mRNA levels of mitochondrial biogenesis genes (PGC-1α, Nrf1/2, TFAM), fusion-related genes (Opa1, Mfn1/2) (P < 0.05), and decreased the mRNA levels of caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, fission-related gene (Drp1), mitophagy-related genes (Pink1, Parkin) and autophagy-related genes (Beclin1, Ulk1, Atg5, Atg7, Atg12) (P < 0.05). Appropriate levels of dietary leucine (8.92–17.92 g/kg) also increased the protein levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), prostacyclin (p62) and decreased the protein levels of protein light chain 3 (LC3), E3 ubiquitin ligase (Parkin), and Cytochrome c (Cytc). Appropriate levels of leucine (8.92–17.92 g/kg) could promote growth performance and alleviate nitrite-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, apoptosis for sub-adult grass carp. Based on quadratic regression analysis of PWG and serum GPT activity, dietary leucine requirements of sub-adult grass carp were recommended to be 12.47 g/kg diet and 12.55 g/kg diet, respectively.

The role of pantothenic acid in alleviating hypoxia-induced liver injury of sub-adult grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus): Possible mechanisms and implication

In aquaculture, hypoxia poses a significant threat to fish growth and survival. Despite this, there is limited research on the impact of pantothenic acid (PA) in enhancing the anti-hypoxia stress capability of fish. The primary objective of this study was to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of PA in alleviating hypoxia-induced liver injury in sub-adult grass carp. To achieve this, six experimental diets containing varying levels of PA (0.08, 11.95, 24.95, 37.95, 50.95, and 63.95 mg/kg) were formulated and administered to grass carp (initial weight 696.22 ± 2.45 g) for 63 days. Following the dietary intervention, the fish were segregated into hypoxia and control groups and treated for 96 h. The findings revealed that optimal PA levels could enhance the growth performance of sub-adult grass carp and ameliorate the adverse impacts of hypoxia. First, optimal PA levels reduced serum levels of glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as mitigated hepatocyte vacuolization, improved liver and mitochondrial morphology, thereby alleviating hypoxia-induced liver injury. Furthermore, optimal PA levels were associated with increased contents of serum cortisol, glucose, liver glycogen, pyruvate, and the activities of Pantothenate kinase 2 (PanK2) and coenzyme A (CoA), while liver lactate content and LDH activity were reduced, indicating improvements in energy metabolism and PA utilization, potentially mediated by the down-regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) mRNA level. Moreover, optimal PA levels decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, enhanced liver antioxidant capacity, down-regulated autophagy-related gene mRNA levels, and up-regulated autophagy receptor protein 62 (p62) protein level, suggesting a reduction in oxidative damage and autophagy. Finally, a rise in levels of mitochondrial quality control-related mRNAs such as mitofusin 1/2 (MFN1/2), dynamin-related protein-1 (DRP-1), and nuclear respiratory factor 1/2 (Nrf-1/2) was observed, together with increment in the protein levels of PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), BCL-2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1). These alterations hinted at the role of PA in preserving mitochondrial homeostasis. In conclusion, PA exhibited a protective role against hypoxia-induced liver injury by enhancing liver energy metabolism, bolstering antioxidant defenses, suppressing autophagy, and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. Through an assessment of percentage weight gain (PWG) and liver ROS level, the requirements of PA for promoting growth and resilience to hypoxia-induced liver injury in sub-adult grass carp were determined to be 37.44 mg/kg and 42.57 mg/kg, respectively.

Neurotoxicity of Combined Exposure to the Heavy Metals (Pb and As) in Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) are commonly occurring heavy metals in the environment and produce detrimental impacts on the central nervous system. Although they have both been indicated to exhibit neurotoxic properties, it is not known if they have joint effects, and their mechanisms of action are likewise unknown. In this study, zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations of Pb (40 μg/L, 4 mg/L), As (32 μg/L, 3.2 mg/L) and their combinations (40 μg/L + 32 μg/L, 4 mg/L + 3.2 mg/L) for 30 days. The histopathological analyses showed significant brain damage characterized by glial scar formation and ventricular enlargement in all exposed groups. In addition, either Pb or As staining inhibited the swimming speed of zebrafish, which was enhanced by their high concentrations in a mixture. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we examined changes in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, neurotransmitter (dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine) levels, HPI axis-related hormone (cortisol and epinephrine) contents and neurodevelopment-related gene expression in zebrafish brain. The observations suggest that combined exposure to Pb and As can cause abnormalities in swimming behavior and ultimately exacerbate neurotoxicity in zebrafish by interfering with the cholinergic system, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine signaling, HPI axis function as well as neuronal development. This study provides an important theoretical basis for the mixed exposure of heavy metals and their toxicity to aquatic organisms.

Cardiometabolic characteristics of type 2 diabetes patients depending on obesity phenotypes

Background. The problem of studying the causes and mechanisms of metabolic disorders in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most important questions in modern medicine. It is due to the growing prevalence of dysmeta­bolic conditions and their serious consequences for the population health in the modern world. The initial hypothesis was that the differences in hormonal and metabolic conditions in patients with T2DM can be explained by the peculiarities of the anabolic-catabo­lic balance in different metabolic phenotypes. The aim of the work was to study the features of anthropometric and compositional parameters, indicators of carbohydrate, lipid and purine metabolism, anabolic-catabolic balance as predictors of cardiovascular diseases in patients with T2DM, depending on the phenotype. Materials and methods. One hundred and sixty-five patients with T2DM were included in the study, 71 women and 94 men aged from 32 to 82 years (59.0 ± 8.3 years). They had a level of glycated hemoglobin higher than 6.7 % (8.3 ± 1.8 %) against the background of taking oral hypoglycemic agents. Results. During the examination, it was found that the metabolism of patients without general obesity has a predominantly catabolic orientation, which, compared to those with general obesity, is manifested in a lower absolute accumulation of total and visceral fat, a reduced level of uricemia (due to a lower reabsorption of urate in the renal tubules, a lower activity of the anabolic pathway of reutilization), which is accompanied by a lower level of anabolic hormones, insulin and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and a higher level of the catabolic stress hormone cortisol. General obesity in patients with body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 is caused by the predominant influence of anabolic hormones (insulin, DHEA-S), which contribute to the de novo synthesis of fatty acids and purine bases, the reutilization of purines and the reabsorption of uric acid. This leads to the accumulation of fat in the subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue and an increase in the level of uricemia under the conditions of a lower content of the catabolic hormone cortisol. Conclusions. The application of a set of anthropometric, composition biochemical and hormonal indicators allows for a differential diagnosis of alimentary hypokinetic (anabolic) and stress (catabolic) phenotypes in patients with T2DM. An additional characteristic of the metabolic status in T2DM may be the assessment of uric acid production and excretion in patients with varying degrees of obesity. The listed signs indicate an anabolic type of metabolism in obesity.

High replacement of soybean meal by different types of rapeseed meal is detrimental to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) growth, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immunity and Aeromonas hydrophila tolerance.

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal with different types of rapeseed meal (RSM; Chinese 95-type (oil press model) rapeseed meal [C95RM], Chinese 200-type rapeseed meal [C200RM], cold pressed rapeseed cake [CPRC], Indian rapeseed meal [IRM] and Canadian rapeseed meal [CRM]) on growth, antioxidant capacity, non-specific immunity and Aeromonas hydrophila infection tolerance in 990 fingering (average weight 12.77 ± 0.01 g) rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A basal diet was prepared using fishmeal and soybean meal as the main protein sources, the other 10 diets were formulated with five types of RSM at 20% (C95RM20, C200RM20, CPRC20, IRM20, CRM20) or 35% (C95RM35, C200RM35, CPRC35, IRM35, CRM35) inclusion levels to replace iso-nitrogenous soybean meal. Regardless of the RSM source, dietary inclusion of 20% RSM significantly reduced the weight gain rate (WGR) and digestive enzymes activities (except C200RM20) of fish, but increased the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content (except CRM20). Fish fed with CPRC20 and IRM20 exhibited relatively higher plasma cortisol and MDA content, but lower content/activities of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in plasma, lysozyme (LZM) and complement 3 (C3) in serum, catalase (CAT) in liver, and respiratory burst activity (RBA) of head kidney macrophages. The intestinal and hepatic tissues fed with 20% RSM were damaged to some extent, with the CPRC20 and IRM20 groups being the most severely affected. Regardless of the RSM source, dietary inclusion of 35% RSM significantly decreased WGR and digestive enzymes activities, but significantly increased plasma BUN and MDA content. The fish fed with CPRC35 and IRM35 exhibited relatively higher plasma cortisol, MDA, serum triglyceride, BUN content, but lower content/activities of T3, T4, C3, and LZM in serum, CAT, peroxidase and GPx in plasma, CAT in liver, RBA and phagocytic activity of head kidney macrophage. The hepatic and intestinal tissues damage was the worst in the IRM35 group among the 35% RSM inclusion groups. These results indicate that including ≥20% RSM in the diet, regardless of the source, reduced the growth, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and survival to Aeromonas hydrophila infection in rainbow trout.

Efficacy of the spirit-regulation method of Jin's three-needle therapy for post-stroke anxiety and its effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.

To observe the clinical efficacy of the spirit-regulation method of Jin's three-needle therapy on post-stroke anxiety and its effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Fifty-four patients with post-stroke anxiety were divided into spirit regulation (Jin's three needle therapy) group and sham-acupuncture group according to the random number table method, 28 cases in the spirit regulation and 26 cases in the sham-acupuncture group. The patients of the two groups received the same regimen of basic medication and rehabilitation, and the same acupoint prescription was adopted, including Sishenzhen (extra points, 1.5 cun to Baihui ［GV20］ at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock positions), Shenting (GV24), Yintang (EX-HN3), and bilateral Shenmen (HT7), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4) and Taichong (LR3). The true acupuncture was delivered in the spirit regulation group and the sham acupuncture operated in the sham-acupuncture group. One treatment lasted for 30 min, once daily, 5 times a week. The duration of treatment was 3 weeks in the trial. Before treatment and on day 10 and day 21 of treatment, the changes in the score of Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and that of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were compared between the two groups separately. Using ELISA, the contents of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol (CORT) in the serum were detected, and the adverse reactions were recorded. In the within-group comparison before and after treatment, HAMA score and NIHSS score dropped on day 10 and day 21 after treatment in the spirit regulation group (P<0.05)；HAMA score and NIHSS score in the sham-acupuncture group were decreased on day 21 of treatment (P<0.05). After 21 days of treatment, HAMA score and NIHSS score in the spirit-regulation group were decreased significantly than those in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05) and the contents of ACTH and CORT in the serum decreased when compared with those before treatment and those of the sham-operation group (P<0.05). No obvious adverse events occurred in the spirit-regulation group and the sham-acupuncture group. Using sham acupuncture as a control, it is preliminarily confirmed that the spirit regulation method of Jin's three-needle therapy is effective on post-stroke anxiety. In association of the downtrend of serological indicators, it is speculated that the underlying mechanism of this therapy is related to HPA axis.

The growth performance, anti-oxidative capacity, immunity and resistance to heat stress of abalone Haliotis discus hannai can be improved by a mixture of herbs

An 84-day feeding trial was carried out to assess the effects of dietary Chinese herbs mixture (CHM) on the growth performance, anti-oxidative capacity, immunity and resistance to heat stress of abalone Haliotis discus hannai. The CHM included, Scutellariae Radix (Scutellaria baicalensis, Gardeniae Fructus (Gardenia jasminoides), Artemisiae Scopariae Herba (Artemisia capillaris), Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis (Uncaria rhynchophylla), Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix (Polygonum cuspidatum). Six diets containing 0.00% (control group), 0.02%, 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08% and 0.10% of CHM were formulated and fed to abalone (initial weight: 3.59 ± 0.03 g). The group with 0.04% of dietary CHM exhibited the highest weight gain rate (WGR), while the survival was not significantly affected by dietary CHM. The optimal level of dietary CHM for abalone was determined to be 0.049% on the basis of the quadratic regression model for WGR. Dietary CHM significantly elevated the activities of lipase, trypsin, cellulase, Na+/K+-ATPase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and lysozyme and total anti-oxidative capacity. Besides, dietary CHM significantly reduced the malondialdehyde content and alanine amino transferase activity. The mRNA levels of cationic amino acid transporter 1 (cat1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (nrf2) were significantly up-regulated in the group with 0.04% of dietary CHM. While the mRNA levels of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (keap1), nuclear factor-κb (nf-κb) and tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α) were decreased in dietary CHM supplemented groups. The glucose and cortisol content in the CFH and the falling rate of abalone were significantly lower in the CHM supplemented groups than that in the control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of CHM improved the growth performance, anti-oxidative capacity, immunity and the resistance to heat stress of abalone. The recommended level of CHM supplemented in diets for abalone was 0.049%.

Typological changes in the level of dopamine, cortisol and thyroid hormones in males of Arkhangelsk in the dynamics of year photoperiods

The aim of the study was to consider typological photoperiodic changes in the levels of dopamine, cortisol and thyroid hormones in males of Arkhangelsk.Material and methods. The study sample included 20 young euthyroid males aged 25–44 years, permanently residing in Arkhangelsk. To study the influence of the photoperiodic factor on the functioning of the endocrine system, four months were selected, which are distinguished by the clearest contrast of daylight hours: March (increased daylight hours), June (maximum daylight hours), September (reduced daylight hours) and December (minimum daylight hours). The concentration of dopamine was determined in the blood plasma, and the indicators of the thyroid profile and cortisol level were studied in the serum.Results. Analysis of the data obtained revealed two types of reactions from the dopaminergic system and cortisol content during the period of minimal daylight hours. Along with the seasonal dynamics of dopamine, there is a change in the activity of the pituitary-thyroid system.Conclusions. In males, whose dopamine levels increase from September to December, the concentrations of cortisol and thyroid hormones also increase, that is, several stress systems are simultaneously activated – the adrenal medulla and cortex, the thyroid gland. Thus, there is a more pronounced reaction to the appearance of seasonal stress factors, which may be due to the rather successful adaptation of the respondents to the environment and may indicate that respondents with dopamine levels decreasing or not changing from September to December either have reduced reserve capacity of the body, or hormones are more actively spent on metabolic processes.

A matter of age? How age affects the adaptation of lactating dairy cows to virtual fencing.

Virtual Fencing (VF) can be a helpful technology in managing herds in pasture-based systems. In VF systems, animals wear a VF collar using global positioning, and physical boundaries are replaced by virtual ones. The Nofence (Nofence AS, Batnfjordsøra, Norway) collars used in this study emit an acoustic warning when an animal approaches the virtual boundaries, followed by an aversive electrical pulse if the animal does not return to the defined area. The stimuli sequence is repeated up to three times if the animal continues to walk forward. Although it has been demonstrated that animals successfully learn to adapt to the system, it is unknown if this adaptation changes with animal age and thus has consequences for VF training and animal welfare. This study compared the ability of younger and older dairy cows to adapt to a VF system and whether age affected activity behavior, milk yield, and animal long-term stress under VF management. The study was conducted on four comparable strip-grazing paddocks. Twenty lactating Holstein-Friesian cows, divided into four groups of five animals each, were equipped with VF collars and pedometers. Groups differed in age: two groups of older cows (>4 lactations) and two groups of younger ones (first lactation). After a 7-d training, paddock sizes were increased by successively moving the virtual fence during four consecutive grazing periods. Throughout the study, the pedometers recorded daily step count, time spent standing, and time spent lying. For the determination of long-term stress, hair samples were collected on the first and last day of the trial and the hair cortisol content was assessed. Data were analyzed by generalized mixed-effect models. Overall, age had no significant impact on animal responses to VF, but there were interaction effects of time: the number of acoustic warnings in the last period was higher in younger cows (P < 0.001), and the duration of acoustic warnings at training was shorter for older cows (P < 0.01). Moreover, younger cows walked more per day during the training (P < 0.01). Finally, no effects on milk yield or hair cortisol content were detected. In conclusion, all cows, regardless of age, adapted rapidly to the VF system without compromising their welfare according to the indicators measured.

Influence of 19-Nortestosterone on the Content of Steroid Hormones, Hematological Indicators and Individual Links of Metabolism in Tissues of Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The influence of different concentrations of the synthetic steroid 19-nortestosterone on the body mass and indexes of internal organs, hematological parameters, testosterone, progesterone and cortisol content, certain links of metabolic processes and enzymatic activity in the tissues of carp (&lt;i&gt;Cyprinus carpio&lt;/i&gt; L.) was studied. Under the short-term impact of 50 &amp;mu;g/dm&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt;, 19-nortestosterone increased the total protein and albumins content, creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase activity, decreased the inorganic phosphorus and iron content, alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activity in the blood plasma and did not affect the respiratory rate, external body features, the mass of hepatopancreas and spleen and their indexes, hematological indicators, the steroid hormones concentration in blood plasma and hepatopancreas, content of glucose, triglycerides, creatinine, calcium, inorganic phosphorus in blood plasma. Under 200 &amp;mu;g/dm&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt;, the respiratory rate and ESR increased, as well as the cortisol and testosterone content in blood plasma and hepatopancreas, whereas progesterone in blood plasma decreased and in hepatopancreas increased. High concentration of 19-nortestosterone caused elevated protein and albumin content, creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase in the blood plasma activity, whereas glucose, inorganic phosphorus, iron, alkaline phosphatase activity was lower. The 19-nortestosterone did not affect the mass and index of hepatopancreas and spleen, hemoglobin concentration, the erythrocytes, leukocytes and lymphocytes number and ratio of eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, as well as triglycerides, creatinine, calcium content, lactate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase activity in blood plasma. The conclusion was made about the carp's ability to adapt to low concentrations of the synthetic steroid 19-nortestosterone under its short-term impact by modification of the certain links of metabolism and enzymatic activity. High concentration of 19-nortestosterone significantly affected the hormonal status and metabolism of carp.

Dynamics of hematological and oxidative parameters characterizing the nonspecific resistance of cows under technological stress

The aim of the work was to study the dynamics of biochemical, hormonal and oxidative parameters in the blood of cattle from the point of view of nonspecific resistance of animals under the action of technological stress. Technological stress was accompanied by the entry of cortisol into the blood, a significant intensification of lipid peroxidation processes, a decrease in the activity of the antioxidant system of the blood, and a change in the nonspecific resistance of the animal organism. On day 1 after technological stress, the content of cortisol and the level of DC in the blood increased by 2 times, an increase in MDA and OR, a decrease in catalase and reduced glutathione were observed. The most pronounced changes were recorded on days 3-14 after technological stress. The animals showed neutrophilia, monocytosis, lymphopenia and appearance of NEToses on days 3 and 14 after technological stress. On the 3rd day after technological stress, an increase in lysozyme activity of blood serum and a decrease in bactericidal activity were shown. Preservation of reduced indicators of reduced glutathione and lysozyme activity while maintaining cortisol at the upper limit of indicators relative to the initial values was recorded by 30 days in cows after technological stress. The data obtained indicate that the body’s defenses are a dynamic physiological indicator, which must be taken into account as a general resistance of the cattle body to stressors in order to prevent the disruption of the body’s adaptive capabilities.

Effects of varying protein and lipid levels, with or without the addition of L-carnitine supplementation on growth performance and nutrient utilization of Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) reared in recirculating aquaculture system

In a 60-day feeding trial, the impact of supplementing L-carnitine to low protein high energy (LPHE) diets was investigated. The study focused on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, health status, and fatty acid profile of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Seven iso-energetic (∼4600 Kcal/kg) diets with varying levels of protein and lipid, both with and without L-carnitine supplementation viz. control- (47/10), T1(44/12), T2(41/14), T3(44/12 with L- carnitine 0.05%), T4(44/12 with L- carnitine 0.1%), T5-(41/14 with L- carnitine 0.05%), T6 (41/14 with L- carnitine 0.1%) were prepared. L. calcarifer fingerlings with an average weight of 5.2 ± 0.1 g were randomly allocated to each treatment in triplicate, with 50 fingerlings per replicate. The fingerlings were fed three times a day until they reached satiation. The findings of present study revealed significant variations (P < 0.05) in final weight, weight gain, Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), and Thermal Growth Coefficient (TGC) among different treatments, demonstrating linear trends. Fish survival rates across treatments showed no significant variations (P > 0.05) and lacked both linear and quadratic trends. Dietary treatments did not have an overall significant effect (P > 0.05) on whole-body moisture and crude protein contents of seabass, showing no discernible linear or quadratic trends. However, notable differences (P < 0.05) were observed in whole-body lipid and total ash contents, displaying linear and quadratic trends. The n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-3 PUFA content exhibited an overall significant impact due to dietary variations, showing both linear and quadratic trends. Cholesterol, triglyceride, and cortisol contents showed statistically significant overall differences, with discernible linear and quadratic trends across treatment groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity also demonstrated an overall significant effect, accompanied by a linear trend. In conclusion, adding L-carnitine at a 0.1% concentration to diets containing 44% protein and 12% lipids boosted both growth performance and antioxidant response of L. calcarifer.

Cross-sectional analysis reveals COVID-19 pandemic community lockdown was linked to dysregulated cortisol and salivary alpha amylase in children.

The COVID-19 pandemic altered everyday life starting in March 2020. These alterations extended to the lives of children as their normal routines were disrupted by community lockdowns, online learning, limited in-person social contact, increased screen time, and reduced physical activity. Considerable research has investigated the physical health impact of COVID-19 infection, but far fewer studies have investigated the physiological impact of stressful pandemic-related changes to daily life, especially in children. The purpose of this study was to leverage an ongoing clinical trial to investigate physiological consequences associated with chronic stress of pandemic community lockdown on children. As a part of the clinical trial, children provided saliva samples. Saliva samples were analyzed for cortisol and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) content. This secondary cross-sectional analysis included 94 preadolescent children located within the Greater Boston, Massachusetts community. Children participated in the study either before, during, or following the pandemic community lockdown to form three groups for comparison. In response to chronic stress caused by the pandemic community lockdown, participants demonstrated dysregulation of fast-acting catecholamine response of the locus-coeruleus-norepinephrine system and slower-acting glucocorticoid response, resulting in an asymmetrical relationship of hypocortisolism (M = 0.78 ± 0.19 μg/mL, p < 0.001) paired with higher sAA (M = 12.73 ± 4.06 U/mL, p = 0.01). Results suggest that the abrupt COVID-19 disruption to daily life, including the stressful experience of community lockdown, had physiological effects on typically developing children. Further research is required to investigate mental health outcomes of children following the chronic stress of the pandemic community lockdown.

The state of cellular immunity link and steroid hormones in bitches under different conditions of the reproductive system

The purpose of the conducted study was to establish the correlation between indicators of the cellular immunity link and the concentration of steroid hormones in bitches under different conditions of the reproductive system. Seventeen crossbred bitches aged from 2 to 5 years were involved in the experiment. They were divided into three groups depending on the state of the reproductive system: anestrus, sexual cycle, and pyometra. The following immunophysiological indicators were determined in blood plasma: the absolute number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and their immunoregulatory subpopulations, and the phagocytic activity of neutrophils. The content of progesterone, estradiol, and cortisol was determined in serum. According to the results of the research, it was established that the absolute number of neutrophils, as the most reactogenic cells of the innate link of cellular immunity, was 0.51 G/L higher in the group of animals with pyometra than in the group of animals during the sexual cycle, and by 0.84 G/L in bitches in conditions of anestrus. The absolute number of phagocytic active neutrophils in conditions of pyometra was 2.32 ± 0.58 G/L (Р &lt; 0.001). However, as a percentage of the absolute number of neutrophils, this indicator was 66 %. During the sexual cycle, the absolute number of neutrophils capable of phagocytosis was 2.33 ± 0.51 G/L, which is 78 % of the absolute number of all neutrophilic leukocytes. The indicator of the absolute number of lymphocytes was reliably (P &lt; 0.05) lower in the group of bitches with pyometra – 1.48 ± 0.35 G/L, which is 0.92 G/L less compared to the group of animals in the anestrous period. Analysis of the absolute number of monocytes showed that this indicator was the same in bitches during the pyometra and anestrous periods and was lower by 0,07 G/L during the sexual cycle. The absolute number of B-lymphocytes, as a humoral link of adaptive immunity, in bitches in conditions of the anestrous and estrous period was the same and amounted to 0.30 G/L. In the group of bitches with pyometra, a reliable decrease of this indicator by 33 % was established (Р &lt; 0.05). The population of natural killer (NK) lymphocytes was also the lowest in bitches with pyometra, almost twice as compared to animals during the sexual cycle. Conducted research on determining the absolute quantitative indicators of the cellular immunity link showed their dependence on the functional state of the reproductive system. It was established that the absolute number of neutrophils in pyometra was higher than in animals in anestrus. However, at the same time, their relative number capable of phagocytosis was the lowest. In conditions of pyometra, the lowest number of lymphocytes and their main subpopulations were observed.