Saliva Cortisol Concentrations Research Articles

Hormonal status of patients with infertility and post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that occurs after a psychologically or physically traumatic event, and characterized by three main clusters of posttraumatic symptoms, as well as chronic and significant disturbances in emotion regulation, identity, and relationships. PTSD is more common in women, which suggests a role for the regulation of female sex hormones in its development.The objective: to study the hormonal status of women with infertility and PTSD.Materials and methods. 112 women with infertility were examined, who were divided into groups depending on the PTSD criteria. The I group included 36 women with PTSD criteria, who were diagnosed with infertility before the onset of the traumatic factor, the II group – 31 patients with fertility disorders which were diagnosed on the background of PTSD, the III group – 45 women with infertility and without signs of PTSD, the control group consisted of 50 healthy women who applied for a routine preventive examination.In all patients, on the 3rd–5th day of the menstrual cycle, the concentrations of prolactin, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone were determined in the blood serum, in the saliva – cortisol, on the 21st day of the cycle – in the blood serum progesterone.Results. It was established that in women with infertility that was developed after the traumatic factor, the prolactin content is significantly higher (59.5±18.9 ng/ml) than in other groups of patients with fertility disorders (36.9±12.3 ng/ml in I group, 34.3±17.9 ng/ml – in the III group) and in the group of healthy women (13.5±5.6 ng/ml). The concentration of estradiol in the I group was within the reference values for the follicular phase of the cycle, but significantly lower (23.4±3.6 pg/ml) than in women of the other groups (from 87.6±14.6 pg/ml in the III group to 103.5±27.8 pg/ml in the group of healthy women). The average concentration of progesterone in the I (3.4±2.7 pg/ml) and II (4.1±2.9 pg/ml) groups was within the reference values, but was probably lower than that of healthy women (23.6±4.9 pg/ml), as well as women with infertility without signs of PTSD (19.4±5.1 pg/ml).In this study the patients with infertility which has developed on the background of PTSD had LH values within the reference normal range (2.0±0.5 U/L), but several times lower than in women with other reasons of infertility (12.0±3.6 U/l – in women with infertility before the development of PTSD, 6.0±1.9 U/l – in women with infertility without PTSD criteria) and in healthy women (9.2±3.4 U/l).An increased level of testosterone beyond the reference values was found only in women of the II group (3.3±1.9 nmol/l), in the other groups the average testosterone concentration ranged from 1.3±0.6 nmol/l in healthy women to 1.5±0.9 nmol/l in the I group and 1.8±0.7 nmol/l in women with infertility without signs of PTSD. Patients with PTSD are characterized by an increased level of cortisol in saliva, which indicates a prolonged reaction of the body to the trauma (8.8±0.3 ng/ml – in the I group, 10.3±0.4 ng/ml – in the II group), in groups without PTSD the level of this hormone in saliva was almost twice as low (5.4±0.2 ng/ml – in the III group and 5.9±0.3 ng/ml – in healthy women).Conclusions. 1. The patients with PTSD and infertility are characterized by high concentrations of cortisol in saliva and a decreased progesterone level in blood serum.2. In patients who had fertility disorders before a stressful event, a decreased estrogen concentration and an increased luteinizing hormone level were found in blood serum, which indicates endocrine disorders as a cause of infertility.3. Prolactin and testosterone levels were found to be higher in the patients with infertility that was developed after a traumatic event than in other women with reproductive function disorders. Both factors are pathogenetically related to the pathological reaction to stress.

When the neighbors are noisy: effect of social challenge in collateral pens of stressed animals.

Regrouping practices are frequent in pig production, altering hierarchy and triggering aggressive behaviors. The present study aimed to investigate the physiological responses of piglets to an experimental model designed to induce stress through systematic social mixing in two trials. In Trial A, a total of 144 crossbred piglets (25 days postweaning) housed in one room within 36 pens (four piglets/pen) were used and randomly assigned to either a control group (piglets maintained in their pen, Ctrl-A) or a social challenge group (piglets mixed, SC-A). In Trial B, the same number of animals (33 days postweaning) and crossbreed line was used, and each piglet was assigned either to a control group (Ctrl-B) or a social challenge group (SC-B) in two independent rooms (rooms Ctrl and SC, 12 pens/ room, six piglets/pen). The social challenge consisted of daily moves of three out of four pen mates and five out of six pen mates, for Trials A and B, respectively. In the Ctrl groups, all piglets stayed in their original pen. Before the 1st mixing day and at the end of the 3rd mixing day, saliva (cortisol concentration) and blood (cortisol concentration changes, hemogram, and immunologic activation) samples were collected from two random piglets per pen. Skin lesion scores of all piglets were also recorded on the front, middle, and rear body regions. In Trial A, the total skin lesions score was higher in the SC-A group compared to the Ctrl-A group after the social challenge (0.53 vs. 0.17; p < 0.05), but an unexpected increase between sampling days in the Ctrl-A piglets (0.06 vs. 0.17; p < 0.05) was also recorded, suggesting that Ctrl-A pigs showed similar aggressivity levels to the SC-A group. Hematological parameters hemoglobin, red blood cell counts, and leukocyte counts present similar changes in both treatment groups after the social challenge. Contrarily, in Trial B, the lesion score only increased in the piglets in room SC (0.08 vs. 0.34; p < 0.05). Results suggest that stable groups may show aggressive behaviors if they are in the same room with socially challenged pigs. Thus, the physical separation of treatment groups in social stress studies is recommended.

296 Saccharomyces cerevisiae derived postbiotic modulates inflammatory response and gut microbiota in large breed dogs exposed to endurance exercise and transport stress

Abstract Postbiotic supplements have been used in various livestock species to mitigate the negative effects of stress. This study aimed to determine if similar responses are seen in canine companion animals. We evaluated the effects of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) postbiotic supplement on inflammatory biomarkers, cortisol, and microbiota dysbiosis index in Labrador Retrievers exposed to exercise and transport stress. Dogs [n = 36; 3.52 ± 0.21 yr old and body weight (BW) = 27.6 ± 2.97 kg] were blocked by sex, age, and BW and assigned to receive 1 of 3 daily top-dressed treatments: 1) 15 g ground corn germ (Control, n = 12); 2) 7.5 g S. cerevisiae yeast postbiotic (Low, n = 12); or 3) 15 g of S. cerevisiae yeast postbiotic (High, n = 12). Dogs were given 1 wk to acclimate to treatments before beginning a 7-wk exercise regimen consisting of twice weekly 4.8 km guided runs. Dogs were exposed to a transportation stressor in wk 8. Fecal samples from d 0 and 56 were analyzed for calprotectin, calgranulin C (S100A12), α1-protease inhibitor, immunoglobulin A, and microbiota dysbiosis index. Blood was collected on d 0 and 63 for serum chemistries and complete blood counts. Blood collection was also performed prior to and 18 to 20 h after first and final runs of the exercise regimen for analysis of inflammatory cytokines. The Four Rivers Kennel (FRK) Gait Inflammation Index score was assessed prior to and 24 hours after the first and last exercise runs with the Gait4Dogs pressure mat system. Saliva cortisol was measured before and after transportation. Blood chemistry did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.19), but Control dogs had increased eosinophils (P = 0.01) and tended to have increased white blood cells (P = 0.08) and lymphocytes (P = 0.08) compared with dogs receiving postbiotic. Dogs fed Low dose had elevated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (P = 0.01) and maintained Interleukin (IL) -8 after the initial run (P = 0.03). Males in the Low group had increased IL-10 (P = 0.02). Fecal biomarkers and microbiota dysbiosis index score did not differ among treatments by d 56 (P ≥ 0.19). Blautia abundance was decreased in High (P = 0.04). Fusobacterium abundance tended to be reduced in High and increased in Control and Low (P = 0.07). Clostridium hiranonis tended to be greater in Low compared with Control (P = 0.07). The FRK Total Gait Inflammation Index scores decreased over time with acclimation to running (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Saliva cortisol concentrations did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.20). The Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based postbiotic tested in this study has potential as a functional ingredient to modulate immune function, improve muscle recovery shortly after exercise and positively change diversity of the gut microbiome in canine companion animal diets.

Oxytocin and cortisol concentrations in urine and saliva in response to physical exercise in humans

BackgroundWhile peripheral markers of endogenous oxytocin and glucocorticoid release are widely employed in psychological and behavioural research, there remains uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of saliva and urine samples in accurately capturing fluctuating hormone levels in response to relevant stimuli. In addition, it is unclear whether and under which conditions, urinary concentrations correlate with salivary levels of oxytocin and cortisol. MethodsIn the present study, two groups of healthy adult male and female participants (N=43) provided heart rate, saliva, and urine samples before and after exercising at different durations and intensities (3 ×10 min of running vs. 60 min of running). Effects of age, gender, cycle phase, and previous running experience were considered in the statistical analyses. Concentrations of oxytocin and cortisol were analysed in both saliva, and urine using validated assays. ResultsRunners of both groups had significantly increased oxytocin concentrations in urine and saliva after running than before. Oxytocin in saliva was elevated after 10 min and peaked after 30 min of running. Only participants of the long-running group showed an increase in urinary cortisol concentrations following exercise (and only after 90 min of stimulus onset), and neither group had a significant increase in salivary cortisol levels. Oxytocin rise in urine and saliva from basal to post-run was strongly and significantly correlated, as was cortisol rise from basal to post-rest, but no correlations between absolute hormone concentrations were found for oxytocin. ConclusionsOur results show that both urine and saliva are useful body fluids that can provide meaningful results when measuring oxytocin and cortisol concentrations after a physical stimulus. While temporal resolution may be better with salivary sampling as higher sampling frequency is possible, signal strength and robustness were better in urinary samples. Importantly, we report a strong correlation between the magnitude of change in oxytocin and cortisol concentrations in urine and saliva following physical exercise, but no correlations between absolute oxytocin concentrations in the two substrates.

Metabolic rate and saliva cortisol concentrations in socially housed adolescent guinea pigs

An individual’s energetic demands and hence metabolic rate can strongly change during adolescence, a phase characterized by profound morphological, physiological, and endocrine changes. Glucocorticoid hormones (e.g. cortisol) are released in response to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal–axis activity, modulate several metabolic processes, and can also be linked to increased metabolic rate. In domestic guinea pigs (Cavia aperea f. porcellus) housed in same-sex groups, cortisol concentrations increase during adolescence in males but remain stable in females, which was suggested to be related to different energetic demands by age. We therefore measured metabolic rate through oxygen (O2) consumption over 2.5 h in male and female guinea pigs housed in same-sex groups during adolescence at ages of 60, 120, and 180 days, which was paralleled by analyses of saliva cortisol concentrations before and after the measurement. The statistical analyses involved whole body metabolic rate (ml O2/h), body mass-corrected metabolic rate (ml O2/h/kg), and body mass-independent metabolic rate (ml O2/h statistically corrected for body mass). We found increasing cortisol concentrations with age in males only, but none of the three metabolic rate analyses revealed a sex difference by age. On the individual level, repeatability across ages was found in metabolic rate as well as in body mass and cortisol concentrations after the measurement, but not in “basal” cortisol concentrations. Our results suggest no sex-specific changes in metabolic rate and hence equal energetic demands in male and female guinea pigs during adolescence. Moreover, metabolic rate clearly represents a highly stable physiological trait already early in a guinea pig’s life irrespective of rather fluctuating cortisol concentrations.

Lower hair cortisol concentration in adolescent and young adult patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Q-Fever Fatigue Syndrome compared to controls

BackgroundIn patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), momentary cortisol concentrations in blood, urine, and saliva are lower compared to healthy controls. Long-term cortisol concentration can be assessed through hair, but it is unclear whether these concentrations are also lower. Additionally, it is unknown if lower cortisol extends to other patients suffering from persistent fatigue and how hair cortisol concentration (HCC) relates to fatigue levels. Therefore, this study examines HCC in fatigued patients with ME/CFS, Q fever Fatigue Syndrome (QFS), Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). MethodsAdolescent and young adult patients with ME/CFS (n=12), QFS (n=20), PCC (n=8), JIA (n=19), and controls (n=57) were included. Patients participated in a randomized cross-over trial (RCT) targeting fatigue through lifestyle and dietary self-management strategies. HCC was measured pre-post RCT in patients and once in controls, quantified using a LC-MS/MS-based method. Fatigue severity was measured with the Checklist Individual Strength-8. HCC was compared between groups with ANOVAs. Relations between HCC, fatigue severity, and other variables were investigated using linear regression analyses. ResultsThe ME/CFS (p=.009) and QFS (p=.047) groups had lower HCC compared to controls. Overall, HCC was negatively associated with the presence of symptoms related to chronic fatigue syndromes (e.g., sleeping issues, often feeling tired, trouble thinking clearly; β=-0.018, p=.035), except in the QFS group (β=.063, p<.001). Baseline HCC did not predict fatigue improvement during the RCT (p=.449), and HCC increased during the trial (Mdif=.076, p=.021) regardless of clinically relevant fatigue improvement (p=.658). ConclusionLower cortisol concentration can also be observed in the long-term. Lower HCC is not limited to ME/CFS, as it was also observed in QFS. The role of cortisol may differ between these diagnoses and appears to be unrelated to fatigue levels.

Do cows with stereotypic tongue-rolling behaviour cope better with their environment?

Stereotypic behaviours, especially oral stereotypic behaviours, are frequently expressed in farm animals. Tongue-rolling is the most common oral stereotypic behaviour in dairy cows (Bos taurus). If animals frequently display stereotypic behaviours, this is an indication of poor welfare. It has been suggested that animals express stereotypic behaviours as a way of coping with stress. As a result, animals with stereotypic behaviours may have lower levels of stress hormones than animals without stereotypic behaviours. In this study, 916 Holstein cows in the first lactation were subjected to scan sampling behavioural observations 200 times for 10 days. All cows were assigned to either a stereotypic behaviours group (SB) or a control group (CON). The SB group was further subdivided into a tongue-rolling group (TR) and an other-stereotypic behaviours group (OS). The TR group was also split into an only tongue-rolling group (OTR) and a mixed tongue-rolling and other stereotypic behaviours group (TROS). Some cows in the TR group belonged to an extreme tongue-rolling group (ETR). Hair and saliva samples were collected from 601 cows to test cortisol concentrations and dairy herd improvement (DHI) data were collected from a total of 762 cows. There were no differences in hair or saliva cortisol concentrations between the groups (p>0.05), and the frequencies of tongue-rolling were not associated with cortisol concentrations (p>0.05). For DHI in cows, the milk protein percentage (p = 0.028), milk true protein percentage (p = 0.021) and milk crude protein percentage (p = 0.023) of cows in the ETR group were significantly lower than those in the CON group. For cows in ETR group, as the frequencies of tongue-rolling increased, the milk protein percentage (p = 0.034, r = 0.365), milk true protein percentage (p = 0.022, r = 0.393) and milk crude protein percentage (p = 0.035, r = 0.363) increased. We investigated the relationship between stereotypic behaviours and stress by using a non-invasive sampling method to minimise harm to the cows. We suggest that tongue-rolling may not be a way for cows to cope with stress, at least in terms of cortisol concentrations.

Effects of flavoring additives on feed intake, growth performance, temperament and markers of immune function for newly received feedlot cattle.

Ninety Angus × Hereford steers (259.9 ± 36.18kg body weight (BW)), were used in a 56-d experiment to assess the effects of flavoring additives on feed intake, and stress and immune response of newly received feedlot cattle. Steers were homogenously distributed by BW into six pens equipped with an individual feed intake monitoring system, and pen was randomly assigned to one of three treatments (15 head/pen; 30 head/treatment): a standard feedlot receiving diet (CT), or the same diet with a flavoring additive comprised of either sweeteners (Luctarom Feedlot, SW) or a mix of basic tastes (Luctarom Feedlot Mix, MX) at 1kg/mT. Pens were equipped with a feed intake monitoring system, while BW, chute behavior, flight speed, blood and saliva samples were collected bi-weekly, and hair samples collected at 4-week intervals during the study. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effects model for a pen study using individual animal records with repeated measures. There was a treatment × week interaction (P < 0.01) where meal duration was greater in SW steers than MX and CT on wk 3, and than CT on wk 7 and 8. A trend for treatment × week interaction (P = 0.06) showed that the number of visits per day tended to be greater in SW than MX steers on wk 4 and 5, and it tended to be greater in SW than MX and CT on wk 5. The concentration of IL-6 was greater (P <0.01) on d 1 and 28 than on d 14. The IgM concentration was greater (P < 0.01) on d 1 compared to d 14, 28 and 56. The concentration of haptoglobin was greater (P < 0.01) on 14 than d 28, 42 and 56, and it was greater (P < 0.01) on d 1 than d 42 and 56. The concentration of serum amyloid A was greater (P < 0.01) on d 1 compared to the rest of sampling days. Fibrinogen concentration was greater (P < 0.01) on d 1 compared to d 14 and 42. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was greater (P < 0.01) on d 42 and 56 compared to d 1 and 28, and greater (P < 0.01) on d 14 compared to d 28. Hair and saliva cortisol concentration were lower (P < 0.01) on d 56 compared to d 1 and 28, respectively. The use of flavoring additives, particularly when based on sweeteners (SW), caused some changes in the feeding pattern of newly received steers. These changes, however, were not consistent over the 56-d feeding period and were not accompanied by a change in growth performance, temperament, biomarkers of stress, inflammation, or immune function.

Effects of brief mindfulness meditation training on attention and dispositional mindfulness in young adult males

This study examined the impact of brief mindfulness meditation (BMM) training on attention function and dispositional mindfulness in young males. 126 male participants aged 18–26 from the security industry were recruited, with 66 participants (M = 22.84, SD = 2.41) undergoing 4-week mindfulness meditation training and 60 participants (M = 23.07, SD = 2.29) in the active control group. The intervention was integrated into the participants' schedules. Measures included Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaires (FFMQ), concentration and assignment attention tasks, Attention Network Test (ANT), and saliva cortisol concentration. Findings indicate that brief mindfulness meditation training led to significant improvements in participants' FFMQ scores), with marginally significant enhancements in the executive control network. However, it had no discernible effect on alertness and orientation networks. Additionally, brief mindfulness meditation training enhanced attention allocation to light stimulation and prolonged individual attention. Surprisingly, there was no observed decrease in saliva cortisol concentration among meditation training participants. However, this study did not find a decrease in saliva cortisol concentration in the brief mindfulness meditation group. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of a 4-week brief mindfulness meditation training program to enhance dispositional mindfulness and specific aspects of attention function in young men, offering practical insights into the benefits of mindfulness meditation practices for this demographic.

A randomised controlled trial assessing the effects of weather sensitivity profile and walking in nature on the psychophysiological response to stress in individuals with coronary artery disease. A study protocol

BackgroundThe following protocol pertains to a pioneer study, aiming to investigate how weather sensitivity and walking in different environments affects the psychophysiological responses to the stress of individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) during rehabilitation (WE_SENSE_THE_NATURE). This randomised control trial will provide fresh insight on the influence of the environmental exposure in CAD patients, as it is seldom investigated in association to the disease. Additionally, findings on the link between personality traits and cognitive functions (especially cognitive flexibility), and weather sensitivity may help reveal a fine-grained perspective on the treatment possibilities for individuals with CAD at risk to stress-vulnerability.MethodsThe proposed protocol is for a randomised control trial among individuals attending a cardiac rehabilitation program. We aim to recruit 164 individuals, collecting information related to demographic characteristics, weather sensitivity, functional capacity, personality traits, subjective mental health status, cognitive function, and basal cortisol level of participating individuals. Basal cortisol level refers to cortisol concentration in saliva and will be tested in the morning and the afternoon prior to the day of the experiment. After baseline measurements, the patients will be randomly assigned to either walking outdoors or walking indoors. All measures and their sequential order will remain the same within each group, while the treatment condition (i.e., walking environment) will vary between groups. On the day of the experiment, hemodynamic parameters (assessed via 6-hour blood pressure measurements), stress level (consisting of assessments of cortisol level), and mood (assessed using visual analogues scale) will be registered. Cold stress test will be administered to evaluate the effect of walking in different environments.DiscussionThe outcomes of this study may have direct clinical applications for the use of different types of exercise environments in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Awareness about the potential influence of weather sensitivity on the psychophysiological reactions to stress in individuals with CAD may contribute to a timely planning and implementation of actions leading to improved medical care services and preventive measures, especially considering the expected weather oscillations and extreme weather events due to unfolding of the climate change.Trial registrationThis protocol has been retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier code: NCT06139705 on November 20, 2023.

Frontal asymmetry and physiological responses in religious and spiritual problems with and without conversion

ABSTRACT Religious conversion is often associated with a negative emotional state accompanied by profound changes in sacred beliefs, values, attitudes, and practices. This negative emotional state is referred to as “Religious or Spiritual Problem” (RSP) in the revised 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR, 2022). The physiological and neuronal correlates of RSP and religious conversion are not known. Therefore, we measured lateralized frontal alpha-asymmetry, saliva cortisol levels, and heart rate in 24 individuals who experienced religious conversion with RSP, 23 individuals with RSP without religious conversion, and 20 problem-free controls with matched religiosity. In the baseline condition, participants read newspapers and listened to non-religious music; in the religious condition, they read Bible verses and listened to sacred music. Relative to the controls, both groups with RSP showed stress responses in the religious condition, including increased frontal alpha-asymmetry (left > right frontal activation), elevated saliva cortisol concentrations, and higher heart rate. Participants experiencing religious conversion displayed higher frontal alpha-asymmetry than those without conversion, but the cortisol levels and heart rate responses were similar in converters and non-converters. These results indicate that religious conversion with RSP demands a higher cognitive load than RSP alone.

Morphofunctional and psychophysiological body indicators in monitoring students’ health status, in view of their adjustment to academic environment

Students’ adjustment to higher education process depends largely on the body’s individual features. The student’s physiological and psychological status, as well as the initial motivational setting attitudes are the determining factors. Given this backcloth, the search for ways to improve the health, while aiming at enhancing future qualified specialists’ working and adjustment capacity, appears to be an issue of utmost importance.Material and methods. A longitudinal study involving university students of different years was carried out, through which anthropometric data were evaluated for the same students in their 1st year and then – in their 2nd year of training; the concentration of testosterone and cortisol in saliva, thyroid-stimulating hormone and triiodothyronine in blood serum was measured by ELISA; also, psychophysiological values were estimated through unified questionnaires.Results. The results showed that over the course of education, the students had their hemoglobin concentration, average hemoglobin content in erythrocytes, and leukocyte number decreased. Notable was a significant increase in 3rd year students’ thyroid-stimulating hormone content and a decrease of triiodothyronine and testosterone. A test relying on the Buss – Durkee Hostility Inventory helped to detect an increase in the aggression and suspicion criterion indicators among senior students if matched versus similar values obtained for their freshmen-counterparts.Conclusions. The research outcomes expand the informational and the methodological base required to evaluate an average student’s functional status from the standpoint of a systematic approach and the theory of the norm. Besides, such data will offer an insight into the main mechanisms behind stressinducing, just like stress-limiting, adjustment strategies. This study of the morphofunctional status indicators allows – while within the annual health monitoring approach – identifying the regulatory and the adjustment capacities in students, both at the time they are enrolled as freshmen and further, thus helping predict the potential risk of maladjustment, which, in turn, may serve a useful tool in taking preventive measures, the final goal being to maintain students’ health through their higher education training period.

Academic stress and practical performance of freshmen in human anatomy

Objective: to evaluate salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase levels, relating them to the level of stress and academic performance of calories in the Human Anatomy discipline. Methods: Saliva collection procedures were performed before and after the application of the practical assessment of Human Anatomy. Saliva Cortisol and alpha-amylase concentrations were evaluated by ELISA method. The short version of the Stress Assessment Questionnaire for Nursing Students (ASNS) was used. Results: There was an increase in the students' stress level, with a significant increase of 46.8% in the levels of Cortisol and 46.1% of Alpha-amylase, (p &lt;0.0009 and p &lt;0.0001, respectively) after performing the proof. Initial averages were evaluated, before the start of the evaluation, of 0.440 ± 0.047 µg/dL for Cortisol and 111.19 ± 11.86 U/mL for salivary Alpha-amylase, and final average, after the evaluation was carried out, of Cortisol and final Alpha-amylase of 0.646 ± 0.178 µg/dL and 162.45 ± 44.69, respectively. The level of stress detected by the questionnaire presented significantly and positively (Cortisol: r²= 0.4353; p=0.0272/Alpha-amylase: r²= 0.4413; p=0.0258), with peak Cortisol (0, 21±0.15 μg/dL) and alpha-amylase (162.5 ± 44.7 U/ml). There was a significant and negative glow of academic performance with the peak of Cortisol (r²= 0.4169; p=0.0319) and Alpha-amylase (r²=0.4178; p=0.0316). Conclusion: The increase in declared stress is multifactorial, in which the university routine and emotional instability intensify the increase in anxiety and self-demand, which has repercussions on the performance of academics.

A smartphone-assisted portable strategy based on maple leaf-like Au/Cu2S/MoS2 composite for photothermal and colorimetric sensing of cortisol

Herein, we describe a first-time synthesis of a maple leaf-like Au/Cu2S/MoS2 composite (denoted as ACM throughout this paper) with both photothermal and peroxidase (POD) activities. Based on the ACM, we developed a smartphone-assisted portable detection platform for the photothermal and colorimetric dual-mode sensing of cortisol in human saliva. Because of complementary base pairing, the “Y”-type signal-probe (formed by the coincubation of ACM-DNA1 and ACM-DNA2) is fixed on cortisol-specific aptamer-functionalized magnetic beads (MB–Aptcortisol). ​In the presence of target cortisol, MB-Aptcortisol is more likely to combine with cortisol, “Y”-type signal-probes are released, which can oxidize 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue oxTMB in the existence of H2O2. Notably, the oxTMB exhibits a distinct photothermal response which, in combination with the photothermal properties of the ACM, achieves transduction and signal amplification of cortisol through a cascade enzyme reaction. The photothermal and colorimetric signals increase with increasing target concentrations. This portable dual-signal sensing platform enables the detection of cortisol in the range of 5–10000 ng/mL, with detection limits of 0.11 and 0.25 ng/mL for photothermal and colorimetric signals, respectively (The reference concentration of cortisol in saliva of healthy people is 1–12 ng/mL in the morning and 0.1–3 ng/mL at night). It is inexpensive, user-friendly, and allows for rapid analysis, rendering it suitable for clinical applications.

PSX-21 Evaluation of the Effect of Extended-Term Delivery of Local Anesthetic on Mitigating the Pain Caused By Castration

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the extended-term delivery of anesthesia on the physiological and behavioral signs of pain caused by band castration in 1-month-old bull calves. Forty-eight calves (37.04 ± 8.98 days of age) were homogenously assigned by age to one of three band castration protocols (n = 16/protocol); 1) regular elastrator bands (REG), 2) regular elastrator bands preceded by two 2-mL injections of lidocaine (REG+L; LIDO-2 with epinephrine, Rafter 8 Products Inc, Calgary, Canada), and 3) lidocaine elastrator bands (LBAND; Care-Ring, Chinook Contract Research Inc., Calgary, Canada). During the castration procedure, two observers scored (from 1 to 10) how much pain each animal was experiencing (visual analog score, VAS), number of body shakes and leg kicks for each calf. Calves were weighed on d -1, 0, 14, 28, 42, and 56. Hair cortisol concentration was measured on d -1, 28, and 56. Saliva cortisol concentration was measured right after castration, 60, 120, 240 minutes after castration, on d 1 and weekly thereafter until d 56. Flight speed (FS) was recorded on d -1, right after castration, 60, 120, 240 minutes after castration, d 1, and weekly thereafter until d 56. Calf behaviors in the pen indicative of pain and discomfort were recorded on d 0, 1, and weekly thereafter until d 56. The REG+L calves tended to have decreased (P = 0.09) VAS scores than REG calves. The average daily gain was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) from d 42 to 56 than from d 1 to 42, and from d 1 to 28 compared with d 28 to 42 in all treatment groups. The REG calves had decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) hair cortisol concentrations than both REG+L and LBAND calves. Saliva cortisol concentrations were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) 60 minutes after castration than any other sample time in all treatment groups. There was an interaction between treatment and time (P = 0.04), where only LBAND had a greater FS immediately after castration compared with d -1. When calves were observed in the pen there were no treatment effects (P &amp;gt; 0.10) but only time differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the frequency of head turns, oral behaviors, tail flicks, and number of standing and walking bouts. The behavioral and physiological parameters assessed showed expected results on the effects of band castrating calves, while the administration of lidocaine via REG+L or LBAND did not show any pain mitigation effect compared with the standard industry banding method (REG).

Metabolic rates in female guinea pigs during different reproductive stages

Reproduction in female mammals is characterized by major changes in steroid hormone concentrations, which can be linked to fluctuations in energy expenditure (EE). Estradiol and cortisol can increase EE and metabolic rates (MRs), but knowledge on MR changes during the estrous cycle and gestation is scarce for many species. This also applies to the domestic guinea pig, a species exhibiting an exceptional estrous cycle among rodents. In this study, MRs were measured through oxygen (O2) consumption in female guinea pigs during different reproductive stages. Mean O2 consumption over 2.5 h, resting metabolic rate (RMR, lowest and most stable O2 consumption over 3 min), body mass, fecal estrogen and progesterone, and saliva cortisol concentrations were measured in twelve female guinea pigs in a repeated measurements design during diestrus, estrus, and the second trimester of gestation. In estrus, body mass was significantly lower and estrogen and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher compared to diestrus and gestation. Mean O2 consumption and RMR both were significantly increased in estrus compared to diestrus. Additionally, a positive effect of body mass on MRs detected during diestrus and gestation was not found during estrus. Mean O2 consumption was also higher during gestation compared to diestrus, and a significant increase in cortisol concentrations during the 2.5-h MR measurement was recorded. The results indicate that estrus in guinea pigs is energetically demanding, which probably reflects catabolic effects of estrogens and cortisol that uncoupled MRs from body mass. Knowledge on the energetic requirements associated with different reproductive stages is important for future physiological and behavioral studies on female guinea pigs.

Extremely and very preterm children who were born appropriate for gestational age show no differences in cortisol concentrations or diurnal rhythms compared to full-term children.

The objective of this study was to compare the diurnal variations in cortisol and cortisone concentrations in serum and saliva among extremely preterm (EPT), very preterm (VPT), and full-term (FT) children, all born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). EPT, VPT, and FT children, all born AGA, were recruited from two healthcare centers. Cortisol and cortisone concentrations in serum and saliva were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC‒MS). Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric tests. A total of 101 children (5.0-8.9 years old) were included in this study: EPT=18, VPT=43 and FT=40. All groups had similar distributions in terms of age, birth weight standard deviation score (SDS) and BMI (SDS), showing no differences in serum ACTH, cortisol, or cortisone levels. Additionally, salivary cortisol and cortisone concentrations decreased significantly throughout the day (p values<0.0001). Salivary cortisol concentrations were below the limit of detection (0.55 nmol/L) before dinner andbefore bedtime in approximately one-third and two-thirds of all children, respectively. Salivary cortisone was detectable in all but one sample. The diurnal cortisol rhythm was preserved in all preterm children, regardless of their gestational age, and no differences in cortisol concentrations among the groups were found. This may have significant implications for the clinical management and follow-up of preterm individuals.

Stress and streets: How the network structure of streets is associated with stress-related brain activation

Previous research has examined the relation between urban design factors and mental health, but the impact of street networks is underrepresented. This exploratory, cross-sectional study examines the association between street network variables based on the Space Syntax theory and whole-brain activation during a social stress paradigm. Forty-two individuals who lived in Berlin participated in an fMRI study during which acute social stress was induced. Saliva cortisol concentrations, subjective stress ratings, and mean heart rate were assessed as proxies for a successful stress induction. Space Syntax was used as a tool to objectively measure street network characteristics including global integration (‘proximity’ of a street to all the other streets in a network), local integration (‘proximity’ of a street to a certain number of streets within a walkable area), connectivity (‘direct street connections’ a street has), and normalized angular choice (NACH) (‘straightest and shortest’ route for a street in a street network). They were analyzed within a 1500 m radius of participants' address (i.e., neighborhood) as well as for the street closest to their address (i.e., point address). Higher mean neighborhood global and local integration, which equate to better integrated streets in the network, were associated with less activation during stress provocation in several brain regions, including dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and thalamus, which play a role in the detection of salient stimuli and threats. No association was found between brain activity and global and local integration for the point address. There was also no association between brain activity and connectivity or NACH for any conditions. The study indicates that Space Syntax is a useful tool for measuring macro-scale urban space (e.g., street networks) in neuro-urbanistic studies. The results underline the need to explore the potential of optimizing street networks to better understand pathways to urban mental health.

Maternal stress is associated with higher protein-bound amino acid concentrations in human milk.

Maternal stress in the postpartum period affects not only the mother but also her newborn child, who is at increased risk of developing metabolic and mental disorders later in life. The mechanisms by which stress is transmitted to the infant are not yet fully understood. Human milk (HM) is a potential candidate as maternal stress affects various components of HM, e.g., fat and immunoglobulin concentrations. To date, it is unknown whether maternal stress also affects the amino acids (AAs) in HM, even though this nutrient is of extreme importance to child health and development. This study aimed to investigate whether and how maternal stress is associated with the AA composition of HM. In this observational cohort study (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), lactating women were recruited in two study groups: a high-stress (HS) group; women whose child was hospitalized (n = 24), and a control (CTL) group; women who gave birth to a healthy child (n = 73). HM was collected three times a day, on postpartum days 10, 17, and 24. Perceived psychological stress was measured using validated questionnaires, while biological stress measures were based on hair, saliva, and HM cortisol concentrations. HM protein-bound and free AAs were analyzed by liquid chromatography and compared between groups. Maternal perceived stress scores were higher in the HS group (p < 0.01). The concentrations of protein-bound AAs in HM were higher in the HS group compared to the CTL group (p = 0.028) and were positively associated with HM cortisol concentrations (p = 0.024). The concentrations of free AAs did not differ between study groups and were unrelated to cortisol concentrations. Findings from this prospective cohort study suggest that maternal stress in the postpartum period is associated with an altered human milk amino acid composition, which could play a role in the transmission of maternal stress effects to her child. The physiological implications of these stress-induced changes for infant development await future research.

Relationship among indicators of pain and stress in response to piglet surgical castration: an exploratory analysis

Multi-dimensional approaches are suggested as advantageous for evaluation of pain and/or stress at piglet castration, but the interpretation of data from such approaches is limited by a lack of understanding of relationships among different types of indicators and associated parameters. This paper used an exploratory approach to evaluate the interrelationships between different physiological, vocal, and behavioral indicators obtained during and after surgical castration of 580 piglets aged 3-4 days. The data, obtained from two experimental studies, were examined by analyses of correlations and by principal component analyses (PCA). Principal components were analyzed in mixed effects models. Each type of indicator (vocalization, resistance movement, saliva cortisol concentration, behavioral response in a social motivation test, behavior in the home pen, reaction to human) mainly contributed to separate principal components in the PCA and showed relatively low correlation coefficients between each other, indicating a variation in the response explained by the indicator types. Even within a type of indicator, specific parameters were, in several cases, found to explain different aspects of the piglet response. Overall, the results point to the importance of careful consideration of the differences existing among indicator types and highlight the need for further methodological development in that domain.