Plasma Cortisol Levels Research Articles

Feeding predictability as a cognitive enrichment protects brain function and physiological status in rainbow trout: a multidisciplinary approach to assess fish welfare

Cognitive enrichment is a promising but understudied type of environmental enrichment that aims to stimulate the cognitive abilities of animals by providing them with more opportunities to interact with (namely, to predict events than can occur) and to control their environment. In a previous study, we highlighted that farmed rainbow trout can predict daily feedings after two weeks of conditioning, the highest conditioned response being elicited by the combination of both temporal and signalled predictability. In the present study, we tested the feeding predictability that elicited the highest conditioned response in rainbow trout (both temporal and signalled by bubbles, BUBBLE + TIME treatment) as a cognitive enrichment strategy to improve their welfare. We thus analysed the long-term effects of this feeding predictability condition as compared with an unpredictable feeding condition (RANDOM treatment) on the welfare of rainbow trout, including the markers in the modulation of brain function, through a multidisciplinary approach. To reveal the brain regulatory pathways and networks involved in the long-term effects of feeding predictability, we measured gene markers of cerebral activity and plasticity, neurotransmitter pathways and physiological status of fish (oxidative stress, inflammatory status, cell type and stress status). After almost three months under these predictability conditions of feeding, we found clear evidence of improved welfare in fish from BUBBLE + TIME treatment. Feeding predictability allowed for a food anticipatory activity and resulted in fewer aggressive behaviours, burst of accelerations, and jumps before mealtime. BUBBLE + TIME fish were also less active between meals, which is in line with the observed decreased expression of transcripts related to the dopaminergic system. BUBBLE + TIME fish tented to present fewer eroded dorsal fin and infections to the pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum. Decreased expression of most of the studied mRNA involved in oxidative stress and immune responses confirm these tendencies else suggesting a strong role of feeding predictability on fish health status and that RANDOM fish may have undergone chronic stress. Fish emotional reactivity while isolated in a novel-tank as measured by fear behaviour and plasma cortisol levels were similar between the two treatments, as well as fish weight and size. To conclude, signalled combined with temporal predictability of feeding appears to be a promising approach of cognitive enrichment to protect brain function via the physiological status of farmed rainbow trout in the long term.

O-03 Adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome during pregnancy

Abstract Introduction Cushing's syndrome (CS) is rare in pregnancy because CS itself is a cause of anovulatory infertility due to excess cortisol secretion. Moreover it is also difficult to diagnose CS in pregnancy because placental production of corticotropin releasing and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), increased maternal production of estrogen induced corticosteroid binding globulin leads to physiological hypercortisolism during pregnancy. So physicians face a clinical overlap in many features of CS such as weight gain, fatigue, edema, hypertension, hyperglycemia, stretch marks, mood changes that can also be attributed to pregnancy. Thus their coexistence represents a diagnostic challenge. Herein we report a case of CS that was diagnosed and successfully treated during pregnancy. Clinical Case A 43-year-old gravida 3 female was consulted at the 21st week of gestation with persistent high blood pressure and hyperglycemia for a month. She had an obstetric history of 2 spontaneous first term abortion, 2 healthy labor 18 years ago and she was healthy after. She was in such a depressive mood that she was consulted with psychiatry many times. On physical examination edema, proximal weakness of lower extremities and hirsutism (modified Ferriman–Gallwey score of 9) was detected. Initial laboratory tests were all within normal range except potassium level (2.7 mmol/L), the results were not consistent with preeclampsia and there was a suspicious adrenal mass detected on ultrasound. She was currently receiving high dose antihypertensive treatment with methyldopa, calcium channel blockers, rapid acting and detemir insulin for diabetes and i.v. potassium replacement. We ruled out conns syndrome with normal plasma aldosterone renin ratio and found catecholamine levels normal. Hormonal analyses revealed with high plasma cortisol levels, increased nocturnal cortisolemia, a suppressed plasma ACTH and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level and distinctly elevated 24-hour urinary cortisol greater than 3-fold the upper normal reference range. Non contrast magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 47×32 mm left adrenal mass. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in the 26th week of gestation and the following histopathology revealed an adrenocortical adenoma. Antihypertensive medication was progressively reduced, glycemic control and hypokalemia reversal were achieved. She was followed up with appropriate glucocorticoid replacement. At 34 weeks of gestation, after sudden labor pain and regular uterine contractions a 2586 g male infant with Apgar scores of 8 was born by cesarean section. They were discharged in good health. Conclusion CS should be kept in mind especially in the case of hypertension and diabetes that started before the 20th gestational age. Analysis of the urinary free cortisol level and circadian rhythm of cortisol is necessary to diagnose. Despite the diagnostic challenge we can achieve better maternal and fetal outcomes with proper management.Figure 1.Non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging of the patient Table 1.Patient's laboratuary test results Table 2.Patient's laboratory test results

Sustainability of Growth Performance, Water Quality, and Productivity of Nile Tilapia-Spinach Affected by Feeding and Fasting Regimes in Nutrient Film Technique-Based Aquaponics

Aquaponic systems offer an innovative approach to sustainable agriculture, where the interplay between fish and plant cultivation can be optimized. The choice of feeding and fasting schedules plays a crucial role in system efficiency and overall productivity. This study aims to investigate the impacts of various feeding and fasting schedules on water quality, and the growth performance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings, and spinach productivity in an aquaponic system based on the nutrient film technique (NFT). O. niloticus fingerlings with an initial weight of 13.47 ± 0.14 g were randomly stocked at a density of 6 kg/m3, and spinach plants (Spinacia oleracea) were included. The study employed a completely randomized block design with five replications. Various water quality parameters were monitored, and the effects of different feeding/fasting schedules on fish and spinach were assessed. The data revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in water quality parameters, all of which remained within acceptable ranges for aquaponic systems. The one-day feeding/one-day fasting treatment resulted in reduced final body weight, weight gain percentage, and specific growth rate, compared to other treatment groups (p < 0.05). Higher levels of glucose and plasma cortisol were observed in this treatment. Economic efficiency was highest in the daily feeding treatment (40.05%), with no statistical difference (p > 0.05) observed in the group subjected to three-day feeding/one-day fasting (39.03%). Spinach yield varied significantly between treatments (p < 0.05), with the daily feeding treatment recording the highest yield (2.78 kg/m2) and the one-day feeding/one-day fasting cycle having the lowest yield (1.57 kg/m2). The findings suggest that the three-day feeding/one-day fasting regime in an NFT-based aquaponic system results in efficient nutrient utilization, higher productivity, and profitability for Nile tilapia. Additionally, this approach supports marketable biomass production for spinach. Different feeding and fasting schedules have distinct effects on water quality, fish growth, and spinach productivity in aquaponic systems. The three-day feeding/one-day fasting schedule emerges as an effective strategy for optimizing resource utilization and increasing overall productivity.

EVALUATION OF PLASMA CORTISOL AND LACTATE IN KOI (CYPRINUS CARPIO) EUTHANIZED BY IMMERSION IN TRICAINE METHANESULFONATE, CLOVE OIL, OR CARBON DIOXIDE GAS DISSOLVED IN WATER.

Little research has taken place on the effect of euthanasia methods on biophysical and biochemical changes at the time of euthanasia in fish. These changes are used in multiple species to determine stress levels before death. Koi (Cyprinus carpio) are an important fish species often used in laboratory research, kept in backyard ponds, and managed in zoological and aquarium collections. The current study evaluated euthanasia of koi by immersion in 0.5 g/L tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) (n = 10), 0.5 g/L clove oil (n = 8), 1 g/L clove oil (n = 10), and CO2 (n = 7) on time to cessation of opercular movement, plasma lactate levels, and plasma cortisol levels. CO2 had the longest mean time to cessation of opercular movement, and MS-222 had the shortest (mean CO2: 24.9 min, range 13.18-31.35 min; MS-222: 2.68 min, range 1.33-4.5 min). The difference was not significant between any of the groups for plasma cortisol or lactate levels. MS-222 demonstrated the highest cortisol levels, and CO2 had the lowest (mean CO2: 108.7 ng/ml, range 33.9-195.8 ng/ml; MS-222: 650.6 ng/ml, range 77.3-2374.9 ng/ml). Average lactate levels were highest for 1 g/L clove oil and lowest for 0.5 g/L clove oil (mean 0.5 g/L clove oil: 5.1 mmol/L, range 1.8-8.1 mmol/L; 1 g/L clove oil: 7.4 mmol/L, range 5.6-10.5 mmol/L).

Clinicopathological characteristics of adrenocortical carcinoma in the Kyushu-Okinawa area of Japan.

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare condition, with limited comprehensive reports from Japan. This study aimed to review Japan's data on adrenocortical carcinoma by assessing information from 46 patients-with adrenocortical carcinoma across 10 Japanese university hospitals. We conducted a retrospective multi-institutional analysis of the clinical characteristics of adrenocortical carcinoma in Japan. We evaluated data from 46 patients across 10 university hospitals over 10 years and analyzed the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival. Five- and 10-year overall survival rates were 59% and 53%, respectively. Overall survival was significantly different among the tumor-node-metastasis system for adrenocortical carcinoma of the American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer, with the worst prognosis in stage IV (p = 0.0044). In our cohort, neither the Weiss score nor the Ki-67 proliferation index correlated with overall survival. Adjuvant treatment did not yield improved overall survival, whereas resection of the primary tumor in stage IV disease was significantly associated with improved overall survival (p = 0.0262). Out of the cases evaluated for plasma hormones, plasma cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, and DHEA-S levels were measured at 23%, 42%, 29%, and 62%, respectively, demonstrating higher levels than the upper normal limits. Patients with stage IV adrenocortical carcinoma had a poor prognosis; however, resection of the primary tumor in stage IV disease was associated with prolonged survival. The results of this study are expected to contribute to future treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma in Japan.

Salivary Cortisol and Cortisone Can Circumvent Confounding Effects of Oral Contraceptives in the Short Synacthen Test.

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is usually diagnosed by low plasma cortisol levels following a short Synacthen test (SST). Most plasma cortisol is bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin, which is increased by estrogen in combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives (COCs). Women with AI using COCs are therefore at risk of having an apparently normal plasma cortisol level during SST, which would not adequately reflect AI. This work aimed to test whether salivary cortisol or cortisone during SST is more robust against the COC effect and to calculate the lower reference limits (LRLs) for these to be used as tentative diagnostic cutoffs to exclude AI. Forty-one healthy women on COCs and 46 healthy women without exogenous estrogens underwent an SST with collection of plasma and salivary samples at 0, 30, and 60 minutes after Synacthen injection. The groups were compared using regression analysis with age as covariate and the LRLs were calculated parametrically. SST-stimulated plasma cortisol levels were significantly higher in the COC group vs controls, while mean salivary cortisol and cortisone levels were slightly lower in the COC group. Importantly, COC use did not significantly alter LRLs for salivary cortisol or cortisone. The smallest LRL difference between groups was seen for salivary cortisone. Salivary cortisol and especially salivary cortisone are considerably less affected by COC use than plasma cortisol during SST. Due to similar LRLs, a common cutoff for salivary cortisol and cortisone during SST can be used to exclude AI in premenopausal women irrespective of COC use.

Effect of density stress on the physiological, biochemical, and immunological parameters of juvenile Pelteobagrus fulvidraco during simulated transportation

Live fish transport is an important aspect of aquaculture, especially at high densities, which might cause considerable stress and compromise product quality. This study investigated the effects of transport density and time on stress responses, innate immunity, and immune gene expression in juvenile yellow catfish. The fish were designated to five density groups: D11, D12, D13, D14, and D15 (500, 333, 250, 200, and 167 kg/m3). After 36 h of transport, only the D15 group had a 100% survival rate, followed by D14 with 83% survival, and 0% in the remaining three density groups. The damage to gill filaments and the liver worsened with increasing environmental stress severity. The results showed that with the prolonged transport time, plasma cortisol (COR), and catalase (CAT), malonaldehyde (MDA) and lysozyme (LZM) levels in the livers first increased and later gradually decreased after 16 h of transport, while the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) continued to rise. The activities of CAT and MDA content increased as the density increased. The expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and 90, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in juvenile livers in D11 group was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05), confirming that density imposed stress on fish during transport. In conclusion, we demonstrated that increased density and time during live transport induced significant physiological stress responses in juvenile P. fulvidraco. This study provides insights into the transport of yellow catfish to improve transport measures and reduce economic losses to the aquaculture industry.

Influence of the Antimycotic Drug Itraconazole on Plasma Cortisol Levels and Blood Pressure in a Patient with Burnout Syndrome

Burnout is a syndrome that is increasingly common nowadays. It is associated with reduced work efficiency and chronic exhaustion. The main cause of burnout is continuous stress at work and not enough rest. The main system involved in the pathogenesis of burnout is the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis with the final substrate of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol. Therefore, in patients with burnout syndrome, the morning plasma cortisol levels are elevated, but there is no significant change in its evening values. This correlates with an increase in blood pressure, weight gain, muscle weakness, low immunity, etc. The following case report is about the unusual effect of the antifungal drug itraconazole on the circadian rhythm of the plasma cortisol levels, as well as on the blood pressure in patient with burnout syndrome. One month of peroral application of 100 mg itraconazole every day reduces the morning plasma cortisol levels to the greatest extent (by approximately 37%) rather than the evening cortisol levels (by circa 17.5%). The decrease in the mean ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure is also not uniform (it is stronger in diastolic – 27% than in systolic – 17%).

Evaluating myelophil, a 30% ethanol extract of Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorrhiza, for alleviating fatigue in long COVID: a real-world observational study.

Persistent post-infectious symptoms, predominantly fatigue, characterize Long COVID. This study investigated the efficacy of Myelophil (MYP), which contains metabolites extracted from Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorrhiza using 30% ethanol, in alleviating fatigue among subjects with Long COVID. In this prospective observational study, we enrolled subjects with significant fatigue related to Long COVID, using criteria of scores of 60 or higher on the modified Korean Chalder Fatigue scale (mKCFQ11), or five or higher on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for brain fog. Utilizing a single-arm design, participants were orally administered MYP (2,000mg daily) for 4weeks. Changes in fatigue severity were assessed using mKCFQ11, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), and VAS for fatigue and brain fog. In addition, changes in quality of life using the short form 12 (SF-12) were also assessed along with plasma cortisol levels. A total of 50 participants (18 males, 32 females) were enrolled; 49 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis with scores of 66.9 ± 11.7 on mKCFQ11 and 6.3 ± 1.5 on the brain fog VAS. After 4weeks of MYP administration, there were statistically significant improvements in fatigue levels: mKCFQ11 was measured at 34.8 ± 17.1 and brain fog VAS at 3.0 ± 1.9. Additionally, MFI-20 decreased from 64.8 ± 9.8 to 49.3 ± 10.8, fatigue VAS dropped from 7.4 ± 1.0 to 3.4 ± 1.7, SF-12 scores rose from 53.3 ± 14.9 to 78.6 ± 14.3, and plasma cortisol levels also elevated from 138.8 ± 50.1 to 176.9 ± 62.0/mL. No safety concerns emerged during the trial. Current findings underline MYP's potential in managing Long COVID-induced fatigue. However, comprehensive studies remain imperative. https://cris.nih.go.kr, identifier KCT0008948.

Evaluation of Creatine Kinase-MB Activity and Cortisol Level in Hypertensive Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Patients Receiving Treatment in Nnewi.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), imposes a health challenge globally. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs, and it spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or spit. This study was aimed at evaluating creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) activity and cortisol levels in Mycobacterium tuberculosis patients receiving therapy at Nnewi. A cross-sectional study involved 90 participants consisting of 45 TB+ individuals and 45 healthy controls. A questionnaire was used to obtain the age, sex, and other vital information needed for the study. The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated. Their systolic and diastolic blood pressure was obtained using an Accu-Answer automatic blood pressure monitor. Ziehl-Nelseen (ZN) sputum smear microscopy determined Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and confirmed positive using GeneXpert. Plasma cortisol level was determined using an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay whereas plasma CK-MB activity was determined spectrophotometrically. Independent t-test and Pearson`s correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Significant levels were considered at p &lt; 0.05. Data was presented as mean ± standard deviation. The mean value of the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the TB+ participants was significantly lower (75.53 ± 14.04) compared with the control (81.53 ± 6.10) (p &lt; 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the mean values of plasma cortisol and CK-MB activity (9.37±1.26) (18.99±1.26) of the TB+ participants compared with control (9.28±6.92) (18.81±1.45) (p&gt;0.05). There was a moderate positive correlation between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and DBP (r = 0.50; p = 0.01) in the test group and a strong positive correlation between SBP and DBP in the control. SBP and cortisol showed a moderate positive correlation with DBP and cortisol in the test group. In conclusion, there was no predisposition to acute myocardial infarction and inflammation in the subjects studied.

Occupational exposure to pesticides deregulates systemic cortisol levels in women with breast cancer and correlates with poor prognosis features.

Pesticides have been pointed out as hormone disruptors and may significantly affect the prognosis of hormone-dependent diseases such as breast cancer (BC). Here, we investigated the impact of occupational pesticide exposure on systemic cortisol levels in female rural workers diagnosed with BC. Occupational exposure was assessed by interviews with a standardized questionnaire. Plasma samples (112 from pesticide-exposed women and 77 from unexposed women) were collected in the afternoon, outside the physiological cortisol peak, and analyzed by a chemiluminescent paramagnetic immunoassay for the quantitative determination of cortisol levels in serum and plasma. The results from both groups were categorized according to patients' clinicopathological and exposure data. BC pesticide-exposed women presented higher levels of cortisol than the unexposed. Higher cortisol levels were also detected in the exposed group with more aggressive disease (triple-negative BC), with tumors over 2 cm, with lymph node metastases, and with high risk of disease recurrence and death. These findings demonstrated that there is an association between pesticide exposure and BC that affected cortisol levels and correlated to poor disease prognosis.

Positive psychological effects of seated acupressure massage are associated with a rise in plasma oxytocin without affecting CGRP levels or circulating IL-6

Work-related stress is a major public health issue. Given the relationship between acute stress responses and health, finding strategies to deal with the unpleasant symptoms brought on by stress is essential. Massage therapy is a popular stress-reduction technique, but its effectiveness has yet to be shown. In that matter, this study investigates the effects of a 17-minute session of seated Amma massage on young healthy people. Subjective stress perception, anxiety and self-confidence were assessed before and after the massage using the Spielberger State Anxiety Scale (STAI-Y, Spielberger et al., 1983) and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (EEAC, Cury et al., 1999), together with cardiovascular parameters. Cortisol, CGRP, IL-6, and oxytocin plasma levels were measured before and after the massage to investigate its possible mode of action. This study enrolled 59 people: 33 receiving the massage, and 26 controls only seated on the massage chair.Interaction Time x Group demonstrates significant differences for all psychological measurements (STAI, EEAC) before and after the Amma massage, showing a beneficial effect of this treatment, in particular on perceived anxiety and self-confidence. No evidence was found of any correlation between cortisol plasma levels and psychological outcomes. No relationship was shown between the decrease of perceived stress and measured CGRP or IL-6 release, but the data demonstrated that heart frequency could be slightly decreased. The oxytocin plasma levels were significantly increased by the massage and could be responsible for the recovery of psychological outcomes.We conclude that seated acupressure Amma massage could be a useful tool to ameliorate quality of life at work.

Effects of remifentanil combined with propofol on hemodynamics and oxidative stress in patients undergoing resection of rectal carcinoma.

Rectal carcinoma (RC) treatment primarily involves laparoscopic surgery, which may induce significant hemodynamic changes and weaken immune function. Certain anesthetic approaches using opioid drugs (including remifentanil and sufentanil) pose risks, such as hypotension. To determine the effects of remifentanil combined with propofol on hemodynamics and oxidative stress in patients undergoing RC resection. A total of 211 patients one hundred and four patients with RC treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University between November 2018 and November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, the remifentanil group included 45 patients receiving remifentanil with propofol anesthesia and the sufentanil group included 59 patients receiving sufentanil with propofol anesthesia. Changes in the hemodynamic index, oxidative stress index, general data, consumption of remifentanil, and use of vasoactive drugs were compared. The incidences of adverse reactions were calculated. The two groups did not significantly differ in terms of operation, anesthesia, and extubation times (P > 0.05). At 1 min after intubation, the sufentanil group showed a notably higher heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) compared with the remifentanil group (P < 0.05), whereas the sufentanil group showed a notably higher SBP and MAP compared with the remifentanil group at 5 min after pneumoperitoneum (P < 0.05). Thirty minutes after surgery, the remifentanil group showed significantly lower plasma cortisol, noradrenaline, and glucose levels than the sufentanil group (P < 0.001). The remifentanil group consumed significantly less remifentanil than the sufentanil group (P < 0.05), and the adoption frequency of ephedrine was lower in the remifentanil group than that in the sufentanil group (P < 0.05). The incidence of hypotension was notably higher in the sufentanil group than that in the remifentanil group (P < 0.05). Remifentanil combined with propofol can improve hemodynamics and relieve oxidative stress in patients undergoing RC resection.

Assessment of possible potential toxicity risks in albino mice exposed to amine coated silver nanoparticles

Nanoparticles have a wide range of physiochemical properties that can harm many organs, tissues, enzymatic and hormonal activities. Throughout the world, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are frequently used in consumer products. The aim of the current study was to synthesize the AgNPs and to investigate their impact on hormones, antioxidant enzymatic activities, and histopathology of the liver of albino mice. The precursor salt silver nitrate and the reducing and capping agent triethylamine were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles. SEM analysis indicated particles ranged between 10–20 nm. The EDX analysis indicated distinct peaks, which illuminated the crystalline, spherical, and face-centred cubic structure of the silver particles being analyzed. Further, the albino model showed that increasing the concentration of AgNPs increased the level of plasma cortisol, T3 and T4. Catalase (CAT), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) activities increased at 5 mg/kg but decreased dramatically at 50 mg/kg, whereas Glutathione (GSH) activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels increased with increasing AgNPs concentration. Furthermore, AgNPs caused neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, central vein damage, and hemorrhage in albino mouse liver at low concentrations (5 mg/kg). High concentrations of AgNPs (50 mg/kg) caused the formation of pknotic nuclei, pyknosis, apoptosis, and vacuolation. The study concluded that AgNPs have dose-dependent toxicity that alters stress hormones, T3 and T4, antioxidant enzymatic activities, and produces some histopathological alterations.

Physiological and histopathological effects of polystyrene nanoparticles on the filter-feeding fish Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Excessive use of plastics in daily life is causing plastic pollution in aquatic environment and threatening the aquatic life. Therefore, research on the plastic pollution in aquatic environment is crucial to understand its impact and develop effective solution for safeguarding aquatic life and ecosystem. The current study investigated the effects of water borne polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on hemato-immunological indices, serum metabolic enzymes, gills, and liver antioxidant parameters, plasma cortisol level and histopathological changes in liver and gill tissues of the widely distributed fish Hypophthalmichthys molitrix. The fingerlings of H. molitrix were exposed to different concentrations (T1–0.5, T2–1.0, and T3–2.0 mg/L) of PS-NPs respectively for 15 days consecutively. Our results indicated the dose dependent negative effects of PS-NPs on the physiology and histopathology of H. molitrix. Immuno-hematological indices showed significant increase in WBCs count, phagocytic activity, and lysozyme activity, while decreased RBC count, Hct%, Hb level, total proteins, IgM, and respiratory burst activity were observed. The levels of antioxidant enzymes like SOD, CAT and POD showed the decreasing trends while metabolic enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH), LPO, ROS activities and relative expressions of SOD1, CAT, HIF1-α and HSP-70 genes increased with increased concentrations of PS-NPs. Moreover, blood glucose and cortisol levels also showed significant increasing trends with dose dependent manner. Histopathological examination indicated moderate to severe changes in the gills and liver tissues of the group treated with 2.0 mg/L of PS-NPs. Overall, the results showed the deleterious effects of PS-NPs on physiology, immunity, metabolism, and gene expressions of H. molitrix. It is concluded that particulate plastic pollution has deleterious effects on filter feeding fish, which might affect human health through food chain and particulate chemical toxicity.

Subcentimeter Corticotroph Adenoma: an Evaluation of Diagnostic Elements

Cushing’s disease (CD) is an uncommon yet serious disorder, linked to increased morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of these patients are complex, and emphasis should be placed on early detection for better management of these patients. The objective of this case report is to evaluate the diagnostic elements in the identification of a subcentimeter adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-dependent pituitary adenoma. We report a case of a 26-year-old man who presented with extensive superficial fungal infection of the skin, unintentional weight gain, hypertension, dyslipidaemia as well as cushingoid appearance suspicious of hypercortisolism. Raised midnight plasma cortisol and 24-hour urinary cortisol levels warranted further investigation. Overnight and 48-hour low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) were non-suppressed. Subsequent bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) was not only efficient in differentiating pituitary from ectopic Cushing’s syndrome (CS) but was shown to be superior to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in lateralisation of the pituitary adenoma.

Effect of ultrasound-guided lumbar square muscle block on stress response in patients undergoing radical gastric cancer surgery.

Radical surgery is a common treatment for patients with gastric cancer; however, it can lead to postoperative complications and intestinal barrier dysfunction. Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block is often used for postoperative analgesia, but its effects on stress response and intestinal barrier function are not well understood. To investigate the effects of an ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block on stress response and intestinal barrier function in patients undergoing radical surgery for gastric cancer. A total of 100 patients undergoing radical surgery for gastric cancer were randomly categorized into observation and control groups. Plasma adrenaline and cortisol levels, intestinal mucosal barrier indexes, and complication rates were compared between the two groups before, during, and 1 day after surgery. The observation group had significantly lower plasma adrenaline and cortisol levels during surgery and at 1 day postoperatively than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, intestinal barrier indexes (endotoxin and D-dimer) at 1 day postoperatively were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block could reduce stress response, protect intestinal barrier function, and decrease the incidence of complications in patients undergoing radical surgery for gastric cancer. This technique has the potential for clinical applications.

Impacts of Temperature on the Growth, Feed Utilization, Stress, and Hemato-Immune Responses of Cherry Salmon (Oncorhynchus masou).

Cherry salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) hold commercial value in aquaculture, and there is a need for controlled laboratory studies to isolate the specific effects of temperature on their growth, feeding, and well-being. We examined the effects of different temperatures (10 °C, 14 °C, 18 °C, and 22 °C) on juvenile cherry salmon (average mass 29.1 g) in triplicate tanks per treatment over eight weeks. The key parameters assessed included growth rate, feed efficiency, stress response, and hemato-immune responses. Our objectives were to determine the most and less favorable temperatures among the four designated temperatures and to assess the adverse effects associated with these less favorable temperatures. The results showed that body weight, growth rates, feed intake, and feed efficiency were significantly higher at 10 °C and 14 °C compared to 18 °C and 22 °C. Reduced appetite and feeding response were observed at 22 °C. Red blood cell parameters were significantly lower at 22 °C. At 10 °C, the results showed significantly increased plasma cortisol levels, gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity, body silvering, and decreased condition factors, suggesting potential smoltification. The potential smoltification decreased with increasing temperatures and disappeared at 22 °C. Furthermore, the plasma lysozyme concentrations significantly increased at 18 °C and 22 °C. In conclusion, our study identifies 10 °C and 14 °C as the temperatures most conducive to growth and feed performance in juvenile cherry salmon under these experimental conditions. However, temperatures of 22 °C or higher should be avoided to prevent compromised feeding, reduced health, disturbed immune responses, impaired growth, and feed performance.

Physiological response of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) during stalking hunts depending on age

BackgroundThe European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is a species particularly reactive to all kinds of negative stimuli. Hunting activity is one of the most potent stressors that disturbs the welfare of wild animals. During stress, various endocrine responses are elicited to improve the physical performance of the affected individual. A commonly assessed hormone for overcoming stressful situations is cortisol (CORT). In this study, plasma CORT levels in roe deer were assessed during the season of the most intense stalking hunts in Poland (summer vs. late autumn), the sex of the harvested animals (males vs. females), and age of harvest animal. In addition, the health status of the roe doe was evaluated on the basis of selected indices of blood chemistry, which could be associated with circulating cortisol levels.ResultsThe mean cortisol levels were 58.066 ng/ml in the male group (summer) and 27.694 ng/ml in the female group (late autumn). Higher CORT levels were associated with a significantly lower of total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and uric acid (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mean concentration of uric acid was negatively correlated with the level of CORT in the male and female groups (p < 0.05). Together with the increase in mean CORT level, the HDL cholesterol of all the tested animals increased significantly (p < 0.05).ConclusionsHigher CORT in males during the summer than in females during the late autumn were most likely due to the arousal with the mating season. The level of CORT increased with the animals’ age. Uric acid and age are both predictors of roe deer’s serum CORT level.

Using underwater currents as an occupational enrichment method to improve the stress status in rainbow trout.

This study investigated the effects of occupational enrichment, specifically underwater currents, on the stress status of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A total of 540 fish were divided into three groups: control tanks without artificial currents (CO), tanks with randomly fired underwater currents (RFC), and tanks with continuous current throughout the day (CT). After 30days, half of the fish in each group underwent a 5-day pre-slaughter fasting (5D), while the others were fed until the day before slaughter (0D). Fish in the RFC group exhibited lower levels of plasma cortisol and acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity in hypothalamus and optic tract than other groups, suggesting an improved stress status. RFC group also showed higher levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in 5D fish and higher liver glycogen stores, suggesting improved energy reserves. In comparison, the CT group had higher LDH levels, possibly due to their increased swimming activity. The CO group had significantly lower NEFA levels at 5D compared to the RFC group, suggesting lower energy reserves. The RFC fish had darker and yellow-reddish skin and liver color, suggesting an improved stress status and lower lipid reserves, respectively. Overall, although a significant stress response was not observed in fasted individuals, possibly due to the relatively short fasting period, the study suggests that providing occupational enrichment using randomly fired underwater currents for 1month helped to improve stress status in rainbow trout, indicating that occupational enrichment during the grow-out phase can positively impact the welfare of rainbow trout during routine handling procedures.