Indicator Of Psychological Stress Research Articles

Parental stress interaction with environmental factors in childhood allergic asthma: Early life significance

Although stress and indoor/outdoor environments have been independently linked with asthma, their interactions on childhood physician-diagnosed allergic asthma (PDAA) remain undisclosed. We aimed to research the effect of parental stress and their interactions with indoor/outdoor environmental factors on childhood PDAA. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of preschoolers at Changsha, a city in central China. We collected information on parental stress levels and various indoor environmental exposures, through questionnaire surveys. Outdoor air pollution exposure was obtained from ten ambient pollution monitoring stations in Changsha, and individual pollution exposure were calculated. Using logistic regression models, we assessed the individual and synergistic impacts of parental stress and indoor/outdoor factors on childhood PDAA. We found that preschoolers' PDAA showed a significant association with high parental gross annual income and psychological stress indicators including fatigue, headache, and inattention, with ORs = 2.10 (1.31–3.35), 1.38 (1.04–1.82), 1.33 (1.07–1.65), and 1.42 (1.14–1.76), respectively. Furthermore, in preschoolers with high parental economic stress, the association between indoor mold/moisture spots and PDAA was notably more pronounced. Significantly stronger association between outdoor SO2 exposure in the past year in preschoolers with socially stressed parents. Parental headache and inattention exacerbated the effects of PM2.5-10 and PM10 exposure during the 7-9th months before pregnancy and throughout the pregnancy on PDAA. Preschoolers with high parental psychological stress and high exposure to outdoor atmospheric pollutants showed an increased likelihood of developing PDAA. Our research suggests that both parental stress and its interaction with hazardous environments from indoor sources and atmospheric pollutants contribute to PDAA.

Childhood Helicobacter pylori infection: Impacts of environmental exposures and parental stress

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection (HPI) is extremely common in the world, particularly in less developed areas, but the primary causes of childhood HPI are unspecified. ObjectivesTo determine the influences of exposure to home environmental factors (HEFs), outdoor air pollutants (OAPs), and parental stress (PS), as well as their interactions on children’s HPI. MethodsWe implemented a retrospective cohort study with 8689 preschoolers from nine districts at Changsha, China, was conducted using questionnaires to collect data of health and HEFs. Temperature and OAPs data were collected from ten and eight monitoring stations, individually. Temperature and OAPs exposures were calculated for all home addresses using the inversed distance weighted (IDW) model. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the separate and combined impacts of HEFs, OAPs, and PS on HPI. ResultsChildren’s HPI was significantly associated with exposure to moisture-specific indoor allergens in one-year preceding conception, gestation, and first year, smoke-specific air pollution throughout life, and plant-specific allergens in previous year. Outdoor exposures to CO in the 7th-9th month before conception, as well as PM2.5 in the second trimester and previous year, were associated with HPI, with ORs (95 % CIs) of 1.22 (1.05–1.41), 1.23 (1.03–1.46), and 1.33 (1.14–1.55). Parents’ socioeconomic and psychological stress indicators were positively related to HPI. High socioeconomic indicators and psychological stresses increased the roles of indoor renovation and moisture indicators as well as outdoor SO2, PM2.5 and O3 on children’s HPI over their entire lives. Parental psychological stress interacts with indoor renovation-specific air pollution, moisture- and plant-specific allergens, as well as outdoor traffic-related air pollution on HPI, during a critical time window in early life. ConclusionsIndoor and outdoor air pollutants, as well as allergens, separately and interactively exert important effects on childhood HPI, lending support to the “(pre-) fetal origin of HPI” hypothesis.

Impact of Nursing Interventions Based on Self-Efficacy Theory on HAMA and HAMD Scores in Patients with Hepatitis B Cirrhosis

Objective: To explore the effect of nursing interventions based on self-efficacy theory guidance on psychological stress indicators in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis. Methods: 70 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis from October 2023 to May 2024 were selected and grouped by random number table. The observation group received nursing intervention based on self-efficacy theory, while the control group received routine nursing. The differences in psychological stress indicators, self-efficacy indicators, and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05); Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale (CDSES) scores of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05); and nursing satisfaction scores of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Hepatitis B cirrhosis patients receiving nursing care based on self-efficacy theory can stimulate patients’ self-efficacy, calm their emotions, and their overall satisfaction is high.

Individualization of boxer training based on the regulation of stress resistance indicators

Relevance. In the process of performing at competitions, the impact of psychological factors on a boxer reaches its maximum. As a result, the stability and stability of the motor skill is lost, the variability of techniques increases, and their effectiveness decreases. Therefore, when preparing a boxer and increasing the effectiveness of his technical and tactical actions, it is very important to develop mental qualities, one of which is stress resistance. The purpose of the study: to scientifically substantiate the means and methods of regulating the stress resistance indicators of boxers of the highest sports categories. Research hypothesis: it was assumed that the developed methodology for regulating the stress resistance indicators of boxers of the highest sports categories would allow athletes to cope more effectively with competitive tasks. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of literary sources, questionnaires, psychodiagnostic testing, hardware testing, pedagogical observation, pedagogical experiment, expert assessment, methods of mathematical and statistical processing. As part of the study, an assessment of the stress resistance of athletes, their mental characteristics was carried out and a technique was proposed that aims to regulate the stress resistance of boxers of the highest sports categories to competitive activity. Practical recommendations will be developed based on the results of the study. The results of the study. Studying the dynamics of these psychophysiological indicators and indicators of psychological stress will help to predict the pre-start conditions of the boxers. The knowledge gained will contribute to improving the effectiveness of the selected tools that regulate stress resistance indicators. At the subsequent stages of the study, a methodology for regulating stress resistance indicators will be developed, tested during the pedagogical experiment, the stages of which are presented in the study. Conclusions. The developed methodology for regulating the stress resistance indicators of boxers of the highest sports categories can be used by coaches for more effective boxer training, and will also allow more purposefully making the necessary adjustments to the athlete's preparation for competition.

A Study to Assess the Role of Psychological Stress in the Severity of Oral Lichen Planus, OSMF, and Leukoplakia and its Correlation with Serum Cortisol Levels

ABSTRACT Introduction: The most prevalent oral mucosal conditions in humans are leukoplakia, oral lichen planus (OLP), and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). These conditions should be studied as psychosomatic conditions, but little research has been done on how these conditions relate to stress. Materials and Methods: A total of 280 patients of both genders with ages 35–60 years were divided into four groups: leukoplakia, OSMF, OLP, and control. Whole blood samples were collected from all the participants and analyzed for serum cortisol by using ELISA with a commercial kit. Detailed case history and DASS-21 questionnaire were recorded for psychological assessment. To assess the variables, the student t test and Chi-square test were used. P values of <0.05 were regarded as significant. Results: In this study, it was found that higher levels of serum cortisol were found in OLP patients, with advanced erosive lesions showing the highest levels of serum cortisol, followed by OSMF and leukoplakia. Patients with Oral Lichen Planus showed higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression than patients of OSMF and leukoplakia. Conclusion: This study emphasized stress and anxiety as a predisposing factor in the occurrence and progression of OSMF apart from re-establishing the role of stress and anxiety in OLP with consideration to depression in triggering role for OLP. Furthermore, it demonstrated that serum cortisol levels play a significant role as an indicator of psychological stress.

A Relaxed Horse-A Relaxed Client? An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Therapy Horses' Stress on Clients' Stress, Mood, and Anxiety.

Equine-assisted therapies are becoming increasingly popular for addressing physical and psychological disabilities in clients. The role of the horse's welfare in equine-assisted service receives increasing attention in research. Several studies have shown that horses are able to perceive human emotions and respond to human stress responses. However, no research has yet looked at the other side of the coin-whether and how humans perceive and react to equine stress levels during equine-assisted services. To fill this gap in the research, we employed a within-subjects design, in which horse-naïve participants had a standardized interaction with both an experimentally stressed horse and an experimentally relaxed horse. We assessed physiological indicators of stress (heart rate, heart rate variability, and salivary cortisol) in participants and horses, as well as psychological indicators of stress (state anxiety and positive and negative affect) in participants. Although our stress and relaxation manipulations were successful (indicated by horses' physiological indicators of stress), we did not find any difference in the participants' physiological or psychological indicators of stress between the interaction with a stressed and the interaction with a relaxed horse. Together with results from previous studies, this suggests that humans cannot intuitively recognize the (physiological) stress level of horses, which has important implications for effective communication and bonding between humans and horses and for the safety of equine activities.

Impact of Heart Rate Variability on Physiological Stress: Systematic Review

Chronic stress overactivates the sympathetic nervous system, which alters the body, mind, and behavior. Purpose Stress can indeed be employed to preserve homeostasis when there is a physical or mental imbalance brought on by damaging stimuli. Currently, there isn't a standard reference point for quantifying stress. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to assess studies that support the use of heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of stress. Methods and Materials: Studies concerning HRV that have been published in bibliographic database from 2013 to 2023 were firstly selected. A total of 181 articles were found, 69 in Elsevier, 51 in Google Scholar, 38 PubMed, and 23 in other databases. The criteria selected were human study, HRV reactivity and the HRV as an objective indicator of psychological stress. Only human study was restrained. Finally, ten publications that fit criteria were found. Results: Majority of research selected found that HRV components changed in response to stress brought on by diverse techniques. The most often cited component associated with variance in HRV variables was a drop in the high-frequency band and an increase in the low-frequency band, both of which are markers of diminished parasympathetic activity. HRV may be related to cortical areas that are engaged in evaluating stressful situations, according to neuroimaging research. Conclusion: The findings support the use of HRV for the purpose of evaluating stress and mental health objectively, and neurobiological data suggests that HRV is impacted by stress reactions.

Association of Psychological distress and Physical Health with Subjective and Objective Memory in Older Adults.

ObjectivesTo investigate how indicators of psychological stress and physical health differentially influence subjective and objective memory in older adults. Methods: 404 adults aged ≥55 without cognitive impairment participated in remote assessment of physical health (PHY; multimorbidity, body-mass-index), psychological distress (PDS; perceived stress, anxiety, depression), subjective memory complaints (SM), and task-based objective memory performance (OM). Results: Separately, both PHY and PDS significantly predicted SM (p < 0.01), but only PHY was associated with OM (p = 0.05). Combined models showed that PHY and PDS maintained significant association with SM (p < 0.01, R2 = 0.30), while only PHY was associated with OM (p = .07, R2 = 0.03; for associative OM, p = 0.04). Discussion: SM is associated with participants' psychological profile, highlighting the importance of addressing these factors when assessing SM. The results also reveal that remotely-administered OM tasks are more immune to participants' psychological profile, and support previously-established links between physical health and objective and subjective memory function.

790-P: Evaluating Psychological Stress Nonglucose Signal for Incorporation in Automated Insulin Delivery System

Introduction: Psychological stress may adversely affect glucose control. However, the effect of stress on efficacy of automated insulin delivery (AID) in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is still unknown. We evaluated non-glucose signals in subjects with type 1 diabetes on AID using the Empatica E4 device (E4) during psychological stress. Method: During a 2-week prospective AID study for 12 participants with T1D, psychological stress i.e Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was induced. Heart rate (HR) measurements using the Nonin sensor 15 mins before and after TSST confirmed psychological stress. Physical activity (PA) was analyzed and HR fluctuations coinciding with PA was rejected. The correlation of HR from E4 with the Nonin HR monitor was evaluated to explore the feasibility of using E4 HR as a substitute for Nonin HR. Pearson's moment is used to evaluate correlation. Results: The HR from both Nonin and E4 was observed to rise after application of stress from baseline levels. The mean difference of heart rate in Nonin HR was 13.1 bpm (6 bpm) in AID and in E4 was 10.8 bpm (5 bpm) in AID. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between the Nonin and E4 HR was 0.9 in AID (p = 0.0007) . There was a trend towards increase in E4 Electrodermal activity (EDA) of normalized power spectral density (PSD) -92.5 dB/Hz (28.8) before stress to -84.9 dB/Hz (21.9) after stress in AID (p = 0.06) . Conclusions: The E4 HR can act as a substitute to the gold standard Nonin HR. E4 HR is a good indicator of psychological stress with simultaneous analyses of accelerometry data and could be used to inform the AID controller. E4 EDA PSD is also a good indicator for stress but has a delayed response. On the other hand, HR can be affected by physical activity. Psychological stress could be detected through a fusion of E4 HR, EDA, and accelerometer sensors and incorporated into Next Gen AID for testing. Disclosure A.Banerjee: None. R.Kaur: None. I.Zaniletti: None. M.Church: None. S.K.Mccrady-spitzer: None. D.Desjardins: None. S.Gupta: None. Y.C.Kudva: Advisory Panel; Novo Nordisk, Research Support; Dexcom, Inc., Hemsley Charitable Trust, JDRF, National Institutes of Health, Roche Diabetes Care, Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Funding JDRF grant (2-SRA-2017-503-M-B)

Identification and Modeling of College Students’ Psychological Stress Indicators for Deep Learning

Aiming at the problems of low accuracy of recognition results, long recognition time, and easy interference in traditional methods, a deep learning-oriented recognition modeling method of college students' psychological stress indicators is proposed. First, the ECG signal is collected by the ECG signal acquisition system, and the wavelet transform method is used to denoise the collected ECG signal. Then, the sequential backward selection algorithm is used to select the features of psychological stress indicators to reduce the feature dimension. Finally, based on the convolutional neural network in deep learning technology, a mental pressure indicator recognition model is established and the model parameters are optimized to realize the recognition of college students’ mental pressure indicators. Experimental results show that the method in this paper has high recognition accuracy, has high recognition efficiency, is not susceptible to interference, and has certain feasibility and effectiveness.

SMART4Pain: Feasibility of a Two-Arm Pilot Study of an Integrated Rehabilitation Program for Adolescents and Their Parents for Improving Pain Management

Chronic pain in youth has an unsung etiology and limited treatment options. Affected adolescents show difficulties in different functioning domains, and their parents can develop associated distress, which negatively influences the adolescent’s capacity to adjust to pain. The aims of this study are the following: (1) to develop an internet-delivered (online) pain intervention (SMART4Pain) program for adolescents and their parents, and to test its feasibility and acceptability; (2) to evaluate, in adolescents, the impact of the face-to-face, randomized, two-armed (i.e., CBT or biofeedback), open-label pilot study, developed together with the online program. The overall program consisted of six sessions scheduled over six weeks. Twenty adolescents (N = 20) and their parents (N = 20) completed the entire program and are included in this study. The results showed that all interventions were feasible and acceptable, as well as potentially effective in improving quality of life. Only the group receiving the biofeedback intervention showed some improvements in psychological indicators of stress. In conclusion, more research is needed to better understand and develop new, multimodal rehabilitation programs in outpatient settings.

Autonomic Nervous System Response to Psychosocial Stress in Anorexia Nervosa: A Cross-Sectional and Controlled Study.

To foster understanding in the psychopathology of patients with anorexia nervosa (PAN) at the psychological and physiological level, standardized experimental studies on reliable biomarkers are needed, especially due to the lack of disorder-specific samples. To this end, the autonomic nervous system (ANS) response to a psychosocial stressor was investigated in n = 19 PAN (BMI: 18.7 ± 3.3 kg/m2), age, and gender-matched to n = 19 healthy controls (HC; BMI: 24.23 ± 3.0 kg/m2). For this purpose, heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were assessed in a cross-sectional study design under two experimental conditions: (1) rest and (2) stress (Trier Social Stress Test). In addition, psychological indicators of stress were assessed. An 2 × 2 × 8 ANOVA demonstrated similar HR and HRV patterns (except LF-HRV) between PAN and HC at rest. Under stress, PAN (vs. HC) demonstrated a blunted HR [condition*time*group: F(2.91, 104.98) = 9.326, p = 0.000, η2 = 0.206] and an attenuated HRV response (reduced SNS/PNS reactivity). Significant effects of stress appraisal (SA) and BMI on HRV-reactivity were revealed. SA on SDNN = Condition*time*SA = F(4.12, 140.15) = 2.676, p = 0.033, η2 = 0.073. BMI on LF/HF-Ratio = Condition*time*BMI = F(3.53, 60.16) = 3.339, p = 0.019, η2 = 0.164. Psychological indices suggested higher levels of chronic and appraised stress in PAN relative to HC. Additional analyses demonstrated that ED-symptoms are highly correlated with the latter constructs, as well as with psychological burden, but not with weight. Further, it was shown that abnormalities in reactivity persisted despite normalized ANS activity. Overall, we suggested that besides weight recovery, improvement in stress appraisal could be beneficial for cardiac health. In this light, a combination of therapy (e.g., development and activation of coping skills, cognitive reappraisal) and biofeedback training may improve treatment outcomes and regulate stress reactivity.

Assessing New Methods to Optimally Detect Episodes of Non-metabolic Heart Rate Variability Reduction as an Indicator of Psychological Stress in Everyday Life: A Thorough Evaluation of Six Methods.

Frequent or chronic reduction in heart rate variability (HRV) is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease, and psychological stress has been suggested to be a co-determinant of this reduction. Recently, we evaluated various methods to measure additional HRV reduction in everyday life and to relate these reductions to psychological stress. In the current paper, we thoroughly evaluate these methods and add two new methods in both newly acquired and reanalyzed datasets. All of these methods use a subset of 24 h worth of HRV and movement data to do so: either the first 10 min of every hour, the full 24 h, a combination of 10 min from three consecutive hours, a classification of level of movement, the data from day n to detect episodes in day n + 1, or a range of activities during lab calibration. The method that used the full 24 h worth of data detected the largest percentage of episodes of reduced additional HRV that matched with self-reported stress levels, making this method the most promising, while using the first 10 min from three consecutive hours was a good runner-up.

Review of Korpal (2017): Linguistic and Psychological Indicators of Stress in Simultaneous Interpreting

Abstract The submission is a review of an experimental study on stress experienced by simultaneous interpreters.

Cortisol reactivity in patients with anorexia nervosa after stress induction

There is a need of experimental studies on biomarkers in patients with anorexia nervosa (PAN), especially in the context of stress, in order to foster understanding in illness maintenance. To this end, the cortisol response to an acute stressor was investigated in n = 26 PAN (BMI: 19.3 ± 3.4 kg/m2), age, and gender matched to n = 26 healthy controls (HC; BMI: 23.08 ± 3.3 kg/m2). For this purpose, salivary cortisol parameters were assessed in two experimental conditions: (1) rest/no intervention and (2) stress intervention (TSST; Trier Social Stress Test). In addition, psychological indicators of stress were assessed (Primary Appraisal Secondary Appraisal, Visual Analogue Scale, and Trier Inventory for the assessment of Chronic Stress), as well as psychological distress, depression, and eating disorder (ED) symptoms. A 2 × 2 × 8 ANOVA demonstrated elevated cortisol levels in PAN in the resting condition. In the stress intervention no significant group effect in terms of cortisol (F (1, 50) = 0.69; p = 0.410; eta _p^2 = 0.014). A significant condition (F (1, 50) = 20.50; p = 0.000; eta _p^2 = 0.291) and time effect (F(2.71, 135.44) = 11.27; p = 0.000; eta _p^2 = 0.20) were revealed, as well as two significant interaction effects. First: Condition × group (F (1, 50) = 4.17, p = 0.046; eta _p^2 = 0.077) and second: Condition × time (F (2.71, 135.44) = 16.07, p = 0.000, eta _p^2 = 0.24.). In terms of AUCG, no significant differences between both groups were exhibited. Regardless, significant results were evinced in terms of an increase (AUCi: F(1, 50) = 20.66, p = 0.015, eta _p^2 = 0.113), baseline to peak (+20 min post-TSST: t5 = 16.51 (9.02), p = 0.029) and reactivity (MPAN = 0.73 vs. MHC = 4.25, p = 0.036). In addition, a significant correlation between AUCG and BMI: r (24) = −0.42, p = 0.027 was demonstrated, but not between AUCi and BMI (r (24) = −0.26, p = 0.20). Psychological indices suggested higher levels of chronic and perceived stress in PAN relative to HC. However, stress perception in the stress condition (VAS) was comparable. Additional analyses demonstrated that ED-symptoms are highly correlated with psychological distress and depression, but not with BMI. In addition, it could be demonstrated that reactivity is rather related to ED-symptoms and psychological burden than to BMI. In conclusion, PAN showed elevated basal cortisol levels at rest and exhibited a blunted cortisol reactivity to the TSST as evinced by salivary cortisol parameters. Further, it was shown that weight recovery influences reversibility of hypercortisolemia, i.e., cortisol levels normalize with weight gain. However, HPAA (hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis) irregularities in terms of reactivity persist even at a BMI ≤ 19.3 (±3.4). Our data suggest that pronounced psychological burden in PAN, have a greater impact on the HPAA functionality (secondary to the ED) than BMI itself.

Influence of the Acoustic Environment in Hospital Wards on Patient Physiological and Psychological Indices

Patients in general wards are often exposed to excessive levels of noise and activity, and high levels of noise have been associated with depression and anxiety. Previous studies have found that an appropriate acoustic environment is beneficial to the patient’s therapeutic and treatment process; however, the soundscape is rarely intentionally designed or operated to improve patient recovery, especially for psychological rehabilitation. To gain the most accurate, and least variable, estimate of acoustic environmental stimuli/properties, virtual reality (VR) technology should be used to ensure that other environmental factors are stable and uniform in order to reduce the stimulation of other environmental factors. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the influence of the acoustic environment on patient physiological/psychological indicators and the mechanism of the effect on recovery using VR technology. A digital three-dimensional (3D) model of a hospital room was constructed, and experimental subjects wore VR glasses to visualize a real ward scene. Four typical sound categories were selected to analyze the effect of the acoustic environment on recovery; physiological indicators were monitored, and psychological factors were subjectively evaluated. The results show that music plays an important role in reducing stress as it can aid in a patient’s physiological (skin conduction levels) and psychological stress recovery. Furthermore, mechanical and anthropogenic sounds exert negative effects on a patient’s stress recovery. However, the effect is only limited to psychological stress indicators. The interaction effects of demographic characteristics and the acoustic environment are not significant, and future studies could consider the social–economic characteristics of patients. Based on these findings, we provide evidence that indicates that a hospital’s acoustic environment is an important influencing factor on the stress recovery of patients and can serve as a reference for healthcare architects and policy makers.

Eating behaviours related to psychological stress are associated with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea in exercising women

ABSTRACT Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) can occur due to the independent or combined effects of psychogenic and energetic stressors. In exercising women, research has primarily focused on energy deficiency as the cause of FHA while psychological stressors have been ignored. To assess both psychological and metabolic factors associated with FHA in exercising women, we performed across-sectional comparison of 61 exercising women (≥2 hours/week, age 18–35 years, BMI 16–25kg/m2), who were eumenorrheic or amenorrhoeic confirmed by daily urine samples assayed for reproductive hormone metabolites. Psychological factors and eating behaviours were assessed by self-report questionnaires. Exercising women with FHA had lower resting metabolic rate (p=0.023), T3 (p<0.001), T4 (p=0.013), leptin (p=0.002), higher peptide YY (p<0.001), greater drive for thinness (p=0.017), greater dietary cognitive restraint (p<0.001), and displayed dysfunctional attitudes, i.e., need for social approval (p=0.047) compared to eumenorrheic women. Amenorrhoeic women displayed asignificant positive correlation between the need for social approval and drive for thinness with indicators of stress, depression, and mood, which was not apparent in eumenorrheic women. In exercising women with FHA, eating behaviours are positively related to indicators of psychological stress and depression.

SAT-008 Do Psychological Factors Influence Exercise Related Amenorrhea?

Purpose: The etiology of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) can involve both metabolic and psychogenic stressors. The role of metabolic stress has been described in exercising women who develop FHA secondary to chronic energy deficiency attributable to inadequate dietary intake in the face of exercise training. The potential for psychological factors to contribute to exercise-related FHA is unknown. Methods: In our cross-sectional comparison of exercising women ((n=61), exercise ≥2 hours/week, age 18-35 years, BMI 16-25 kg/m2, we tested whether psychological factors discriminated participants who were deemed eumenorrheic or had FHA as confirmed by physical examination, health history, metabolic and endocrine screening, menstrual calendars and daily urinary collection for reproductive hormone metabolites. Body composition, energy balance, and metabolic and endocrine parameters were assessed in addition to psychological factors (Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale, Brief-Resilient Coping, Daily Stress Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Beck Depression Inventory) and eating behaviors (Eating Disorder Inventory-2, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire). Results: Exercising women with FHA had a significantly lower BMI (20.2 vs 21.5 m/kg2, p<0.05), less body fat (22.8 vs 25.8%, p<0.05), and a lower fat mass (56.2 vs 58.3 kg, p<0.05), compared to eumenorrheic women. Fasting total triiodothyronine (75.4 vs 89.8 ng/dL, p<0.001), leptin (5.2 vs 9.0 ng/dL, p<0.01), and the ratio of actual to predicted resting metabolic rate (0.84 vs 0.92, p<0.01) were significantly lower in FHA women. FHA women demonstrated a greater drive for thinness (2.9 vs 2.1, p<0.05), greater dietary cognitive restraint (11.3 vs 7.4, p<0.001), and displayed more dysfunctional attitudes, i.e., need for social approval (39.1 vs 33.7, p<0.05) compared to eumenorrheic women but there were no differences in perceived stress, depression, mood states, brief resilient coping, or daily stress (p >0.05). Notably, FHA women displayed a significant positive correlation between need for social approval and indicators of stress (PSS: r=0.50), depression (Beck: r=0.59), and mood (POMS-depression/dejection: r=0.55), which was not apparent in eumenorrheic women. Additionally, EDI-drive for thinness was significantly positively correlated with many of the variables associated with stress (PSS: r=0.47), depression (Beck: r=0.51), dysfunctional attitudes (r=0.55), and mood disorders (POMS-depression-dejection: r= 0.37; tension/anxiety: r=0.44)(all p<0.05). Conclusion: In exercising women, psychological factors do not overtly discriminate reproductive status; however, in women with FHA, there appears to be a higher need for social approval and restrictive eating behaviors may be related to underlying indicators of psychological stress and depression.US DoD PR054531

Нервно-психическое напряжение подростков как предиктор суицидального риска: гендерные аспекты проблемы

The paper analyzes the results of a study of psycho-logical stress as a predictor of suicidal risk in ado-lescents in a gender perspective. It reviews the data of Russian and foreign studies of suicidal behavior in boys and girls and provides the reasons for the gender paradox. The data demonstrates that there are gender differences in the indicators of psycho-logical stress in adolescents. In particular, girls on average have a higher level of depression and of the physiological component of the phenomenon under consideration. Moreover, the dominant mental state of 15–18 year old adolescents is characterized by a low level of activity and an average level of calm-ness, arousal, and affective tone stability; the calm-ness and the affective tone stability are higher in boys. Girls are more prone to choose all the basic strategies of coping behavior: problem solving, support seeking, and avoidance. The structure of relationship between indicators of psychological stress and suicidal behavior is different in boys and girls. The study concludes that projective methods can be used for screening, as they allow to identify a risk group among adolescents, for example, depres-sion prone adolescents. Boys who consider projec-tive situations hopeless have a higher level of de-pression compared to a similar group of girls.

The reduced bactericidal activity of neutrophils as an incisive indicator of water-immersion restraint stress and impaired exercise performance in mice

The incisive evaluation of psychological stress may be required to determine the exercise performance of stressed hosts. We investigated objective markers of psychological stress that reflect exercise performance, focusing on the neutrophil function. We used murine water-immersion restraint (WIR) stress for our assessments. After receiving WIR for 1 or 2 h, mice were exercised on an airtight treadmill that monitors their respiratory exchange ratio. The neutrophil function was analyzed after WIR stress. Although the control mice (without WIR) showed good combustion of both carbohydrates and lipids as energy sources during treadmill exercise, mice that underwent 2-h WIR did not combust carbohydrates or lipids effectively, drastically reducing their performance. In contrast, the 1-h WIR mice showed carbohydrate combustion (albeit a slow response) but did not use lipids for energy, thereby running longer than the 2-h WIR mice but shorter than the control mice. The bactericidal activity of neutrophils, but not their superoxide production or microsphere-phagocytic activity, was significantly reduced by 1-h WIR and further reduced by 2-h WIR, indicating a significant association between WIR stress and exercise performance. The neutrophil bactericidal activity may be a good indicator of psychological stress and a useful tool for precisely assessing exercise performance.