Biomarkers Of Stress Response Research Articles

Feasibility of replacing fish oil with sunflower oil on the growth, body composition, fatty acid profile, antioxidant activity, stress response, and blood biomarkers of Labeo rohita.

A 90-day study was conducted to investigate the effects of substituting sunflower oil (SFO) for fish oil (FO) on various parameters in Labeo rohita (initial weight 18.21 ± 0.22 g). Five experimental diets with different levels of SFO (up to 7%) substitution for FO (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were formulated, ensuring equal levels of nitrogen and lipids. The results indicated that even with 100% substitution of SFO with FO, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in growth performance. The survival rate (SR), hepato-somatic index (HSI), and viscero-somatic index (VSI) as well as whole-body composition were also nonsignificant by SFO substitution. However, the fatty acid profiles in both muscle and liver were influenced (P<0.05) by dietary substitution. Saturated fats (SFA) decreased, while monounsaturated fats (MUFA), and linoleic acid (LA) increased (P<0.05). On the other hand, the contribution of linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) decreased (P<0.05) as the amount of SFO in the diet increased. Hematology parameters, including red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct), were not affected. Globulin (GLO) levels decreased significantly (P<0.05), while alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity showed nonsignificant increases (P>0.05). Total protein (TP) increased (P<0.05) at 100% SFO inclusion in the diet, and albumin (ALB) levels increased (P<0.05) at 75% and 100% SFO inclusion in the diet. Cholesterol (CHOL), triacylglycerol (TG), and high-density lipids (HDL) were not significantly affected (P>0.05), while low-density lipids (LDL) were significantly increased (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Cortisol (CORT) and glucose (GLU) levels showed nonsignificant (P>0.05) changes. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities in the liver and serum were not significantly (P>0.05) affected, while malondialdehyde (MDA) status was significantly (P<0.05) reduced. In conclusion, the fatty acid profile of the muscle and liver of fish was modified by the diets, and FO can be substituted with SFO up to 100% for L. rohita, which is beneficial for growth and immunity while marinating the lipid contents in fish. Our study revealed that fully replacing fish oil with SFO shows promise in fully replacing FO without compromising the growth and overall health status of the fish.

P134: Immediate stress responses to music during psychomotor stimulation in 2 study cases with dementia.

Background:The use of music in older people with advanced dementia is possible because perception, sensitivity, emotion, and memory of music may remain intact after other types of memory disappear. Previous literature is controversial about stress biomarkers response to music introduction in therapy routines for people with severe cognitive impairment and neural-behavioural disorders. Particularly, for these patients, it is possible that they feel lower pleasure levels with music-based therapies.Objective:To characterize the immediate physiological effects of listening to music during psychomotor stimulation in an old participant with combined dementia and depression disorder and in a participant with a dementia diagnosis.Methods:Two study cases with dementia diagnosis participated in this study (P1: 84yrs; male Parkinson; FAB=9; P2: 85 yrs; female; Alzheimer; FAB=11; depression diagnosis) and were submitted to psychomotor stimulation (2 sessions). The first 20 min. of each session was dedicated to psychomotor stimulation without music (A), followed by 20 minutes with music (B). Heart rate was monitored (H10 Polar sensor) in a continuous mode. Cortisol levels were collected at the beginning of the session (T0) and then repeated at periods A and B (μg/dL). The range between minimum and maximum HR values (beats per minute- bpm) and mean values for cortisol levels were considered for the stress response analysis.Results:Salivary cortisol levels were higher at T0 for P1 (0.393 vs 0.203). During period A, the P1 slightly decreased their values (↓0,076) and P2 had no changes. After introducing music, both P1 and P2 increased cortisol levels (↑0,085; 0,162↑). For both P1 and P2, a wide range of HR was detected during period B (P1: 13 vs 23 bpm) vs (P2: 15 vs 41 bpm).Conclusion:Immediate responses to the music inclusion in a psychomotor intervention caused an augmented stress response in elderly participants with dementia, especially in P2. In specific, the depression diagnosis in this participant may be associated with a low capacity to handle emotions during new experiences, causing a higher stress response.

Muscle Transcriptome Sequencing Revealed Thermal Stress-Responsive Regulatory Genes in Farmed Rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822).

Rohu, Labeo rohita, is one of the most important aquaculture species in the Indian subcontinent. Understanding the molecular-level physiological responses to thermal stress or climate change is essential. In the present work, transcriptome sequencing was carried out in the muscle tissue of the rohu in response to heat stress (35°C) in comparison with the control (28°C). A total of 125Gb of sequence data was generated, and the raw-reads were filtered and trimmed, which resulted in 484 million quality reads. Reference-based assembly of reads was performed using L. rohita genome, and a total of 90.17% of reads were successfully mapped. A total of 37,462 contigs were assembled with an N50 value of 1854. The differential expression analysis revealed a total of 107 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (15 up-, 37 down-, and 55 neutrally regulated) as compared to the control group (Log2FC > 2, P < 0.05). Gene enrichment analysis of DEGs indicates that transcripts were associated with molecular, biological, and cellular activities. The randomly selected differentially expressed transcripts were validated by RT-qPCR and found consistent expression patterns in line with the RNA-seq data. Several transcripts such as SERPINE1(HSP47), HSP70, HSP90alpha, Rano class II histocompatibility A beta, PGC-1 and ERR-induced regulator, proto-oncogene c-Fos, myozenin2, alpha-crystallin B chain-like protein, angiopoietin-like protein 8, and acetyl-CoA carboxylases have been identified in muscle tissue of rohu that are associated with stress/immunity. This study identified the key biomarker SERPINE1 (HSP47), which showed significant upregulation (~ 2- to threefold) in muscle tissue of rohu exposed to high temperature. This study can pave a path for the identification of stress-responsive biomarkers linked with thermal adaptations in the farmed carps.

Potential of in vivo stress reporter models to reduce animal use and provide mechanistic insights in toxicity studies

Chemical risk assessment ensures protection from the toxic effects of drugs and manmade chemicals. To comply with regulatory guidance, studies in complex organisms are required, as well as mechanistic studies to establish the relevance of any toxicities observed to man. Although in vitro toxicity models are improving, in vivo studies remain central to this process. Such studies are invariably time-consuming and often involve large numbers of animals. New regulatory frameworks recommend the implementation of “smart” in vivo approaches to toxicity testing that can effectively assess safety for humans and comply with societal expectations for reduction in animal use. A major obstacle in reducing the animals required is the time-consuming and complexity of the pathological endpoints used as markers of toxicity. Such endpoints are prone to inter-animal variability, subjectivity and require harmonisation between testing sites. As a consequence, large numbers of animals per experimental group are required. To address this issue, we propose the implementation of sophisticated stress response reporter mice that we have developed. These reporter models provide early biomarkers of toxic potential in a highly reproducible manner at single-cell resolution, which can also be measured non-invasively and have been extensively validated in academic research as early biomarkers of stress responses for a wide range of chemicals at human-relevant exposures. In this report, we describe a new and previously generated models in our lab, provide the methodology required for their use and discuss how they have been used to inform on toxic risk (likelihood of chemical causing an adverse health effect). We propose our in vivo approach is more informative (refinement) and reduces the animal use (reduction) compared to traditional toxicity testing. These models could be incorporated into tiered toxicity testing and used in combination with in vitro assays to generate quantitative adverse outcome pathways and inform on toxic potential.

Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A as a potential biomarker of psychosocial stress response during the first stages of life: A systematic review

Mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) has been recognized as a key component of human first line defense against infection. However, its reactivity to psychosocial stressors is poorly understood. This systematic review aimed to explore whether s-IgA levels changed after psychosocial stress in subjects under the age of 18. Fifteen articles were included. s-IgA basal levels are increased in children older than 9 years old exposed to stress. Furthermore, s-IgA seems to follow a circadian rhythm, which is altered under stress conditions. Finally, the collective evidence suggests that salivary s-IgA rapidly increases under acute stress after puberty. Overall, our review indicates that s-IgA could be considered a potential psychosocial stress biomarker of interest for pediatric and child-juvenile psychiatric population. Further studies are needed to validate the role of s-IgA circadian rhythm and basal levels as psychosocial stress biomarkers and disentangle the role of age and type of stressor.

A randomized controlled trial on the effects and acceptability of individual mindfulness techniques – meditation and yoga – on anxiety and depression in people with Parkinson’s disease: a study protocol

BackgroundBetween 40 and 50% of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience anxiety and depression, associated with impaired physical function, high care dependency and mortality. Recently, the United States National Institutes of Health has urged the implementation of mindfulness practices in chronic illness care. Most research to date has examined the effects on chronically ill patients of complex interventions using a combination of mindfulness techniques. In PD patients, however, such complex modalities appear to hinder the technique mastery. Hence, the aim of this trial is to investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of individual mindfulness techniques among PD patients, as well as exploring participants’ experience in using individual mindfulness techniques as a lifestyle intervention for stress and symptom management.MethodsWe will conduct an assessor-blind three-arm randomized waitlist-controlled trial with a descriptive qualitative evaluation. Up to 168 PD patients will be recruited from community settings and out-patient clinics, and randomized to meditation, yoga, or usual care group. Meditation and yoga sessions of 90-minute are held weekly for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes include anxiety and depression. Secondary outcomes include PD-related motor and non-motor symptoms and quality-of-life; and level of mindfulness and biomarkers of stress and inflammatory responses will be measured as mediating variables. All outcome evaluations will be assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 24 weeks. Following the intention-to-treat principle, generalized estimating equation models and path analysis will be used to identify the treatment effects and the mediating mechanisms. A subsample of 30 participants from each intervention group will be invited for qualitative interviews.DiscussionThe study would also generate important insights to enhance the patients’ adaptation to debilitating disease. More specifically, symptom management and stress adaptation are highly prioritized healthcare agenda in managing PD. The research evidence will further inform the development of community-based, nurse-led compassionate care models for neurodegenerative conditions, which is complementary to existing health services.Trial registrationWHO Primary Registry – Chinese Clinical Trials Registry number: ChiCTR2100045939; registered on 2021/04/29 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=125878).

Assessment of the Accumulation of Trace Metals and Oxidative Stress Response Biomarkers in the Portunid Portunus segnis

The invasive blue crab Portunus segnis, which was collected from two sites on the Gulf of Gabès, is the subject of this work. This study is based on demonstrating the accumulation capacity of P. segnis by measuring the concentrations of cadmium, zinc, lead, and copper in the gills and hepatopancreas. The enzymatic activities of catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, reduced glutathione, and lipid peroxidase were assessed in this region for the first time. The main results show that the metals have high bioaccumulation potentials in P. segnis tissues between different sites. The possible adaptation of P. segnis in the Gulf of Gabès and the variations in the studied biomarkers and metal concentrations at different sites confirm the usefulness of the invasive blue crab as a sentinel species.

Evidence that the Biomarker-Behavior Relationship Depends on Negative Evaluation Level: Development and Initial Application of a Scale for Behavioral Engagement During the TSST

Behavioral engagement is integral to mental health, but little is known about the relationship of lab-based stress and behavioral engagement. This talk will report on the development and validation of an observer-rated measure of behavioral engagement for lab-based stress inductions, and on the relationship of stress-responsive biomarkers and affect to behavioral engagement during the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Young adults (N=109) completed one of three TSST versions—a non-stressful Control, an ambiguously evaluative Intermediate, or the explicitly negative-evaluative Challenge condition. They provided self-reports of positive and negative affect and saliva samples for cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) at four timepoints; research assistants rated behavior. Psychometric inspection and EFA of the behavioral engagement items yielded an 8-item measure with good interrater reliability and well-fitting 2-factor structure, capturing Persistence (4 items; loadings=.41-.89), and Quality of Speech (4 items; loadings=.53-.92). Growth curve modeling indicated that as negative evaluation level increased, behavioral engagement became more tightly associated with relative preservation of positive affect, in the context of positive affect decline for most participants across the protocol. For both cortisol and sAA, the relationship between biomarker baseline levels—but not biomarker reactivity—and behavioral engagement varied by condition. Under milder conditions (Control for sAA, Intermediate for cortisol), elevated biomarkers predicted greater engagement, but under explicit negative evaluation, they predicted less engagement, that is, behavioral withdrawal. Findings support the critical role of context—especially negative evaluation—in the relationship of biomarkers to behavioral engagement.

Stress-responsive Gdf15 counteracts renointestinal toxicity via autophagic and microbiota reprogramming

The integrated stress response (ISR) plays a pivotal role in the cellular stress response, primarily through global translational arrest and the upregulation of cellular adaptation-linked molecules. Growth differentiation factor 15 (Gdf15) is a potent stress-responsive biomarker of clinical inflammatory and metabolic distress in various types of diseases. Herein, we assess whether ISR-driven cellular stress contributes to pathophysiological outcomes by modulating Gdf15. Clinical transcriptome analysis demonstrates that PKR is positively associated with Gdf15 expression in patients with renal injury. Gdf15 expression is dependent on protein kinase R (PKR)-linked ISR during acute renointestinal distress in mice and genetic ablation of Gdf15 aggravates chemical-induced lesions in renal tissues and the gut barrier. An in-depth evaluation of the gut microbiota indicates that Gdf15 is associated with the abundance of mucin metabolism-linked bacteria and their enzymes. Moreover, stress-responsive Gdf15 facilitates mucin production and cellular survival via the reorganization of the autophagy regulatory network. Collectively, ISR-activated Gdf15 counteracts pathological processes via the protective reprogramming of the autophagic network and microbial community, thereby providing robust predictive biomarkers and interventions against renointestinal distress.

Relationship of cortisol and alpha amylase to behavioral engagement under three levels of negative evaluative psychosocial stress

Despite that behavioral engagement is integral to mental health, surprisingly little is known about the relationship of psychosocial stress and behavioral engagement. The current study developed an observer-rated measure of behavioral engagement for lab-based stress inductions, then examined its relationship with stress-responsive biomarkers and affect. Young adults (N = 109, Mage=19.4, SDage=1.59, 57% female) completed one of three Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) conditions—non-stressful Control, Intermediate, or an Explicit Negative Evaluative—and at four timepoints provided self-reports of positive and negative affect and saliva samples for cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA). Trained study staff (experimenters and TSST judges) completed a programmed questionnaire measure of the novel behavioral engagement measure after the participants completed the TSST. Psychometric review and EFA of the behavioral engagement items resulted in a final 8-item measure with good interrater reliability and well-fitting 2-factor structure, capturing Persistence (4 items; loadings=.41–.89), and Quality of Speech (4 items; loadings=.53–.92). Results indicated that the relationship of positive affect growth and biomarker level to behavioral engagement varied substantially as a function of context: As negative evaluation level strengthened, behavioral engagement became more tightly associated with relative preservation of positive affect. For both cortisol and sAA, the relationship between biomarker levels (but not reactivity) and behavioral engagement varied significantly by condition, such that under milder conditions and elevated levels of biomarkers, engagement was greater, but under Explicit Negative Evaluation, and elevated levels of biomarkers, engagement was less, suggesting behavioral withdrawal. Findings reveal the critical role of context—especially negative evaluation—in the relationship of biomarkers with behavioral engagement.

Defining the in vivo mechanism of air pollutant toxicity using murine stress response biomarkers

Air pollution can cause a wide range of serious human diseases. For the informed instigation of interventions which prevent these outcomes there is an urgent need to develop robust in vivo biomarkers which provide insights into mechanisms of toxicity and relate pollutants to specific adverse outcomes. We exemplify for a first time the application of in vivo stress response reporters in establishing mechanisms of air pollution toxicity and the application of this knowledge in epidemiological studies. We first demonstrated the utility of reporter mice to understand toxicity mechanisms of air pollutants using diesel exhaust particles compounds. We observed that nitro-PAHs induced Hmox1 and CYP1a1 reporters in a time- and dose-dependent, cell- and tissue-specific manner. Using in vivo genetic and pharmacological approaches we confirmed that the NRF2 pathway mediated this Hmox1-reporter induction stress reporter activity. We then correlated the activation of stress-reporter models (oxidative stress/inflammation, DNA damage and Ah receptor -AhR- activity) with responses in primary human nasal cells exposed to chemicals present in particulate matter (PM; PM2.5-SRM2975, PM10-SRM1648b) or fresh roadside PM10. To exemplify their use in clinical studies, Pneumococcal adhesion was assessed in exposed primary human nasal epithelial cells (HPNEpC). The combined use of HPNEpC and in vivo reporters demonstrated that London roadside PM10 particles induced pneumococcal infection in HPNEpC mediated by oxidative stress responses. The combined use of in vivo reporter models with human data thus provides a robust approach to define the relationship between air pollutant exposure and health risks. Moreover, these models can be used in epidemiological studies to hazard ranking environmental pollutants by considering the complexity of mechanisms of toxicity. These data will facilitate the relationship between toxic potential and the level of pollutant exposure in populations to be established and potentially extremely valuable tools for intervention studies for disease prevention.

Relationships Between Stress-Responsive Biomarkers, ART Adherence, and Viral Suppression Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Living With HIV in South Africa: An HPTN 068 Analysis.

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) living with HIV who have higher stress levels may be at risk of stress-related biological alterations, which could influence HIV progression and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). We aimed to estimate associations among stress-responsive biomarkers, ART adherence, and viral suppression in AGYW living with HIV in South Africa. We also hypothesized that psychosocial stressors [eg, depression, food insecurity, low socioeconomic status (SES), and HSV-2] would be associated with higher biomarker levels. We used 2018/2019 data from the HIV Prevention Trials Network 068 cohort to assess associations between stress-responsive biomarkers and viral suppression (<1000 copies/mL) and ART adherence measured using dried blood spot cards. Stress-responsive biomarkers included C-reactive protein, herpes simplex virus type 1, and cytomegalovirus infection and reactivation. Associations were estimated using unadjusted log-binomial or ordinal logistic regression models. In 166 AGYW living with HIV, there was no association between stress-responsive biomarkers and viral suppression or ART adherence. However, increased C-reactive protein levels were associated with higher HSV-2 infection [odds ratio (OR) 1.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11, 3.52], being a government grant recipient (OR 3.21; 95% CI: 1.30, 7.92), lower food insecurity (OR 0.34; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.90), and increased body mass index (OR 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.14). High prevalence of psychosocial stressors and persistent herpesviruses in AGYW living with HIV has the potential to lead to poorer health outcomes. More research is needed to untangle relationships between economic stability, chronic disease, and chronic stress.

Anxiety in a regular day of work: A 24 hour psychophysiological investigation in young dentists with gender comparison.

Dentistry is a highly demanding profession with a strong mental and physical involvement, possibly generating anxiety. Very few studies assessed psychophysiological activity in dentists, while none tried to relate it with gender during a routine working day. This study aims at evaluating correlations between gender, psychophysiological indexes, and psychological variables. Data were acquired at the Dental Clinic of the University of Padua on 20 healthy young dentists (10 M-10F) during a 24 h period of a working day. Physiological variables (measured with E4 Empatica) were electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR). Participants anxiety was measured through a self-reported scale on patient-relationship anxiety and through the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Questionnaire (GAD-7). 5 (3F, 2 M) participants over 20 had a GAD-7 score ≥ 10. Female gender, in comparison to Male, was associated with higher perceived patient relationship anxiety (p = 0.002) and lower HRV (p-adj = 0.022). The gender Male, although being associated with lower level of self-reported anxiety (p = 0.002), showed an equal number of subjects with a GAD-7 score ≥ 10 (p = 0.371). No interaction between gender and EDA was found, nor an effect of GAD score on EDA, HRV and HR values. Higher values of EDA were found during sleep time; a difference between sleep time and working time EDA (p = 0.037) and a difference between sleep time and daytime (p = 0.0045). A different HR between sleep and all daytime (p < 0.001) was also highlighted. 25% of dentists fell within generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis, compared to a maximum of 8.6% in the general population. A possible general biomarker of excessive stress response was measured: a shift of circadian sympathetic activity was found in dentists; a higher activity during sleep in comparison to working time and daytime. The Female gender was associated with higher perceived patient-approach anxiety, lower parasympathetic activity, and a comparable sympathetic activity to the Male gender, thus fostering a possible vulnerability to excessive stress. This study underlines the need to empower the psychological approach to stress and patient-relationship in dentistry.

Biomarkers in the Rat Hippocampus and Peripheral Blood for an Early Stage of Mental Disorders Induced by Water Immersion Stress

It is difficult to evaluate the pre-symptomatic state of mental disorders and prevent its onset. Since stress could be a trigger of mental disorders, it may be helpful to identify stress-responsive biomarkers (stress markers) for the evaluation of stress levels. We have so far performed omics analyses of the rat brain and peripheral blood after various kinds of stress and have found numerous factors that respond to stress. In this study, we investigated the effects of relatively moderate stress on these factors in the rat to identify stress marker candidates. Adult male Wistar rats underwent water immersion stress for 12 h, 24 h, or 48 h. Stress caused weight loss and elevated serum corticosterone levels, and alterations regarded as anxiety and/or fear-like behaviors. Reverse-transcription PCR and Western blot analyses revealed significant alterations in the expressions of hippocampal genes and proteins by the stress for no longer than 24 h, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta (CEBPD), small ubiquitin-like modifier proteins 1/sentrin-specific peptidase 5 (SENP5), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), kinase suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1), and MKP-1, MMP-8, nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR). Similar alterations were observed in three genes (MKP-1, CEBPD, MMP-8) in the peripheral blood. The present results strongly suggest that these factors may serve as stress markers. The correlation of these factors in the blood and brain may enable the evaluation of stress-induced changes in the brain by blood analysis, which will contribute to preventing the onset of mental disorders.

Oxidative Stress Response Biomarkers of Ovarian Cancer Based on Single-Cell and Bulk RNA Sequencing.

The occurrence and development of ovarian cancer (OV) are significantly influenced by increased levels of oxidative stress (OS) byproducts and the lack of an antioxidant stress repair system. Hence, it is necessary to explore the markers related to OS in OV, which can aid in predicting the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response in patients with OV. The single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset GSE146026 was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and Bulk RNA-seq data were obtained from TCGA and GTEx databases. The Seurat R package and SingleR package were used to analyze scRNA-seq and to identify OS response-related clusters based on ROS markers. The "limma" R package was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and ovarian samples. The risk model was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. The immune cell infiltration, genomic mutation, and drug sensitivity of the model were analyzed using the CIBERSORT algorithm, the "maftools," and the "pRRophetic" R packages, respectively. Based on scRNA-seq data, we identified 12 clusters; OS response-related genes had the strongest specificity for cluster 12. A total of 151 genes were identified from 2928 DEGs to be significantly correlated with OS response. Finally, nine prognostic genes were used to construct the risk score (RS) model. The risk score model was an independent prognostic factor for OV. The gene mutation frequency and tumor immune microenvironment in the high- and low-risk score groups were significantly different. The value of the risk score model in predicting immunotherapeutic outcomes was confirmed. OS response-related RS model could predict the prognosis and immune responses in patients with OV and provide new strategies for cancer treatment.

Bibliometric analysis of post-traumatic stress disorder in forensic medicine: Research trends, hot spots, and prospects.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has various risk factors, complex pathogenesis, and diverse symptoms, and is often comorbid with other injuries and diseases, making forensic diagnosis difficult. To explore the current research status and trends of PTSD, we used the Web of Science Core Collection databases to screen PTSD-related literature published between 2010 and 2021 and CiteSpace to perform bibliometric analysis. In recent years, PTSD-related research has grown steadily. The countries and institutions with the most research results were the United States and England, and King's College London and Boston University, respectively. Publications were identified from 2,821 different journals, including 13 forensic-related journals, but the journal distribution was relatively scattered and there was a lack of professional core journals. Keyword co-occurrence and clustering identified many hot topics; "rat model," "mental health," and "satisfaction" were the topics most likely to have a clear effect on future research. Analysis extracted nine turning points from the literature that suggested that neural network centers, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and biomarkers were new research directions. It was found that COVID-19 can cause severe psychological stress and induce PTSD, but the relationship needs further study. The literature on stress response areas and biomarkers has gradually increased over time, but specific systemic neural brain circuits and biomarkers remain to be determined. There is a need to expand the collection of different types of biological tissue samples from patients with different backgrounds, screen PTSD biomarkers and molecular targets using multi-omics and molecular biology techniques, and establish PTSD-related molecular networks. This may promote a systematic understanding of the abnormal activation of neural circuits in patients with PTSD and help to establish a personalized, accurate, and objective forensic diagnostic standard.

Amniotic fluid biomarkers of fetal stress response to cardiac dysfunction in twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Recipient twin (RT) cardiovascular changes in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) are associated with increased mortality. This relationship is likely related to a cascade of pathophysiologic changes in the RT progressing to multisystem organ failure. We sought to evaluate biomarkers of inflammation, stress, and tissue injury within amniotic fluid (AF) of RTs undergoing selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (SFLP) for TTTS and examine their relationship with fetal echocardiographic findings. AF samples from RTs were obtained from 39 monochorionic-diamniotic pregnancies complicated by TTTS. Those without preoperative fetal echocardiograms or evidence of selective intrauterine growth restriction were excluded from analysis with 24 remaining samples. 15 commonly utilized clinical biomarkers for inflammation, stress, and tissue injury were assessed using a flow-cytometry based multiplex immunoassay. Fetal echocardiograms were performed prior to SFLP with myocardial performance index (MPI) utilized as a measure of cardiac dysfunction. Pearson’s correlation was used for data analysis. RT Left ventricular MPI (LV-MPI) ranged from 0.28-0.74, with 11/24 RTs demonstrating abnormal MPI for GA (Z-score > 2). RT AF cortisol (r = 0.4527, p = 0.020), IL-6 (r = 0.44, p = 0.025), CRP (r = 0.431, p = 0.028), and myoglobin (r = 0.401, p = 0.042) levels correlated with recipient left ventricular MPI (LV-MPI). AF cortisol strongly correlated with AF myoglobin (r = 0.576, p < 0.001). RT with abnormal LV-MPI exhibited significantly higher AF cortisol levels compared to those with normal LV-MPI (p = 0.029). RT amniotic fluid demonstrates markers of inflammation, stress and cardiac injury in recipient twins with cardiac dysfunction. These markers may be indicators of disease progression in TTTS secondary to cardiac dysfunction. The presence of these markers implicate stress and the immune response in the pathophysiologic response to cardiac dysfunction in TTTS.

Cadmium tolerance and accumulation from the perspective of metal ion absorption and root exudates in broomcorn millet

Cadmium (Cd) is a persistent heavy metal that poses environmental and public health concerns. This study aimed to identify the potential biomarkers responsible for Cd tolerance and accumulation by investigating the response of the content of essential metal elements, transporter gene expression, and root exudates to Cd stress in broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum). A hydroponics experiment was conducted using two broomcorn millet cultivars with distinct Cd tolerance levels and accumulation phenotypes (Cd-tolerant and Cd-sensitive cultivars). Cd stress inhibited lateral root growth, especially in the Cd-sensitive cultivar. Furthermore, Cd accumulation was significantly greater in the Cd-tolerant cultivar than in the Cd-sensitive cultivar. Cd stress significantly inhibited the absorption of essential metal elements and significantly increased the calcium concentration. Differentially expressed genes involved in metal ion transport were identified via transcriptome analysis. Cd stress altered the composition of root exudates, thus increasing lipid species and decreasing alkaloid, lignan, sugar, and alcohol species. Moreover, Cd stress significantly reduced most alkaloid, organic acid, and phenolic acid exudates in the Cd-tolerant cultivar, while it increased most lipid and phenolic acid exudates in the Cd-sensitive cultivar. Some significantly changed root exudates (ferulic acid, O-coumaric acid, and spermine) are involved in the phenylalanine biosynthesis, and arginine and proline metabolic pathways, thus, may be potential biomarkers of Cd stress response. Overall, metal ion absorption and root exudates are critical for Cd tolerance and accumulation in broomcorn millet. These findings provide valuable insights into improving Cd phytoremediation by applying mineral elements or metabolites.

Therapeutic Potential of Music-Based Interventions on the Stress Response and Neuroinflammatory Biomarkers in COVID-19: A Review

COVID-19 continues to strain healthcare systems around the globe. Research has shown a relationship between COVID-19 and an inflammatory response, including neuropathological outcomes. Additionally, studies have shown positive effects of engagement with music on inflammatory responses; music may have potential, as a method, to reduce inflammation triggered by COVID-19. This review compiles exhaustive research from multiple disciplines to account for this possibility. The authors utilized a meta-narrative approach to complete this review. The search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, OneSearch, Primo, Google Scholar, Clinicaltrials.gov, and the bibliographies of relevant articles. In total, 84 articles were included for full-text review, discussion, and analysis. Articles pertaining to music and acoustics encompassed a date range from 1964–2020. Articles referencing COVID-19 spanned the years 2019–2021. This work focused on associations between engagement with music, stress response, blood-brain barrier integrity, inflammation, COVID-19, and neuropathology in preclinical and clinical models. Detailed analysis revealed that engagement with music has the potential to reduce the harmful effects of COVID-19, particularly in the inflammation and blood clotting pathways associated with a range of pathophysiological and neuropathological issues. Further work is warranted to standardize and validate existing methods associating positive effects of engagement with music on the negative effects of COVID-19.

Role of Heat Shock Proteins in Atrial Fibrillation: From Molecular Mechanisms to Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are endogenous protective proteins and biomarkers of cell stress response, of which examples are HSP70, HSP60, HSP90, and small HSPs (HSPB). HSPs protect cells and organs, especially the cardiovascular system, against harmful and cytotoxic conditions. More recent attention has focused on the roles of HSPs in the irreversible remodeling of atrial fibrillation (AF), which is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice and a significant contributor to mortality. In this review, we investigated the relationship between HSPs and atrial remodeling mechanisms in AF. PubMed was searched for studies using the terms "Heat Shock Proteins" and "Atrial Fibrillation" and their relevant abbreviations up to 10 July 2022. The results showed that HSPs have cytoprotective roles in atrial cardiomyocytes during AF by promoting reverse electrical and structural remodeling. Heat shock response (HSR) exhaustion, followed by low levels of HSPs, causes proteostasis derailment in cardiomyocytes, which is the basis of AF. Furthermore, potential implications of HSPs in the management of AF are discussed in detail. HSPs represent reliable biomarkers for predicting and staging AF. HSP inducers may serve as novel therapeutic modalities in postoperative AF. HSP induction, either by geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) or by other compounds presently in development, may therefore be an interesting new approach for upstream therapy for AF, a strategy that aims to prevent AF whilst minimizing the ventricular proarrhythmic risks of traditional anti-arrhythmic agents.