Stress Stimuli Research Articles

Analysis of prodromal symptoms and need for short-term prophylaxis in angioedema patients under long-term prophylaxis.

Patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) experience recurrent, unpredictable episodes of edema. These swellings are often preceded by prodromal symptoms. HAE management includes acute treatment, long-term prophylaxis (LTP), and short-term prophylaxis (STP) before procedures with a risk of swelling. The effects of LTP on prodromal symptoms and the necessity for STP in patients on LTP remain unclear. A questionnaire-based study involving HAE and AAE patients receiving LTP was conducted. Changes in prodromal symptoms and the incidence of procedures with an increased risk of swelling, including surgeries, dental procedures, and endoscopies were assessed. A total of 26 patients were included in the study. Among them, 18 experienced zero to three attacks since starting LTP. Abdominal attacks constituted 60% of all attacks, followed by swellings of the extremities and head and neck. The most frequently reported trigger factors were stress and mechanical stimuli, followed by infections. 9 patients reported surgical procedures, with 8 using STP. Of these, 4 experienced breakthrough attacks, including one laryngeal attack. 105 dental procedures were reported, with STP used for only one. Only one angioedema attack occurred after an intervention without STP. For endoscopies, 7 procedures were reported, 3 of which were performed under STP. Two abdominal attacks were reported by the same patient, both without prior STP. Prodromal symptoms remained consistent in type but varied in intensity and frequency under LTP. For dental procedures, the mandatory use of STP in HAE patients on effective LTP should be reconsidered, provided acute treatment is available and other trigger factors are absent.

Assessing response to stressful emotions: a controlled crossover study using pupillometry.

Fear and horror induce autonomic protective responses, acting as "survival intelligence." Pupillometry is an innovative method that captures real-time autonomic nervous system reactions to stress. To evaluate the feasibility of pupillometry to assess the acute response to a passive real-life stressor-viewing a truthful war scene. Thirteen medical students (10 women) with an average age of 20.4 years were enrolled in a nonrandomized controlled crossover trial. Selected clips from two different audiovisual stimuli (M1: Saving Private Ryan as a fear and horror inducer and M2: Life Is Beautiful as a control) were watched for 15 minutes, separated by a washout period of 48-72 hours. The differences in pupillometry parameters between the exposure movie and the assessment time (T0 and T1 for M1 and T0 and T1 for M2) were evaluated using a Wilcoxon test. The Wilcoxon test was also used to assess the difference between M1 and M2 within each assessment time point (T0 and T1). A significant difference in response to acute fear and horror-induced stress was observed in pupillometry parameters {baseline [6.90 (5.95; 7.40) vs. 6.60 (5.55; 7.10), P = 0.030] and final pupil diameter [4.50 (3.90; 5.20) vs. 4.10 (3.50; 4.60), P = 0.012]} between M1 and M2 in T1, suggesting the acute increase in sympathetic parameters. Although not significant, there was also a difference in pupillometry parameters (final pupil diameter [P = 0.060], average constriction velocity [P = 0.059]) after watching M1 compared with T0. Our proof-of-concept study suggests that pupillometry may be used to evaluate changes in the activity of the autonomic nervous system induced by an acute passive stress stimulus.

Peripubertal antagonism of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 results in sustained changes in behavioral plasticity and the transcriptomic profile of the amygdala.

Peripuberty is a significant period of neurodevelopment with long-lasting effects on the brain and behavior. Blocking type 1 corticotropin-releasing factor receptors (CRFR1) in neonatal and peripubertal rats attenuates detrimental effects of early-life stress on neural plasticity, behavior, and stress hormone action, long after exposure to the drug has ended. CRFR1 antagonism can also impact neural and behavioral development in the absence of stressful stimuli, suggesting sustained alterations under baseline conditions. To investigate this further, we administered the CRFR1 antagonist (CRFR1a) R121919 to young adolescent male and female rats across 4 days. Following each treatment, rats were tested for locomotion, social behavior, mechanical allodynia, or prepulse inhibition (PPI). Acute CRFR1 blockade immediately reduced PPI in peripubertal males, but not females. In adulthood, each assay was repeated without CRFR1a exposure to test for persistent effects of the adolescent treatment. Males continued to experience deficits in PPI while females displayed altered locomotion, PPI, and social behavior. The amygdala was collected to measure long-term effects on gene expression. In the adult amygdala, peripubertal CRFR1a induced alterations in pathways related to neural plasticity and stress in males. In females, pathways related to central nervous system myelination, cell junction organization, and glutamatergic regulation of synaptic transmission were affected. Understanding how acute exposure to neuropharmacological agents can have sustained impacts on brain and behavior, in the absence of further exposures, has important clinical implications for developing adolescents.

Genome-Wide Characterization of 9-Cis-Epoxycarotenoid Dioxygenase Genes in Luffa Identifies LcNCED2 as Being Associated with ABA Levels During Seed Germination

Luffa is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the Cucurbitaceae family, recognized as an important cultivated commercial vegetable. However, the seeds of the luffa species are considered hard-seeded, and the processes governing seed germination remain understudied. The 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) genes, which are critical for seed germination, have not been well characterized in Luffa. In this study, we identified four LaNCED genes in Luffa acutangula and four LcNCED genes in Luffa cylindrica, distributed across four chromosomes in each species. Phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into two subgroups. Gene structure and motif composition analyses revealed both similarities and differences among the NCEDs. Cis-element analysis further revealed that these NCEDs may be involved in growth regulation by modulating the phytohormonal network and responding to stress stimuli. Expression profiling of LcNCED genes during seed germination showed a decrease in LcNCED2 levels, coinciding with an increase in α-amylase activity throughout the germination process. Subcellular localization assays demonstrated that LcNCED2 is localized in the chloroplast. Furthermore, transient overexpression of LcNCED2 in tobacco leaves led to a significant increase in ABA content. Our findings provide a comprehensive genomic characterization of the NCED family in Luffa cylindrica and Luffa acutangula and reveal the functional role of LcNCED2 in regulating ABA levels, which may play a critical role in seed germination.

Finnish parents’ perception of the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of autistic adolescents

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted autistic adolescents differently, but less is known about what aspects of their lives were the most affected. In this paper, we used a convenience sample (n = 323) of Finnish parents of autistic adolescents who reported the perceived impact of COVID-19 on the lives of their autistic children. Data were analysed with content analyses and four themes emerged; studies, everyday life, interaction, and personal matters. The impact was considered to have been more negative (69%) than positive (31%). There were some mixed feelings towards the impact of COVID-19 and these were targeted particularly towards the way studies were carried out. Parents reported temporal negative impact of the pandemic such as, overall quality of schooling, changes to daily routines, lack of friendships, and reduced mental health. These areas should be monitored post-pandemic. In addition, parents reported their autistic adolescents were able to learn in an undistracted way, were supported by their family, had less exposure to stressful stimuli. The parents appreciated the opportunity to see their autistic child thrive. These were important learnings for designing personalised education for autistic adolescents, such as hybrid schooling and flexible supportive environments in a post-COVID-19 lockdown world.

Assessment of Changes in Executive Functions and Attention of Cadets as a Result of Military Parachute Jumping.

This study analyzed the effects of parachute jump stress on the executive functions and attention of cadets. Executive functions, which includes processes such as attentional control and cognitive flexibility, are crucial for soldiers, especially in situations requiring rapid decision-making. Parachute jumping, as an intense stressor, mobilizes cognitive resources, which can lead to short-term improvements in executive functions. A total of 64 cadets divided into control (N = 32) and experimental (N = 32) groups participated in the study. The experimental group performed a parachute jump and then took the Color Trails Test, assessed both before and after the jump. The results showed significant improvements in executive functions, in particular, sustained and alternating attention, sequential information processing, and monitoring one's own behavior, suggesting a positive effect of stress on selected executive functions. The results indicate that intense, short-term stress can positively affect executive functions, although this effect may depend on the type of task and the participants' experience of exposure to intense stressful stimuli. The study makes an important contribution to the design of future military training, considering the importance of mobilizing cognitive resources in response to short-term stress.

Multidimensional Assessment of Orthorexia Nervosa: A Case-Control Study Comparing Eating Behavior, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Body Mass Index, Psychological Symptoms, and Autonomic Arousal.

Background: The research on orthorexia nervosa (ON) has thoroughly outlined the connection between it and various mental disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorders and eating disorders, in addition to stress. However, research has not considered psychophysical stress and other measures of psychophysical health, such as adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Methods: This cross-sectional and case-control research involved 63 students from the University of Parma, aged between 18 and 49 years. The ORTO-15 questionnaire was utilized to categorize the entire sample into two groups: one without orthorexia (score > 35) and another with orthorexia (score < 35). All subjects were assessed with the Psychophysiological Stress Profile (PSP) and completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). In addition, they were interviewed using the PREDIMED questionnaire to assess adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results: Subjects with orthorexia represented 38.10% of the total sample and reported a higher BMI than controls, although the PREDIMED score did not show a difference in adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The EDI-3 highlighted emotional dysregulation and hypercontrol in students with orthorexia, and a dissociation between subjective and objective measures of stress emerged. Particularly, the psychophysiological parameters of skin conductance, heart rate, and heart rate variability showed greater reactivity to stressful stimuli, but no difference was noted in psychological symptoms. Conclusions: These findings confirmed the presence of alterations in eating behavior in people with orthorexia as well as a higher BMI. It was hypothesized that hypercontrol might favor the perception of psychological well-being at a subjective level, although inadequate management of stress emerged at an objective psychophysiological level. Further studies are needed to highlight the causality between ON, hypercontrol, diet, and psychophysical stress, given that students with orthorexia present a dysregulation of emotions associated with greater autonomic arousal.

Redox Metabolism and Autonomic Regulation During Aging: Can Heart Rate Variability Be Used to Monitor Healthy Longevity?

The functionality of redox metabolism is frequently named as an important contributor to the processes of aging and anti-aging. Excessive activation of free radical reactions accompanied by the inability of the antioxidant defense (AOD) mechanisms to control the flow of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to the persistence of oxidative stress, hypoxia, impaired mitochondrial energy function and reduced ATP potential. From a long-term perspective, such changes contribute to the development of chronic diseases and facilitate aging. In turn, preconditioning of a biosystem with small doses of stressful stimuli might cause mobilization of the mechanisms of AOD and control an excessive flow of ROS, which supports optimal functioning of the redox reactions. Those mechanisms are of crucial importance for anti-aging and are also known as a eustress or hormetic response. To ensure continuous support of mild pro-oxidant activity in a metabolic system, close monitoring and timely corrections preventing the development of excessive ROS production are required. The paper introduces the potential of heart rate variability (HRV) as a biomarker of functional and metabolic reserves and a tool to measure stress resilience during aging. The practical approaches to interpretation of HRV are provided based on total power, changes in total power in response to an orthostatic test and activities of all spectral components. It is suggested that the complex of those parameters can reflect the depth of oxidative stress and may be used to guide lifestyle interventions and promote active longevity.

Peripubertal antagonism of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 results in sustained changes in behavioral plasticity and the transcriptomic profile of the amygdala.

Peripuberty is a significant period of neurodevelopment with long-lasting effects on the brain and behavior. Blocking type 1 corticotropin-releasing factor receptors (CRFR1) in neonatal and peripubertal rats attenuates detrimental effects of early-life stress on neural plasticity, behavior, and stress hormone action, long after exposure to the drug has ended. CRFR1 antagonism can also impact neural and behavioral development in the absence of stressful stimuli, suggesting sustained alterations under baseline conditions. To investigate this further, we administered the CRFR1 antagonist (CRFR1a) R121919 to young adolescent male and female rats across 4 days. Following each treatment, rats were tested for locomotion, social behavior, mechanical allodynia, or prepulse inhibition (PPI). Acute CRFR1 blockade immediately reduced PPI in peripubertal males, but not females. In adulthood, each assay was repeated without CRFR1a exposure to test for persistent effects of the adolescent treatment. Males continued to experience deficits in PPI while females displayed altered locomotion, PPI, and social behavior. The amygdala was collected to measure long-term effects on gene expression. In the adult amygdala, peripubertal CRFR1a induced alterations in pathways related to neural plasticity and stress in males. In females, pathways related to central nervous system myelination, cell junction organization, and glutamatergic regulation of synaptic transmission were affected. Understanding how acute exposure to neuropharmacological agents can have sustained impacts on brain and behavior, in the absence of further exposures, has important clinical implications for developing adolescents.

Self‐healing and in situ real‐time damage detection of stress‐responsive core‐shell microcapsules polymer composites

AbstractSelf‐healing technology based on micro/nano‐encapsulated materials has shown great potential in extending material lifespan, preventing performance degradation, and reducing maintenance costs. In this study, a novel mechanically responsive microcapsule is successfully prepared by in‐situ polymerization, which can be used for self‐healing of polymer composites. The core‐shell microstructure is characterized, and its stability and potential self‐healing ability is verified. The microcapsule is introduced into polymer matrix, and the epoxy fingerprint region at the preseted defect location is monitored in real‐time under stress stimulus using infrared spectroscopy, revealing the process from microcapsules rupture to liquid core materials releasing and self‐healing mechanism. Tensile tests are conducted to explore the effect of microcapsule fillers on the mechanical properties of polymer composites. The optimal microcapsule content is determined based on the comprehensive evaluations of self‐healing performance. The core‐shell microcapsules provide excellent in‐situ real‐time self‐healing capability for composite matrix damage during load‐bearing. The self‐healing under stress stimulus can better guarantee the reliability of polymer composites in service.Highlights A novel stress responsive microcapsule is prepared for polymer self‐healing. Stability and self‐healing ability of core‐shell microcapsule is verified. Preseted defect is in situ real‐time detected to reveal self‐healing mechanism. Effect of microcapsule content on composite mechanical properties is explored. Self‐healing better guarantee the reliability of polymer composites in service.

The crosstalk between senescence, tumor, and immunity: molecular mechanism and therapeutic opportunities.

Cellular senescence is characterized by a stable cell cycle arrest and a hypersecretory, proinflammatory phenotype in response to various stress stimuli. Traditionally, this state has been viewed as a tumor-suppressing mechanism that prevents the proliferation of damaged cells while activating the immune response for their clearance. However, senescence is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to tumor progression. This dual role necessitates a careful evaluation of the beneficial and detrimental aspects of senescence within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Specifically, senescent cells display a unique senescence-associated secretory phenotype that releases a diverse array of soluble factors affecting the TME. Furthermore, the impact of senescence on tumor-immune interaction is complex and often underappreciated. Senescent immune cells create an immunosuppressive TME favoring tumor progression. In contrast, senescent tumor cells could promote a transition from immune evasion to clearance. Given these intricate dynamics, therapies targeting senescence hold promise for advancing antitumor strategies. This review aims to summarize the dual effects of senescence on tumor progression, explore its influence on tumor-immune interactions, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies, alongside challenges and future directions. Understanding how senescence regulates antitumor immunity, along with new therapeutic interventions, is essential for managing tumor cell senescence and remodeling the immune microenvironment.

The role of the dorsomedial hypothalamus in the cardiogenic sympathetic reflex in the Sprague Dawley rat.

Myocardial ischemia causes the production and release of metabolites such as bradykinin, which stimulates cardiac spinal sensory afferents, causing chest pain and an increase in sympathetic activity referred to as the cardiogenic sympathetic afferent reflex. While the brain stem nuclei, such as the nucleus tractus solitarius and rostral ventrolateral medulla, are essential in the cardiogenic sympathetic afferent reflex, the role of other supramedullary nuclei in the cardiogenic sympathetic afferent reflex are not clear. The dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH) is involved in cardiovascular sympathetic regulation and plays an important role in the sympathetic response to stressful stimuli. In this study, we determined the role of DMH in the cardiogenic sympathetic afferent reflex. To do this we measured arterial pressure, heart rate, and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) responses to epicardial bradykinin (10 μg/mL) in anesthetized Sprague Dawley rats before and after bilateral DMH microinjection (50 nL) of either the GABAA agonist muscimol (0.5 nmol) to inhibit or the antagonist bicuculline (40 pmol) to disinhibit activity. Muscimol inhibition elicited a modest, albeit significant, reduction in basal arterial pressure and heart rate and attenuated the arterial pressure and heart rate reflex response to epicardial bradykinin. However, it did not change the magnitude of the reflex. Bicuculline disinhibition of the DMH increased basal arterial pressure, heart rate, and RSNA but did not augment the response to epicardial bradykinin. These results suggest that sympathetic activity derived from the DMH does not play an important role in the cardiogenic sympathetic afferent reflex in Sprague Dawley rats.

G3BP1/2-Targeting PROTAC Disrupts Stress Granules Dependent ATF4 Migracytosis as Cancer Therapy.

Stress granules (SGs) are membraneless cytoplasmic compartments that form in response to stress stimuli. In these compartments, most translation factors stall, except for activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), which is preferentially translated to ensure cell survival under stressful conditions. Cancer cells encounter various stress conditions in the tumor microenvironment during tumorigenesis; however, how they exploit the pro-survival effects of ATF4 in SGs remains unclear. G3BP1/2 are central nodes of the SG network, regulating SG dynamics. In this study, we designed two small molecules, #129 and PROTAC (Proteolysis Targeting Chimera) degrader 129 (PT-129), which specifically target the NTF2L domain of G3BP1/2, a crucial hub for protein and RNA interactions. These compounds inhibit the formation of stress granules in stressed cells and disassemble pre-existing stress granules. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition by PT-129 suppressed fibroblast-mediated cancer cell growth in vitro and reduced tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, SG facilitates the delivery of ATF4 from fibroblasts to tumor cells via migracytosis, a primary mediator of fibroblast-associated tumor growth. PT-129-mediated disassembly of stress granules disrupts ATF4 delivery, thereby preventing cancer cell proliferation. These compounds, therefore, represent powerful tools for gaining molecular insights into SGs and hold promise for cancer therapeutic interventions by modulating stress granule dynamics.

Mapping the Genetic Architecture of the Adaptive Integrated Stress Response in S. cerevisiae.

The integrated stress response (ISR) is a conserved eukaryotic signaling pathway that responds to diverse stress stimuli to restore proteostasis. The strength and speed of ISR activation must be tuned properly to allow protein synthesis while maintaining proteostasis. Here, we describe how genetic perturbations change the dynamics of the ISR in budding yeast. We treated ISR dynamics, comprising timecourses of ISR activity across different levels of stress, as a holistic phenotype. We profiled changes in ISR dynamics across thousands of genetic perturbations in parallel using CRISPR interference with barcoded expression reporter sequencing (CiBER-seq). We treated cells with sulfometuron methyl, a titratable inhibitor of branched-amino acid synthesis, and measured expression of an ISR reporter. Perturbations to translation such as depletion of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases or tRNA biogenesis factors reduced cell growth and caused a strikingly proportionate activation of the ISR activation. In contrast, impaired ribosome biogenesis reduced basal ISR activity and weakened ISR dynamics. Reduced ribosome capacity may lower the demand for amino acids and thereby explain these changes. Our work illustrates how CiBER-seq enables high-throughput measurements of complex and dynamic phenotypes that shed light on adaptive and homeostatic mechanisms.

Intercellular Ion-Gradient Piezoheterogated Biphasic Gel for Ultrahigh Iontronic Generation.

Piezoionic materials have attracted considerable attention for their ability to generate iontronic signals or power in response to stress stimuli. However, the limited intrinsic transport distinction between cations and anions within most ionic materials results in weakened iontronic power conversion efficiencies under stress fields. Here, we report a piezoheterogated biphasic gel for ultrahigh iontronic generation, characterized by high-internal microphase heterointerfaces that facilitate the distinct transport of various ion species. Due to the ion confinement effect of cell-like multicompartments, a stable intercellular ion gradient within biphasic gel systems can be established in situ, constructing the chemical potential to further enhance ionic transmission efficiency and obtain a high-density net ion flux in the piezoionic process. Consequently, as a reliable piezo cell, a record maximum power of 150 W/m3 over 24 h can be realized. Meanwhile, we develop piezoionic devices that can interface with paralyzed vagus nerves and successfully regulate the blood pressure of rodents through their neuromodulation. By matching the ion species with heterointerface gating effects to regulate the ionic transmission efficiency, the piezo signal neuromodulation process can be further governed. We anticipate that the bioinspired heterointerface engineering strategy can provide new insights into designing high-performance piezoionic systems for promising abiotic-biotic applications.

Inhibition of Glucocorticoid Synthesis by Metyrapone as an Approach to Study Their Contribution to Gastroprotection in Rats

According to the results of our research glucocorticoids produced in response to stress ulcerogenic stimuli are gastroprotective factors. The aim of this review article is to demonstrate, through the analysis of data obtained in our studies, that the inhibition of glucocorticoid synthesis by metyrapone can be an adequate and valuable approach for studying the contribution of glucocorticoids, produced during acute activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, to gastroprotection in rats. When studying the contribution of glucocorticoids produced in response to moderate, normally non-ulcerogenic stressors or to the administration of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) to gastroprotection, it was shown that the suppression of these hormones by metyrapone leads to: 1) the transformation of normally non-ulcerogenic stimuli into ulcerogenic ones; 2) the elimination of the gastroprotective effect of stress preconditioning; 3) the elimination of the gastroprotective effect of CRF. The effects of metyrapone were reproduced under conditions of suppressed glucocorticoid production using the selective CRF-1 receptor antagonist NBI 27914 and the blockade of glucocorticoid receptors with their antagonist RU38486. The data presented suggest that: a) glucocorticoids produced in response to moderate stress stimuli contribute to the protection of the gastric mucosa under these conditions and increase its resistance to subsequent ulcerogenic stimuli (i.e., they contribute to the gastroprotective effect of stress preconditioning); b) glucocorticoids produced in response to CRF administration participate in the realization of its gastroprotective action. The data obtained confirm that the activation of the HPA axis is a gastroprotective component of stress response, and stress-produced glucocorticoids are important gastroprotective factors.

Growth Differentiation Factor 15 as a Marker for Chronic Ventricular Pacing.

Background/Objectives: Right ventricular pacing is an effective and safe treatment option for patients experiencing symptomatic bradycardia. However, some individuals may develop left ventricular dysfunction as a consequence. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), which is not present in a healthy adult heart, is upregulated in cardiomyocytes in response to various stress stimuli. This study aimed to explore the potential of GDF-15 as a biomarker for chronic right ventricular pacing. Methods: This single-center cross-sectional cohort study analyzed data from 265 consecutive patients (60.4% male) with either single- or dual-chamber pacemakers, all lacking pre-existing heart failure, who attended the outpatient department for routine follow-up. Chronic right ventricular (RV) pacing was defined as pacing exceeding 40% over the past year. Serum samples were collected, and GDF-15 levels were measured using a commercially available immunoassay (R&D Systems Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). Student's t-test was utilized to assess group differences, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to evaluate diagnostic performance. Results: When stratifying patients by pacing burden, GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in those with pacing over 40% compared to those with 40% or less (789 ± 293 pg/mL vs. 1186 ± 592 pg/mL; p < 0.001). The ROC analysis indicated that GDF-15 serves as a marker for chronic RV pacing, yielding an area under the curve of 0.713 (95% confidence interval 0.650-0.776; p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study suggests that GDF-15 may be a valuable biomarker for chronic right ventricular pacing.

Sucrose synthase gene family in common bean during pod filling subjected to moisture restriction.

In common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), leaf photosynthesis is significantly reduced under drought conditions. Previous studies have shown that some drought-tolerant cultivars use the pod walls to compensate the decreased photosynthesis rate in leaves by acting as temporary reservoirs of carbohydrates to support seed filling. Here, we describe a comprehensive molecular characterization of sucrose synthase (SUS, EC 2.4.1.13) gene family through a genome-wide analysis and evaluated the effects of terminal drought on reproductive structures, specifically the pod walls. Seven PvSUS genes were located on six different chromosomes and had 8-16 intron-exon structures (8-16 exons). The PvSUS protein sequences revealed conserved catalytic domains, with molecular weights ranging from 90.5 kDa to 105.1 kDa and lengths from 799 to 929 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these sequences into three main clusters with seven subgroups, indicating divergence from SUS sequences in other plant species. Using a docking sequence, we predicted three-dimensional (3-D) structures and evaluated the active sites. Bioinformatics analysis of promoter regions suggested that PvSUS genes may respond to light, hormone signaling, and stress stimuli. Greenhouse experiments were conducted using the cv. OTI, identified as having intermediate drought tolerance. Plants at the R8 growth stage were maintained with regular irrigation at 100% field capacity (FC) or with water restriction to maintain 50% of field capacity. Pods were harvested 5 days, 10 days, 15 days, and 20 days after anthesis. An increase in PvSUS activity under water restriction was associated with higher levels of fructose, while sucrose concentration also increased. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that PvSUS1, PvSUS3, and PvSUS4 were strongly expressed during seed development under water restriction. The fluorescent sucrose analog esculin indicated that transport across the plasma membrane might contribute to the increase in the pith cell diameter of pedicels. The results provide a systematic overview of the PvSUS gene family in P. vulgaris, offering a framework for further research and the potential functional application of PvSUS genes.

The effect of phlebotomy and placement of an intravenous catheter on plasma catecholamine and serum copeptin concentrations.

Limited data are available on the hormonal response of children to venepuncture or intravenous cannulation (IVC). Catecholamines [epinephrine (E)and norepinephrine (NE)] have been traditionally recognized as stress hormones. Copeptin, the carboxyl-terminus of the arginine vasopressin (AVP) precursor peptide, is also a known marker for stressful stimuli, including myocardial infarction, critical illness, and sepsis. We aimed to measure the above stress markers in response to IVC in the pediatric population. We measured plasma E, NE and serum copeptin concentrations in 100 children aged 5-17 years undergoing endocrine testing. Labs were drawn 1-3 min (min) after placement of IV cannula (baseline or 0 min) and then re-measured 20 min later (+20 min) while subjects rested in a quiet room. Between 0 and 20 min, the median (IQR) NE (n=99) changed from 349 (244, 482) pg/mL to 253 (184, 348) pg/mL (p<0.001); E (n=54) changed from 57 (43, 116) pg/mL to 57 (38, 96) pg/mL (p=0.024); Copeptin changed from 9.4 (6.3, 15.2) pmol/L to 9 (5, 13) pmol/L (p<0.001). The mean decrease (delta) was 106 pg/mL for NE (28 %, p<0.001), 16 pg/mL for E (18 %, p=0.042) and 2.7 pmol/L for copeptin (17 %, p=0.012). There was no correlation between the decrease (expressed as a percentage) in NE vs. E, E vs. copeptin, and NE vs. copeptin. Our data suggest that the stress of IVC induces a rapid increase in NE, E, as previously described, as well as copeptin levels. The copeptin decrement, concordant with the catecholamine trend in the minutes after IVC, supports this peptide (and AVP) as a rapid response marker of stress, and has unclear practical implications for copeptin measurements in evaluating fluid and sodium metabolism disorders in children.

Social preferences in chickens–effects of domestication and tameness

It has been suggested that evolution of domesticated phenotypes may have evolved as a result of correlated selection responses to reduced fear, a prominent feature in early domestication. To investigate whether domestication changes in social preferences can be attributed to increased tameness, we studied two lines of Red Junglefowl, ancestors of domesticated chickens, bidirectionally selected during 12 generations for high (HF) or low (LF) fear of humans and compared the differences between these lines to those between unselected Red Junglefowl (RJF) and domesticated White Leghorn egg layers (WL). One bird at a time was observed on its own for 12 min in an arena with one adjacent pen behind netting on each side. One of the adjacent pens contained familiar birds, and the other contained unfamiliar birds. Towards the end of the observation period, a sudden stressful stimulus was displayed, and we compared the reactions of the breeds to this as well. Male RJF spent more time close to the unfamiliar birds than WL, and performed more agonistic behaviour, but this was not mirrored in the selected birds. For females, it was WL that performed the most agonistic behaviour. Both LF and WL males showed more non-agonistic social exploration than HF and RJF respectively. Male LF and WL emitted more food calls than HF and RJF respectively. We conclude that several differences between RJF and WL were mirrored in the selection lines, with LF behaving more like domesticated WL. This is in line with the hypothesis that selection for tameness may have driven domestication related changes in social behaviour against conspecifics.