DNA Methylation Signatures of Functional Somatic Syndromes: Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Functional somatic syndromes (FSS) are highly prevalent across all levels of health care. The fact that they are characterized by medically unexplained symptoms, such as fatigue and pain, raises the important question of their underlying pathophysiology. Psychosocial stress represents a significant factor in the development of FSS and can induce long-term modifications at the epigenetic level. The aim of this review was to systematically review, for the first time, whether individuals with FSS are characterized by specific alterations in DNA methylation. METHODS: MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched from the first available date to September 2022. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a) adults fulfilling the research diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome, and/or irritable bowel syndrome; b) healthy control group; and c) candidate-gene or genome-wide study of DNA methylation. RESULTS: Sixteen studies ( N = 957) were included. In candidate-gene studies, specific sites within NR3C1 were identified, which were hypomethylated in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome compared with healthy controls. In genome-wide studies in chronic fatigue syndrome, a hypomethylated site located to LY86 and hypermethylated sites within HLA-DQB1 were found. In genome-wide studies in fibromyalgia syndrome, differential methylation in sites related to HDAC4 , TMEM44 , KCNQ1 , SLC17A9 , PRKG1 , ALPK3 , TFAP2A , and LY6G5C was found. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome seem to be characterized by altered DNA methylation of genes regulating cellular signaling and immune functioning. In chronic fatigue syndrome, there is preliminary evidence for these to be implicated in key pathophysiological alterations, such as hypocortisolism and low-grade inflammation, and to contribute to the debilitating symptoms these individuals experience. PREREGISTRATION: PROSPERO identifier: CRD42022364720.

Does psychological treatment of major depression reduce cardiac risk biomarkers? An exploratory randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Depression is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Biological cardiac risk factors are already elevated in depressed patients without existing CVD. The purpose of this exploratory trial was to examine whether treating Major Depression (MD) with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is associated with improvements in cardiac risk biomarkers and whether depressive symptom severity at baseline moderates treatment effects. METHODS: Eighty antidepressant-free patients with MD were randomly assigned to CBT or waiting list (WL). Biological outcomes included long-term recordings (24-h, daytime, nighttime) of heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and blood pressure, as well as inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. A sample of 40 age- and sex-matched non-clinical controls was also involved to verify biological alterations in MD at study entry. RESULTS: Compared to WL, CBT was associated with a significant increase in overall HRV, as indexed by the 24-h and daytime HRV triangular index, as well as trend improvements in 24-h low-frequency HRV and daytime systolic blood pressure. Self-rated depressive symptom severity moderated (or tended to moderate) improvements in CBT for 24-h and daytime heart rate and several indices of HRV (especially daytime measures). Inflammatory treatment effects were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: CBT increased overall HRV in patients with MD. Initially more depressed patients showed the most pronounced cardiovascular improvements through CBT. These exploratory findings may provide new insights into the biological effects of psychological treatment against depression and must be confirmed through future research.

Childhood trauma associated with increased post-awakening cortisol in major depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced post-awakening cortisol may serve as a biological marker for individuals with major depressive disorder. However, studies comparing post-awakening cortisol between patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls have produced conflicting findings. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this inconsistency could be due to the effects of childhood trauma. METHODS: A total of N = 112 patients with MDD and healthy controls were divided into four groups according to the presence of childhood trauma. Saliva samples were collected at awakening and 15, 30, 45, and 60 min later. The total cortisol output and the cortisol awakening response (CAR) were calculated. RESULTS: The total post-awakening cortisol output was significantly higher in patients with MDD as compared to healthy controls, but only in those individuals reporting childhood trauma. The four groups did not differ regarding the CAR. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated post-awakening cortisol in MDD may be confined to those with a history of early life stress. Tailoring and/or augmenting of currently available treatments may be required to meet the specific needs of this population.

Cellular co-infections of West Nile virus and Usutu virus influence virus growth kinetics.

The mosquito-borne flaviviruses West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) pose a significant threat to the health of humans and animals. Both viruses co-circulate in numerous European countries including Germany. Due to their overlapping host and vector ranges, there is a high risk of co-infections. However, it is largely unknown if WNV and USUV interact and how this might influence their epidemiology. Therefore, in-vitro infection experiments in mammalian (Vero B4), goose (GN-R) and mosquito cell lines (C6/36, CT) were performed to investigate potential effects of co-infections in vectors and vertebrate hosts. The growth kinetics of German and other European WNV and USUV strains were determined and compared. Subsequently, simultaneous co-infections were performed with selected WNV and USUV strains. The results show that the growth of USUV was suppressed by WNV in all cell lines. This effect was independent of the virus lineage but depended on the set WNV titre. The replication of WNV also decreased in co-infection scenarios on vertebrate cells. Overall, co-infections might lead to a decreased growth of USUV in mosquitoes and of both viruses in vertebrate hosts. These interactions can strongly affect the epidemiology of USUV and WNV in areas where they co-circulate.

Fingernail Cortisol: A Biological Signal of Lifetime Major Depressive Disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Elevated levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormone cortisol are a frequently replicated finding in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the current state of research is inconclusive as to whether hypercortisolism represents a trait- or state-like biological signal of MDD. The aim of the present study was to investigate, for the first time, whether cortisol in fingernails, a highly accessible tissue, could distinguish currently remitted individuals with MDD from healthy controls. A further aim was to identify potential confounders of nail cortisol. METHODS: A total of N = 100 individuals from the general population were recruited. A structured clinical interview was administered, which resulted in two groups: n = 48 with lifetime MDD and n = 52 healthy controls. All participants answered questions on sociodemographic, lifestyle, and psychosocial characteristics. They also grew their nails for 14 days and cut them for the subsequent determination of cortisol. RESULTS: The groups differed in their nail cortisol concentrations, such that the individuals with lifetime MDD had significantly higher concentrations than the healthy controls (p = 0.041). Within the group of individuals with lifetime MDD, the number of experienced episodes was significantly correlated with cortisol (p = 0.011). Income emerged as the only significant confounder of cortisol (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Elevated fingernail cortisol appears to be a biological signal of MDD, even in the absence of a current major depressive episode. Its high accessibility and robustness render it a promising methodology for remote research as well as for the integration of biomarkers into clinical research and practice.

Impact of larvae of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus on larvae of the Culex pipiens complex from Germany in laboratory co-breeding studies.

Since the first detection of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) eggs in Germany in 2007, several populations of this species have established in Germany. Although colloquially Ae. albopictus is called an 'invasive species', it is not considered 'invasive' and therefore to be controlled according to the European Union (EU) Environmental and Nature Protection Act since evidence of displacement of native species is missing. To test the competitive potential of Ae. albopictus towards mosquito species native to Germany, laboratory experiments were conducted with larvae of this species and indigenous Cx. pipiens complex species/biotypes. First instar larvae of Ae. albopictus and of one of the native taxa were exposed to different temperatures and fed with different food sources. The ratio of individuals developing into adults as well as the time the larvae needed for development were taken as a measure of competitive outcome. In addition, the size of emerging adults was compared between control and experimental groups. Regarding developmental time, no significant differences were found between treatments and controls while significant differences were found regarding developmental rate and average wing size of individuals. Because no evidence of competitive repression of the native species was found, Ae. albopictus cannot be included in the EU list of invasive species.

Intensive care unit nurses' perception of three different methods for delirium screening: A survey (DELIS-3).

BACKGROUND: Delirium is common in critically ill patients with detrimental effects in terms of increased morbidity, mortality, costs, and human suffering. Delirium detection and management depends on systematic screening for delirium, which can be challenging to implement in clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore how nurses in the intensive care unit perceived the use of Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU), the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit-7 (CAM-ICU-7), and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) for delirium screening of patients in the intensive care unit. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, electronic-based survey of nurses' perceptions of delirium screening with the three different instruments for delirium screening. Nurses were asked to grade their perception of the usability of the three instruments and how well they were perceived to detect delirium and delirium symptom changes on a 1- to 6-point Likert scale. Open questions about perceived advantages and disadvantages of each instrument were analysed using the framework method. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven of 167 invited nurses completed the survey and rated the CAM-ICU-7 as faster and easier than the ICDSC, which was more nuanced and reflected changes in the patient's delirium better. Despite being rated as the fastest, easiest, and most used, the CAM-ICU provided less information and was considered inferior to the CAM-ICU-7 and ICDSC. Using familiar instruments made delirium screening easier, but being able to grade and nuance the delirium assessment was experienced as important for clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: Both the ICDSC and the CAM-ICU-7 were perceived well suited for detection of delirium and reflected changes in delirium intensity. The CAM-ICU was rated as fast and easy but inferior in its ability to grade and nuance the assessment of delirium. Emphasis on clinical meaningfulness and continued education in delirium screening are necessary for adherence to delirium management guidelines.

Variation in genes and hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in female mood disorders - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Women's increased risk for depression during reproductive transitions suggests an involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of HPO functioning in female mood disorders. Inclusionary criteria were: i) women suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or a depressive disorder, ii) assessment of HPO-axis related biomarkers, iii) a case-control design. Sixty-three studies (N = 5,129) were included. There was evidence for PMDD to be paralleled by lower luteal oestradiol levels. Women with depression unrelated to reproductive transition showed lower testosterone levels than healthy controls and there was some evidence for lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. There were no differences in HPO-related parameters between women with pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopausal depression and controls. Women with PMDD and depression unrelated to reproductive transitions exhibit specific changes in the HPO-axis, which potentially contribute to their symptoms. Further research into reproductive mood disorders characterised by extreme endocrine changes is warranted.

Endogenous oestradiol and progesterone as predictors of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence.

BACKGROUND: High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the main aetiological factor for the development of cervical cancer. While nearly 70% of HR-HPV infections are cleared within 12 months, in the remainder of women they persist and can progress into cervical cancer. Oestradiol and progesterone have been shown to be involved in the development and progression of cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate, for the first time, whether diurnal oestradiol and progesterone are also involved in HR-HPV persistence - before cervical cancer develops. METHODS: A total of N = 39 women between 18 and 31 years of age were investigated. All were nulliparous and regular users of combined oral contraceptives. Presence of HR-HPV was determined by cervical swabs. Salivary oestradiol and progesterone were measured upon awakening and at 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. All HR-HPV positive women were re-tested in terms of HR-HPV status 12 months later. RESULTS: HR-HPV positive women had significantly higher morning (p = .007, partial eta2 = .221) and daily oestradiol levels (p < .001, partial eta2 = .442) when compared to HR-HPV negative women. In addition, those with persistent HR-HPV 12 months later had significantly elevated morning (p = .005, partial eta2 = .534) and daily (p = .027, partial eta2 = .346) oestradiol. Progesterone was found to be unrelated to HR-HPV. CONCLUSIONS: Oestradiol was positively linked to HR-HPV presence and persistence. Provided that these findings are replicated, regular monitoring of oestradiol levels may prove useful in identifying women who are at risk of developing cervical cancer.

The Drosophila fussel gene is required for bitter gustatory neuron differentiation acting within an Rpd3 dependent chromatin modifying complex.

Members of the Ski/Sno protein family are classified as proto-oncogenes and act as negative regulators of the TGF-ß/BMP-pathways in vertebrates and invertebrates. A newly identified member of this protein family is fussel (fuss), the Drosophila homologue of the human functional Smad suppressing elements (fussel-15 and fussel-18). We and others have shown that Fuss interacts with SMAD4 and that overexpression leads to a strong inhibition of Dpp signaling. However, to be able to characterize the endogenous Fuss function in Drosophila melanogaster, we have generated a number of state of the art tools including anti-Fuss antibodies, specific fuss-Gal4 lines and fuss mutant fly lines via the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Fuss is a predominantly nuclear, postmitotic protein, mainly expressed in interneurons and fuss mutants are fully viable without any obvious developmental phenotype. To identify potential target genes or cells affected in fuss mutants, we conducted targeted DamID experiments in adult flies, which revealed the function of fuss in bitter gustatory neurons. We fully characterized fuss expression in the adult proboscis and by using food choice assays we were able to show that fuss mutants display defects in detecting bitter compounds. This correlated with a reduction of gustatory receptor gene expression (Gr33a, Gr66a, Gr93a) providing a molecular link to the behavioral phenotype. In addition, Fuss interacts with Rpd3, and downregulation of rpd3 in gustatory neurons phenocopies the loss of Fuss expression. Surprisingly, there is no colocalization of Fuss with phosphorylated Mad in the larval central nervous system, excluding a direct involvement of Fuss in Dpp/BMP signaling. Here we provide a first and exciting link of Fuss function in gustatory bitter neurons. Although gustatory receptors have been well characterized, little is known regarding the differentiation and maturation of gustatory neurons. This work therefore reveals Fuss as a pivotal element for the proper differentiation of bitter gustatory neurons acting within a chromatin modifying complex.

Fingernail cortisol - State of research and future directions.

The extraction of cortisol from fingernails represents a recent advancement in the retrospective, long-term assessment of hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis activity: Fingernail cortisol has the potential to overcome some of the major disadvantages of established HPA axis markers. However, the introduction of any novel methodology also raises certain caveats. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current state of research on fingernail cortisol. It identifies a number of strengths of his novel methodology (e.g., its high feasibility), while also pointing out open questions which currently challenge the interpretability of fingernail findings, in particular regarding the time period of cortisol secretion reflected in fingernail samples, as well as regarding potential determinants or confounders of fingernail cortisol (e.g. sociodemographic, lifestyle, or health characteristics). Clarification of these issues in the context of further methodological studies is necessary to validate the use of fingernail cortisol as a retrospective marker of HPA axis activity.

Is stress related to the presence and persistence of oncogenic human papillomavirus infection in young women?

BACKGROUND: Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the most important risk factor for the development of cervical cancer, but factors contributing to HR-HPV persistence are incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to test for associations of chronic stress and two aspects of diurnal cortisol secretion (i.e., the cortisol awakening response [CAR] and total cortisol output over the day [AUCgday]) with HR-HPV status at baseline and 12 months later (follow-up). METHODS: We evaluated 188 women (25 ± 3 years) at baseline. Follow-up investigation was restricted to HR-HPV infected women at baseline. Of the initial 48 HR-HPV positive participants, 42 completed the follow-up (16 HR-HPV positive and 26 HR-HPV negative). At baseline and follow-up, we determined HR-HPV status in cervical smears, assessed chronic stress, and repeatedly measured salivary cortisol over the day. At baseline, we analyzed salivary cortisol only in a subgroup of 90 participants (45 HR-HPV negative and 45 HR-HPV positive). RESULTS: At baseline, higher chronic stress (excessive demands at work: p = .022, chronic worrying: p = .032), and a higher CAR (p = .014) were related to baseline HR-HPV positivity. At follow-up, there was a statistical trend for a positive association between the CAR and HR-HPV positivity (p = .062). Neither the CAR nor the AUCgday mediated the associations between chronic stress and HR-HPV status. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that both chronic stress and diurnal cortisol are related to the presence of HR-HPV infection and may thus play a role in HPV-associated cervical carcinogenesis.

Genes and hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in post-traumatic stress disorder. What is their role in symptom expression and treatment response?

BACKGROUND: Less than half of all individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remit spontaneously and a large proportion of those seeking treatment do not respond sufficiently. This suggests that there may be subgroups of individuals who are in need of augmentative or alternative treatments. One of the most frequent pathophysiological findings in PTSD is alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, including enhanced negative feedback sensitivity and attenuated peripheral cortisol. Given the role of the HPA axis in cognition, this pattern may contribute to PTSD symptoms and interfere with key processes of standard first-line treatments, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT). METHODS: This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current state of research regarding the role of HPA axis functioning in PTSD symptoms and treatment. RESULTS: Overall, there is preliminary evidence that hypocortisolaemia contributes to symptom manifestation in PTSD; that it predicts non-responses to TF-CBT; and that it is subject to change in parallel with positive treatment trajectories. Moreover, there is evidence that genetic and epigenetic alterations within the genes NR3C1 and FKBP5 are associated with this hypocortisolaemic pattern and that some of these alterations change as symptoms improve over the course of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Future research priorities include investigations into the role of the HPA axis in day-to-day symptom variation, the time scale in which biological changes in response to treatment occur, and the effects of sex. Furthermore, before conceiving augmentative or alternative treatments that target the described mechanisms, multilevel studies are warranted.

Does rocking motion calm delirious patients in ICU? A multicentre randomised clinical trial protocol (RockingICU).

BACKGROUND: Rocking chair therapy has been explored in patients with dementia to promote the feeling of relaxation, but not in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with delirium. AIM: The aim is to investigate the effect of a chair with or without rocking motion on the duration of delirium and intensity of agitation in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. DESIGN: This is an investigator-initiated pragmatic, multicentre, parallel-grouped, centrally randomised, stratified, data analyst-blinded trial. METHOD: We will include patients for 1:1 web-based randomisation, stratified by site in patients 18 y or older with a positive delirium score identified by a validated tool. We will exclude patients mainly due to mobilisation restrictions, body weight exceeding 130 kg, inability to provide consent, and presence of multiresistant bacteria or viral droplet infections. The intervention group will receive a minimum of 20 min of rocking therapy daily. The control group will be transferred to the same type of chair but without rocking therapy daily. A power calculation with a risk reduction of 20%, a power of 80% with an alpha cut-off on 5% and further 20% inclusion gives 76 patients in intervention and control group reaching a total of n = 152 inclusion in the trial. CONCLUSION: The RockingICU trial will provide important new knowledge and raise research questions regarding nonpharmacological interventions to alleviate delirium in ICU patients.

Dysfunctional Eating Behaviour and Leptin in Middle-Aged Women: Role of Menopause and a History of Anorexia Nervosa.

BACKGROUND: Weight gain is common as women approach mid-life. Reduced levels of leptin, an anorexigenic hormone, may facilitate this. Studies in middle-aged women with obesity have shown that dysfunctional eating behaviour, such as restrained eating, is linked to lower leptin. Furthermore, states of low oestradiol signalling, as are found in post-menopause or anorexia nervosa, have been found to impact leptin levels. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, how different aspects of dysfunctional eating, menopausal status, and a history of anorexia nervosa relate to leptin levels in normal-weight middle-aged women. METHODS: A total of N = 57 women were recruited. Thirty-one were post-menopausal, and 27 had a history of anorexia nervosa. Dysfunctional eating behaviour was measured by the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, which contains three subscales: susceptibility/responsiveness to hunger, restraint, and disinhibition. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. A fasting blood sample was obtained to determine leptin. RESULTS: Controlling for age, body mass index, and fat mass, susceptibility/responsiveness to hunger was positively associated with leptin (ß = 0.267, p = 0.031), whereas restrained eating (ß = - 0.183, p = 0.079) and a history of anorexia nervosa (ß = - 0.221, p = 0.059) were, by trend, negatively associated with leptin. Neither disinhibited eating nor menopausal status was related to leptin. CONCLUSIONS: Leptin may decline as a response to repeated states of a negative energy balance. A possible implication is that mid-life weight management should avoid extreme changes in eating behaviour and instead focus on the macronutrient composition of diet and physical activity. Further, longitudinal enquiries are warranted to investigate these relationships.

Electron-rich triarylphosphines as nucleophilic catalysts for oxa-Michael reactions.

Electron-rich triarylphosphines, namely 4-(methoxyphenyl)diphenylphosphine (MMTPP) and tris(4-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphine (TMTPP), outperform commonly used triphenylphosphine (TPP) in catalyzing oxa-Michael additions. A matrix consisting of three differently strong Michael acceptors and four alcohols of varying acidity was used to assess the activity of the three catalysts. All test reactions were performed with 1 mol % catalyst loading, under solvent-free conditions and at room temperature. The results reveal a decisive superiority of TMTPP for converting poor and intermediate Michael acceptors such as acrylamide and acrylonitrile and for converting less acidic alcohols like isopropanol. With stronger Michael acceptors and more acidic alcohols, the impact of the more electron-rich catalysts is less pronounced. The experimental activity trend was rationalized by calculating the Michael acceptor affinities of all phosphine-Michael acceptor combinations. Besides this parameter, the acidity of the alcohol has a strong impact on the reaction speed. The oxidation stability of the phosphines was also evaluated and the most electron-rich TMTPP was found to be only slightly more sensitive to oxidation than TPP. Finally, the catalysts were employed in the oxa-Michael polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate. With TMTPP polymers characterized by number average molar masses of about 1200 g/mol at room temperature are accessible. Polymerizations carried out at 80 °C resulted in macromolecules containing a considerable share of Rauhut-Currier-type repeat units and consequently lower molar masses were obtained.

Hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in male depressive disorders - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sexual dysfunctions are common in men with depression. As the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is a crucial regulator of sexual function, and also affects mood and cognition, the following question arises: Is the HPG axis altered in depressed men when compared to healthy controls? To answer this question, PubMed and PsycINFO were searched. Inclusion criteria for the systematic review and meta-analysis were: (1) case-control study including male patients with a depressive disorder and (2) assessment of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestradiol, or testosterone. Seventeen studies were identified. Follicle-stimulating hormone and LH did not differ between patients and controls. By contrast, in patients, oestradiol was marginally increased (g = 0.52, 95% CI [-0.01, 1.04]; Z = 1.92, p = .055) and testosterone was significantly decreased (g = -0.45, 95% CI [-0.80, -0.10]; Z = -2.53, p = .012). Depressed men may be characterised by diminished testosterone and potentially elevated oestradiol, which beyond contributing to sexual dysfunction, could impact mood and cognition.

The Effects of Stress Beliefs on Daily Affective Stress Responses.

BACKGROUND: Negative beliefs about the effects of stress have been associated with poorer health and increased mortality. However, evidence on the psychological mechanisms linking stress beliefs to health is scarce, especially regarding real-life stress. PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of stress beliefs on affect in the daily stress process in a population prone to health-impairing effects of stress: university students. METHODS: Using daily diaries, 98 university students reported on daily perceived social and work-related stressors as well as positive and negative affect for 10 consecutive days. Stress beliefs, depressive and anxiety symptoms, neuroticism, and demographic variables were assessed prior to the daily diary phase. RESULTS: Hierarchical linear models revealed a significant cross-level interaction between negative stress beliefs and the association of daily social stressors with negative affect (B = 0.24; 99% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08-0.41, p < .001). When experiencing social stress, participants who held high negative stress beliefs had higher daily negative affect (simple slope = 4.09; p < .001); however, for participants who held low negative stress beliefs the association between daily social stress and daily negative affect was considerably smaller (simple slope = 2.12; p < .001). Moreover, individuals believing stress to be controllable showed higher positive affect throughout the 10-day daily diary phase. CONCLUSIONS: Negative stress beliefs were found to moderate the affective response to daily real-life stressors. Given the established relationship between affect and health, this study provides initial evidence of psychological mechanisms linking stress beliefs to health.

Psychobiological impact of speaking a second language in healthy young men.

The use of second languages is ubiquitous in modern societies. Despite many benefits, there is also evidence for this to cause or exacerbate stress (e.g. in the form of foreign language anxiety). The aim of the present study was to examine to which extent speaking a second language increases acute psychobiological stress in a social context. A total of N = 63 healthy Swiss males were randomly allocated to one of two conditions: completing the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) in Swiss German (their first language) vs. standard German (perceived as a second language). Repeated measures of self-reported stress, anxiety, salivary cortisol, and heart rate were obtained. Participants speaking standard German showed significantly larger cortisol increases in response to the TSST when compared to those speaking Swiss German (F(1, 61) = 5.53, p = .022, eta2 = .083). The two groups did not differ in terms of self-reported stress and anxiety, nor in their heart rate response (all p > .216). This study provides initial evidence that speaking a second language in social contexts increases the cortisol stress response. Future research should explore the short- and long-term effects this may have in populations frequently using second languages (e.g. learners of a second language, migrants).

Recurrence of Depression in Relation to History of Childhood Trauma and Hair Cortisol Concentration in a Community-Based Sample.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma represents a risk factor for developing depression with increased rates of recurrence. Mechanisms involved include a disturbed regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is a measure of long-term HPA axis activity with less interference from circadian and confounding factors. However, no study has so far used HCC to investigate the role of childhood trauma in recurrent pattern of depressive symptoms. METHODS: A community-based sample of 500 participants was recruited, and depression was assessed at 3 time points using the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire was administered to identify a history of childhood trauma. Hair samples were obtained from 144 participants for analysis of cortisol. RESULTS: Patients with recurrent depression had higher rates of childhood trauma compared to participants with no depression. Participants with current-only depression had increased HCC compared to the no depression group, while this was absent in participants with recurrent depression. Within the depressed group (both current-only and recurrent depression), those with a history of childhood physical abuse had lower HCC when compared to those with no such history. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that retrospectively reported childhood trauma is associated with protracted trajectories of depression and a distinct pattern of long-term HPA axis activity.