Exploration of Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers Among Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Cancer Survivors.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate associations among social determinants of health (SDOH), stress, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and quality of life among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic cancer survivors. SAMPLE & SETTING: Individuals who had completed cancer treatment and did not identify as White (N = 46) were recruited through community partnerships in western Massachusetts and a state cancer registry. METHODS & VARIABLES: This descriptive cross-sectional study used questionnaires and morning salivary samples to collect data between June 2022 and September 2023. RESULTS: Most participants were breast cancer survivors, were female, identified as African American or Black, and reported moderate levels of stress and low physical activity. Cortisol levels were higher among African American or Black participants, those with lower body mass index, and those with less consumption of fruit and vegetables. Higher symptom experience was associated with higher IL-6 levels. No associations were identified between IL-6 and cortisol or perceived stress and cortisol levels. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Incorporating SDOH in self-reported outcomes, including health behaviors and associated biologic indicators, can facilitate early identification and interventions to improve symptom experience and health outcomes of cancer survivors.

Fetal gender prediction by monitoring circulating steroid hormones and some biochemical parameters in maternal dromedary camels.

To predict the sex of the foetus, healthy pregnant dromedary camels (n = 24) were included. Blood samples were collected for measurements of progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, and cortisol as well as total proteins, albumin, glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Statistical analysis revealed differences between pregnant camels and pregnant camels in terms of female or male foetuses depending on the actual sex of the born calf. The results revealed that testosterone and ALP concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) greater in camels given to males than in those given to calves. There were strong positive correlations between male calf birth and testosterone and ALP concentrations (r = 0.864; P < 0.0001 and r = 0.637; P < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, the cortisol, glucose and creatinine concentrations were significantly lower (P lower in camel calved males than in females). There were significant negative correlations between male calf birth and the cortisol, glucose and creatinine concentrations (r =-0.401; P = 0.052; r =-0.445; P = 0.029 and r =-0.400; P = 0.053, respectively). The concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, calcium/phosphorus ratio, magnesium, and albumin and the albumin/globulin ratio were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the two groups. In conclusion, testosterone could be used as a biomarker to determine the sex of foetuses in dromedary camels.

Examination-related anticipatory levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and cortisol predict positive affect, examination marks and support-seeking in college students.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol release appear to have contrasting effects on stress perception during stressful tasks. This study aimed to investigate anticipatory examination stress in college students by considering DHEA, cortisol, psycho-emotional aspects and examination performance. Seventy-six students (66 females, 10 males; age range 18-25 years) provided saliva samples and completed questionnaires in two sessions 48 hours apart. During the second session, the students performed the examination. The questionnaires used were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and the Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory. DHEA, cortisol, anxiety and negative affect showed an anticipatory rise before the examination (all ps < 0.001). This rise of DHEA and cortisol was associated with lower positive affect (p = 0.001 and p = 0.043, respectively). However, only the DHEA anticipatory levels were linked to poorer examination marks (p = 0.020). Higher levels of the DHEA/cortisol ratio in anticipation of the examination were related to lower scores on the support-seeking strategy (p = 0.022). There was no association between DHEA and cortisol levels and anxiety, negative affect, active and avoidant coping strategies, or academic record. These results suggest that how DHEA and cortisol respond in anticipation of examination stress significantly impacts students' emotional well-being during examination periods and how they cope with stress. They also suggest that levels of DHEA in anticipation of an academic stressor have detrimental effects on stress management.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in Children: The Relationship between Plasma Renin Activity and Hypertension.

Background: Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) have a higher chance of hypertension. The likelihood of hypertension is higher in CAH children who get fludrocortisone medication and have an over-suppression. Plasma renin activity (PRA) is a sensitive indicator when the fludrocortisone dose is insufficient. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between plasma renin activity with hypertension in 21-hydroxylase-deficient (21-OHD) CAH children. Methods: This cross-sectional observational analytical study was conducted in 2019 at the Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), Jakarta, Indonesia. The subjects were 21-OHD CAH children, aged >6 months to 18 years who had already taken hydrocortisone with or without fludrocortisone for at least 6 months, and were divided into hypertension and non-hypertension groups. The subjects were selected by a consecutive sampling method. Data was analyzed using SPSS software (version 23.0) with unpaired t test analysis and multiple logistic regression test. Statistical significance was achieved if P<0.05. Results: Forty 21-OHD CAH patients were included, and 20 subjects (50%) had hypertension. A higher incidence of hypertension was found in salt-wasting CAH than in simple virilizing types (59.3% vs 30.8%). There was a significant mean difference in PRA levels between hypertension and non-hypertension groups in salt-wasting patients (P=0.016). A significant difference between the last dose of hydrocortisone with the number of hypertension patients in salt-wasting patients (P=0.032) was found, and low PRA levels showed a 1.09 times higher risk of hypertension. Conclusion: Children with salt-wasting CAH with low PRA levels had a higher risk of getting hypertension.

Sex-related differences in young binge drinkers on the neurophysiological response to stress in virtual reality.

Background: Stress is one of the main environmental factors involved in the onset of different psychopathologies. In youth, stressful life events can trigger inappropriate and health-damaging behaviors, such as binge drinking. This behavior, in turn, can lead to long-lasting changes in the neurophysiological response to stress and the development of psychological disorders late in life, e.g., alcohol use disorder. Our aim was to analyze the pattern of neurophysiological responses triggered with the exposition to a stressful virtual environment in young binge drinkers. Methods: AUDIT-3 (third question from the full AUDIT) was used to detect binge drinking (BD) in our young sample (age 18-25 years). According to the score, participants were divided into control (CO) and BD group. Next, a standardized virtual reality (VR) scenario (Richie's Plank) was used for triggering the stress response while measuring the following neurophysiological variables: brain electrical activity by electroencephalogram (EEG) and cortisol levels through saliva samples both measurements registered before and after the stressful situation. Besides, heart rate (HR) with a pulsometer and electrodermal response (EDA) through electrodes placed on fingers were analyzed before, during and after the VR task. Results: Regarding the behavior assessed during the VR task, BD group spent significantly less amount of time walking forward the table and a tendency toward more time walking backwards. There was no statistically significant difference between the BD and the CO group regarding time looking down, but when we controlled the variable sex, the BD women group displayed higher amount of time looking down than the rest of the groups. Neurophysiological measurements revealed that there was not any statistically significant difference between groups in any of the EEG registered measures, EDA response and cortisol levels. Sex-related differences were found in HR response to VR scenario, in which BD women displayed the highest peak of response to the stressor. Also, the change in heartbeat was higher in BD women than men. Conclusion: Unveiling the neurophysiological alterations associated with BD can help us to prevent and detect early onset of alcohol use disorder. Also, from our data we conclude that participants' sex can modulate some stress responses, especially when unhealthy behaviors such as BD are present. Nevertheless, the moment of registration of the neurophysiological variables respect to the stressor seems to be a crucial variable.

Life-history stage influences immune investment and oxidative stress in response to environmental heterogeneity in Antarctic fur seals.

Immune defenses are crucial for survival but costly to develop and maintain. Increased immune investment is therefore hypothesized to trade-off with other life-history traits. Here, we examined innate and adaptive immune responses to environmental heterogeneity in wild Antarctic fur seals. In a fully crossed, repeated measures design, we sampled 100 pups and their mothers from colonies of contrasting density during seasons of contrasting food availability. Biometric and cortisol data as well as blood for the analysis of 13 immune and oxidative status markers were collected at two key life-history stages. We show that immune responses of pups are more responsive than adults to variation in food availability, but not population density, and are modulated by cortisol and condition. Immune investment is associated with different oxidative status markers in pups and mothers. Our results suggest that early life stages show greater sensitivity to extrinsic and intrinsic effectors, and that immunity may be a strong target for natural selection even in low-pathogen environments such as Antarctica.

Pilot study assessing gut microbial diversity among sexual and gender minority young adults.

Evidence supports that people identifying as a sexual or gender minority (SGMs) experience minority-related stress resulting from discrimination or expectations of prejudice, and that this is associated with increased mental and physical health problems compared to cisgender heterosexuals. However, the biological mechanisms driving minority-related stress impacts remain unknown, including the role of the gut microbiome. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between SGM status and gut microbiome health among young adults attending a 4-year university. To this end, a prospective pilot study was completed in the fall and spring semesters of 2021-22. Self-identified SGMs (N = 22) and cisgender-heterosexuals (CIS-HET, N = 43) completed in-person interviews to provide mental health data and demographic information. Nail and saliva samples were collected at the time of interview to quantify chronic and acute cortisol. Stool samples were collected within 48 hours of interview for microbiome analysis. Assessment of the gut microbiota identified a significant reduction in alpha diversity among the SGM group, even when adjusting for mental health outcome. SGM group showed trends for higher abundance of microbes in phylum Bacteroidetes and lower abundance of microbes in phyla Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria compared to the CIS-HET group. These findings support that the gut microbiome could be contributing to negative health effects among the SGM community.

Uneventful vaginal delivery using epidural anesthesia in patient with exercise induced anaphylaxis: a case report and literature review.

Exercise induced anaphylaxis (EIA) is a rare and potentially life-threatening syndrome characterized by anaphylaxis provoked by exercise. Although vaginal delivery with labor pain is a physical strain for women and a possible trigger for EIA, no consensus exists on the management strategy of delivery in patients with EIA. A 28-year-old primigravida was referred to our hospital because of history of EIA, associated with pruritus, urticaria, and respiratory distress, exacerbated during physical activity. To avoid physical stress, we chose scheduled labor induction with epidural anesthesia, and administered prophylactic intravenous hydrocortisone. She delivered vaginally with no symptoms suggestive of EIA during labor. Since it is quite possible for patients with EIA to develop anaphylaxis during vaginal delivery with labor pain, epidural anesthesia and prophylactic steroid administration may be the most rational approaches for delivery in pregnant women with EIA.

Reducing neuroendocrine psychosocial stress response through socio-emotional dyadic but not mindfulness online training.

Introduction: Stress-related diseases pose significant health risks and show wide prevalence. Empirical evidence suggests that contemplative practices, such as socio-emotional dyadic mental exercises, hold promise in mitigating the adverse effects of stress and promoting psychosocial well-being. This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of two online contemplative mental training programs on the psychosocial stress response: the first involved classic mindfulness practices, while the second incorporated a socio-emotional dyadic approach known as Affect Dyad. Methods: The study was conducted as part of the longitudinal CovSocial project's phase 2 in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. 140 individuals participated in the Trier Social Stress Task (TSST), where the psychosocial stress response was assessed with cortisol saliva samples and subjective stress questionnaires in a cross-sectional design after the active training groups finished their intervention period. Participants were randomly assigned to the socio-emotional training group, mindfulness-based training group, or a control group that did not receive any training. Both training programs consisted of a ten-week intervention period with a daily 12-minute app-based mental training practice and weekly 2-hour online coaching sessions led by mental training teachers. Results: Results showed that the socio-emotional Dyad group but not the mindfulness-based group exhibited significantly lower cortisol levels at 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes after the stressor as well as lower total cortisol output compared to the control group during the TSST, indicating a reduced hormonal stress response to a social stressor. Subjective markers did not show differences between the three groups. Discussion: These findings indicate that the daily socio-emotional dyadic practice, which emphasizes non-judgmental and empathic listening as well as the acceptance of challenging emotions in the presence of others within one's daily life context, may serve as a protective factor against the adverse effects of psychosocial stress triggered by the fear of negative social judgments. Given the high prevalence of stress-related diseases, such online mental training programs based on dyadic practices may thus represent an efficient and scalable approach for stress reduction.

Should we routinely assess hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome?

Background: It has been reported that central adrenal insufficiency (CAI) in pediatric patients (pts) with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) may be a potential cause of their sudden death. In addition, the risk of CAI may increase during treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). Objective: To prevent both over- and undertreatment with hydrocortisone, we evaluated the prevalence of CAI in a large multicenter cohort of pediatric pts with PWS analyzing adrenal response in the low-dose ACTH test (LDAT) and/or the glucagon stimulation test (GST) and reviewing the literature. Methods: A total of 46 pts with PWS were enrolled to the study, including 34 treated with rhGH with a median dose of 0.21 mg/kg/week. LDAT was performed in 46 pts, and GST was carried out in 13 pts. Both tests were conducted in 11 pts. The tests began at 8:00 a.m. Hormones were measured by radioimmunoassays. Serum cortisol response >181.2 ng/mL (500 nmol/L) in LDAT and >199.3 ng/mL (550 nmol/L) in GST was considered a normal response. Additionally, cortisol response delta (the difference between baseline and baseline) >90 ng/mL and doubling/tripling of baseline cortisol were considered indicators of normal adrenal reserve. Results: Three GSTs were not diagnostic (no hypoglycemia obtained). LDAT results suggested CAI in four pts, but in two out of four pts, and CAI was excluded in GST. GST results suggested CAI in only one patient, but it was excluded in LDAT. Therefore, CAI was diagnosed in 2/46 pts (4.3%), 1 treated and 1 untreated with rhGH, with the highest cortisol values of 162 and 175 ng/dL, but only in one test. However, in one of them, the cortisol delta response was >90 ng/mL and peak cortisol was more than tripled from baseline. Finally, CAI was diagnosed in one patient treated with rhGH (2.2%). Conclusion: We present low prevalence of CAI in pediatric pts with PWS according to the latest literature. Therefore, we do not recommend to routinely screen the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) in all pts with PWS, both treated and untreated with rhGH. According to a review of the literature, signs and symptoms or low morning ACTH levels suggestive of CAI require urgent and appropriate diagnosis of HPAA by stimulation test. Our data indicate that the diagnosis of CAI should be confirmed by at least two tests to prevent overtreatment with hydrocortisone.

Dissimilar Changes in Serum Cortisol after Epileptic and Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures: A Promising Biomarker in the Differential Diagnosis of Paroxysmal Events?

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. Epileptic seizures (ESs) and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNESs) are frequently differentially misdiagnosed. This study aimed to evaluate changes in serum cortisol and prolactin levels after ESs and PNESs as possible differential diagnostic biomarkers. Patients over 18 years with ESs (n = 29) and PNESs with motor manifestations (n = 45), captured on video-EEG monitoring, were included. Serum cortisol and prolactin levels as well as hemograms were assessed in blood samples taken at admission, during the first hour after the seizure, and after 6, 12, and 24 h. Cortisol and prolactine response were evident in the ES group (but not the PNES group) as an acute significant increase within the first hour after seizure. The occurrence of seizures in patients with ESs and PNESs demonstrated different circadian patterns. ROC analysis confirmed the accuracy of discrimination between paroxysmal events based on cortisol response: the AUC equals 0.865, with a prediction accuracy at the cutoff point of 376.5 nmol/L 0.811 (sensitivity 86.7%, specificity 72.4%). Thus, assessments of acute serum cortisol response to a paroxysmal event may be regarded as a simple, fast, and minimally invasive laboratory test contributing to differential diagnosis of ESs and PNESs.

Acute Hormonal and Inflammatory Responses following Lower and Upper Body Resistance Exercises Performed to Volitional Failure.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single bench press (BP) vs. leg press (LP) resistance training sessions on testosterone, cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP) interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations, and creatine kinase (CK) activity in strength-trained males. Eleven strength-trained males participated in a cross-over randomized trial, undergoing two experimental sessions each consisting of five sets of the BP or the LP exercise to volitional failure with a load corresponding to 50% of one-repetition maximum. Blood samples were taken at baseline (BA), immediately post (POST), and 1 h after the cessation of exercise (POST-1). A significant increase in IL-6 concentration from BA to POST-1 was observed during the LP condition (p = 0.004; effect size [ES] = 0.64). Additionally, a significant main effect of time was found for increasing testosterone concentrations from BA to POST exercise (p = 0.014; ES = 0.25). A significantly lower cortisol concentration at POST-1 compared to POST (p = 0.001; ES = 1.02) was noted in the BP condition. Furthermore, a significantly lower cortisol concentration was found at POST-1 in the BP compared to the LP condition (p = 0.022; ES = 1.3). A significant increase in CK activity was reported from BA to POST (p = 0.024; ES = 0.69) and POST-1 (p = 0.045; ES = 0.55) during the LP condition, and from BA to POST-1 (p = 0.014; ES = 0.96) during the BP condition. No significant differences were found in the CRP (p = 0.659) and TNF-α concentrations (p = 0.487). These results suggest that the amount of muscle mass engaged during the resistance exercise may influence the changes in IL-6 and cortisol concentrations. Larger muscle groups, as engaged in the LP, more likely lead to elevated concentrations of IL-6 myokine.

Assessing the predictive value of the suppressed 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test in success of bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery has been proven to be a successful intervention for managing obesity. There are numerous studies in the literature aiming to predict the factors influencing the success of bariatric surgery. Our study aims to determine whether preoperative 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (1 mg-DST) serum cortisol levels can serve as predictors of the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in severe obese patients without Cushing syndrome. A total of 98 patients who underwent bariatric surgery were included in the study. The preoperative 1 mg-DST levels, insulin levels, thyroid function tests, and lipid profiles of the patients were recorded. The patients' preoperative, postoperative 3rd, and 6th month weights were recorded and the percent total weight loss (%TWL) is calculated. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on their TWL at 6 months. The 1 mg-DST results were significantly lower in the high-TWL-6 group (0.93 ±â€…0.37 µg/dL) compared to the low-TWL-6 group (1.09 ±â€…0.36 µg/dL, P = .040). Similarly, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance values were lower in the high-TWL-6 group (5.63 ±â€…2.21) compared to the low-TWL-6 group (6.63 ±â€…2.55, P = .047). The optimal cutoff value found for 1 mg-DST level was 0.97 µg/dL, providing 50% sensitivity and 70% specificity. This study is the first to examine the predictive role of suppressed 1 mg-DST levels on postoperative weight loss in nondiabetic patients. The most prominent result of this study was that we observed a negative correlation between 1 mg-DST levels and %TWL.

Study protocol for a prospective, multicentre study of hypercortisolism in patients with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes (CATALYST): prevalence and treatment with mifepristone.

INTRODUCTION: Even with recent treatment advances, type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains poorly controlled for many patients, despite the best efforts to adhere to therapies and lifestyle modifications. Although estimates vary, studies indicate that in >10% of individuals with difficult-to-control T2D, hypercortisolism may be an underlying contributing cause. To better understand the prevalence of hypercortisolism and the impact of its treatment on T2D and associated comorbidities, we describe the two-part Hyper c ortisolism in P at ients with Difficult to Control Type 2 Di a betes Despite Receiving Standard-of-Care Therapies: Preva l ence and Treatment with Korl y m® (Mifepri st one) (CATALYST) trial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In part 1, approximately 1000 participants with difficult-to-control T2D (haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 7.5%-11.5% despite multiple therapies) are screened with a 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Those with post-DST cortisol >1.8 µg/dL and dexamethasone level ≥140 ng/dL are identified to have hypercortisolism (part 1 primary endpoint), have morning adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) measured and undergo a non-contrast adrenal CT scan. Those requiring evaluation for elevated ACTH are referred for care outside the study; those with ACTH and DHEAS in the range may advance to part 2, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the impact of treating hypercortisolism with the competitive glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone (Korlym®). Participants are randomised 2:1 to mifepristone or placebo for 24 weeks, stratified by the presence/absence of an abnormal adrenal CT scan. Mifepristone is dosed at 300 mg once daily for 4 weeks, then 600 mg daily based on tolerability and clinical improvement, with an option to increase to 900 mg. The primary endpoint of part 2 assesses changes in HbA1c in participants with hypercortisolism with or without abnormal adrenal CT scan. Secondary endpoints include changes in antidiabetes medications, cortisol-related comorbidities and quality of life. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by Cleveland Clinic IRB (Cleveland, Ohio, USA) and Advarra IRB (Columbia, Maryland, USA). Findings will be presented at scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05772169.

Modulation of the attentional response to baby schema by testosterone in pedohebephilic men and its relation to the nurturing system.

Previous fMRI research found increased brain responses in men with pedophilic interest to non-sexual pictures of child and animal faces. This raised the question of whether an aberrant nurturing system could be linked to pedophilia. To further explore this hypothesis, 20 pedohebephilic and 23 teleiophilic men performed a target detection task with adult versus infant human and animal faces, which measured selective attention towards the baby schema by comparing reaction times to infant versus adult targets that were presented amongst distractors of the other category. Since the response to baby schema can be influenced by steroid hormones, saliva samples were additionally collected to determine endogenous testosterone, progesterone, estradiol and cortisol. Contrary to expectations, all men did not react faster to infant than adult faces. Yet, pedohebephilic men were more distracted by infant's faces than teleiophilic men. Pedohebephilic men with higher testosterone were faster in orienting attention to infant targets in the context of adult distractors. This association was not observed in teleiophilic men. Our results support the idea of an overactive nurturing system in pedophilia, which may be influenced by the endogenous testosterone level.

Within-person biological mechanisms of mood variability in childhood and adolescence.

Mood variability, the day-to-day fluctuation in mood, differs between individuals and develops during adolescence. Because adolescents show higher mood variability and average mood than children and adults, puberty might be a potential biological mechanism underlying this increase. The goal of this preregistered developmental study was to examine the neural and hormonal underpinnings of adolescent-specific within-person changes in mood variability, with a specific focus on testosterone, cortisol, pubertal status, and resting-state functional brain connectivity. Data from two longitudinal cohorts were used: the L-CID twin study (aged 7-13, N at the first timepoint = 258) and the accelerated Leiden Self-Concept study (SC; aged 11-21, N at the first timepoint = 138). In both studies resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data was collected, as well as daily mood. Additionally, in the SC study self-reported puberty testosterone and cortisol were collected. Random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM) were used to study the within-person relations between these biological measures and mood variability and average mood. Mood variability and average mood peaked in adolescence and testosterone levels and self-reported puberty also showed an increase. Connectivity between prefrontal cortex (dlPFC and vmPFC) and subcortical regions (caudate, amygdala) decreased across development. Moreover, higher testosterone predicted average negative mood at the next time point, but not vice versa. Further, stronger vmPFC-amygdala functional connectivity predicted decreases in mood variability. Here, we show that brain connectivity during development is an important within-person biological mechanism of the development of mood in adolescents. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Mood variability peaks in adolescence. Within-person changes in testosterone predict within-person changes in mood. Within-person changes in vmPFC-amygdala connectivity predict within-person changes in mood variability.

A blend of chitosan-vitamin C and vitamin E nanoparticles robust the immunosuppressed- status in Nile tilapia treated with salt.

In aquaculture, fish are exposed to many stressors, such as climate changes and infectious diseases that affect their performance, immunity, and welfare. Freshwater fish subjected to salt bath become exhausted and stressed. In this experiment, Nile tilapia were exposed to a salt bath at a dose of 30 ppt for 30 min a day. Vitamin C and vitamin E are well-known antioxidants that are used in aquaculture. Fish received dietary nanoparticles of chitosan-vitamin C and chitosan-vitamin E (CCE-NPs) for different periods (7 and 14 days) pre- (G2) and post-salt treatment (G3). In the control fish (G1), cortisol 5.44 µg/dL and glucose 91.67 mg/dL were significantly up-regulated post-salt treatment by 1 h and 24 h, respectively, whereas those (G2) fed CCE-NPs diet had significantly lower values of 4.72 and 3.25 µg/dL; 86.3 and 84.3 mg/dL, respectively. A rapid decrease of glucose 68.3 and 66.3 mg/dL was noticed in those (G2) fed CCE-NPs diet compared to the control 84.67 mg/dL at 48 h post-stress. Regardless of the supplementation period, fish (G2) could partially restore normal food reflex at 48 h (post-salt bath) and fully restored at 72 h compared to 7 days in the control (G1). After 48 h, fish that received dietary CCE-NPs (G2 and G3) restored normal mucus lysozyme levels, whereas the control did not restore pre-treatment values till the seventh day. Mucus antibacterial activity, fish received rapid dietary CCE-NPs (G2) and partially restored average values (pre-salt bath) at 96 h. The salt treatment could provoke gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis (TNF)-α in the head kidney of fish at 24 h post-salt bath to 5.9-8.35 fold-change, respectively, with a rapid decline in fish (G2) the gene expression. Post-salt bath (24 h), the gene expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) was higher in fish (G2) than in the control group (G1) regardless of the supplementation period (7 and 14 days). Bacterial infection S. agalactiae (OL471408), a significantly lower MR was recorded in G2 at 40% and 33.3% compared to the control G1 MR (53.3%), with an RPL of 24.95% and 37.5%. In conclusion, Nile tilapia treated with a 30 ppt salt became more vulnerable to S. agalactiae. Adding CCE-NPs to the Nile tilapia diet for 7- and 14-day pre-salt bath could increase immune and antioxidant-related gene expression to counteract S. agalactiae infection.

Acute clomipramine exposure elicits dose-dependent surfacing behavior in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Chronic treatment with clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant drug, reduces symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and can influence the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, little is known regarding the effects of acute clomipramine on the immediate expression of stress responses. Serotonergic drugs can elicit surfacing, a behavioral profile potentially related to toxicity in fish, although surfacing has not yet been observed after clomipramine exposure. The present study investigated the impact of acute exposure to clomipramine on basal and stress-induced behaviors in the novel tank test and cortisol levels in mixed-sex, wild-type, adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). The findings show clomipramine-exposed groups (regardless of stress exposure) spent much more time in the top of the novel tank and had significantly less overall motor activity in the behavioral task compared to the fish not exposed to the drug. Then, the dose-dependent effects of acute clomipramine on activity in the surface of the novel tank (top third of the top half) were investigated further. Clomipramine dose-dependently increased surface-dwelling and elicited a dose-dependent hypoactivity in overall motor behavior. There were no statistically significant differences in whole-body cortisol levels in either experiment. Like other serotonin-acting drugs, clomipramine strongly elicited surface-dwelling and depressed motor behavior in adult zebrafish. Additional testing is needed to elucidate whether surfacing represents a toxic state and how serotonin regulates surfacing.

The impact of marriage equality campaigns on stress: Did a Swiss public vote get under the skin?

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals encounter persistent structural inequalities and discrimination that can lead to detrimental psychological and physiological health outcomes. Amid evolving legal landscapes, little attention has been directed toward understanding the physiological health effects of societal shifts on these communities. This study aims to explore the impact of a national marriage equality vote and associated debates on psychological and biological stress among LGBTIQ+ individuals and cisgender, heterosexual, endosex individuals (termed cis-heterosexual) in Switzerland. We gathered longitudinal survey and biological data collected in hair samples among LGBTIQ+ and cis-heterosexual individuals before, during, and after the 2021 national vote (survey data: NT1T2 = 954; NT2T3 = 880; biological data: NT1T2 = 393; NT2T3 = 354). Preregistered analyses reveal a notable increase in biological stress levels (i.e., cortisol and cortisone levels), but not perceived stress, among both LGBTIQ+ as well as cis-heterosexual individuals who were close to them during the campaign. Results further point out the negative impacts of the campaign against marriage equality (i.e., no-campaign) on LGBTIQ+ individuals' biological stress levels as well as on those of their allies. These effects were, however, moderated by exposure to the campaign for marriage equality (i.e., yes-campaign), indicating the powerful buffering effects of the yes-campaign on the impact of discrimination on individuals' health. However, these positive effects appear to come at a cost, potentially impacting the well-being of individuals engaged in advocating for the yes-campaign. This research underscores the lasting impact of political campaigns on individuals' health.

[Cushing syndrome because of herbal supplement]. / Syndroom van Cushing door kruidenpreparaat.

The use of exogenous glucocorticoids is a common cause of Cushing syndrome. We present a case of exogenous Cushing syndrome caused by Binahong: an over-the-counter 'herbal' supplement. A 54-year-old woman presented with weight gain, joint pain, hypertension and poorly regulated type 2 diabetes mellitus despite the start of semaglutide one year before presentation. Physical examination revealed signs of steroid excess with a moon face and abdominal obesity. Her serum cortisol level and ACTH level were suppressed. Synthetic glucocorticoid screening revealed a positive dexamethason level in the herbal supplement. After stopping the supplement her serum cortisol and dexamethason increased to normal levels. This case emphasizes the importance of awareness for the use of supplements containing hidden glucocorticoids causing Cushing syndrome.