Acute stress enhances while chronic stress suppresses skin immunity. The role of stress hormones and leukocyte trafficking

Effect of dietary macronutrients and immune challenge on gut microbiota, physiology and feeding behaviour in zebra finches

Macronutrients play a vital role in host immunity and can influence host-pathogen dynamics, potentially through dietary effects on gut microbiota. To increase our understanding of how dietary macronutrients affect physiology and gut microbiota and investigate whether feeding behaviour is influenced by an immune threat, we conducted two experiments. First, we determined whether zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) exhibit shifts in physiology and gut microbiota when fed diets differing in macronutrient ratios. We found the type and amount of diet consumed affected gut microbiota alpha diversity, where microbial richness and Shannon diversity increased with caloric intake in birds fed a high-fat diet and decreased with caloric intake in birds fed a high protein diet. Diet macronutrient content did not affect physiological metrics, but lower caloric intake was associated with higher complement activity. In our second experiment, we simulated an infection in birds using the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and quantified feeding behaviour in immune challenged and control individuals, as well as birds housed near either a control pair (no immune threat), or birds housed near a pair given an immune challenge with LPS (social cue of heightened infection risk). We also examined whether social cues of infection alter physiological responses relevant to responding to an immune threat, an effect that could be mediated through shifts in feeding behaviour. LPS induced a reduction in caloric intake driven by a decrease in protein, but not fat consumption. No evidence was found for socially induced shifts in feeding behaviour, physiology or gut microbiota. Our findings carry implications for host health, as sickness-induced anorexia and diet-induced shifts in the microbiome could shape host-pathogen interactions.

SIR+ models: accounting for interaction-dependent disease susceptibility in the planning of public health interventions

Avoiding physical contact is regarded as one of the safest and most advisable strategies to follow to reduce pathogen spread. The flip side of this approach is that a lack of social interactions may negatively affect other dimensions of health, like induction of immunosuppressive anxiety and depression or preventing interactions of importance with a diversity of microbes, which may be necessary to train our immune system or to maintain its normal levels of activity. These may in turn negatively affect a population's susceptibility to infection and the incidence of severe disease. We suggest that future pandemic modelling may benefit from relying on 'SIR+ models': epidemiological models extended to account for the benefits of social interactions that affect immune resilience. We develop an SIR+ model and discuss which specific interventions may be more effective in balancing the trade-off between minimizing pathogen spread and maximizing other interaction-dependent health benefits. Our SIR+ model reflects the idea that health is not just the mere absence of disease, but rather a state of physical, mental and social well-being that can also be dependent on the same social connections that allow pathogen spread, and the modelling of public health interventions for future pandemics should account for this multidimensionality.

Intraperitoneal administration of kisspeptin-10 modulates follicle maturation, gonadal steroids, calcium and metabolites in Sterlet sturgeon, Acipenser ruthenus

Kisspeptin is a multifunctional neurohormone, primarily involved in the regulation of reproduction. We tested whether peripheral administration of kisspeptin10 (KP-10) via intraperitoneal injection or slow release affects reproductive hormones and metabolites in Sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus). Plasma and mucus 17β-estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T), plasma and follicular vitellogenin (VTG) and calcium (Ca) as well as glucose and lipids were determined. Mature Sterlet sturgeon were grouped into six groups: saline i.p injection (control), human kisspeptin (hKP-10) i.p injection; acipenser kisspeptin (aKP-10) i.p injection; hKP-10 (slow release); aKP-10 (slow-release) and no treatment control. No effect for KP-10 on sturgeon body weight was found after 4 weeks of treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant disparity in plasma E2 levels. It was significantly different between groups (time, P = 0.0022). E2 in epithelia mucosa showed significant difference between and within groups in the acute group (time, P = 0.0252; treatment, P = 0.0423; time × treatment, P = 0.0429). T levels were unaffected by treatments (P > 0.05). The presence of synthetic aKP-10 led to an elevation in oocyte and plasma VTG levels (P < 0.05). Prolonged exposure to this peptide resulted in an increase in plasma calcium levels. Simultaneously, there was an augmentation in the number of mature follicles. Regardless of the duration of exposure, aKP-10 significantly elevated plasma glucose levels in Sterlet (P < 0.0). Additionally, KP-10 led to an increase in plasma lipids and cholesterol in Sterlet. Overall, our data support an involvement for KP-10 in the regulation of gonadal steroid hormones, oocyte maturation and metabolite levels in sturgeon, suggesting a positive role for this peptide in the reproductive physiology of this species.

The relationship between exposure to environmental noise and risk of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Noise is defined as unwanted sound. It may induce negative emotions and mental health problems and may even lead to increased suicide risk. However, the impact of noise exposure on environmental diseases and disease severity is not well understood. This study aimed to elucidate the association between night-time noise exposure and the prevalence of environmental diseases in South Korea.

METHODS

We conducted an analysis of the Environmental Disease Database provide by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) from 2013 to 2017. After spatially interpolating the noise data provided by the National Noise Information System (NNIS), night-time noise values in the district level were obtained by calculating the mean noise values at the administrative district level. The linear regression analyses were performed to test the association between the age-standardized prevalence ratio (SPR) and the night-time noise exposure in the district level.

RESULTS

In areas with high night-time noise exposure (≥55 dB), the SPR for atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis were 1.0515 (95 % confidence interval [CI]:1.0508-1.0521) and 1.0202 (95 % CI:1.0201-1.0204), respectively, which were higher than those in the general population. The SPR for environmental diseases, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, was 1.0104 (95 % CI:1.0103-1.0105). Additionally, a significant linear association was observed between the level of nocturnal noise exposure and the total hospitalization period for atopic dermatitis (β = 399.3, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

We provide evidence of a significant association between night-time environmental noise and environmental diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, we observed a significant linear association between night-time noise exposure and the severity of atopic dermatitis.

Aloe Extracts Inhibit Skin Inflammatory Responses by Regulating NF-κB, ERK, and JNK Signaling Pathways in an LPS-Induced RAW264.7 Macrophages Model

Introduction

Inflammation generally refers to the body's defensive response to stimuli, and skin inflammation is still one of the major problems that affect human physical and mental health. While current pharmacological treatments are reported to have cytotoxicity and various side effects, herbal medicines with few side effects and low cytotoxicity are considered as alternative therapeutic approaches.

Methods

In order to investigate anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of ALOE, the potential cytotoxicity of A. vera extracts (ALOE) was determined in vitro at first. The production of the pro-inflammatory proteins (ie, IL-6, TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and ultraviolet A (UVA)-stimulated HaCaT and RAW264.7 cells were then treated with ALOE to test its inhibitory effects using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To further explore the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ALOE, quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression of inflammatory genes iNOS, COX-2 and NO production. For NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways analysis, Western blotting and nuclear fluorescence staining were used to evaluate the expression of key factors.

Results

ALOE did not exhibit obvious cytotoxicity (0-3 mg/mL) in vitro. ALOE was able to inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and functioned more prominently in LPS-induced model. ALOE could also suppress the mRNA expression of LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 and further down-regulate NO level. Furthermore, ALOE reduced the protein expression of P65 in NF-κB signaling pathway and suppressed LPS-induced activation of ERK and JNK, instead of p38 MAPK pathway.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results demonstrated that ALOE is a potential treatment in suppressing LPS-stimulated inflammation reactions targeting NF-κB, JNK and ERK signaling pathways. The anti-inflammatory effects of ALOE indicated that it has the potential to become an effective cosmetic ingredient.

Temperature Extreme Events Decrease Endocrine and Immune Reactive Scope in Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus)

Currently, effects of increased atmospheric temperature, in the context of ongoing climate change, have been investigated in multiple organisms and levels of biological organization. While there has been a focus on the impacts of increased mean temperature, an emergent and equally important point is the consequences of recurrent exposure to extreme temperature events, simulating heat waves. This study investigated the effects of serial exposure to high temperatures on immune and endocrine variables before and after exposure to an acute secondary stressor in bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus). Adult males were divided into three groups and subjected to three thermal regimes: control (c; constant 22°C); experimental 1 (E1; kept at 22°C and exposed to 4 days of 30°C every 16 days); and experimental 2 (E2; kept at 22°C and exposed to 4 days of 30°C every 6 days). Blood samples were collected on the last day of key extreme heat events. Two weeks after the last extreme heat event, animals were subjected to restraint stress (1 h) and sampled again. Blood samples were used to determine neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio, plasma bacterial killing ability, as well as, corticosterone and plasma testosterone levels. Overall, we found exposure to extreme heat events did not affect immune and endocrine variables over time. Meanwhile, the previous exposure to extreme heat events modulated the responsiveness to restraint. The amplitude of increased corticosterone plasma levels and neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio in response to restraint decreased with the number of previous exposures to extreme heat events. These results suggest that exposure to extreme climatic events has hidden effects on bullfrog's stress response, expressed as diminished reactive scope to a novel stressor. This represents a highly deleterious facet of climate change since diminished responsiveness prevents proper coping with wildlife challenges.

Stress Suppresses Systemic Th17/Treg Imbalance in Rats with Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis

PURPOSE

To explore the effect of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) on the immune response involved in rats with experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU).

METHODS

Lewis rats were randomly divided into control, EAU, CUMS, and EAU+CUMS groups and received relevant treatments. On days 7, 11, 14, 21 and 28, frequencies of Th17 and Treg cells and the related cytokines were analyzed.

RESULTS

The intraocular inflammation of EAU rats peaked between days 11 and 13, while the severity of inflammation of the rats in EAU+CUMS group fluctuated between 11 and 15 days. Both frequencies of Th17, Treg cells and the related cytokines exhibited a significant difference between the two groups on days 11 and 14.

CONCLUSION

CUMS may protect against the possible harmful effects of immune disorder in rats with EAU through suppressing the immune disorder of T lymphocyte and the related cytokine responses.

Early stage ultraviolet irradiation damage to skin collagen can be suppressed by HPA axis control via controlled CYP11B

UV rays constitute an extremely important environmental factor known to operate adaptative mechanisms that maintain biological homeostasis in the skin, adrenal glands, and the brain. The skin is extremely vulnerable to UV rays. UV rays deform collagen, the main component of elastic fibers, decreasing its normal function, and ultimately reducing skin's elasticity. We confirmed that psychological stress occurring during the early stages of UVB-irradiation degraded collagen function by inhibiting production rather than the decomposition of collagen, thereby promoting skin aging. UV irradiation for 0-2 weeks increased the level of a stress factor, corticosterone (CORT). High-performance liquid chromatography and western blot analysis confirmed that the increase was caused by enhanced CYP11B1/2 levels during steroid synthesis in the adrenal gland. Precursor levels decreased significantly during the two weeks of UV irradiation. Skin collagen and collagen fibers reduced drastically during this time. Furthermore, the administration of osilodrostat, a USFDA-approved drug that selectively inhibits CYP11B1/2, preserved skin collagen. The mechanism underlying the reduction of CORT by osilodrostat confirmed that the amount of skin collagen could be preserved with treatment. In addition, upon suppression of the CORT receptor, the amount of collagen was controlled, and skin aging was suppressed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Therefore, this study confirmed an inverse relationship between adrenal CYP11B1/2 levels and collagen during the initial stages of UV irradiation of the skin. The findings of this study may be useful for developing new detection mechanisms for aging, following their further verification.

The impact of perceived stress on the hair follicle: Towards solving a psychoneuroendocrine and neuroimmunological puzzle

While popular belief harbors little doubt that perceived stress can cause hair loss and premature graying, the scientific evidence for this is arguably much thinner. Here, we investigate whether these phenomena are real, and show that the cyclic growth and pigmentation of the hair follicle (HF) provides a tractable model system for dissecting how perceived stress modulates aspects of human physiology. Local production of stress-associated neurohormones and neurotrophins coalesces with neurotransmitters and neuropeptides released from HF-associated sensory and autonomic nerve endings, forming a complex local stress-response system that regulates perifollicular neurogenic inflammation, interacts with the HF microbiome and controls mitochondrial function. This local system integrates into the central stress response systems, allowing the study of systemic stress responses affecting organ function by quantifying stress mediator content of hair. Focusing on selected mediators in this "brain-HF axis" under stress conditions, we distill general principles of HF dysfunction induced by perceived stress.

Daily Predictors of ART Adherence Among Young Men Living with HIV Who Have Sex with Men: A Longitudinal Daily Diary Study

Improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential for limiting HIV disease progression among young sexual minority men living with HIV. Daily diaries allow for a detailed examination of how fluctuations in psychosocial factors are associated with adherence over time. Across three cities in the United States, this study collected 60 days of quantitative data from 44 young men (between 16 and 24 years of age) living with HIV who have sex with men. Lagged transition models explored the associations of mood, stress, social support, substance use, and condomless intercourse with daily ART adherence. Baseline levels of illicit substance use and condomless intercourse, and a higher proportion of days with stress or marijuana use, were associated with lower ART adherence. Lapses in adherence predicted non-adherence the following day. Findings suggest prospective data collection may identify different predictors of adherence compared to retrospective recall. Lapse-management strategies are needed to improve adherence following a missed dose.

Depression in Sub-Saharan Africa

Mood disorders can be considered among the most common and debilitating mental disorders. Major depression, as an example of mood disorders, is known to severely reduce the quality of life as well as psychosocial functioning of those affected. Its impact on the burden of disease worldwide has been enormous, with the World Health Organisation projecting depression to be the leading cause of mental illness by 2030. Despite several studies on the subject, little has been done to contextualise the condition in Africa, coupled with the fact that there is still much to be understood on the subject. This review attempts to shed more light on the prevalence of depression in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), its pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and the experimental models available to study depression within the sub-region. It also evaluates the contribution of the sub-region to the global research output of depression as well as bottlenecks associated with full exploitation of the sub region's resources to manage the disorder.

Targeting the Adaptive Immune System in Depression: Focus on T Helper 17 Cells

There is a vital need to understand mechanisms contributing to susceptibility to depression to improve treatments for the 11% of Americans who currently suffer from this debilitating disease. The adaptive immune system, comprising T and B cells, has emerged as a potential contributor to depression, as demonstrated in the context of lymphopenic mice. Overall, patients with depression have reduced circulating T and regulatory B cells, "immunosuppressed" T cells, and alterations in the relative abundance of T cell subtypes. T helper (Th) cells have the capacity to differentiate to various lineages depending on the cytokine environment, antigen stimulation, and costimulation. Regulatory T cells are decreased, and the Th1/Th2 ratio and the Th17 cells are increased in patients with depression. Evidence for changes in each Th lineage has been reported to some extent in patients with depression. However, the evidence is strongest for the association of depression with changes in Th17 cells. Th17 cells produce the inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17A, and the discovery of Th17 cell involvement in depression evolved from the well established link that IL-6, which is required for Th17 cell differentiation, contributes to the onset, and possibly maintenance, of depression. One intriguing action of Th17 cells is their participation in the gut-brain axis to mediate stress responses. Although the mechanisms of action of Th17 cells in depression remain unclear, neutralization of IL-17A by anti-IL-17A antibodies, blocking stress-induced production, or release of gut Th17 cells represent feasible therapeutic approaches and might provide a new avenue to improve depression symptoms. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Th17 cells appear as a promising therapeutic target for depression, for which efficacious therapeutic options are limited. The use of neutralizing antibodies targeting Th17 cells has provided encouraging results in depressed patients with comorbid autoimmune diseases.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress affects mouse salivary protein secretion induced by chronic administration of an α1-adrenergic agonist

Stress stimulates both the sympathetic-adrenomedullary and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axes. Activation of these axes results in the release of catecholamines, which in turn affects salivary secretion. Thus, repetitive stimulation of the α₁-adrenergic receptor could be useful for studying the effects of chronic stress on the salivary gland. Salivary protein concentration and kallikrein activity were significantly lower in mice following chronic phenylephrine (PHE) administration. Chronic PHE administration led to significantly increased expression of the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein, activating transcription factor 4, and activating transcription factor 6. Histological analyses revealed a decrease in the size of the serous cell and apical cytoplasm. These results suggest that repetitive pharmacological stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system elicits ER stress and translational suppression. In addition, PHE-treated mice exhibited a decrease in intracellular Ca²⁺ influx elicited by carbachol, a muscarine receptor agonist in the submandibular gland. The present findings suggest that chronic psychological, social, and physical stress could adversely affect Ca²⁺ regulation.

Multi-Method Approach in the Assessment of Alexithymia in Patients With Scleroderma: Use of Two Different Tools

Objective: Alexithymia is frequent in patients with some chronic dermatological conditions. The aim of the study was to measure the prevalence of alexithymia in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) using two different tools. Methods: Consecutive patients diagnosed with SSc were recruited at day hospital and hospitalization regimen. Alexithymia was measured using the self-administered questionnaire 20-item Toronto Alexithymia scale (TAS-20) and the semi-structured interview 24-item Toronto Structured Interview for Alexithymia (TSIA). Results: The study sample consisted of 67 female patients, aged from 29 to 82 years. According to TAS-20, 22.4% of patients were alexithymic and 17.9% were borderline alexithymic. Also, in our sample mean TAS-20 value was 48.9 and TSIA mean value was 20.3. Spearman's correlation coefficient between TAS-20 total score and TSIA total score was 0.603. A high correlation was observed between TAS total score and the "Affective Awareness" (AA) scale of the TSIA. TSIA total score significantly correlated with the "Difficulty describing feeling to others" (DDF) scale of the TAS-20. The highest correlation between scales of the two instruments was that between TAS-20 DDF and TSIA AA (r = 0.675). Conclusion: The prevalence of alexithymia in SSc patients was higher than in the general population, and similar to that of psoriasis patients. The measurements obtained using the TAS-20 and the TSIA were highly correlated. However, they also showed some diversities in the scales, indicating that they may measure different domains.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors in Non-infectious Uveitis: A Systematic Review

Purpose: Non-infectious uveitis is a leading cause of vision loss in the developed world. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the epidemiology and risk factors of non-infectious uveitis over the last 50 years.

Methods: A systematic literature search of Pubmed/MEDLINE database was performed in the 50-year period from January 1971 to January 2021, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies that assessed the epidemiology and risk factors for non-infectious uveitis were included.

Results: Few epidemiologic studies focus specifically on non-infectious uveitis. In the Unites States, the estimated prevalence of non-infectious uveitis is 121/100,000. The incidence and prevalence varies considerably worldwide. Females and the working age group (20–50 years) appear to be the most affected. Smoking and vitamin D deficiency are the biggest risk factors for non-infectious uveitis, while pregnancy appears to be protective. Additional risk factors include presence of other autoimmune diseases (thyroid disease, diabetes, celiac), pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, psychological stress, and certain medications (bisphosphonates, immune checkpoint inhibitors, female hormone therapy, and etanercept).

Discussion: Our systematic review summarizes the incidence and prevalence of non-infectious uveitis and associated modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.

Telomere Length and Regulatory Genes as Novel Stress Biomarkers and Their Diversities in Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) Subjected to Corticosterone Feeding

Simple Summary

Assessment of poultry welfare is very crucial for sustainable production in the tropics. There is a demand for alternatives to plasma corticosterone levels as they have received much criticism as an unsuitable predictor of animal welfare due to inconsistency. In this study, we noticed no effect of age on plasma corticosterone (CORT) although it was altered by CORT treatment. However, growth performances and organ weight were affected by CORT treatment and age. The broad sense evaluation of telomere length in this study revealed that telomere length in the blood, muscle, liver and heart was shortened by chronic stress induced by corticosterone administration. The expression profile of the telomere regulatory genes was altered by chronic stress. This study informed us of the potential of telomere length and its regulatory genes in the assessment of animal welfare in the poultry sector for sustainable production.

Abstract

This study was designed to characterize telomere length and its regulatory genes and to evaluate their potential as well-being biomarkers. Chickens were fed a diet containing corticosterone (CORT) for 4 weeks and performances, organ weight, plasma CORT levels, telomere lengths and regulatory genes were measured and recorded. Body weights of CORT-fed chickens were significantly suppressed (p < 0.05), and organ weights and circulating CORT plasma levels (p < 0.05) were altered. Interaction effect of CORT and duration was significant (p < 0.05) on heart and liver telomere length. CORT significantly (p < 0.05) shortened the telomere length of the whole blood, muscle, liver and heart. The TRF1, chTERT, TELO2 and HSF1 were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated in the liver and heart at week 4 although these genes and TERRA were downregulated in the muscles at weeks 2 and 4. Therefore, telomere lengths and their regulators are associated and diverse, so they can be used as novel biomarkers of stress in broiler chickens fed with CORT.

Effects of noise and low-concentration carbon monoxide exposure on rat immunity

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the immunotoxicity and effects of noise and/or low-concentration carbon monoxide (CO) exposure on immune organs and immune functions in rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats exposed to 98 dB(A) white noise and/or 100 ppm CO 4 h/d for 30 d were used to determine the pathological changes in the thymus and spleen, and variations in leukocyte counts, inflammatory factors, and immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations.

RESULTS

The boundaries of the cortex and medulla of the thymus were unclear following noise and combined exposure. The pathological changes in spleen after CO and combined exposure included blurred boundaries of red-pulp and white-pulp, disappearance of normal splenic nodules and neutrophil infiltration. After exposure to noise and in combination, leukocyte and lymphocyte counts decreased significantly. After exposure to low-concentration CO and in combination, serum IgM and IgG levels decreased significantly, but the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ levels increased significantly. Eosinophils and IgA levels decreased significantly following exposure to noise and/or low concentration of CO, while the level of interleukin-1 increased significantly. Monocytes increased significantly only under noise or CO exposure, but not under combined exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Noise and/or low-concentration CO exposure may suppress innate and adaptive immune functions and induce inflammatory responses. Noise exposure mainly affected the innate immune function of rats, whereas low-concentration CO exposure mainly affected adaptive immune functions. Combined exposure presented higher immunotoxicity than noise or CO alone, suggesting that exposure to noise and low-concentration CO in the living and working environments can affect the immune system.

Adult skin acute stress responses to short-term environmental and internal aggression from exposome factors

Exposome factors that lead to stressed skin can be defined as any disturbance to homeostasis from environmental (meteorological factors, solar radiation, pollution or tobacco smoke) and/or internal exposure (unhealthy diet, hormonal variations, lack of sleep, psychosocial stress). The clinical and biological impact of chronic exposome effects on skin functions has been extensively reviewed, whereas there is a paucity of information on the impact of short‐term acute exposure. Acute stress, which would typically last minutes to hours (and generally no more than a week), provokes a transient but robust neuroendocrine‐immune and tissue remodelling response in the skin and can alter the skin barrier. Firstly, we provide an overview of the biological effects of various acute stressors on six key skin functions, namely the skin physical barrier, pigmentation, defences (antioxidant, immune cell‐mediated, microbial and microbiome maintenance), structure (extracellular matrix and appendages), neuroendocrine and thermoregulation functions. Secondly, we describe the biological and clinical effects on adult skin from individual exposome factors that elicit an acute stress response and their consequences in skin health maintenance. Clinical manifestations of acutely stressed skin may include dry skin that might accentuate fine lines, oily skin, sensitive skin, pruritus, erythema, pale skin, sweating, oedema and flares of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, pigmentation disorders and skin superinfection such as viral reactivation. Acute stresses can also induce scalp sensitivity, telogen effluvium and worsen alopecia.

Appeasing Pheromones for the Management of Stress and Aggression during Conservation of Wild Canids: Could the Solution Be Right under Our Nose?

Simple Summary

Many canid species are declining globally. It is important to conserve these species that often serve as important predators within ecosystems. Continued human expansion and the resulting habitat fragmentation necessitate conservation interventions, such as translocation, artificial pack formation, and captive breeding programs. However, chronic stress often occurs during these actions, and can result in aggression, and the physiological suppression of immunity and reproduction. Limited options are currently available for stress and aggression management in wild canids. Pheromones provide a promising natural alternative for stress management; an appeasing pheromone has been identified for multiple domestic species and may reduce stress and aggression behaviours. Many pheromones are species-specific, and the appeasing pheromone has been found to have slight compositional changes across species. In this review, the benefits of a dog appeasing pheromone and the need to investigate species-specific derivatives to produce more pronounced and beneficial behavioural and physiological modulation in target species as a conservation tool are examined.

Abstract

Thirty-six species of canid exist globally, two are classified as critically endangered, three as endangered, and five as near threatened. Human expansion and the coinciding habitat fragmentation necessitate conservation interventions to mitigate concurrent population deterioration. The current conservation management of wild canids includes animal translocation and artificial pack formation. These actions often cause chronic stress, leading to increased aggression and the suppression of the immune and reproductive systems. Castration and pharmaceutical treatments are currently used to reduce stress and aggression in domestic and captive canids. The undesirable side effects make such treatments inadvisable during conservation management of wild canids. Pheromones are naturally occurring chemical messages that modulate behaviour between conspecifics; as such, they offer a natural alternative for behaviour modification. Animals are able to distinguish between pheromones of closely related species through small compositional differences but are more likely to have greater responses to pheromones from individuals of the same species. Appeasing pheromones have been found to reduce stress- and aggression-related behaviours in domestic species, including dogs. Preliminary evidence suggests that dog appeasing pheromones (DAP) may be effective in wild canids. However, the identification and testing of species-specific derivatives could produce more pronounced and beneficial behavioural and physiological changes in target species. In turn, this could provide a valuable tool to improve the conservation management of many endangered wild canids.

The Potential Mechanisms of High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude, Controlled Vertebral Thrusts on Neuroimmune Function: A Narrative Review

The current COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the need to find healthcare solutions that boost or support immunity. There is some evidence that high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) controlled vertebral thrusts have the potential to modulate immune mediators. However, the mechanisms of the link between HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts and neuroimmune function and the associated potential clinical implications are less clear. This review aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that can explain the HVLA controlled vertebral thrust--neuroimmune link and discuss what this link implies for clinical practice and future research needs. A search for relevant articles published up until April 2021 was undertaken. Twenty-three published papers were found that explored the impact of HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts on neuroimmune markers, of which eighteen found a significant effect. These basic science studies show that HVLA controlled vertebral thrust influence the levels of immune mediators in the body, including neuropeptides, inflammatory markers, and endocrine markers. This narravtive review discusses the most likely mechanisms for how HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts could impact these immune markers. The mechanisms are most likely due to the known changes in proprioceptive processing that occur within the central nervous system (CNS), in particular within the prefrontal cortex, following HVLA spinal thrusts. The prefrontal cortex is involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the immune system. Bi-directional neuro-immune interactions are affected by emotional or pain-related stress. Stress-induced sympathetic nervous system activity also alters vertebral motor control. Therefore, there are biologically plausible direct and indirect mechanisms that link HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts to the immune system, suggesting HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts have the potential to modulate immune function. However, it is not yet known whether HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts have a clinically relevant impact on immunity. Further research is needed to explore the clinical impact of HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts on immune function.

Acute environmental temperature variation affects brain protein expression, anxiety and explorative behaviour in adult zebrafish

This study investigated the effect of 4-d acute thermal treatments at 18 °C, 26 °C (control) and 34 °C on the nervous system of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) using a multidisciplinary approach based on behavioural tests and brain proteomic analysis. The behavioural variations induced by thermal treatment were investigated using five different tests, the novel tank diving, light and dark preference, social preference, mirror biting, and Y-Maze tests, which are standard paradigms specifically tailored for zebrafish to assess their anxiety-like behaviour, boldness, social preference, aggressiveness, and explorative behaviour, respectively. Proteomic data revealed that several proteins involved in energy metabolism, messenger RNA translation, protein synthesis, folding and degradation, cytoskeleton organisation and synaptic vesiculation are regulated differently at extreme temperatures. The results showed that anxiety-like behaviours increase in zebrafish at 18 °C compared to those at 26 °C or 34 °C, whereas anxiety-related protein signalling pathways are downregulated. Moreover, treatments at both 18 °C and 34 °C affect the exploratory behaviour that appears not to be modulated by past experiences, suggesting the impairment of fish cognitive abilities. This study is the continuation of our previous work on the effect of 21-d chronic treatment at the same constant temperature level and will enable the comparison of acute and chronic treatment effects on the nervous system function in adult zebrafish.

Neuronal regulation of immunity: why, how and where?

Neuroimmunology is one of the fastest-growing fields in the life sciences, and for good reason; it fills the gap between two principal systems of the organism, the nervous system and the immune system. Although both systems affect each other through bidirectional interactions, we focus here on one direction - the effects of the nervous system on immunity. First, we ask why is it beneficial to allow the nervous system any control over immunity? We evaluate the potential benefits to the immune system that arise by taking advantage of some of the brain's unique features, such as its capacity to integrate and synchronize physiological functions, its predictive capacity and its speed of response. Second, we explore how the brain communicates with the peripheral immune system, with a focus on the endocrine, sympathetic, parasympathetic, sensory and meningeal lymphatic systems. Finally, we examine where in the brain this immune information is processed and regulated. We chart a partial map of brain regions that may be relevant for brain-immune system communication, our goal being to introduce a conceptual framework for formulating new hypotheses to study these interactions.

Omics Insights into Animal Resilience and Stress Factors

Resilience is conceived as a dynamic developmental process involving the achievement of positive adaptation within the context of significant adversity. Resilience is not a unique ability but rather a set of capacities of a system put in place to absorb a disturbance and to reorganize while trying to retain the same function, structure, and identity. This review describes the characteristics and the molecular mechanisms of resilience to understand the core elements of resilience and its indicators. The objectives of this review are: (1) to define some of the leading environmental stressors and clarify the mechanism of vulnerability or resilience outcomes; (2) to clarify some of the prominent epigenetic modulations mediating resilience or vulnerability as a stress response; (3) to highlight the neural mechanisms related to stress resilience since the central nervous system is a highly dynamic structure characterized by an everlasting plasticity feature, which therefore has the opportunity to modify resilience. The review aims to introduce the reader to the concept of resilience seen as an ability acquired in life and not only inherited from birth.

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a Model for Understanding the Process of Caudal Fin Regeneration

After its introduction for scientific investigation in the 1950s, the cypriniform zebrafish, Danio rerio, has become a valuable model for the study of regenerative processes and mechanisms. Zebrafish exhibit epimorphic regeneration, in which a nondifferentiated cell mass formed after amputation is able to fully regenerate lost tissue such as limbs, heart muscle, brain, retina, and spinal cord. The process of limb regeneration in zebrafish comprises several stages characterized by the activation of specific signaling pathways and gene expression. We review current research on key factors in limb regeneration using zebrafish as a model.

Retrospective analysis of the lifetime endocrine response of southern right whale calves to gull wounding and harassment: A baleen hormone approach

Physiological measurements are informative in assessing the relative importance of stressors that potentially impact the health of wildlife. Kelp Gulls, Larus dominicanus (KG), resident to the region of Península Valdés, Argentina, have developed a unique behavior of landing on the backs of southern right whale adults and calves, Eubalaena australis (SRW), where they feed on their skin and blubber. This parasitic behavior results in large open wounds on the dorsal surface of the whale. Coincidently, the SRW population off the coast of Península Valdés has experienced elevated calf mortality. We quantified levels of glucocorticoids and thyroid hormone extracted from baleen of dead calves to evaluate, retrospectively, the endocrine response of whale calves to gull wounding and harassment. Baleen accumulates hormones as it grows, allowing evaluation of long-term trends in physiological condition. While glucocorticoids (GCs) are known to increase in response to stressors such as disturbance, the metabolic hormone triiodothyronine (T₃) has been shown to decrease under sustained food deprivation but is largely unaffected by disturbance stress. We quantified lifetime patterns of GCs and T₃ in baleen recovered at necropsy from 36 southern right whale calves with varying severity of wounding from KGs. GC levels in baleen correlated positively with the degree of wounding, while T₃ levels remained stable irrespective of the severity of the wounding. Our results suggest no evidence of malnutrition in low vs. severely wounded whales. However, the positive correlation of GCs with wound severity indicates that heavily wounded calves are suffering high levels of physiological stress before they die. This suggests that KG wounding may have contributed to the high southern right whale calf mortality observed in the Península Valdés region of Argentina.

On the winter enhancement of adaptive humoral immunity: hypothesis testing in desert hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii: Cricetidae, Rodentia) kept under long-day and short-day photoperiod

We tested the winter immunity enhancement hypothesis (WIEH) on male desert hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii) kept under long-day (LD) and short-day (SD) photoperiods. We assumed that under SD in a laboratory, the adaptive humoral immune responsiveness to the antigenic challenge would be enhanced due to the lack of winter physical stressors and food shortages and/or because of the action of an endogenous winter bolstering mechanism, while under LD the immune responsiveness would be suppressed by the activity of the reproductive system. The results support the WIEH in part. We did not find a difference in antibody production in response to sheep erythrocytes between SD and LD hamsters, but SD males had the lower number of granulocytes and the higher number of lymphocytes in white blood cell counts. Reproductive activity was lower in SD males. These males demonstrated an increase in their mass-specific resting metabolic rate, their mass-specific maximal metabolic rate and their level of cortisol. The result of a generalized linear model analysis indicates the negative effect on secondary immunoresponsiveness to sheep erythrocytes of mid-ventral gland size, the organ characterizing individual reproductive quality, and designates a tradeoff between antibody production and reproductive effort. The mass-independent maximal metabolic rate also negatively affected antibody production, indicating a tradeoff between maximal aerobic performance and the adaptive immune function. The higher stress in SD males seems to be the most likely reason for the lack of the effect of daylight duration on antibody production.

Noise pollution: acute noise exposure increases susceptibility to disease and chronic exposure reduces host survival

Anthropogenic noise is a pervasive global pollutant that has been detected in every major habitat on the planet. Detrimental impacts of noise pollution on physiology, immunology and behaviour have been shown in terrestrial vertebrates and invertebrates. Equivalent research on aquatic organisms has until recently been stunted by the misnomer of a silent underwater world. In fish, however, noise pollution can lead to stress, hearing loss, behavioural changes and impacted immunity. But, the functional effects of this impacted immunity on disease resistance due to noise exposure have remained neglected. Parasites that cause transmissible disease are key drivers of ecosystem biodiversity and a significant factor limiting the sustainable expansion of the animal trade. Therefore, understanding how a pervasive stressor is impacting host-parasite interactions will have far-reaching implications for global animal health. Here, we investigated the impact of acute and chronic noise on vertebrate susceptibility to parasitic infections, using a model host-parasite system (guppy-Gyrodactylus turnbulli). Hosts experiencing acute noise suffered significantly increased parasite burden compared with those in no noise treatments. By contrast, fish experiencing chronic noise had the lowest parasite burden. However, these hosts died significantly earlier compared with those exposed to acute and no noise treatments. By revealing the detrimental impacts of acute and chronic noise on host-parasite interactions, we add to the growing body of evidence demonstrating a link between noise pollution and reduced animal health.

The expression and meaning of CD68, CD163, CD57, and IgG4 in granulomatous lobular mastitis

Background

The exact etiology and pathogenesis of granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) are yet to be illuminated. This study aimed to investigate CD68, CD163-positive M2 macrophages, CD57-positive natural killer (NK) cells, and IgG4 in GLM lesion tissue to explore their correlation with the occurrence and clinical features of GLM.

Methods

Surgical pathologic specimens of GLM were collected from patients admitted to Hunan Provincial People's Hospital between October, 2014 and October 2015. Based on the postoperative pathological diagnosis, the tissues were divided into 3 groups: the experimental group (GLM, n=36), control group 1 (plasma cell mastitis, PCM, n=17), and control group 2 (breast cystic hyperplasia, n=10). Immunohistochemical staining was carried out using Elivision super testing to detect CD68, CD163, CD57, and IgG4 expression in the pathological tissue samples. The relationship between clinical parameters, including age, reproductive condition, nipple retraction, and tumor size, and the expressions of CD68, CD163, CD57, and IgG4 was analyzed.

Results

There was no obvious difference in the levels of CD68, CD163, and CD57 expression between the GLM group and the PCM group, although both groups had higher expression levels of expression than the breast cystic hyperplasia group (P<0.05). In the GLM group, the expression level of CD57 at 2 weeks-3 months was significantly higher than at ≤2 weeks (P<0.05). The expression level of CD57 in PCM patients >2 years after lactation was significantly higher than in patients ≤2 years after lactation (P<0.05). The level of IgG4 expression in GLM patients with nipple retraction was significantly higher than in those without nipple retraction (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Inflammatory cells are closely linked to the occurrence of GLM and PCM. In our study, both the GLM and PCM groups had low expression of IgG4, but the expression level of IgG4 in GLM patients with inverted nipples was significantly higher than that in patients without inverted nipples. This suggests that there may be two different clinical subtypes of GLM. Furthermore, our research also found that NK cells can provide a basis for GLM clinical staging.

Smoking to cope: Addictive behavior as a response to mental distress

Individuals with mental health problems smoke at far higher rates than their peers, and have done for decades. This paper explores a potential explanation: smoking as a means to cope with distress. The proposed "coping response" framework is assessed by analyzing how adolescents respond to two events known to trigger acute mental distress: violent crime victimization and death of a non-family member the respondent felt close to. Consistent with a coping response, these shocks yield statistically significant increases in first cigarette use, recent smoking, and daily smoking, with greater initiation responses among those who are depressed at baseline, and dampened responsiveness among those facing higher cigarette taxes. Back-of-the-envelope estimates suggest that differential responsiveness to adverse events by baseline depression explains 5% of first cigarette use in this sample, and almost a third of the gap in adolescent smoking initiation between those in the highest and lowest terciles of depression scores.

Effect of rapamycin on repeated immobilization stress-induced immune alterations in the rat spleen

Chronic stress modulates immune system functions via neuroendocrine pathways. Rapamycin inhibits activity of immune cells through the mTOR signaling pathway. We investigated the effect of rapamycin (15 mg/kg, 3-times/week) on neuroimmune-endocrine system in the spleen of rats exposed to 42 cycles of 2-h immobilization. Rapamycin enhanced the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis induced by stress exposure, prevented stress-induced expression of natural killer cell markers while reversed stress-evoked decline of Th2 immune response markers. Overall, our findings suggest that rapamycin may act on immune functions not only directly by inhibiting of mTOR in immune cells but also indirectly via modulation of neuroendocrine system.

Our natural "makeup" reveals more than it hides: Modeling the skin and its microbiome

Skin is our primary interface with the environment. A structurally and functionally complex organ that hosts a dynamic ecosystem of microbes, and synthesizes many compounds that affect our well-being and psychosocial interactions. It is a natural platform of signal exchange between internal organs, skin resident microbes, and the environment. These interactions have gained a great deal of attention due to the increased prevalence of atopic diseases, and the co-occurrence of multiple allergic diseases related to allergic sensitization in early life. Despite significant advances in experimentally characterizing the skin, its microbial ecology, and disease phenotypes, high-levels of variability in these characteristics even for the same clinical phenotype are observed. Addressing this variability and resolving the relevant biological processes requires a systems approach. This review presents some of our current understanding of the skin, skin-immune, skin-neuroendocrine, skin-microbiome interactions, and computer-based modeling approaches to simulate this ecosystem in the context of health and disease. The review highlights the need for a systems-based understanding of this sophisticated ecosystem. This article is categorized under: Infectious Diseases > Computational Models.

Molecular evaluation of chronic restrain stress in mice model of non metastatic fibrosarcoma

Chronic stress is regarded as a significant factor in the etiology of the many diseases. Numerous methods have been developed through which the effect of chronic stress is examined. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the new experimental model for analysis of immuno-suppression induced by chronic restraint stress, through challenge with conditionally tumorigenic cell line BHK-21/C13. 20 male NMRI mice were randomly divided into 2 groups-control and experimental. Each mouse was subcutaneously inoculated with BHK-21/C13 cells. Stress in the experimental group was induced for 20 days. After the experiment, tumor masses were removed, and analyzed using histology and immunohistochemistry techniques. We found a statistically significant difference (p = 0.034) in tumor expression and tumor volumes (p = 0.0061) between groups, as well as in immunopositivity on Ki67, cytochrome C and matrix metalloproteinase 9. Absence of immune infiltrate was noticed in experimental, and the presence of inflammatory infiltrate at tumor invasion front in control group.

Effect of food limitation and reproductive activity on fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in banded mongooses

Background

Glucocorticoids mediate responses to perceived stressors, thereby restoring homeostasis. However, prolonged glucocorticoid elevation may cause homeostatic overload. Using extensive field investigations of banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) groups in northern Botswana, we assessed the influence of reproduction, predation risk, and food limitation on apparent homeostatic overload (n=13 groups, 1542 samples from 268 animals). We experimentally manipulated reproduction and regulated food supply in captive mongooses, and compared their glucocorticoid responses to those obtained from free-living groups.

Results

At the population level, variation in glucocorticoid levels in free-living mongooses was explained by food limitation: fecal organic matter, recent rainfall, and access to concentrated anthropogenic food resources. Soil macrofauna density and reproductive events explained less and predation risk very little variation in glucocorticoid levels. Reproduction and its associated challenges alone (under regulated feeding conditions) increased glucocorticoid levels 19-fold in a captive group. Among free-living groups, glucocorticoid elevation was seasonal (occurring in late dry season or early wet season when natural food resources were less available), but the timing of peak glucocorticoid production was moderated by access to anthropogenic resources (groups with fewer anthropogenic food sources had peaks earlier in dry seasons). Peak months represented 12- and 16-fold increases in glucocorticoids relative to nadir months with some animals exhibiting 100-fold increases. Relative to the captive group nadir, some free-living groups exhibited 60-fold increases in peak glucocorticoid levels with some animals exhibiting up to 800-fold increases. Most of these animals exhibited 1- to 10-fold increases relative to the captive animal peak.

Conclusions

Banded mongooses exhibit seasonal chronic glucocorticoid elevation, associated primarily with food limitation and secondarily with reproduction. Magnitude and duration of this elevation suggests that this may be maladaptive for some animals, with possible fitness consequences. In late dry season, this population may face a convergence of stressors (food limitation, agonistic encounters at concentrated food resources, evictions, estrus, mate competition, parturition, and predation pressure on pups), which may induce homeostatic overload.

Negative Emotions in Skin Disorders: A Systematic Review

The main purpose of this study is to describe how negative emotions were investigated in the sphere of dermatological diseases, in order (1) to summarize literature trends about skin disorders and emotions, (2) to highlight any imbalances between the most studied and neglected emotions, (3) and to offer directions for future research. A computerized literature search provided 41 relevant and potentially eligible studies. Results showed that the study of emotions in skin disease is limited to Sadness/depression and Fear/anxiety. The emotions of Anger and Disgust have been poorly explored in empirical studies, despite they could be theoretically considered a vulnerability factor for the development of skin disorders and the dermatological extreme consequences, as negative emotionality toward self and the pathological skin condition. The bibliometric qualitative analysis with VOSViewer software revealed that the majority of the studies have been focused on the relationships between vitiligo and Sadness/depression, dermatitis and Fear/anxiety, psoriasis, and Anger, suggesting the need of future research exploring Disgust and, in general, a wider emotional spectrum.

Understanding psychocutaneous disease: psychosocial & psychoneuroimmunologic perspectives

The study of psychocutaneous disease involves a comprehensive understanding of the complex and often neglected psychoneuroimmunologic components and pathways. Patients suffering from the many disorders that blur the interface between the fields of psychiatry and dermatology are often misdiagnosed and mistreated because of the lack of knowledge and awareness of the underlying disease-causing mechanisms. Individuals with psychodermatologic disease also experience a general lower overall quality of life as it has negative implications on psychosocial, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Factors like early life interactions, body image dissatisfaction, and societal stigma play a crucial role in the development of psychosocial stress experienced by individuals with visible skin conditions. This heightened level of stress serves as a trigger in the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-axis (HPA), mediating immune responses that influence cutaneous disease severity and exacerbation. In order to improve the quality of life and treatment outcomes of the patient population impacted by psychodermatologic disease, it is essential to better understand the complex interplay between the various psychosocial factors and pathophysiologic pathways involved.

Relationships between glucocorticoids and infection with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in three amphibian species

It is often hypothesized that organisms exposed to environmental change may experience physiological stress, which could reduce individual quality and make them more susceptible to disease. Amphibians are amongst the most threatened taxa, particularly in the context of disease, but relatively few studies explore links between stress and disease in amphibian species. Here, we use the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and amphibians as an example to explore relationships between disease and glucocorticoids (GCs), metabolic hormones that comprise one important component of the stress response. While previous work is limited, it has largely identified positive relationships between GCs and Bd-infection. However, the causality remains unclear and few studies have integrated both baseline (GC release that is related to standard, physiological functioning) and stress-induced (GC release in response to an acute stressor) measures of GCs. Here, we examine salivary corticosterone before and after exposure to a stressor, in both field and captive settings. We present results for Bd-infected and uninfected individuals of three amphibian species with differential susceptibilities to this pathogen (Rana catesbeiana, R. clamitans, and R. sylvatica). We hypothesized that prior to stress, baseline GCs would be higher in Bd-infected animals, particularly in more Bd-susceptible species. We also expected that after exposure to a stressor, stress-induced GCs would be lower in Bd-infected animals. These species exhibited significant interspecific differences in baseline and stress induced corticosterone, though other variables like sex, body size, and day of year were usually not predictive of corticosterone. In contrast to most previous work, we found no relationships between Bd and corticosterone for two species (R. catesbeiana and R. clamitans), and in the least Bd-tolerant species (R. sylvatica) animals exhibited context-dependent differences in relationships between Bd infection and corticosterone: Bd-positive R. sylvatica had significantly lower baseline and stress-induced corticosterone, with this pattern being stronger in the field than in captivity. These results were surprising, as past work in other species has more often found elevated GCs in Bd-positive animals, a pattern that aligns with well-documented relationships between chronically high GCs, reduced individual quality, and immunosuppression. This work highlights the potential relevance of GCs to disease susceptibility in the context of amphibian declines, while underscoring the importance of characterizing these relationships in diverse contexts.

Effect of a post-hatch lipopolysaccharide challenge in Turkey poults and ducklings after a primary embryonic heat stress

The effect of embryonic thermal manipulation on the post-hatch immune response to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge was studied in Pekin ducklings and turkey poults. Commercial duck and turkey eggs were distributed among four treatments: SS-Control (37.5 °C from embryonic day [ED] 1 to 25); SS-LPS (37.5 °C from ED1 to 25 + LPS at D0 [hatch]); HH-LPS (38 °C from ED1 to 25 + LPS at D0; SH-LPS (37.5 °C from ED1 to 10 and 38 °C from ED 11 to 25 + LPS at D0). At ED16 and ED24, the egg shell temperature of the duck and turkey eggs in the HH and SH treatments were higher (P ≤ 0.01) than the SS treatment. Ducklings and poults in the HH treatment had the lowest yolk free body weight at hatch (P ≤ 0.05). At 24, 48, and 72 h post-LPS injection, ducklings and poults in the HH-LPS treatment had significantly reduced BW compared with the SS-Con treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Ducklings and poults in the SH-LPS and HH-LPS treatments had increased plasma heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and lower splenic HSP70 mRNA amounts than the SS-LPS treatments at 24, and 48 h post-challenge (P ≤ 0.05). At 48 and 72 h, macrophage nitric oxide (NO) production in ducklings and poults in the SH-LPS and HH-LPS treatments was lower than in the SS-LPS treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Ducklings and poults in the SH-LPS treatment had increased thymocyte proliferation compared to the SS-LPS treatment at 24, 48 and 72 h (P ≤ 0.05). At 24 h, ducklings in the SH-LPS treatment had increased splenic IL-10 and reduced IFNγ and IL-6 mRNA abundance. However, both ducklings and poults in the HH-LPS treatment had increased IFNγ, and IL-10 mRNA abundance compared to the SS-LPS treatment (P ≤ 0.05). At 48 h, SH-LPS ducklings and poults had lower splenic IL-10 mRNA abundance (P ≤ 0.05) while the HH-LPS treatment resulted in comparable splenic IL-10 mRNA compared to the SS-LPS treatment (P ≥ 0.05). Ducklings and poults in the SH-LPS treatment had increased thymic and splenic CD8⁺/CD4⁺ ratios at 24 h versus the SS-LPS treatment (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, embryonic thermal manipulation from ED11-25 increased extracellular HSP70 release, thymocyte proliferation and IL-10 but decreased splenic HSP70 and IFNγ mRNA amounts at 24 h post-LPS injection. This suggests that mild heat stress during the later stages of incubation could potentially prime the embryonic immune system thereby enhances the immune response as earlier than 24 h to eliminate the inflammatory response without affecting the growth performance by increase the extracellular release of HSP70 in both ducklings and poults. Continuous exposure to the small increase in temperature from ED 1-25 (HH) caused an imbalance between pro (IFNγ)- and anti-inflammatory cytokines(IL-10) which affects hatchling responses to an inflammatory challenge and increased mortality. The amount of extracellular HSP70 could potentially play an important role in modulating the immune response against inflammatory challenges.

Association Between Noninfectious Uveitis and Psychological Stress

Importance

Uveitis involves dysregulation of the ocular immune system. Stress has been shown to affect immune function, but it is unclear whether there is an association between stress and uveitis.

Objective

To determine whether having uveitis is associated with psychological stress.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional, case-control study including a self-administered survey, medical records review, and diurnal salivary cortisol test was conducted at a university-based uveitis clinic and comprehensive eye clinic. Participants included 146 consecutive adults with noninfectious uveitis and age-matched controls with no eye disease. The study was conducted from December 1, 2017, to March 14, 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Participants completed the self-administered, Cohen 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), a demographics questionnaire. Responses to each question were categorized on a 5-point Likert scale, with total scores ranging from 0 (no stress) to 40 (high stress). In addition, participants submitted 3 salivary cortisol samples. Those with uveitis were classified as having recently active or controlled disease through medical records review. The prespecified primary analysis was a linear regression of PSS-10 score and uveitis correcting for age, sex, educational level, employment, and median income. Secondary analyses included comparing PSS-10 scores in patients with recently active and controlled uveitis, determining predictors of stress, and comparing diurnal salivary cortisol between uveitis and control groups.

Results

Of 146 eligible patients, 17 declined participation and 9 consented but were excluded because they did not complete both questionnaires, resulting in 120 patients (80 uveitis; 40 controls) in the final analysis. Eighty participants (66.7%) were women, and 70 (58.3%) were white. Median age was 40 years (interquartile range, 29-59 years). Having uveitis was associated with a 4.3-point increase in PSS-10 score (95% CI, 1.8 to 6.9; P = .002). There was no significant difference in PSS-10 scores between patients with recently active and controlled uveitis (1.0 point greater for patients with active uveitis; 95% CI, -2.0 to 3.9; P = .52). Factors associated with increased PSS-10 score in patients with uveitis included female sex (coefficient, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.6 to 6.5; P = .002), current immunomodulatory therapy (coefficient, 2.5; 95% CI, -0.3 to 5.2; P = .08), history of depression (coefficient, 3.8; 95% CI, 0.8 to 6.8; P = .02), and having posterior or panuveitis (coefficient, 2.6; 95% CI, 0.8 to 4.4; P = .006). Of the 70 participants (58.3%) who had testable samples for cortisol analysis, diurnal salivary cortisol levels did not significantly differ between uveitis and nonuveitis groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that patients with uveitis have higher levels of psychological stress compared with controls, yet no significant difference was identified in the stress of patients with active vs controlled uveitis. Consequently, comprehensive treatment for noninfectious uveitis may be able to address the psychological results of this disease.

History of predator exposure affects cell-mediated immunity in female eastern fence lizards, Sceloporus undulatus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae)

On exposure to stressors, energy is diverted from non-urgent functions towards those important for immediate survival. The degree and nature of reallocation may be affected by the evolutionary history of the animal. The eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) coexists in parts of its range with invasive fire ants (Solenopsis invicta), which attack and wound lizards and elevate stress-relevant hormones (corticosterone), whereas other populations have never been exposed to fire ants. We examined how a history of fire ant invasion affected the immune response in female lizards after exposure to exogenous corticosterone (mimicking exposure to a stressor) during gestation (dosing regimens differed among corticosterone-exposed lizards owing to the constraints of the original studies, but we found no evidence that this affected the outcome of the present study). A history of exposure to predatory stressors (fire ants) and corticosterone treatment affected cell-mediated immunity. Lizards from fire ant-invaded sites had a reduced immune response compared with those from uninvaded sites. Corticosterone treatment had no effect on the immune response of lizards from invaded sites but reduced the immune response of lizards from uninvaded sites. This suggests that an evolutionary history of exposure to wounding alters the immune response to corticosterone. Future work on how the immune system responds to environmental threats will be informative for the prediction and management of these threats.

Risk factors for cutaneous warts and the influence factors of curative effect of 5-flurouracil therapy in southern China

BACKGROUND

To systematically explore the risk factors of cutaneous warts and influence factor for the effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

METHODS

This is a case-control study of 408 cutaneous warts patients and 408 controls of Chinese Han population in southern China. In addition, 244 patients who presented with an initial episode of warts without treatment were treated with intralesional 5-FU. The influence factors of 5-FU therapeutic effects were analyzed.

RESULTS

After adjustment, we found age (≤14 years old), lower education attainment, alcohol intake, smoking, less daily sleeping hours, severe psychological stress, hyperhidrosis, living in house or apartment, having cutaneous warts roommates, and sharing personal items with other persons to be risk factors for warts. Importantly, physical fitness played a protective role against warts. Two hundred and twenty-seven patients in 244 (93.03%) were successfully treated with 5-FU. Multivariate analysis indicated that smoking, alcohol intake, severe psychological stress, more than six months' duration of cutaneous warts, lesions on foot and warts diameter ≥5 mm adversely affected the effectiveness of 5-FU.

CONCLUSIONS

The newly identified risk factors for cutaneous warts and influence factors for efficacy of 5-FU provided clues for warts prevention and treatment of Chinese Han population.

A neglected fish stressor: mechanical disturbance during transportation impacts susceptibility to disease in a globally important ornamental fish

The transport of fish in aquaculture and the ornamental trade exposes fish to multiple stressors that can cause mass mortalities and economic loss. Previous research on fish transport has largely focussed on chemical stress related to deterioration in water quality. However, mechanical disturbance during routine fish transport is unpredictable and is a neglected potential stressor when studying fish welfare. Stress-induced immunosuppression caused by mechanical disturbance can increase the chances of contracting infections and can significantly increase infection burden. Here, using a model host-parasite system (guppy Poecilia reticulata and the monogenean ectoparasite Gyrodactylus turnbulli) and a new method of bagging fish (Breathing Bags™), which reduces mechanical disturbance during fish transport, we investigated how parasite infections contracted after simulated transport impact infection trajectories on a globally important ornamental freshwater species. Guppies exposed to mechanical transport disturbance suffered significantly higher parasite burden compared to fish that did not experience transport disturbance. Unfortunately, there was no significant reduction in parasite burden of fish transported in the Breathing Bags™ compared to standard polythene carrier bags. Thus, transport-induced mechanical disturbance, hitherto neglected as a stressor, can be detrimental to disease resistance and highlights the need for specific management procedures to reduce the impact of infectious diseases following routine fish transport.

Immunomodulation by testosterone and corticosterone in toads: Experimental evidences from transdermal application

Androgens and glucocorticoids play important roles in vertebrate's reproduction and display complex immunomodulatory functions that may affect survival. In anurans, testosterone and corticosterone are correlated to sexual behavior, reproduction, and immune function. Male toads (Rhinella jimi) were treated with acute doses of testosterone (T) and corticosterone (CORT) and immune variables (plasma bacterial killing ability [BKA], swelling after phytohemagglutinin [PHA] injection and the time point of maximum PHA swelling response) were measured. Transdermal T and CORT application increased androgen (T-DHT) and CORT plasma levels after 1 h of treatment, respectively, without a dose-specific effect. Transdermal T treatment did not affect BKA or PHA swelling response. Individuals treated with transdermal CORT showed an earlier maximum PHA swelling response and a tendency of lower BKA 15 h after treatment. Our results indicated that an acute experimental increase of CORT plasma levels diminished time for inflammatory resolution and suppressed non-cellular innate response.

An integrative appraisal of the hormonal and metabolic changes induced by acute stress using king penguins as a model

A large number of studies have focused on the reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis and the consequences of glucocorticoids (GC) in mediating life-history trade-offs. Although short-term increases in GCs are viewed as adaptive, mobilizing energy substrates allowing animals to deal with impending threats (e.g. stimulating hepatic gluconeogenesis, stimulating lipolysis, mobilizing amino acids), few studies have actually measured the exact time-course of substrate mobilisation in response to acute stress in natural conditions. We evaluated the hormonal and metabolic components of the stress response to acute stress in 32 free-living king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus). We monitored changes in blood GCs (corticosterone, CORT), glucose, lactate, ketone bodies (β-hydroxybutyrate), non-esterified fatty acids, and uric acid in response to a standardized capture-restraint protocol lasting for up to 90min. Furthermore, we tested whether the vigilance status of the animal (alert or asleep) affected its perception of the capture, thereby modulating the hormonal and metabolic stress responses. The time course of energy mobilisation followed the characteristic pattern expected from laboratory and theoretical models, with a rapid depletion of those energy stores linked to rapid adrenergic responses (i.e. glucose and ketone bodies), followed by a mobilisation of energy stores associated with the sustained longer-term GC response (i.e. fats and protein stores). HPA reactivity was generally slower than reported in other birds, and there was high inter-individual variability. Sleeping birds had higher GC and glucose responses to acute stress, suggesting a more rapid mobilization of energy stores. Our results highlight the importance of considering HPA and metabolic responses to acute stress against species-specific life history and ecological relevant backgrounds.

Systemic Effects of Segmental Vibration in an Animal Model of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Epidemiology suggests that occupational exposure to hand-transmitted (segmental) vibration has local and systemic effects. This study used an animal model of segmental vibration to characterize the systemic effects of vibration.

METHODS

Male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to tail vibration for 10 days. Genes indicative of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell cycle, along were measured in the heart, kidney, prostate, and liver.

RESULTS

Vibration increased oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory gene expression, and decreased anti-oxidant enzymes in heart tissue. In the prostate and liver, vibration resulted in changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and genes involved in cell cycle regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

These changes are consistent with epidemiological studies suggesting that segmental vibration has systemic effects. These effects may be mediated by changes in autonomic nervous system function, and/or inflammation and oxidative stress.

Identification of Causes of the Occupational Stress for Health Providers at Different Levels of Health Care

Objectives:

To identify and compare the stressors in the work environment experienced by employees in primary health care and secondary health care, amongphysiciansand nurses.

Patients and methods:

The survey was conducted to identify types of stressors by assessing health care workers employed in the primary and secondary health care services of the Public Institution, the Health Centre of the Sarajevo Canton, using a questionnaire about stress in the workplace.

Results:

Among all study participants stressors connected to the organization of work, finance and communication were found to affect their mental health most strongly. The results show a significant difference between primary and secondary health care in experience of stressors related to the organization of work, communication, and stressors related to the emotional and physical risks. Primary health care physicians report a significantly higher experience of stress and impact on mental health compared with other physicians related to emotional difficulties when working in the field of palliative care. Our results also indicate a significant difference between primary and secondary health providers in experiencing stressors related to the organization of work, such as: on-call duty shifts, an inadequate working environment and in the assessment of administrative work overload.

Conclusion:

The survey identified the most intense stressors for doctors and nurses at primary and secondary levels of health care services. The results of the study indicate that doctors and nurses have a different hierarchy of stressors, as well as subjects at Primary and Secondary Health Care. The results of the study indicate that subjects et Primary Health Care perceive more stressful organizational, emotional and communicational problems.