Stress and long-term memory retrieval: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction The experience of stressful events can alter brain structures involved in memory encoding, storage and retrieval. Here we review experimental research assessing the impact of the stress-related hormone cortisol on long-term memory retrieval. Method A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and PsycNet databases with the following terms: "stress," "long-term memory," and "retrieval." Studies were included in the review if they tested samples of healthy human participants, with at least one control group, and with the onset of the stress intervention occurring after the encoding phase and shortly (up to one hour) before the final memory test. Results Thirteen studies were included in the qualitative synthesis (N = 962) and were classified according to the time elapsed between stress induction and memory retrieval (stress-retrieval delay), the stress-inducing protocol (stressor), the time of day in which stress induction took place, sex, and age of participants. Most studies induced stress with the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) between 15 and 25 minutes before the final memory (mostly recall) test and showed significant increases in cortisol levels and memory impairment. Discussion The reviewed studies indicate that stress does impair retrieval, particularly when induced with the TSST, in the afternoon, up to 45 minutes before the onset of the final memory test, in healthy young men. These results may inform future research on the impact of stress-induced cortisol surges on memory retrieval.

Effects of restraint stress and high-fat diet on osseointegration of titanium implants: an experimental study

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic restraint stress (RS) and a high-fat diet (HFD) on the osseointegration of titanium implants in a rat model. After the surgical insertion of titanium implants into the metaphysis of the tibial bone, the rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 8 each): control (CNT), restraint stress (RS), high-fat diet (HFD), and restraint stress plus high fat diet (RS-HFD). CNT: Rats received no further treatment during the 92-day experimental period. RS: Stress was applied to the rats beginning from two days after the implant surgery for one hour per day for the first 30 days, two hours per day for the next 30 days, and three hours per day for the last 30 days. HFD: Rats were fed a HFD for the following 90 days starting two days after surgery. RS-HFD: Rats were fed a HFD and RS was applied to rats for the following 90 days, starting two days after surgery. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were euthanized, and the implants and surrounding bone tissues were removed for histological analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by one way ANOVA and Bonferrroni tests. There were no significant differences in the bone-implant connection levels between the groups (p > 0.05), but in the HFD and RS-HFD groups, the bone filling ratios were found to be lower compared with the controls (p < 0.05) The data analyzed in this study suggest that an HFD with or without chronic RS adversely affected bone tissue in the rats during the 90-day osseointegration period.

SHELL Part of Nucleus Accumbens and Its Laterality Has Important Role in Response to Chronic Stress in Female Rats

Abstract The nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) plays a role in appetitive and negative motivation with sex differences in responses. NAcSh and its laterality in metabolic and hormonal responses to chronic stress in female rats is evaluated via transient inactivation of this nucleus during stress induction. Animals in the stress groups received consecutive stress for four days and transient inactivation of NAcSh was performed by administrating lidocaine (0.2%) unilaterally or bilaterally in the nucleus for five minutes before electric foot shock induction. After stress termination, food and water intake, latency to eat, plasma glucose, corticosterone, estradiol and progesterone were measured in all groups. Results showed that stress increased food intake and blood glucose level, but there were no change in the latency to eat and the amount of water intake. The right side, the left side, and both sides of NAcSh may be dominant in latency to eat, food intake, and both water intake and plasma glucose level, respectively. Although chronic stress included no changes for corticosterone and progesterone, it increased estradiol level in plasma. Also, bilateral and right sides of NAcSh may have modulatory effects on stress in corticosterone and progesterone, respectively, without affecting estradiol. It can be concluded that the NAc shell plays a pivotal role in metabolic and hormonal responses to chronic stress in a laterality manner in female rats.

Effects of restraint stress and high-fat diet on osseointegration of titanium implants: an experimental study

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic restraint stress (RS) and a high-fat diet (HFD) on the osseointegration of titanium implants in a rat model. After the surgical insertion of titanium implants into the metaphysis of the tibial bone, the rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 8 each): control (CNT), restraint stress (RS), high-fat diet (HFD), and restraint stress plus high fat diet (RS-HFD). CNT: Rats received no further treatment during the 92-day experimental period. RS: Stress was applied to the rats beginning from two days after the implant surgery for one hour per day for the first 30 days, two hours per day for the next 30 days, and three hours per day for the last 30 days. HFD: Rats were fed a HFD for the following 90 days starting two days after surgery. RS-HFD: Rats were fed a HFD and RS was applied to rats for the following 90 days, starting two days after surgery. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were euthanized, and the implants and surrounding bone tissues were removed for histological analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by one way ANOVA and Bonferrroni tests. There were no significant differences in the bone-implant connection levels between the groups (p > 0.05), but in the HFD and RS-HFD groups, the bone filling ratios were found to be lower compared with the controls (p < 0.05) The data analyzed in this study suggest that an HFD with or without chronic RS adversely affected bone tissue in the rats during the 90-day osseointegration period.

Association between stress and lower urinary tract symptoms in children and adolescents

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is a common clinical condition. Emotional and behavioral issues are increasing among children and adolescents, with stress indicating difficulties in personal and social functioning. This study evaluated whether urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is associated with stress. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study with 6-14-year-old patients with LUTS and no anatomical/neurogenic urinary tract abnormalities was conducted using the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System, a psychological assessment and the Child Stress Scale. The overall stress score was analyzed in relation to the psychological assessment data. Answers to the seven specific DVSS urinary questions were compared with those for the four Child Stress Scale domains. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The chi-square test and Pearson's correlation were used to determine associations. Significance was defined as p <0.05. Results: Most children were male (56%). Mean age was 9.0±2.25 years. Stress was detected in 20 out of 98 patients (20.4%; 95% CI: 13-30%). Of these, 90% were born from unplanned pregnancies and 67% were upset about their disorder. All the Child Stress Scale domains were significantly associated with urinary dysfunction, with dysuria being significantly associated with all four domains. In the multivariate analysis, dysuria was the only symptom that remained associated with stress. Associations with stress strengthened as the frequency of dysuria increased: physical reactions (p <0.01), emotional reactions (p <0.05), psychological reactions with a depressive component (p <0.01) and psychophysiological reactions (p <0.05). Conclusion: Stress levels are higher in children and adolescents with LUTS who have more severe symptoms. Dysuria was the symptom most associated with stress, both in the physical reactions domain, in the psychological reactions domains with or without a depressive component and in the psychophysiological reactions domain.

Introduction of Application of Gini Coefficient to Heart Rate Variability Spectrum for Mental Stress Evaluation / Introdução da Aplicação do Coeficiente de Gini ao Espectro de Variabilidade da Frequência Cardíaca para Avaliação do Estresse Mental

Abstract Background: The Gini coefficient is a statistical tool generally used by economists to quantify income inequality. However, it can be applied to any kind of data with unequal distribution, including heart rate variability (HRV). Objectives: To assess the application of the Gini coefficient to measure inequality in power spectral density of RR intervals, and to use this application as a psychophysiological indicator of mental stress. Methods: Thirteen healthy subjects (19 ± 1.5 years) participated in this study, and their RR intervals were obtained by electrocardiogram during rest (five minutes) and during mental stress (arithmetic challenge; five minutes). These RR intervals were used to obtain the estimates of power spectral densities (PSD). The limits for the PSD bands were defined from 0.15 to 0.40 Hz for high frequency band (HF), from 0.04 to 0.15 Hz for low frequency band (LF), from 0.04 to 0.085 Hz for first low frequency sub-band (LF1) and from 0.085 to 0.15 Hz for second low frequency sub-band (LF2). The spectral Gini coefficient (SpG) was proposed to measure the inequality in the power distribution of the RR intervals in each of above-mentioned HRV bands. SpG from each band was compared with its respective traditional index of HRV during the conditions of rest and mental stress. All the differences were considered statistically significant for p < 0.05. Results: There was a significant decrease in HF power (p = 0.046), as well as significant increases in heart rate (p = 0.004), LF power (p = 0.033), LF2 power (p = 0.019) and LF/HF (p = 0.002) during mental stress. There was also a significant increase in SpG(LF) (p = 0.009) and SpG(LF2) (p = 0.033) during mental stress. Coefficient of variation showed SpG has more homogeneity compared to the traditional index of HRV during mental stress. Conclusions: This pilot study suggested that spectral inequality of Heart Rate Variability analyzed using the Gini coefficient seems to be an independent and homogeneous psychophysiological indicator of mental stress. Also, HR, LF/HF, SpG(LF) of HRV are possibly important, reliable and valid indicators of mental stress.

Resumo Fundamento: O coeficiente de Gini é um instrumento estatístico geralmente usado por economistas para quantificar a desigualdade de renda. No entanto, ele pode ser aplicado a qualquer tipo de dados com distribuição desigual, incluindo a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC). Objetivos: Avaliar a aplicação do coeficiente de Gini para medir a desigualdade na densidade espectral de potência de intervalos RR, e usar esta aplicação como um indicador psicofisiológico do estresse mental. Métodos: Treze indivíduos saudáveis (19 ± 1,5 anos) participaram deste estudo, e seus intervalos RR foram obtidos por eletrocardiograma durante repouso (cinco minutos) e durante estresse mental (desafio aritmético; cinco minutos). Esses intervalos RR foram utilizados para obter as estimativas de densidades espectrais de potência (PSD). Os limites para as bandas PSD foram definidos de 0,15 a 0,40 Hz para banda de alta frequência (HF), de 0,04 a 0,15 Hz para banda de baixa frequência (LF), de 0,04 a 0,085 Hz para a primeira sub-banda de baixa frequência (LF1) e de 0,085 a 0,15 Hz para a segunda sub-banda de baixa frequência (LF2). O coeficiente de Gini espectral (SpG) foi proposto para medir a desigualdade na distribuição de potência dos intervalos RR em cada uma das bandas de VFC mencionadas acima. O SpG de cada banda foi comparado com seu respectivo índice tradicional de VFC durante as condições de repouso e de estresse mental. Todas as diferenças foram consideradas estatisticamente significativas para p < 0,05. Resultados: Houve uma diminuição significativa no poder de FC (p=0,046), bem como aumentos significativos na frequência cardíaca (p = 0,004), potência da LF (p = 0,033), potência da LF2 (p = 0,019) e LF/HF (p = 0,002) durante estresse mental. Houve também um aumento significativo de SpG(LF) (p = 0,009) e SpG(LF2) (p = 0,033) durante estresse mental. O coeficiente de variação mostrou que o SpG tem mais homogeneidade em comparação com o índice tradicional de VFC durante o estresse mental. Conclusões: Este estudo piloto sugeriu que a desigualdade espectral da VFC analisada pelo coeficiente de Gini parece ser um indicador psicofisiológico independente e homogêneo de estresse mental. Além disso, FC, LF/HF, SpG(LF) da VFC são possivelmente indicadores importantes, confiáveis e válidos de estresse mental.

Behavioral, affective, and cognitive alterations induced by individual and combined environmental stressors in rats

Objective: To evaluate whether exposing rats to individual or combined environmental stressors triggers endophenotypes related to mood and anxiety disorders, and whether this effect depends on the nature of the behavior (i.e., innate or learned). Methods: We conducted a three-phase experimental protocol. In phase I (baseline), animals subjected to mixed schedule of reinforcement were trained to press a lever with a fixed interval of 1 minute and a limited hold of 3 seconds. On the last day of phase I, an open-field test was performed and the animals were divided into four experimental groups (n=8/group). In phase II (repeated stress), each group was exposed to either hot air blast (HAB), paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) or both (HAB+PSD group) on alternate days over a 10-day period. Control group animals were not exposed to stressors. In phase III (post-stress evaluation), behavior was analyzed on the first (short-term effects), third (mid-term effects), and fifth (long-term effects) days after repeated stress. Results: The PSD group presented operant hyperactivity, the HAB group presented spontaneous hypoactivity and anxiety, and the HAB+PSD group presented spontaneous hyperactivity, operant hypoactivity, impulsivity, loss of interest, and cognitive impairment. Conclusion: A combination of environmental stressors (HAB and PSD) may induce endophenotypes related to bipolar disorder.

Associação de dor crônica com força, níveis de estresse, sono e qualidade de vida em mulheres acima de 50 anos / Asociación de dolor crónico con fuerza, niveles de estrés, sueño y calidad de vida en mujeres mayores de 50 años / Association of chronic pain with strength, levels of stress, sleep and quality of life in women over 50 years

RESUMO A literatura apresenta a necessidade de investigar as dores osteoarticulares crônicas em idosos, uma vez que essas influenciam negativamente parâmetros biopsicossociais. Entender a relação entre as dimensões da dor e parâmetros de saúde dos indivíduos acometidos é necessário para melhor abordagem preventiva e terapêutica. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de identificar relações entre níveis de dores crônicas e força, qualidade de vida, estresse e sono em mulheres (as mais acometidas pelas dores osteoarticulares crônicas). Foram recrutadas participantes de um programa de educação física para idosos, com idade entre 50 e 70 anos. A dor foi avaliada por meio de um instrumento multidimensional. Foram avaliados também estado cognitivo global, nível de atividade física, qualidade de vida, estresse e sono. A força muscular das participantes foi analisada por meio do teste de sentar e levantar e do teste de flexão e extensão de cotovelo. Participaram 56 mulheres, com média de idade de 63,7±7,7 anos, e 28,7±4,7kg/m2 de índice de massa corporal (IMC). A maior parte das participantes relatou sentir dor (89,2%); 21,4% relataram dor nos membros inferiores e 67,8% relataram dor nos membros superiores. A dimensão sensorial de dor foi associada ao estresse, mas não às demais variáveis, que não se relacionaram a nenhum dos aspectos da dor. Além disso, pode haver influência da idade na interpretação da dor avaliativa.

RESUMEN La literatura presenta la necesidad de investigar los dolores osteoarticulares crónicos en ancianos, ya que estos dolores influencian negativamente parámetros biopsicosociales. Entender la relación entre las dimensiones del dolor y los parámetros de salud de los individuos afectados es necesario para un mejor enfoque preventivo y terapéutico. Este trabajo tiene el objetivo de identificar relaciones entre niveles de dolores crónicos y fuerza, calidad de vida, estrés y sueño en mujeres (las más acometidas por los dolores osteoarticulares crónicos). Se reclutaron participantes de un programa de educación física para ancianos, con edad entre 50 y 70 años. El dolor fue evaluado por medio de un instrumento multidimensional. Se evaluaron también el estado cognitivo global, el nivel de actividad física, la calidad de vida, el estrés y el sueño de las participantes. La fuerza muscular fue analizada por medio de la prueba de sentarse y levantarse y de la prueba de flexo-extensión de codos. Participaron de la investigación 56 mujeres, con media de edad de 63,7±7,7 anos, y 28,7±4,7kg/m2 de índice de masa corporal (IMC). La mayoría de las participantes relató sentir dolor (89,2%); el 21,4% relató dolor en los miembros inferiores y el 67,8% relató dolor en los miembros superiores. La dimensión sensorial del dolor se asoció al estrés, pero no a las demás variables, que no se relacionaron a ninguno de los aspectos del dolor. Además, puede haber influencia de la edad en la interpretación del dolor evaluativo.

ABSTRACT The literature presents the need for investigations related to the chronic osteoarticular pains of older adults, which are more prevalent in women, since they negatively influence biopsychosocial parameters. To understand the relationship between pain dimensions and health parameters of these individuals is necessary for a better preventive and therapeutic approach. This study aims to identify associations between levels of chronic pain and levels of strength, quality of life, stress and sleep in women. Participants were recruited from a physical education program for older adults, aged between 50 and 70 years. Pain was assessed using a multidimensional instrument on pain parameters. Global cognitive status, physical activity level, quality of life, stress and sleep were also assessed. The muscular strength of the participants was analyzed using the sit up test and the elbow flexion and extension test. The participants were 56 women, mean age 63.7±7.7 years, and 28.7±4.7 kg/m2 body mass index (BMI). Most participants reported feeling pain (89.2%), 21.4% reported lower limb pain, and 67.8% reported experiencing upper limb pain. The sensory dimension of pain was associated with stress, but not with the other variables, which were not related to any aspects of pain. In addition, there may be an influence of age in the interpretation of evaluative pain.

Estrés y deterioro cognitivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia / Stress and cognitive impairment in patients with diagnosis of schizophrenia

El presente es un estudio no experimental, transversal y correlacional, cuyo objetivo era determinar si existe relación entre estrés y deterioro cognitivo en personas con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia, confirmar si la depresión y las estrategias de afrontamiento del estrés se relacionan y si son factores moderadores de la relación entre estrés y deterioro cognitivo, mediante la evaluación y descripción del estrés percibido (PSS), estrategias de afrontamiento del estrés (CSI), depresión (CDSS) y deterioro cognitivo (MoCA), en una muestra de 43 pacientes con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia (36 hombres y 7 mujeres) entre los 16 y 65 años, de Bucaramanga y Medellín (Colombia), seleccionados mediante muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Se encontró que el grupo presenta niveles medios de estrés percibido y puntuaciones medias y bajas en estrategias de afrontamiento adecuadas e inadecuadas, casi la mitad presenta riesgo de comorbilidad con depresión y la mayoría presenta deterioro cognitivo. No se encontró relación entre deterioro cognitivo con las demás variables. Estrés se relaciona significativamente con depresión y con estrategias de afrontamiento expresión emocional, retirada social y autocrítica. Finalmente, depresión correlacionó significativamente con estrategias de afrontamiento expresión emocional y retirada social. Aunque estos hallazgos no pueden ser concluyentes ni generalizables debido a limitaciones metodológicas, pueden ser usados como antecedente para futuros estudios.

The present is a non-experimental, cross-sectional and correlational study, whose objective was to determine if there is a relationship between stress and cognitive impairment in people diagnosed with schizophrenia, to confirm whether depression and coping strategies are related and if they are moderating factors of the relationship between stress and cognitive impairment, through the evaluation and description of perceived stress (PSS), stress coping strategies (CSI), depression (CDSS) and cognitive impairment (MoCA), in a sample of 43 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (36 men and 7 women) between 16 and 65 years old, from Bucaramanga and Medellín (Colombia), selected by non-probabilistic for convenience sampling. It was found that the group in average presents a medium level of perceived stress, and average and low scores in appropriate and inadequate coping strategies, almost half presents risk of comorbidity with depression, and most of them present cognitive impairment. No relationship was found between cognitive impairment with the other variables. Stress is significantly related to depression and coping strategies as emotional expression, social withdrawal and self-criticism. Finally, depression correlated significantly with coping strategies as emotional expression and social withdrawal. Although these findings cannot be conclusive or generalizable due to methodological limitations, they can be used as a precedent for future studies.

Prepubertal and postpubertal vitiligo: a multivariate comparative study in 375 patients

Abstract: Background: The onset of vitiligo during childhood is common. Limited data exist that compare the clinical associations of prepubertal and postpubertal vitiligo in Arabs. Objective: To compare the clinical profile of pre and postpubertal onset vitiligo. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. The Vitiligo European Task Force questionnaire was completed for each patient. Results: A total of 375 patients were included; 199 had postpubertal vitiligo (>12 years), and 176 had prepubertal onset vitiligo (<12years). There were more females in the prepubertal group (49%) than in the postpubertal group (29%), p-value <0.001. The prepubertal group has had more involvement than the postpubertal group (45% vs 30%, p=0.004). Only 8 cases of segmental vitiligo were observed; five were observed in the prepubertal group of patients. Female gender (OR=2.3; 95% CI:1.5, 3.5), presence of halo nevus (OR=2.2; 95% CI:1.1, 4.4) and face involvement (OR=1.9; 95% CI:1.2, 2.9) were positively associated with prepubertal vitiligo. Stress, as an onset factor, was positively associated (OR=0.51; 95% CI:0.3, 0.8) with postpubertal onset vitiligo. Study limitations: A possible selection bias toward more severe vitiligo cases can be a limitation, because the study was conducted in a clinic specialized in vitiligo. Moreover, a likelihood of false recall bias cannot be excluded. Conclusions: Our data present clinical evidence that vitiligo behaves mostly the same way in the prepubertal group as in the postpubertal group. However, female over-representation, more face involvement and more halo nevi were observed in prepubertal vitiligo, while stress was more prevalent as an aggravating factor in postpubertal vitiligo patients.

Effects of an alternating work shift on air traffic controllers and the relationship with excessive daytime sleepiness and stress / Efeitos do turno de trabalho alternado em controladores de tráfego aéreo e relação com sonolência diurna excessiva e estresse

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate symptoms of stress and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in air traffic control (ATC) officers in Brazil. Methods: Fifty-two ATC officers participated, based at three air traffic control units, identified as A, B and C. Stress symptoms were assessed using the Lipp Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults, and EDS by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Results: The sample mean age was 37 years, 76.9% of whom were male. Excessive daytime sleepiness was identified in 25% of the ATC officers, with 84.6% of these based at air traffic control unit A, which has greater air traffic flow, operating a 24-hour alternating work shift schedule. A total of 16% of the ATC officers had stress symptoms, and of these, 62% showed a predominance of physical symptoms. Conclusion: The high percentage of ATC officers with EDS identified in group A may be related to chronodisruption due to night work and alternating shifts.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar sintomas de estresse e sonolência diurna excessiva (SDE) em controladores de tráfego aéreo (CTA) do Brasil. Métodos: Participaram 52 controladores pertencentes a 3 órgãos de controle de tráfego aéreo, denominados de A, B e C. Os sintomas de estresse, foram avaliados pelo Inventário de Sintomas de Estresse para Adultos, a SDE pela Escala de Sonolência Epworth. Resultados: 76,9% da amostra são do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 37 anos. SDE foi identificada em 25% dos controladores, desses 84,6%, pertencem aos órgãos de controle de tráfego aéreo A, caracterizado por maior movimento de aeronaves, funcionamento 24 horas e escala de serviço em turnos alternantes. Um total de 16% dos controladores apresentam sintomas de estresse, desses, 62% mostraram o predomínio de sintomas físicos. Conclusão: A porcentagem elevada de CTA com SDE identificada no grupo A pode estar relacionada a cronodisrupção devido ao trabalho noturno e alternado.

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are related to cardiovascular responses to active, but not passive, coping tasks

Objective: Anxiety and depression have been linked to blunted blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) reactions to mental stress tests; however, most studies have not included indices of underlying hemodynamics nor multiple stress tasks. This study sought to examine the relationships of anxiety and depression with hemodynamic responses to acute active and passive coping tasks. Methods: A total of 104 participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales and mental arithmetic, speech, and cold pressor tasks while BP, HR, total peripheral resistance, and cardiac output (CO) were assessed. Results: After adjustment for traditional risk factors and baseline cardiovascular activity, depression scores were negatively associated with systolic BP, HR, and CO responses to the mental arithmetic task, while anxiety scores were inversely related to the systolic BP response to mental arithmetic. Conclusion: High anxiety or depression scores appear to be associated with blunted cardiac reactions to mental arithmetic (an active coping task), but not to the cold pressor test or speech tasks. Future research should further examine potential mechanisms and longitudinal pathways relating depression and anxiety to cardiovascular reactivity. Clinical trial registration number: TCTR20160208004

The need of dermatologists, psychiatrists and psychologists joint care in psychodermatology

Abstract: The mind-skin connection has been studied since the nineteenth century. The last 40 years have set the development of new research areas which allowed the clarifying of how these two dimensions interact. The diseases that involve skin and mind constitute the field of psychodermatology and require that specialists in dermatology, psychiatry and psychology together and integrated take part in it, since skin, nervous system and mind are simultaneously affected. This paper aims to expose how psychodermatoses are currently conceptualized and the need of integration of these three specialties for conveniently treating the patients.

Effects of chronic mild stress on parameters of bone assessment in adult male and female rats / Efeito do estresse moderado crônico sobre parâmetros de avaliação óssea em ratos adultos machos e fêmeas

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disease of high prevalence and has great impact on quality of life, because the effects on bone structure increase the risk of fractures, what may be very debilitating. Based on the observation that patients with depression have lower bone mineral density than healthy individuals, many studies have indicated that stress could be an aggravating factor for bone loss. This study evaluates the effect of a protocol of chronic mild stress (CMS) on parameters of bone assessment in male and female rats. Five 5-monh-old rats of each sex underwent a schedule of stressor application for 28 days. Stressors included cold, heat, restraint, cage tilt, isolation, overnight illumination, and water and food deprivation. Five rats of each sex were kept under minimum intervention as control group. The animals were weighed at beginning and end of the period, and after euthanasia had their bones harvested. Femur, tibia and lumbar vertebrae were analyzed by bone densitometry. Biomechanical tests were performed in femoral head and diaphysis. Trabecular bone volume was obtained from histomorphometric analysis of femoral head and vertebral body, as well as of femoral midshaft cross-sectional measures. Not all parameters analyzed showed effect of CMS. However, tibial and L4 vertebral bone mineral density and cross-sectional cortical/medullar ratio of femoral shaft were lower in female rats submitted to the CMS protocol. Among male rats, the differences were significant for femoral trabecular bone volume and maximum load obtained by biomechanical test. Thus, it could be confirmed that CMS can affect the balance of bone homeostasis in rats, what may contribute to the establishment of osteopenia or osteoporosis.(AU)

A osteoporose é uma doença multifatorial, de alta prevalência e que tem um grande impacto na qualidade de vida, principalmente porque os efeitos sobre a estrutura do osso aumentam o risco de fraturas, que podem ser muito debilitantes. Com base na observação de que pacientes com depressão têm menor densidade mineral óssea que indivíduos saudáveis​​, muitos estudos têm indicado que o estresse pode ser um fator agravante para a perda óssea. Este estudo avalia o efeito de um protocolo de estresse moderado crônico (EMC) em parâmetros de avaliação óssea em ratos machos e fêmeas. Cinco animais de cada sexo, com cinco meses de idade, foram submetidos a um cronograma de aplicação de estressores durante 28 dias. Os estressores incluídos foram: frio, calor, contenção, inclinação da gaiola, isolamento, iluminação durante a noite e privação de água e ração. Cinco animais de cada sexo foram mantidos com um mínimo de intervenção como grupo controle. Os animais foram pesador no início e no final do período, e após eutanásia tiveram seus ossos coletados. Fêmur, tíbia e vértebra lombar foram analisados por densitometria óssea. Testes biomecânicos foram realizados na cabeça e na diáfise do fêmur. Volume trabecular ósseo foi obtido a partir de análise histomorfométricas da cabeça do fêmur e do corpo vertebral, bem como medidas da seção transversal diáfise femoral. Nem todos os parâmetros avaliados sofreram efeito do protocolo de EMC. No entanto, a densidade mineral óssea da tíbia e da vértebra L4 e a razão osso cortical/medula da seção transversal da diáfise femoral foram menores nas fêmeas submetidas ao protocolo. Entre os ratos machos, as diferenças foram significativas no volume trabecular ósseo da cabeça femoral e na carga máxima obtida no teste biomecânico. Assim, confirma-se que o protocolo de EMC pode afetar o equilíbrio da homeostase óssea em ratos, o que pode contribuir para o estabelecimento de osteopenia ou osteoporose.(AU)

Resposta endócrina à contenção física e isolamento em papagaios-verdadeiros / Endocrine response to physical restraint and isolation in blue-fronted parrots

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a resposta dos papagaios-verdadeiros aos procedimentos de contenção e separação física por método não invasivo, como a dosagem das concentrações de metabólitos de glicocorticoides nas excretas. Para tanto, foram utilizadas 24 aves, 17 machos e sete fêmeas, inicialmente mantidas em viveiros amplos e adjacentes, separadas por sexo. Após captura e contenção de três minutos, 13 aves voltaram para os viveiros coletivos e 11 foram alojadas em gaiolas individuais no mesmo recinto dos viveiros, de modo a permitir que as aves isoladas mantivessem contato visual e auditivo com as demais. Para avaliar se os animais responderiam de maneira diferente quando fisicamente isolados ou em grupo, amostras de excretas foram coletadas sequencialmente em intervalos de três horas durante 24 horas para avaliação dos metabólitos de glicocorticoides por enzimaimunoensaio. Não houve efeito significativo de sexo (P=0,5850), tratamento (P=0,6805) e tempo (P=0,2293), e as concentrações de metabólitos de glicocorticoides mantiveram-se dentro da variação diurna esperada para esta espécie. Portanto, ambos os grupos responderam endocrinologicamente de forma semelhante e o estresse de captura e separação física não foi significativo para as aves.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of blue-fronted parrots to restraint procedures and separation by non-invasive methods such as measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites in droppings. For this, we utilized 24 birds, 17 males and 7 females, initially kept in large adjacent aviaries, separated by sex. After capture and 3 minutes of manual contention, by random, 13 birds returned to the aviary and 11 animals were housed in individual cages in the same facility of the aviaries allowing the maintenance of auditory and visual contact between them. In order to evaluate if the physically isolated birds isolated or in groups would react in different ways, all droppings samples were collected at 3-hours intervals during 24 hours to evaluation of excreted glucocorticoid metabolites by enzimeimmunoassay. There were no significant effects of sex (P=0.5850), treatment (P=0.6805) and time (P=0.2293) and the glucocorticoid metabolites concentrations were within the diurnal range expected for this specie. Therefore, the endocrine response of both groups was similar and stress of capture and physical separation was not significant for the birds.(AU)

Non-linear indices of heart rate variability during endodontic treatment

Abstract Dental treatment promotes psychosomatic change that can influence the procedure and compromise the general well-being of the patient. In this context, it highlights the importance of evaluating the function of the autonomic nervous system in individuals undergoing endodontic treatment. Thus, this manuscript aimed to analyse cardiac autonomic modulation, through non-linear indices of heart rate variability (HRV) during endodontic treatment. Analysis of 50 subjects of either sex aged between 18 and 40 years diagnosed with irreversible pulp necrosis of lower molars undergoing endodontic treatment was undertaken. We carried out fractal and symbolic analysis of HRV, which was recorded in the first session of the endodontic treatment at four intervals: T1: 0-10 min before the onset of the treatment session; T2: 0-10 min after the application of anaesthesia; T3: throughout the period of treatment; and T4: 0-30 min after the end of the treatment session. There was reduction of α1 in T2 compared to T1 and T4 (p < 0.0001). The α2 index also reduced in T2 compared to T3 (p = 0.0035). There was an increase in the α1/α2 ratio in T4 compared to T2 and T3 (p = 0.0003). It was found that 0V% was significantly lower in T2 (p = 0.002), while 2UV% was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) when compared to other points in time. In conclusion, HRV is reduced during endodontic treatment, and after applying local anaesthetic the parasympathetic component of HRV increases. These data indicate that endodontic treatment acutely overcharges the heart, supporting the stress involved in this situation.

Voz, estresse, trabalho e qualidade de vida de técnicos e preparadores físicos de futebol / Voice, stress, work and quality of life of soccer coaches and physical trainers

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar aspectos relacionados a estresse, trabalho e qualidade de vida em voz de técnicos (T) e preparadores físicos de futebol (P), comparando as categorias. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo e quantitativo com 13 T e 13 P de times da primeira fase do Campeonato Paulista de Futebol 2012/série A. Foram realizadas perguntas abertas referentes a queixas, dificuldades e/ou problemas no uso da voz no trabalho e também a relações entre voz, trabalho, estresse e qualidade de vida. O estresse no trabalho foi analisado pelo questionário JSS -Job Stress Scale. A percepção do impacto da voz na qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo protocolo QVV (Qualidade de Vida em Voz). As respostas das perguntas foram transcritas e feita Análise de Conteúdo; nos dados dos questionários foi aplicada estatística descritiva e analítica. Resultados: A Análise de Conteúdo mostrou falta de preparo para cuidados com a voz; queixas vocais; intensa demanda de uso da voz sob trabalho estressante; mas também hábitos saudáveis e apoio social/familiar. As dimensões do JSS indicaram situação de Trabalho Ativo e os altos escores do QVV são compatíveis com vozes saudáveis e sem queixas. Não houve diferença estatística entre as categorias. Conclusão: Ambas as categorias referem queixas/problemas no uso da voz profissional e trabalho estressante; no entanto a percepção do impacto da voz na qualidade de vida foi positiva e a análise do estresse no trabalho resultou em condição "boa" e favorável. As relações entre voz, trabalho, estresse e qualidade de vida de ambas as categorias merecem maiores investigações.

ABSTRACT Purposes: To assess aspects related to work, stress and quality of life related to voice in soccer coaches (C) and physical trainers (T), comparing the categories. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative studies with 13 C and 13 T of teams competing in Phase One of the highest level (Série A ) of the 2012Campeonato Paulista (São Paulo State Soccer Championship). The questions were open ended and related to complaints, difficulties, and/or problems regarding voice use during work and to the relations between voice, work, stress, and quality of life. Stress at work was analyzed by the Job Stress Scale (JSS) questionnaire. The perception of the impact of the voice on quality of life was evaluated by the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) protocol. The answers to the questions were transcribed and submitted to content analysis, and regarding the questionnaire, descriptive data and analytical statistics were used. Results: Content analysis showed lack of preparation for voice care; voice complaints; and intense vocal use demand under stressful work, in addition to the absence of healthy habits and social/family support. The JSS dimensions showed that the Active Work situation and the high V-RQOL scores are compatible with vocal health without complaints. There were no statistical differences between the categories. Conclusion: Both categories reported complaints/problems linked to professional voice use and stressful workload. However, the perception of vocal impact on the quality of life was positive, and the analysis of stress at work resulted in "good" and favorable conditions. The relationship between voice, work, stress, and quality of life in both the categories require further investigations.

Anxiety, Depression, and General Psychological Distress in Patients with Coronary Slow Flow / Ansiedade, Depressão e Distúrbios Psicológicos Gerais em Pacientes com Fluxo Coronariano Lento

AbstractBackground:The relationship between psychiatric illness and heart disease has been frequently discussed in the literature. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between anxiety, depression and overall psychological distress, and coronary slow flow (CSF).Methods:In total, 44 patients with CSF and a control group of 50 patients with normal coronary arteries (NCA) were prospectively recruited. Clinical data, admission laboratory parameters, and echocardiographic and angiographic characteristics were recorded. Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scales were administered to each patient.Results:The groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, and atherosclerotic risk factors. In the CSF group, BAI score, BDI score, and general symptom index were significantly higher than controls (13 [18.7] vs. 7.5 [7], p = 0.01; 11 [14.7] vs. 6.5 [7], p = 0.01; 1.76 [0.81] vs. 1.1[0.24], p = 0.01; respectively). Patients with CSF in more than one vessel had the highest test scores. In univariate correlation analysis, mean thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame counts were positively correlated with BAI (r = 0.56, p = 0.01), BDI (r = 0.47, p = 0.01), and general symptom index (r = 0.65, p = 0.01). The psychiatric tests were not correlated with risk factors for atherosclerosis.Conclusion:Our study revealed higher rates of depression, anxiety, and overall psychological distress in patients with CSF. This conclusion warrants further studies.

ResumoFundamento:A investigação da relação entre doença psiquiátrica e doença cardíaca sempre foi um tema de interesse na literatura médica.Objetivo:Investigar a relação entre ansiedade, depressão e distúrbios psicológicos gerais e fluxo coronariano lento (FCL).Métodos:Quarenta e quatro pacientes com FCL e 50 pacientes com fluxo coronariano normal (FCN) foram recrutados prospectivamente. Foram registrados: dados clínicos, parâmetros laboratoriais à admissão e características ecocardiográficas e angiográficas. Escalas de avaliação da Lista de Verificação de Sintomas-90 Revisada (SCL-90-R), do Inventário Beck de Depressão (IBD) e do Inventário Beck de Ansiedade (IBA) foram determinadas para cada paciente.Resultados:O grupo FCL incluiu 44 indivíduos e o grupo controle 50 indivíduos. Os grupos foram comparados quanto à idade, sexo e fatores de risco para aterosclerose. No grupo FCL, os escores do IBA, do IBD e do índice geral de sintomas foram significativamente mais altos que no grupo controle (13 [18,7] vs. 7,5 [7], p = 0,01; 11 [14,7] vs. 6,5 [7], p = 0,01; 1,76 [0,81] vs. 1,1[0,24], p = 0,01; respectivamente). Pacientes com FCL em mais de um vaso apresentaram os escores mais elevados. Na análise de correlação univariada, a média das contagens de quadros TIMI foi correlacionada positivamente com o IBA (r = 0,56, p = 0,01), com o IBD (r = 0,47, p = 0,01) e com o Índice Geral de Sintomas (r = 0,65, p = 0,01). Os testes psiquiátricos não tiveram correlação com fatores de risco para aterosclerose.Conclusão:Nosso estudo revelou taxas de depressão, ansiedade e distúrbios psicológicos gerais mais elevadas em pacientes com FCL. Esta conclusão justifica novos estudos.

Differential susceptibility of BALB/c, C57BL/6N, and CF1 mice to photoperiod changes

Objective:Circadian disturbances common to modern lifestyles have been associated with mood disorders. Animal models that mimic such rhythm disturbances are useful in translational research to explore factors contributing to depressive disorders. This study aimed to verify the susceptibility of BALB/c, C57BL/6N, and CF1 mice to photoperiod changes.Methods:Thermochron iButtons implanted in the mouse abdomen were used to characterize temperature rhythms. Mice were maintained under a 12:12 h light-dark (LD) cycle for 15 days, followed by a 10:10 h LD cycle for 10 days. Cosinor analysis, Rayleigh z test, periodograms, and Fourier analysis were used to analyze rhythm parameters. Paired Student's t test was used to compare temperature amplitude, period, and power of the first harmonic between normal and shortened cycles.Results:The shortened LD cycle significantly changed temperature acrophases and rhythm amplitude in all mouse strains, but only BALB/c showed altered period.Conclusion:These findings suggest that BALB/c, the preferred strain for stress-induced models of depression, should also be favored for exploring the relationship between circadian rhythms and mood. Temperature rhythm proved to be a useful parameter for characterizing rhythm disruption in mice. Although disruption of temperature rhythm has been successfully documented in untethered mice, an evaluation of desynchronization of other rhythms is warranted.