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Background: In order to alleviate the transport stress reaction of animals, three kinds of chinese herbs with sedative and tranquilizing properties were extracted with ethanol and proportionally composed into a chinese herbal compound prescription. In addition, isorhynchophylline in leaves of Uncaria rhynchophylla was isolated and purified for use. Methods: The enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the changes in serum stress indicators and hormone levels, three classification blood cell counter and automatic biochemistry analyser was used to measure blood indicators and other biochemical indicators of each group mice before and after transport stress. Result: The results showed that the blood physiological indexes such as blood glucose (GLU) level, biochemical indexes such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and hormone levels such as adrocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and other stress indexes were significantly higher in mice after transport than before. The compound agents and isorhynchophylline played a role in regulating the stress indices of mice after the simulating transport processs and have the effect of significantly alleviating the transport stress response in mice, with a view to provide reference for alleviating the adverse effects of transport stress on the animal husbandry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global threat that the diamondback moth (DBM) (Plutella xylostella) poses to Brassica juncea creates an urgent need to develop effective mitigation strategies. With promising findings, this study explores the potential of plant-derived antioxidants, particularly Millettia pachyloba, in mitigating DBM-induced oxidative stress. Greenhouse experiments conducted using M. pachyloba leaf ethanol extract (MPEE) at concentrations of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 % (w/v) showed the inhibitory effect of MPEE on DBM damage in B. juncea. The comprehensive assessment included the effectiveness of MPEE in reducing oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide), augmenting metabolites (flavonoids, phenolics), enhancing anti-oxidant compounds (glutathione, ascorbic acid, total protein), and stimulating key enzymes (su-peroxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase). The results were compared to controls, in which the plants were treated with water or fipronil. Fipronil and MPEE significantly reduced leaf puncturing and damage, and the impact force increased with MPEE concentration. Both types of protection reduced the content of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in leaves, stems, and roots. However, a significant increase in the content of flavonoids, phenolic and antioxidant compounds (glutathione, ascorbic acid, and proteins) and enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase) was observed. The enhancement of metabolites, enzymes, and antioxidants was comparable in plants treated with fipronil and MPEE 10%. This study, with its potential to replace synthetic fipronil with M. pachyloba extracts to reduce oxidative stress induced by Plutella xylostella on mustard plants, offers a promising solution for protection against this insect.

Plants are subjected to a variety of abiotic stressors, including drought stress, that are fatal to their growth and ability to produce under natural conditions. Therefore, the present study was intended to investigate the drought tolerance potential of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) plants under the co-application of biochar and rhizobacteria, Cellulomonas pakistanensis (National Culture Collection of Pakistan (NCCP)11) and Sphingobacterium pakistanensis (NCCP246). The experiment was initiated by sowing the inoculated seeds with the aforementioned rhizobacterial strains in earthen pots filled with 3 kg of sand-mixed soil and 5% biochar. The morphology of biochar was observed with highly porous nature, along with the detection of various essential elements. The biochemical and physiological data showed that phenolic compounds and osmolytes were adversely affected by the induction of drought stress. However, the application of biochar and rhizobacteria boosted the level of flavonoids on average by 52.03%, total phenols by 50.67%, soluble sugar by 82.85%, proline by 76.81%, glycine betaine by 107.25%, and total protein contents by 89.18% in all co-treatments of biochar and rhizobacteria. In addition, stress indicator compounds, including malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and H2O2, were remarkably alleviated by 54.21% and 47.03%, respectively. Similarly, the amplitude of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase was also enhanced by 63.80%, 80.95%, 37.87%, and 58.20%, respectively, in all co-treatments of rhizobacteria and biochar. Conclusively, biochar and rhizobacteria have a magnificent role in enhancing the drought tolerance potential of crop plants by boosting the physio-biochemical traits and enhancing the level of antioxidant enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dramatic metabolic changes during pregnancy and post-partum period resulted in alteration of the biochemical parameters in dromedary she-camels. The current study focused on assessment of stress indicators in post-partum dromedary she-camels on days 14, 28 and 42 post-calving through monitoring the clinical findings, serum steroid hormones, serum or milk oxidant/antioxidant indicators, and milk somatic cell count (SCC) status with reference to serum lipid profile changes. The study also stated several correlations between reproductive cyclicity parameters, stress biomarkers and serum-milk oxidant/antioxidant indicators. The study was conducted on clinically healthy recently calved she-camels (n = 25). They were subjected to clinical and laboratory assays including lipid profiles, serum steroid hormones [Progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2)], serum or milk oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers [Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and cortisol], and milk SCC on days 14, 21 and 28 post-calving. The study concluded the influence of stress as a result of lactation in post-partum period in recently calved she-camels and its relationship with reproductive cyclicity as well as changes in serum steroids, lipid profiles, serum-milk oxidant/antioxidants parameters, and milk SCC that was reflected through significant elevations in serum levels of P4, E2, cortisol, MDA and glucose, and milk values of MDA, cortisol and SCC as well as significant drop in serum levels of GSH, TPs, albumins and globulins on day 14 post-calving comparing with their values particularly on day 42. The study stated variable correlation relationships between reproductive cyclicity parameters, lipid profiles, serum-milk oxidant/antioxidants parameters and milk SCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the potential of coral to adapt to environmental stressors that cause coral bleaching is urgent. The molecular responses of the coral holobiont to such stress conditions determine the success of symbiosis. Therefore, by characterizing molecular stress responses at the holobiont level, we can develop better tools to diagnose its health and resilience. However, only some genomic-scale resources are available for reefbuilding corals from the Eastern Tropical Pacific. This study aimed to perform a transcriptomic characterization of the Pocillopora grandis holobiont following transplantation into environments with different health conditions in Colima, Mexico. Healthy specimens of two color morphotypes (green and brown) were collected in Carrizales, a reef in good condition. Coral fragments from the two morphotypes were relocated within the source location (local transplant stress). In contrast, similar fragments were translocated into another reef with a poorer health state, La Boquita. After 24 h, the transplanted fragments were collected, and RNA-seq was performed with the Illumina system. De novo transcriptome assembly, functional annotation, identification of co-expression modules, and enrichment analysis of molecular pathways were performed. The analysis of rRNA LSU, rRNA SSU, and COI sequences confirmed the coral species, whereas analysis of Rubisco, psbA, and psaA transcripts revealed that the dominant endosymbiont was Durusdinium sp. Gene expression patterns observed across samples suggest that the transplantation to a reef with a poorer state of health affected processes such as photosynthesis, calcium homeostasis, and immune response. The transcriptomic indicators proposed here are valuable for further studies examining the adaptation of Pocillopora corals to global changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the effects of selling weaned beef calves through an auction market on physiological stress indicators. The study found that calves that passed through the market showed higher levels of creatine phosphokinase activity and rectal temperatures compared to those transported directly between farms. However, the study acknowledges that these findings are preliminary and more research is needed with larger sample sizes and different conditions to validate these results. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract The drop in temperature during the winter months can lead to a decrease in growth, induce metabolic stress, and increase mortality incidences. The present study evaluated the potential of functional feed additives in mitigating the negative impacts of winter‐rearing conditions in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). Four test diets were evaluated over a twelve‐week feed trial: (1) zinc‐acetate (Zn‐acetate), (2) selenomethionine (Se‐Met), (3) β‐glucan, and (4) control with no added feed additive. The survival rate in the β‐glucan (95.00%) and Zn‐acetate (93.30%) dietary groups was higher than the control (78.30%) and Se‐Met (85.00%). Fish fed with the β‐glucan had the highest weight gain (20.75% increase), specific growth rate (13.75% increase), and lower feed conversion ratio (9.64 % decrease). However, feed additives did not influence the fatty acid profiles or whole‐body proximate composition. Although, Zn‐acetate and Se‐Met had higher body ash content. Serum cortisol and glucose levels were lower in β‐glucan and Zn‐acetate than in other treatment groups. All feed additives resulted in higher superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activity in the liver and muscle. This study found that β‐glucan and zinc‐acetate can improve cold stress resistance and offer a sustainable strategy for catfish rearing over winter.

This experiment investigated the effects of the brooding system (BS) and stocking density (SD) on the immune response of 1-14-day-old broiler chicks. A 3672 one-day-old Cobb 500 chicks were raised in two BSs (conventional floor brooding system (CFBS) and the newly developed multi-tier closed brooding system (NDBS)) at four different SDs (30, 60, 90, and 120 chicks/m2), resulting in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. Immunity data on lymphoid organ weights, maternal antibody titres to IBV, IBDV, and NDV, and stress indicators were collected on days 6 and 12. The results showed that CFBS and NDBS had similar effects on the relative development of chick lymphoid organs (Bursa, spleen, and thymus), the durability of the maternal humoral immune response against IBDV, and the maintenance of normal levels of stress indicators. Birds in CFBS outperformed NDBS in terms of the durability of maternal immunity to IBV and NDV. Birds in NDBS had a higher liver weight percentage than CFBS. Maternal immunity, lymphoid organ weights %, glucose and cholesterol concentrations were not altered by SD. In contrast to relative weights, differences in absolute lymphoid weights (g) were attributed to differences in live weights. An increase in SD per area unit resulted in an increase in heterophils and a decrease in lymphocyte percentage resulted in an increase in the ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes(H:L). In conclusion, birds in the higher SD had lower live weights and higher H:L ratios. Smarter brooding systems are needed to usher in a new era for the poultry industry.Highlights The brooding system and/or stocking density accounted for the stress factors of the birds. Both brooding systems increased the relative development of chick lymphoid organs and the durability of the maternal humoral immune response to IBDV. Smarter brooding systems are needed to apply the critical control point standard and usher in a new era for the poultry industry. As stocking density per unit area increased, live and liver weights decreased, and the lymphocyte ratio increased.

This experiment investigated the effects of the brooding system (BS) and stocking density (SD) on the immune response of 1-14-day-old broiler chicks. A 3672 one-day-old Cobb 500 chicks were raised in two BSs (conventional floor brooding system (CFBS) and the newly developed multi-tier closed brooding system (NDBS)) at four different SDs (30, 60, 90, and 120 chicks/m2), resulting in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. Immunity data on lymphoid organ weights, maternal antibody titres to IBV, IBDV, and NDV, and stress indicators were collected on days 6 and 12. The results showed that CFBS and NDBS had similar effects on the relative development of chick lymphoid organs (Bursa, spleen, and thymus), the durability of the maternal humoral immune response against IBDV, and the maintenance of normal levels of stress indicators. Birds in CFBS outperformed NDBS in terms of the durability of maternal immunity to IBV and NDV. Birds in NDBS had a higher liver weight percentage than CFBS. Maternal immunity, lymphoid organ weights %, glucose and cholesterol concentrations were not altered by SD. In contrast to relative weights, differences in absolute lymphoid weights (g) were attributed to differences in live weights. An increase in SD per area unit resulted in an increase in heterophils and a decrease in lymphocyte percentage resulted in an increase in the ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes(H:L). In conclusion, birds in the higher SD had lower live weights and higher H:L ratios. Smarter brooding systems are needed to usher in a new era for the poultry industry. The brooding system and/or stocking density accounted for the stress factors of the birds. Both brooding systems increased the relative development of chick lymphoid organs and the durability of the maternal humoral immune response to IBDV. Smarter brooding systems are needed to apply the critical control point standard and usher in a new era for the poultry industry. As stocking density per unit area increased, live and liver weights decreased, and the lymphocyte ratio increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluctuating asymmetry are random deviations of an otherwise symmetrical body plan and arises from instability in development. Earlier studies suggest that levels of cranial fluctuating asymmetry may be influenced by lifestyle and quality of life in a population. It may, therefore, be useful as a stress indicator. We investigated whether cranial fluctuating asymmetry has changed in archaeological Danish populations over time, and between grave sites from the same time period. Our sample consisted of 219 adult individuals from the Neolithic Age (approx. 3000BC) to the Early Modern Age (approx. 1850). We collected 27 3-dimensional landmarks from the face, calvarium, and base of the cranium. Levels of shape variation were analyzed using Procrustes analysis of variance and principal component analysis. Cemeteries, time periods, and sex were compared using linear mixed models, one-way analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis test. We found no statistically significant differences in cranial FA between grave sites from the same time period, nor did we find any statistically significant difference between time periods. We found that sex did not have an influence on levels of cranial FA. We found no measurable difference in levels of cranial FA between Danish populations over time. Further knowledge on genetics and other stress indicators in our sample may give more insight into the relationship between cranial fluctuating asymmetry and developmental instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drop in temperature during the winter months can lead to a decrease in growth, induce metabolic stress, and increase mortality incidences. The present study evaluated the potential of functional feed additives in mitigating the negative impacts of winter‐rearing conditions in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). Four test diets were evaluated over a twelve‐week feed trial: (1) zinc‐acetate (Zn‐acetate), (2) selenomethionine (Se‐Met), (3) β‐glucan, and (4) control with no added feed additive. The survival rate in the β‐glucan (95.00%) and Zn‐acetate (93.30%) dietary groups was higher than the control (78.30%) and Se‐Met (85.00%). Fish fed with the β‐glucan had the highest weight gain (20.75% increase), specific growth rate (13.75% increase), and lower feed conversion ratio (9.64 % decrease). However, feed additives did not influence the fatty acid profiles or whole‐body proximate composition. Although, Zn‐acetate and Se‐Met had higher body ash content. Serum cortisol and glucose levels were lower in β‐glucan and Zn‐acetate than in other treatment groups. All feed additives resulted in higher superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activity in the liver and muscle. This study found that β‐glucan and zinc‐acetate can improve cold stress resistance and offer a sustainable strategy for catfish rearing over winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cucurbita maxima and C. moschata are leafy vegetables with numerous health benefits. • Drought stress tolerance screening can be achieved through potted seedlings for 10 and 20 days. • Biomass production, chlorophyll content, relative water content and membrane stability were not affected by stress after 10 days. • Stress exposure for 20 days resulted in compromised chloroplast biosynthesis, biomass production, membrane stability and increased proline content, albeit a good water status was maintained. • Phenotypic plasticities of the traits indicated which traits were reliable indicators of drought stress tolerance. A pot screening approach was used to identify mannitol stress tolerance indicating traits that were reliable and easy to determine, in two Cucurbita species. A population of C. maxima seedlings with trimmed roots were exposed to 0–800 mM mannitol for 20 days and the mannitol concentration required to inhibit root regrowth by 50±0.51% was established through a linear regression analysis (LD 50 = 453 mM, -1.11 MPa). The established LD 50 was then used to screen a population of C. moschata seedlings in addition to a second population of C. maxima. When exposed to 453 mM mannitol for 10 days, both species were able to regrow roots, maintain biomass production, chlorophyll content, high water status, membrane stability and accumulate proline as an osmoprotectant. Even with a good water status, stress exposure for 20 days compromised the biomass production, chlorophyll content, membrane stability and encouraged a surge in proline content. Based on their phenotypic plasticity indices, traits such as root regrowth, fresh weight, dry weight, relative chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage and proline content were identified as potential indicators of stress tolerance at day 10 of mannitol stress. Meanwhile, root regrowth and proline content were the only traits identified as good indicators of stress tolerance at day 20 of mannitol stress. The biochemical, morphological and physiological traits of tested populations had varying degrees of plasticity under stress and this should be considered when screening and identifying drought resilient seedlings prior to labourious field tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of carcass lesions in slaughtered pigs and to quantify their relationships with different animal characteristics, pre-slaughter factors, blood measurements, performance indices, carcass composition and meat quality traits. Data was recorded for 30 journeys referring to 1080 market-weight pigs that originated from 15 commercial small-scale finishing farms. Carcass lesions were visually assessed on the slaughterline in different parts of the carcass, i.e., anterior, middle and posterior, using a three-point scale. Complete blood count was investigated. The following performance indices and carcass composition traits were measured: average lifetime daily weight gain, live, hot and cold carcass weights, cooler shrinkage, dressing percentage, backfat thickness and meatiness. Meat pH and temperature were measured 45 minutes postmortem. Of the 1080 pigs slaughtered in 30 batches, 70.28% displayed some degree of lesions on the carcass (moderate – 30.00%; severe – 40.28%). The carcass lesions were the most prevalent (50.20%) in the posterior part of the pig carcass. RYR 1 genotype, live weight, loading density, lairage time, lairage density and slaughter season affected the carcass lesion prevalence. The presence of carcass lesions, irrespective of severity, was associated with alterations in blood measurements in slaughtered pigs, indicating compromised animal welfare. The presence of severe carcass lesions in slaughtered pigs was significantly associated with increased meat pH45min, which led to the highest occurrence of dark, firm and dry pork. In contrast, there was strong evidence of association between the presence of moderate carcass lesions in slaughtered pigs and both decreased meat pH45min and increased meat T45min, which led to the highest occurrence of pale, soft and exudative pork among the carcass lesion groups. In conclusion, this study showed a high prevalence of carcass lesions in slaughtered pigs, whereby the risk of their occurrence was affected by both animal characteristics and pre-slaughter conditions. Also, the presence of carcass lesions in slaughtered pigs, irrespective of severity, was significantly associated with alterations in the blood measurements and pork quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to explore the effect of Spirulina platensis (SP) inclusion at various levels in quail diets, in terms of their production performance, physiological traits, stress measurements, and immunological parameters under heat stress (HS) conditions. Four hundred Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) chicks, one day old, were equally distributed into forty wire cages, and the cages were placed in two chambers with environmentally controlled systems (20 cages in each chamber). From 21 to 42 d of age, the quails were randomly subjected to a factorial design of two HS treatments × four SP treatments. To induce HS treatments in the quails, the first chamber was maintained at a thermoneutral temperature of 24 °C (TN group), while the temperature of the second chamber was elevated to 35 °C during the daytime (9:00–17:00 h), followed by a thermoneutral temperature for the remaining 24 h cycle (HS group). The birds in each chamber were further allocated into four SP treatments (5 replicate cages × 10 birds per cage in each treatment), where the quails were fed on a basal diet that included 0, 5, 10, or 15 g/kg SP (SP0, SP5, SP10, and SP15 groups, respectively). After exposure to the HS, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of 5% in body weight and 9% in both weight gain and feed intake was recorded, and the slaughter performance of the quails was adversely (p < 0.05) affected. In addition, HS significantly (p < 0.05) impaired the physiological traits (total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, creatinine, uric acid, cholesterol, and triglycerides) and immunological parameters (total white blood cells, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and T- and B-lymphocyte stimulation indexes), but increased the stress measurements (corticosterone, malondialdehyde, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α). In contrast, most of these parameters were linearly (p < 0.05) improved by increasing the SP levels in the diets of the TN quail group. When the SP was included in the diets of the HS quail group, the deleterious effects of HS on the alanine and aspartate transferase activities, creatinine, uric acid, triglycerides, corticosterone, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and T- and B-lymphocyte stimulation indexes were remarkably (p < 0.05) relieved. These results concluded that SP nutritional application can improve the production performance and the overall physiological homeostasis of the Japanese quail, especially when suffering from heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological response of motorcyclists, which is substantially correlated with driving stress, can be utilised to assess traffic safety. Heart rate and respiratory rate can be used to measure driver tension using the heart rate variability method. This investigation was conducted in Aceh province along the urban arterial roads Jl. T. Nyak Arief and Jl. T. Muhammad Daud Bereueh. This study seeks to provide the anticipated empirical findings for determining the stress threshold of motorcyclists on Banda Aceh's primary arterial roads. The Polar Vantage V2 Smartwatch Multisport measures the pulse rate and respiratory rate of voluntarily participating motorcycle riders. This research was conducted using direct observation and direct observation related to volunteer travel activities as a sample, with volunteers selected at random and questioned about their willingness to participate. Direct interview surveys with volunteers were used to collect socioeconomic information about volunteers. The Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model empirically examined which road conditions and land use variables influence driving tension among motorists. The results revealed that the highest heart rate (HR) was recorded in the commercial land use area, at 94.029 beats per minute, while the highest HR was recorded at road bends, at 94.244 beats per minute. The time domain stress model is influenced by land use variables, with the most significant types of land use being offices and education, with the forming variables consisting of SDNN, RMSSD, and TINN.

This study evaluated the structural changes, the immunohistochemical and gene expression of neurotrophic factors in submandibular gland in a rat model of depression, and their correlation with depression parameters during and after relief of depression by voluntary running. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into control, control-exercise, depression, and depression-exercise groups. Depression was induced using forced swimming protocol, while the relief of depression was induced using the rat voluntary running wheels. The depressive state of rats was evaluated by measuring the immobility duration and the serum corticosterone level. The immune expression was evaluated by measuring the optical densities (ODs) using ImageJ software, and the gene expression levels were investigated. In the depression group, the convoluted ducts appeared dilated with numerous secretory granules. The number of PCNA-stained cells was significantly decreased in the depression group as compared to control group and then significantly increased in the depression-exercise group when compared to the depression group with a negative correlation to stress indicator. The ODs of immuno-expression for the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increased significantly in the depression group as compared to control group. Both BDNF and VEGF immuno-expression displayed positive correlation with the stress indicators. Both BDNF and VEGF gene expression results confirmed their immunohistochemical results. The findings of this study explored the role of submandibular gland in secreting neurotrophic factors and raise a flag for the possibility of using salivary secretions as dependable and easy parameter for estimation of chronic stressed patients. Mini Abstract The submandibular gland neurotrophic factors immuno-expression can be used in estimating chronic depressive disorders as they are correlated with stress indicators during and after the relief of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current research was to evaluate the effects that lambing process has on major behavioural patterns and cortisol levels in multiparous Turcana ewes during the first 21 days after parturition. At 14 hours following lambing, cortisol level was 7.78±0.47 µg/dl, and decreased to 5.08±0.72 µg/dl on the 7th day of the experiment (p≤0.05), then to 2.75±0.50 µg/dl on the day 14 (p≤0.05) and to 1.61±0.43 µg/dl in the last day of experiments (p>0.05). Differences in cortisol levels between single and twin lambing ewes were not significant (p>0.05), suggesting that either cortisol sampling could not be used as an indicator for assessing stress caused by the additional lamb(s) in postparturient ewes, either in multiparous Turcana ewes rearing two lambs does not impose a great stress to the mothers’ organism. Both the major behavioural patterns and milk cortisol levels are influenced significantly by the lambing process in multiparous ewes during first 14 days following parturition. After two weeks, time devoted to feeding, rumination and resting behaviours tend to be less influenced by the lambing process.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of stress on the main physiologic indicators: body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, urinary cortisol and creatinine levels and fecal corticosterone in juvenile rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). One seven-week old group-reared rabbits were kept in individual isolation for 24 hours in metabolic cages. This caused the increase at the skin level of the mean body temperature measured, from 31.2°C to 31.5°C, also an increase of the mean heart rate, from 201 beats/min. to 217 beats/min. and an increase of the mean respiratory rate from 47 respirations/min. to 55 respirations/min. At the end of the individual isolation period, the average urinary cortisol/creatinine ratio was of: 9.09 x 10-6 and the average value of fecal corticosterone was 557 ng/g. Isolation of group-reared individuals, represents a stress factor that influence the welfare of animals used in scientific experiments, in this respect, fecal corticosterone and urinary cortisol measurements represent an useful non-invasive method for the stress assessment in laboratory animals used for scientific purposes.

Accumulation of noxious elements in the edible part of crops and its impact on food safety is of increasing concern. Rice is one of the major staple food crops worldwide, including arsenic (As)-polluted areas, in which dietary As exposure is becoming a widespread health threat. Plant chemical priming has been shown to be an effective strategy to enhance tolerance to environmental stresses, including metal(loid) exposure. The priming effect of ascorbic acid (AsA) was assessed in rice seedlings exposed to As(V) in a hydroponics experiment. AsA treatment (co-addition to the growing media concomitantly (t 0) or 24 h in advance (t 24)) prevented an excessive accumulation of As in the roots (that decreased ∼ 60%) and stimulated the activities of photosynthetic and antioxidant attributes (∼1.2-fold) in the aerial part of the plants. The increase in proline levels in both shoots (∼2.1-fold) and roots (∼2.4-fold) was found to be the most sensitive stress parameter, and was able to reflect the AsA-induced reduction of As toxic effects (concentrations back to Control levels, both simultaneously added or added as a pretreatment) in the aerial part of the plants. However, the phytotoxic effects related to As exposure were not fully prevented by priming with AsA, and further research is needed to find alternative priming approaches. • Ascorbic acid (AsA) significantly decreased As accumulation in rice roots. • As(V) and As(III) levels in rice shoots were low and decreased further with AsA priming. • Proline and proanthocyanidins levels reflected AsA-induced reduction of As toxicity. • AsA decreased thiol compounds levels provoked by As(V) exposure in rice roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently a lack of evidence about changes in the health of riparian and drawdown zones under different land‐use patterns within mega‐reservoirs, below and around dams. Scientific evidence for the quantitative effects of stress indicators is vague and varies significantly among reservoirs and dams worldwide. In this study, we used a field‐based approach to evaluate riparian and drawdown zones health changes—influenced by pressure indicators—across 274 transects from three land‐use areas (rural, rural–urban transitional, and urban) in the Three Gorges Dam Reservoir (TGDR) in China during 2019. Multivariate statistical techniques were applied to test for riparian and drawdown zones (termed riparian zones in this paper) changes under these variant land‐use patterns. Our results showed that 13 pressure indicators significantly influenced 27 health indicators (including parameters for habitat, plant cover, regeneration, erosion, and exotics) of the riparian zones from the three land‐use areas differently. Our results also showed that parameters for plant cover, erosion, and exotics were major contributors within the selected riparian health indicators, whereas land‐use designs, farming systems, and pollutant activity variables were the pressure indicators with the strongest impact. Pearson correlation (with r ranging from −0.731 to 0.989) showed that urban transects exhibited the strongest comparative interaction, whereas rural–urban transitional transects formed the weakest association. Furthermore, the agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis revealed similarities between rural and rural–urban transitional sites while confirming substantial dissimilarity in urban locations. These comprehensive and relevant results provide essential information for reservoir administrators to implement functional changes suited to TGDR land‐use scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Chronic heat stress remains the most detrimental factor for broiler productivity in hot and desert regions. The manipulation of the lighting program is a useful and inexpensive tool to alleviate the negative effects of heat stress on broiler performance. The present study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of an intermittent lighting (I.L.) program consisting of repeated periods of 1 h light to 3 h dark during a day on broiler performance under chronic heat-stress conditions. The results indicate that applying the I.L. program to heat-stressed broilers relieved the stress indicators and improved the immune response, physiological status, and growth performance of broilers. Therefore, the application of the I.L. program could be used as a beneficial strategy to recover broiler performance during heat-stress conditions. The effects of heat stress on broiler performance and immunological response were explored using lighting-program manipulation as a potential tool. The study included 200 Cobb500 broiler chicks that were one day old at the time of recruitment. The birds were divided into four-compartment groups with similar environments (five cages per compartment, ten chicks per cage). Starting from the fourth day of age, birds of two compartments received a continuous lighting program (23L:1D a day; C.L. groups) while birds of the other two compartments received an intermittent lighting program (1L:3D 6 times per day; I.L. groups). Within each lighting program during 22–42 d of age, one group was subjected either to a thermoneutral temperature at 24 °C or heat stress at 35 °C. The results reveal that stress biomarkers, especially the plasma concentrations of corticosterone (CORT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were relieved by 46%, 27%, and 51%, respectively, in the I.L. treatment groups compared to the C.L. program in broiler chicks subjected to heat stress. The liver function was also improved by 24% and 32% in AST and ALT levels, respectively, in the I.L. program compared to the C.L. program in stressed birds. Furthermore, the I.L. program positively influenced the immune response of the heat-stressed broilers. Eventually, the I.L. program increased the heat-stressed broilers' body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. It can be concluded that applying the I.L. program to broiler chickens can effectively improve their physiological balance and growth performance under heat-stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study region: Mond basin, comprising 61 aquifers in southern Iran. Study focus: New indicators and a framework are presented for quantifying the intensity of groundwater stress by considering hydrogeological and anthropogenic factors, including renewable water availability, non-renewable water storage, withdrawal, and return flow. In contrast to existing methods, our proposed indicators consider accumulated historical water stress tolerated by an aquifer during an exploitation period and incorporate groundwater over-extraction from both renewable and non-renewable storages of aquifers. New hydrological insights: We assessed the applicability of existing and newly defined groundwater stress indicators on the Mond aquifers. Our results indicate that the proposed approach is able to inform the degree of groundwater stress and identify vulnerable aquifers with high intensity of groundwater stress. Statistical analysis of long-term mean annual groundwater drawdown and groundwater storage confirmed the results of aquifer classification in terms of intensity of groundwater stress. Finally, the response of aquifers in different stages of water stress was evaluated by scenarios of i) reduced human-induced withdrawal and irrigation return flow and ii) increasing recharge. These scenario analyses indicate that even up to a 50% reduction in human water use or a 50% increase in recharge does not recover the more severely stressed aquifers to sustainable hydrologic conditions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a dramatic change in teaching–learning practices in higher education across the world. The post-pandemic era with a new shift of teaching–learning phase raises the concern of students' psychological well-being, especially the novice, i.e., first-year undergraduate students, as first-year students often struggle to adjust to the new environment of higher institutions, thereby depressive symptoms are more prevalent among them. In this regard, a qualitative study was conducted followed by a dyadic approach to explore the symptoms of students' psychological stressors, their causes, and provide essential remedies for coping with such behaviors in the post-pandemic era. The findings show that students' stressors were commonly reported due to the academic workload, institutional regulations, lack of resources, and financial constraints. Regarding indications, unusual behavior, lack of confidence, improper sleep, and lack of motivation were identified as the primary symptoms of students' stress. However, participants reported a lack of understanding regarding stress-related matters. Yet, students and faculty members try to adopt several strategies for reducing such stressors. By examining the perceived psychological stress, indications, and coping behaviors, this study enriches the literature by bridging pragmatic and theoretical gaps regarding students' stressors of business management. Furthermore, the study mainly suggests that adequate institutional support should be provided to deal with students' problems that cause stress. Also, universities should organize workshops or seminars to cultivate psychological health awareness among students and faculty members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stress physiology and welfare needs of red seabream, a fish species with high nutritional and economic value for aquaculture, have been poorly studied. The aim of the current study was to investigate physiological responses of red seabream to potential environmental and husbandry stress factors. We quantified the acute stress response of fish exposed to a standardized acute chasing stress protocol as well as to transportation stress, by analysing acute stress biomarkers such as plasma concentrations of cortisol, glucose, lactate and osmolality. Moreover, the physiological status of fish reared at different water temperatures (15, 20 and 25°C) was also studied by analysing plasma parameters and cortisol concentration in scales. Results showed that in most estimated parameters, red seabream showed a fast response and recovery to acute stress. On the contrary, recovery after an 18‐h transportation stress was prolonged and required more than one day. Finally, rearing of fish at different temperatures also affected stress indicators such as plasma cortisol and glucose, while lactate and osmolality were not significantly affected. Regarding cortisol concentration in fish scales, a chronic stress indicator, results showed that fish reared at 15°C had a significantly higher cortisol concertation of scales than those exposed to 25°C. The data provide a better insight into the effect of husbandry and environmental factors on red sea bream stress physiology and welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, affects the production of fruit trees. In this region, fruit tree production requires an efficient water supply that maintaining safe and stable yields. The aim of this work is to study the influence of irrigation modes on the nutritional peach fruit quality and the control of water stress indicators rates. Our experiment was carried out at the CRRA Sidi Bouzid (Central-West of Tunisia). It focused on four varieties of peach (Prunus persica L), two early varieties (Flordastar (FS) and Early Maycrest (EMC)), a seasonal variety (Rubirich (RUB)) and a late variety (O'Henry (O'H)). Three different irrigation treatments were applied to the experimental plot: full irrigation (T1; 100% ETc), sustained deficit irrigation (T2; 50% ETc) and cyclical deficit irrigation (T3). The contents of total sugar, protein, and proline as well as some bioactive compounds and stress indicators (MDA, H2O2) were quantified in the exocarp and mesocarp of the fruit. The results showed that O’H fruits are the richest in phenolic compounds, as well as they have significant antioxidant activity. While, both FS tissues accumulated more sugar (55.15 and 81.31g/100g in the mesocarp and exocarp, respectively). Protein level was much higher under T2 and T3 treatments compared to the control treatment (T1) in all varieties. Water stress mainly T2 had significantly stimulated the accumulation of proline in the mesocarp of FS (the content increased from 0.61 to 2.1 µmol/100 g MS). In addition, in the four varieties, the cyclic water treatment (T3) has a significant effect on the accumulation of sugar and phenolic compounds. In conclusion, T3 seems to be the most adequate water regime to be applied in semi-arid region, saving water resources and maintaining fruit quality.

Aiming to determine the variability in stress indicators due to horse age and competitive season (May, July, September) in jumping horses in parkour, research was performed on 14 studs (7 younger, and 7 older) trained and bred in the same conditions. The stress indicators (heartbeats, cortisol, glucose, and lactate concentrations in saliva) were measured or sampled before, during and at the end of the training - parkour jumping. The significance of the differences in stress indicators between the horse age classes regarding the competitive season was tested by Tukey’s test. Based on determined results it could be concluded that all stress indicators, during the entire competitive season, were higher in younger (less experienced) than in older (more experienced) horses. Furthermore, all stress indicators, with the exception of heartbeats, were highest in the peak of competitive season (July), while the lowest values of all stress indicators were determined at the end of competitive season (September). Monitoring of stress indicators, especially heartbeats, could be used for routine evaluation of horse preparedness for a particular activity.

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) is a valuable cash crop which plays an imperative role in the worldwide economy. However, high temperature has significantly retarded the crop growth and yield by alteration of biochemical pathways. Therefore, the biochemical activities of two sugarcane varieties were explored under heat stress condition. The sugarcane cultivars S2003-US-633 (high sucrose accumulation) and SPF-238 (low sucrose accumulation) were cultivated and subjected to different temperature regimes i.e. control at 30±2 °C, heat stress at 45±2 °C and recovery at 30±2 °C for 24, 48 and 72 hours at formative stage. Detailed profiling of physiochemical attributes, sugar analysis linked with sucrose metabolism enzymes and thermotolerance indicators were investigated. S2003-US-633 exhibited better response in terms of sugar accumulation regulated by sucrose synthase, sucrose phosphate synthase and invertase activities along with more proline accumulation, total soluble protein contents with response to high temperature exposure. While S2003-US-633 is ranked as tolerant variety due to less MDA, H2O2 content and electrolytes leakage exhibiting its efficient tolerance mechanism, giving high sugar recovery rate despite harsh environmental conditions. Thus, these findings can be helpful in providing information for engineering sugar improvement along with thermotolerance in sugarcane varieties and providing new avenues towards the economic development of the country.

The current study aimed to explore the effect of Spirulina platensis (SP) inclusion at various levels in quail diets, in terms of their production performance, physiological traits, stress measurements, and immunological parameters under heat stress (HS) conditions. Four hundred Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) chicks, one day old, were equally distributed into forty wire cages, and the cages were placed in two chambers with environmentally controlled systems (20 cages in each chamber). From 21 to 42 d of age, the quails were randomly subjected to a factorial design of two HS treatments × four SP treatments. To induce HS treatments in the quails, the first chamber was maintained at a thermoneutral temperature of 24 °C (TN group), while the temperature of the second chamber was elevated to 35 °C during the daytime (9:00–17:00 h), followed by a thermoneutral temperature for the remaining 24 h cycle (HS group). The birds in each chamber were further allocated into four SP treatments (5 replicate cages × 10 birds per cage in each treatment), where the quails were fed on a basal diet that included 0, 5, 10, or 15 g/kg SP (SP0, SP5, SP10, and SP15 groups, respectively). After exposure to the HS, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of 5% in body weight and 9% in both weight gain and feed intake was recorded, and the slaughter performance of the quails was adversely (p < 0.05) affected. In addition, HS significantly (p < 0.05) impaired the physiological traits (total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, creatinine, uric acid, cholesterol, and triglycerides) and immunological parameters (total white blood cells, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and T- and B-lymphocyte stimulation indexes), but increased the stress measurements (corticosterone, malondialdehyde, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α). In contrast, most of these parameters were linearly (p < 0.05) improved by increasing the SP levels in the diets of the TN quail group. When the SP was included in the diets of the HS quail group, the deleterious effects of HS on the alanine and aspartate transferase activities, creatinine, uric acid, triglycerides, corticosterone, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and T- and B-lymphocyte stimulation indexes were remarkably (p < 0.05) relieved. These results concluded that SP nutritional application can improve the production performance and the overall physiological homeostasis of the Japanese quail, especially when suffering from heat stress.

In the present study, we examined the effect of nano-selenium (nano-Se) and stocking density (SD) on antioxidant status, immune response, and DNA damage in broiler chickens. A total of 480 one-d-old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly divided into 4 treatments each including 8 replicates for 42 days. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of groups for two dietary selenium forms (inorganic or nano) and two stocking densities [low = 12 birds/m2 (LSD) and high = 18 birds/m2 (HSD)] was conducted. Starter, grower, and finisher diets were formulated based on corn-soybean meal according to recommendations of Aviagen. There were no significant differences in the lymphoid organ index due to high stocking density or nano-Se. Neither HSD nor dietary nano-Se had an effect on blood heterophil: lymphocyte ratio, serum corticosterone, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde levels. Serum interferon-gamma, interleukin 12, and interleukin 18 levels were not affected either by HSD or by dietary nano-Se. However, an interaction was witnessed between SD and dietary Se form for serum interferon-gamma (P < 0.05). HSD increased the DNA damage in lymphocyte (P < 0.05), but dietary nano-Se had no significant effect on it. In conclusion, HSD and dietary nano-Se may not affect the organ index, stress indicators, and immune function, but dietary nano-Se decreased the possible negative effect of HSD on serum interferon-gamma. HSD increased the DNA damage but dietary nano-Se had no effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrary to conventional agriculture, organic farming, where agrochemicals are entirely avoided, is considered more environmentally friendly. Numerous studies undertaken in agroecosystems have found that the intensification of agriculture has a negative impact on some small mammals species. In this study, we used two morphological indicators to evaluate the impact of agriculture intensification. Phenotypic variability and fluctuating asymmetry (FA- development instability proxy) have been widely used as morphological indicators of developmental stress. We implemented geometric morphometric methods to assess the influence of different agricultural farming systems on three rodent species. We hypothesize that conventional farming produces more stressful conditions than organic farming affecting species susceptible to agricultural intensification. We predicted that Akodon azarae, negatively affected by landscape simplification and more dependent on habitat quality, will show higher levels of phenotypic variation and greater FA in conventional farming. Whereas, Calomys musculinus and C. laucha, unaffected by agricultural intensification, will not show differences between farming systems. Akodon azarae exhibited higher phenotypic variability in conventional farms, while C. musculinus had no difference between farming systems. Contrarily, C. laucha exhibited higher values in conventional farms. Regarding FA, both Calomys species showed no differences between farming systems. Females of A. azarae tend to have higher FA values in conventional farming. Our results suggest that the effect of agricultural farming systems would vary according to the species, where the species most dependent on habitat quality would be more affected by intensive agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of heat stress on broiler performance and immunological response were explored using lighting-program manipulation as a potential tool. The study included 200 Cobb500 broiler chicks that were one day old at the time of recruitment. The birds were divided into four-compartment groups with similar environments (five cages per compartment, ten chicks per cage). Starting from the fourth day of age, birds of two compartments received a continuous lighting program (23L:1D a day; C.L. groups) while birds of the other two compartments received an intermittent lighting program (1L:3D 6 times per day; I.L. groups). Within each lighting program during 22–42 d of age, one group was subjected either to a thermoneutral temperature at 24 °C or heat stress at 35 °C. The results reveal that stress biomarkers, especially the plasma concentrations of corticosterone (CORT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were relieved by 46%, 27%, and 51%, respectively, in the I.L. treatment groups compared to the C.L. program in broiler chicks subjected to heat stress. The liver function was also improved by 24% and 32% in AST and ALT levels, respectively, in the I.L. program compared to the C.L. program in stressed birds. Furthermore, the I.L. program positively influenced the immune response of the heat-stressed broilers. Eventually, the I.L. program increased the heat-stressed broilers’ body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. It can be concluded that applying the I.L. program to broiler chickens can effectively improve their physiological balance and growth performance under heat-stress conditions.

Objective: This study was conducted to assess (i) the relationship between stressful life events and coping strategies, (ii) how stressful life events influence stress indicators, and (iii) how variations in stress indicators occur according to the coping strategies adopted. Materials and Methods: Coping strategies, stressful life events, and stress indicators were assessed in 72 participants (group average age ± standard deviation, 31.9 ± 14.3 years; 36 males) as a single-group, cross-sectional study. Results: Participants with low, medium, and high stressful life events showed a positive correlation with disengagement (e.g., social withdrawal) (p < 0.01). A high level of stressful life events was positively correlated with physical (p < 0.05) and behavioral indicators (p < 0.05). Coping strategies such as problem-solving (p < 0.05) and cognitive restructuring (p < 0.05) showed a negative correlation with behavioral indicators; wishful thinking (p < 0.01) showed a positive correlation with emotional indicators. Engagement showed a negative correlation with behavioral indicators (p < 0.05) and disengagement was found to be positively correlated with emotional indicators (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The higher the stressful life event scores, the greater was the chance of using unhealthy coping strategies; (ii) high stressful life events correlated positively with physical and behavioral stress indicators; and (iii) healthy coping strategies (e.g., problem-solving) resulted in lower behavioral indicators of stress.

In spite of various advantages of biofloc technology in aquaculture, few studies have focused on the health status of fish in biofloc system. In this survey, the effect of cane molasses as a carbon source of biofloc system on hemato-immunological parameters, antioxidant status, and stress indicators of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was investigated. Four hundred and twenty juvenile common carp (40.2 ± 5.76 g) were randomly divided into four equal groups in triplicates as follows: groups A, B, and C were reared in biofloc system with molasses as a carbon source with C/N ratio of 15, 20, and 25, respectively, whereas control group (D) was reared in similar intensity without biofloc system. Fish were reared for 90 days and samples were taken on days 0, 30, 60, and 90 of the experiment. Immunological parameters including serum lysozyme and bactericidal activity, serum complement and IgM level, and NBT reduction and resistance to bacterial challenge as well as hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, hematocrit, hemoglobin) were assessed in experimental groups. Meanwhile, antioxidative enzyme activity (glutathione and superoxide dismutase, catalase) and stress indicators (glucose and cortisol level) were measured and compared among the groups. Water quality parameters were evaluated in all groups. Results showed that most of the immunological parameters as well as resistance against bacterial infection increased in biofloc groups (particularly in C/N = 20 groups) (P < 0.05). Hematological parameters and antioxidative enzyme activity were not affected by biofloc systems. Stress indicators showed a significant decrease in biofloc system, particularly in C/N = 20 group compared with control (P < 0.05). The results indicated that biofloc system (particularly C/N ratio = 20 groups) could not only improve immunological parameters, antioxidative status, and water quality but it decreased stress statues of common carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse effects promoted by inadequate manganese (Mn) supply (deficiency or toxicity) causes inefficiency of the antioxidant system and degradation of chlorophylls. However, 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) is a natural steroid that exhibits beneficial effects on antioxidant metabolism, chlorophyll levels and stress indicators. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate whether EBR application via spray can alleviate oxidative stress in soybean plants exposed to different Mn concentrations and to determine possible contributions of the antioxidant enzymes and photosynthetic pigments. Experiment followed a completely randomized factorial design with two concentrations of 24-epibrassinolide (0 and 100 nM EBR, described as − EBR and + EBR, respectively) and three Mn doses (0.25, 25 and 2500 µM Mn, described as low, control and high supply of Mn, respectively). Plants treated with low and high concentrations of Mn + EBR exhibit significant increases in all enzymes evaluated (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase). To superoxide dismutase (SOD), EBR spray promoted increments of 77%, 38% and 76% under low, control and high Mn supplementation, respectively, compared to same treatment in absence of EBR. Clearly intense activity is linked to SOD contributed by dismutation of superoxide into hydrogen peroxide, being subsequently decomposed by other enzymes (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase). Concomitantly, plants with Mn deficiency and toxicity sprayed with 100 nM EBR presented maintenance of chlorophylls and carotenoids due to reduction of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide and consequently reduced chloroplast membrane damages as indicated by malondialdehyde levels and electrolyte leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaesthetics are widely used in aquaculture, fisheries, and biological research as a method to minimize fish stress and injury during handling and transport. Considerations such as efficacy, cost and environmental effect as well as its toxicity to fish are evaluated to choose a suitable anaesthetic. In the same way, several fish anaesthetic agents have been reported in fish including their safe dosage; however, scarce information is available about gene expression under anaesthetic stages. In this work, gene expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1a) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GlucoR) was assessed as indicators of stress in the Colombian native fish species red‐bellied pacu (Piaractus brachypomus) under anaesthesia with menthol (50 mg/L) and eugenol (40 mg/L). Results of this study indicated that the exposure of red‐bellied pacu fingerlings to effective concentrations of the menthol generated a differential gene expression of HIF1a mRNA that was significantly higher in the liver for menthol group, and in the case of GlucoR mRNA, it was significantly higher in gills and blood of fish under eugenol anaesthesia. This is the first report of gene expression in this native fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals induce stress in plants, thereby affecting growth, crop quality, and food security. Most studies addressing the mitigation of these effects by soil amendment have focused on metals in soils and plant uptake, with there still being a great deal of uncertainty about how amendment application in polluted soils can modify plant stress response and, consequently, yield and food safety. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of biosolid compost amendment on stress response, growth, and lead accumulation in Glycine max, when applied to lead polluted agricultural soils. Soybean was grown in lead polluted soils with 0%, 5%, or 10% (w/w) biosolid compost amendment under controlled conditions in a greenhouse, and the stress response indicators chlorophylls, proteins, sugars, malondialdehyde, glutathione S-transferase activity, carotenes, and the ferric reducing antioxidant power were investigated. In addition, the biomass and lead accumulation in different organs were determined and evaluated with respect to the plant stress. Our results revealed that the addition of 10% biosolid compost improved the grain biomass and appeared to reduce the amount of defective grains, which was related to higher Pb concentrations. Furthermore, 10% compost treatment reduced the stress in plants, leading to a better performance of the photosynthetic system, and with the antioxidant response being positively correlated to Pb accumulation. Lead uptake in plants was decreased by between 35 and 57% after this treatment in comparison with unamended soils. These results indicate that biosolid compost amendment may be an effective way to alleviate Pb uptake and metal stress in soybeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to determine the variability in stress indicators due to horse age and competitive season (May, July, September) in jumping horses in parkour, research was performed on 14 studs (7 younger, and 7 older) trained and bred in the same conditions. The stress indicators (heartbeats, cortisol, glucose, and lactate concentrations in saliva) were measured or sampled before, during and at the end of the training - parkour jumping. The significance of the differences in stress indicators between the horse age classes regarding the competitive season was tested by Tukey's test. Based on determined results it could be concluded that all stress indicators, during the entire competitive season, were higher in younger (less experienced) than in older (more experienced) horses. Furthermore, all stress indicators, with the exception of heartbeats, were highest in the peak of competitive season (July), while the lowest values of all stress indicators were determined at the end of competitive season (September). Monitoring of stress indicators, especially heartbeats, could be used for routine evaluation of horse preparedness for a particular activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In aquaculture, faster growth of fish is one of the most important selection traits. Stress is one of the most important physiological factors affecting growth, fishes are more sensitive to stressors than other vertebrates. Coping with stress alters the energy status, as the available energy for growth at a given moment is limited handling with stress may partition energy substrate away from growth, leading to decreased fish production. The acute increase in energy demand in response to stressor exposure is mediated by the activation of the the hypothalamic–pituitary–interrenal axis, leading to cortisol production. This allows energy substrate mobilization and reallocation to regain homeostasis. Quantification of responses typically requires measurement of pre- and post-stress levels of the indicator and differences are treated as an indication of stress. Measures of stress in fish advanced from the initial development of radioimmunoassays to measure cortisol in plasma to the rapidly expanding suite of genome-based assays. Stress indicators are classified in to cellular and molecular indicators (oxidative stress, HSPs, changes in gene expression, intracellular enzymes), Primary and secondary indicators (catecholamines, stress hormones metabolites immunological functions, or other indicators of energetic metabolism) and whole-organism stress indicators or tertiary stress indicators (changes in growth, disease resistance, metabolism, swimming performance, behaviour and survival). Each indicator have its own merits and demerits so considerations like type of stressor, species, strength and weakness of indicators should be done for the selection of reliable indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of herbicide application on the accumulation of secondary metabolites and photosynthesis as stress indicators in the quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) crop is unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two post-emergence herbicides on production, total polyphenol content, and chlorophyll fluorescence in quinoa. The experiments were conducted for two consecutive seasons using a completely randomized block design with seven treatments, including two herbicides and three commercial product rates, as well as a control without herbicide application. Production parameters, yield components, and stress indicators were evaluated. Yield was affected (P < 0.05) by herbicide application in some treatments; control and treatment with only one bentazon application varied from 1851.23 to 1235.03 kg ha-1, respectively. Yield affected the number of grains per plant (P < 0.05); control and treatment with only one bentazon application decreased yield from 3984.60 to 2040.94 kg ha-1, respectively. Total polyphenol content and percentage of germination in quinoa grains were not affected by stress caused by herbicide application (P > 0.05). The herbicide fomesafen did not affect the maximum quantum yield, while the herbicide bentazon had a significant effect (P < 0.05) during the application. Three sequential applications of bentazon and fomesafen in the absence of weeds were sufficient to achieve a yield that was equal (P > 0.05) to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) is a valuable cash crop which plays an imperative role in the worldwide economy. However, high temperature has significantly retarded the crop growth and yield by alteration of biochemical pathways. Therefore, the biochemical activities of two sugarcane varieties were explored under heat stress condition. The sugarcane cultivars S2003-US-633 (high sucrose accumulation) and SPF-238 (low sucrose accumulation) were cultivated and subjected to different temperature regimes i.e. control at 30±2 °C, heat stress at 45±2 °C and recovery at 30±2 °C for 24, 48 and 72 hours at formative stage. Detailed profiling of physiochemical attributes, sugar analysis linked with sucrose metabolism enzymes and thermotolerance indicators were investigated. S2003-US- 633 exhibited better response in terms of sugar accumulation regulated by sucrose synthase, sucrose phosphate synthase and invertase activities along with more proline accumulation, total soluble protein contents with response to high temperature exposure. While S2003-US-633 is ranked as tolerant variety due to less MDA, H2O2 content and electrolytes leakage exhibiting its efficient tolerance mechanism, giving high sugar recovery rate despite harsh environmental conditions. Thus, these findings can be helpful in providing information for engineering sugar improvement along with thermotolerance in sugarcane varieties and providing new avenues towards the economic development of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mortality of fish discarded from commercial fisheries is often estimated by using viability keys to parse fish into different categories with unique estimated survival outcomes. In this study we examined the relationships of environmental and physiological parameters and viability classifications of Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) released from commercial longline gear using three distinct hook-release methods. Our results indicate that the hook release method used strongly influenced viability, with careful shake and gangion cut resulting in minimal injuries leading to discarded fish characterized as having excellent viability. In contrast hook stripping resulted in most released fish having moderate or poor viability. Physiological parameters (lactate, hematocrit) were strong indicators of Pacific halibut assigned to the dead viability category. In addition to being captured at greater depth and lower sea bottom temperature, dead categorized fish were associated with high plasma lactate levels and lower hematocrit, attributed to sand flea intrusion. Reducing the use of hook strippers and limiting soak times in areas of known sand flea activity are likely to improve viability outcomes of Pacific halibut released from commercial longline gear. Discard survival and understanding of the factors affecting it remain critical to successful long-term management of Pacific halibut, as sustainable fishing levels are adjusted yearly for estimated mortality consistent with recent fishing discards. • Understanding environmental and physiological influences on discard mortality is critical to sound management. • Hook release method has a significant influence on the survivability of Pacific halibut discarded in commercial fisheries. • Physiological parameters (lactate, hematocrit) are strong indicators of the poorest viability classifications. • Pacific halibut in the dead viability category had high plasma lactate levels and low hematocrit. • Reducing hook stripper use and limiting soak time in presence of sand fleas improves viability of Pacific halibut released from longline gear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the effectiveness of green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) foliar spray on tomato growth and oxidative stress relief under drought conditions. Tomato plant subjected to four water regimes (100, 75, 50, and 25% FC), and in the same while seedlings were sprayed with 25, 50, and 100 mg/L green ZnO-NPs. The results showed that tomato growth parameters reduced significantly by increasing drought stress levels, while ZnO-NPs enhanced plant growth under all studied drought levels. Out of three ZnO-NPs concentrations tested, 25 and 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs proved to be the optimum treatments for alleviating drought stress. They increased shoot and root biomass compared to untreated controls. Application of 25 and 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs enhanced shoot dry weight by about 2–2.5-fold, respectively, under severe drought conditions (25%) compared to ZnO-NPs untreated plants. The application of 25 and 50 mg/L green ZnO-NPs decreased the drought-induced oxidative stress as indicated by the reduction in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide concentrations compared to untreated controls. While 100 mg/L ZnO-NPs further increased oxidative stress. The beneficial effects of ZnO-NPs were evident in the plants’ defensive state, in which the concentration of ascorbic acid, free phenols, and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase were maintained at higher levels compared to NPs-untreated plants. At severe drought conditions, 25 mg/L ZnO-NPs induced SOD, CAT, and APX activity by about 3.99-, 3.23-, and 2.82-fold of their corresponding controls, respectively. Likewise, at 25% FC, SOD, CAT, and APX activity increased with 50 mg/L ZnO-NPs by about 4.58-, 3.57-, and 3.25-fold consecutively compared with their respective controls. Therefore, foliar use of green ZnO-NPs at lower concentrations might be suggested as an efficient way for enhancing tomato tolerance to drought stress.

Citrullus colocynthis (CC) has been known as a natural medicinal plant with wide biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antilipidemic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inclusion of the ethanolic extract of CC seeds (ECCs) into layer diets on the lipid profile, stress indicators, and physiological and productive performance of laying hens. A total of 216 forty-week-old commercial Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly assigned into four equal groups (3 birds × 18 replicates per group) that received a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg of ECCs for 12 consecutive weeks. The first group served as a control. The results showed that ECCs at 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg significantly (p < 0.05) improved the productive and physiological performance compared to the other groups. In addition, stress indicators examined in the laying hens, including lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA)), corticosterone hormone (CORT), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), were significantly alleviated after inclusion of ECCs into layer diets at the three levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, all ECC levels induced a significant reduction in plasma triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (CH) levels in the plasma, liver, and egg yolk, whereas the highest levels were obtained with 2.0 g/kg of ECCs. Particularly important, a high linear correlation (R2 = 0.60–0.79) was observed between increasing doses of ECCs and MDA, liver CH, and egg yolk CH concentrations and egg weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio; moreover, the correlation was extremely high (R2 = 0.80–0.100) with the level of TG, CH, low-density lipoprotein CH, high-density lipoprotein CH, and CORT. These results indicated that dietary supplementation with 2.0 g/kg of ECCs could be considered a successful nutritional approach to producing healthier, lower-cholesterol eggs for consumers, in addition to enhancing the physiological and productive performance of laying hens by alleviating the stress of intensive commercial production.

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) is a virulent disease that causes severe hemorrhage and sudden death in Asian elephant calves. A change in hematology profiles is one indicator of infection before clinical signs appear; however, to be effective, individual baselines and age-matched reference values are needed. Stress has been speculated to be a factor in clinical EEHV cases, but relationships have not been demonstrated empirically. This study evaluated blood hematology and several stress response markers—salivary cortisol, fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM), salivary Immunoglobulin A (SIgA), and fecal IgA (FIgA) in samples collected for 1 year from three healthy calves with no EEHV history (non-EEHV), and six that had previously been infected, developed clinical signs and survived (prior-EEHV). Hematology values between non-EEHV and prior-EEHV elephants were not different and within published reference ranges. Concentrations of salivary cortisol, FGM, SIgA, and FIgA also were variable and showed seasonal differences, but no relationships to prior EEHV status. One of the prior EEHV calves became re-infected, developed hemorrhagic disease (HD), and died during the study period. That calf exhibited lymphocytopenia, monocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Additionally, all stress biomarker concentrations were lower in the 12 days before viremia was observed. Thus, as in other studies, changes in hematology occur with EEHV infection, while preliminary data in one calf suggests that stress-response measures might also be informative and should be studied further.

Background: The medical education aims to create citizens who care for the nation's sick, promote public health. Medical schools that produces doctors seem to exert more stress which many students fail to cope up with making them a vulnerable group in the society. This could have a negative impact on patient care, patient safety and their professional career. This study helps us to identify the level of stress with different years of medical students and compare among males and females. Methodology: A Cross sectional study was conducted among 200 medical students of all four years selected randomly of a private medical college and hospital at Trichy (Thiruchirapalli) for duration of 2 months from august to October, 2018. Data was collected using a pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire [13].The questionnaire contains five indicators related to physical, sleep, behavioural, emotional and personal. Result: From the study,Overall dangerous levels of stress is seen among 27% of the total students. Very high levels of stress is seen among 39% of the total population. According to physical indicators, dangerous levels of stress is seen among 4th year girls and among males, it is more common with 1st year. According to sleep indicators, 4th year male students tend to have dangerous levels of stress while it is more common with 1st year female. Behavioural indicators of stress show that there is dangerous level of stress with 2nd year females and 3rd year males. With personal indicators, dangerous levels of stress are seen with 4th year girls and among 1st year males. Dangerous levels of emotional stress is seen with the female students of 4th year and male students of 1st year. Conclusion: The stress levels seem to vary between males and females of each year of study. Study shows there is high levels of stress among medical college students of Trichy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]