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Objective: Recent evidence has underscored the detrimental effects of chronic stress on health, particularly its impact on neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Our study seeks to investigate the complex relationship between autonomic dysfunction and stress-related disorders in PD, aiming to enhance our understanding of these conditions. Methods: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study of PD patients from a movement disorders clinic in Monterrey, Mexico. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Autonomic symptoms were assessed using the Scale for Outcomes in PD-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT), with patients stratified into two groups based on scores (≥ 10 or < 10). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessment included traumatic experiences and structured interviews using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), Checklist for DSM-5 PTSD (PCL-5), acute stress disorder scale, DSM-5 criteria for adaptive disorder, and the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire. Results: The study included 32 PD patients and revealed a significant association between post-traumatic stress symptoms and autonomic dysfunction. Those with higher post-traumatic stress symptoms, as measured by the PCL-5 scale, exhibited more pronounced autonomic dysfunction, as indicated by higher SCOPA-AUT scores. Traumatic events were also more prevalent in the group with severe autonomic dysfunction, suggesting a link between trauma and autonomic symptoms in PD patients. Conclusions: Our study suggests that post-traumatic stress symptoms may exacerbate autonomic dysfunction in PD patients. This underscores the need for further research to explore mechanisms and therapeutic implications and emphasizes the importance of considering stress-related disorders in the management of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at exploring gender differences in music undergraduate's overtraining syndrome. The study was descriptive, quantitative, and cross sectional. Five hundred undergraduate students from ten Mexican public universities participated: 178 women and 322 men. To measure stress symptoms, we used the ESSEM scale (Reynoso, 2018) and an inventory of Health Conditions. After a comparative analysis, results showed that the primary sources of stress were frustrating extracurricular situations and social distancing. Women scored higher on psychological symptoms of overtraining and reported more illnesses and ailments. Results suggest that women have a higher level of demands to fulfill various roles between family and academic activities and social pressures imposed in musical environments that produce inequities. Results lead to the recommendation of paying attention to the music training environment, the type of teaching exercise, and the requirements of study programs to counteract gender inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Intercontinental Journal of Sport Management / Revista Intercontinental de Gestão Desportiva is the property of Revista Intercontinental de Gestao Desportiva and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Cientifica de la Facultade de Veterinaria is the property of Universidad del Zulia, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A large body of evidence supports the protective role of the flavonol antioxidant compound quercetin in mammals. We tested the hypothesis that quercetin can protect against the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis defect like a reduction in gonadotropins and testicular hormones and abnormal semen analysis induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS), possibly via the downregulation of oxidative stress (ROS) and p53-Bax-caspase-3 pathways. Rats were either exposed to a variety of unpredictable stressors daily before being sacrificed after 3 weeks (model group) or were treated with quercetin (50 mg/kg body weight/day) at the same time the CUS were induced (treated group). Harvested testicular tissues were stained with basic histological staining, and testis homogenates were assayed for the tumor suppressor p53, apoptosis regulator Bax, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), caspase-3, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, harvested epididymis tissues were used to assess semen analysis, and blood samples were assayed for the testicular hormone testosterone, the adrenal cortex hormone corticosterone, and the anterior pituitary gonadotropins, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). CUS induced profound testicular damage and significantly (p<0.05) induced p53, Bax, caspase-3, MDA, and corticosterone, which were significantly (p<0.05) inhibited by quercetin except corticosterone. Whereas, quercetin significantly (p<0.05) increased FSH, LH, testosterone, Bcl-2, GPx, and SOD levels that were inhibited by CUS. In addition, CUS induced oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia, which were significantly (p<0.05) protected by quercetin. Thus, Quercetin protects against CUS-induced HPG defects in rats, which is associated with the inhibition of ROS-p53-Bax-caspase-3 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeated stress is a risk factor for memory impairment and neurological abnormalities in both humans and animals. We sought to investigate the extent of (i) brain tissue injury; (ii) nitrosative and oxidative stress in brain tissue homogenates; (iii) apoptotic and survival biomarkers in brain tissue homogenates; and (iv) immobility and climbing abilities, induced over a period of three weeks by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Wistar rats were either left untreated (Control group) or exposed to a variety of unpredictable stressors daily before being sacrificed after 3 weeks (model group). Assessment of depression-like behavior was performed and animals were then culled and harvested brain tissues were stained with basic histological staining and examined under light microscopy. In addition, brain tissue homogenates were prepared and assayed for these parameters; inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), caspase-3, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Histology images showed CUS induced profound damage to the cerebral cortex as demonstrated by severe neuronal damage with shrunken cells, disrupted atrophic nuclei, perineuronal vacuolation and swollen glial cells. CUS also significantly (p<0.05) induced iNOS, MDA, and caspase-3, whereas SOD and Bcl-2 brain tissue levels were inhibited by CUS. In addition, data from the depression-like behavior, forced swimming test showed significant (p<0.05) increase in animal immobility and decrease in climbing ability in the model group of rats. Thus, here we demonstrated a reliable rat model of chronic stress-induced brain injury, which can further be used to investigate beneficial drugs or agents used for a period of three weeks to protect against CUS-induced brain damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RESUMEN Presentamos un resumen y una breve historia del creciente campo de Intervenciones Basadas en mindfulness o conciencia plena. En los últimos tiempos, existe un gran interés en este modelo terapéutico para reducir la vulnerabilidad al estrés crónico y distrés emocional. Mindfulness requiere intencionalmente enfocar nuestra atención a las experiencias que ocurren en el momento presente. A medida que la investigación avanza en esta temática, es vital definir cuidadosamente la estructura de mindfulness y comprender mejor sus mecanismos de acción neurocognitiva. Este informe presenta un marco conceptual que enfatiza el papel central de control atencional y mecanismos de sostenibilidad para desarrollar las habilidades de conciencia plena. También, repasamos la estructura de mindfulness y la autorregulación de las emociones; luego describimos brevemente nuestra investigación relacionada con nuestro programa de Reducción del Estrés en Cáncer de Mama basado en Mindfulness (MBSR-AC) en la University of South Florida. Se presenta, a partir de esta premisa, un modelo propuesto que explica nuestros mecanismos cognitivos basados en la lógica del modelo de biocomportamental. ABSTRACT We are presenting an overview and a brief history of the growing field of Mindfulness Based Interventions. There has been a significant interest in this therapeutic model to reduce vulnerability to chronic stress and emotional distress in recent times. Mindfulness requires intentionally bringing our attention to the experiences that occur in the present moment. As the research advances in this line of inquiry, it is vital to carefully define the construct of Mindfulness and better understand its neurocognitive mechanisms of action. This review presents conceptual framework that emphasizes the central role of attentional control and sustainability mechanisms to build mindfulness skills. We also review the construct of Mindfulness and self-regulation of emotions; then describe briefly our research related to our Mindfulness Based-Stress Reduction Breast Cancer (MBSR-BC) program at the University of South Florida. With this premise, we present a model explaining our proposed cognitive mechanisms based on the Logic of the Biobehavioral Model.

El estudio científico del estrés presenta serias limitaciones teóricas y metodológicas, las cuales incluyen restricciones conceptuales relacionadas con el antiguo principio de homeostasis como noción central del proceso de adaptación. Un nuevo modelo de estudio acerca del estrés crónico, alostasis y carga alostática explican las interacciones entre el cerebro y los sistemas nervioso e inmune en la causalidad de enfermedades físicas y mentales. Este nuevo marco metodológico de investigación científica refleja el avance empírico observado en el campo de las neurociencias cognitiva y del comportamiento. El impacto negativo del estrés crónico en la salud del individuo pone énfasis en el rol central que cumple el distrés emocional percibido. Se examina la eficacia y efectos de la terapia de reducción de estrés basada en mindfulness (MBSR) a través del diseño de un cuidadoso estudio piloto como una alternativa de tratamiento en el campo de reducción del estrés crónico en pacientes con cáncer y los familiares responsables de su cuidado

Today, for millions of individuals, emigration presents stress levels of such intensity that they exceed the human capacity of adaptation: loneliness and the enforced separation from one’s loved ones, the failure of the migratory project, the experiencing of extreme hard ships and terror... These persons are, therefore, highly vulnerable to the Immigrant Syndrome with Chronic and Multiple Stress (the Ulysses Syndrome, in reference to the Greek hero who suffered countless adversities and dangers in lands far from his loved ones).We consider that a direct and unequivocal relationship exists between the stress limits which these immigrants experience and the symptomatology of The Ulysses Syndrome and that this Syndromeis found in the limit between the area of mental health and the area of psychopathology.

As postulated by the stress process model, chronically stressed individuals, such as caregivers of people with chronic psychological disorders, have poorer cognitive performance and higher age-related cognitive decline than individuals not exposed to chronic stress. When analysing this topic in caregivers, the majority of research has been conducted in populations in which the care recipient has dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease, while relatively few studies have analysed cognition in caregivers of offspring with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The main objective of this pilot study was to analyse the effect of a cognitive-behavioural intervention on cognition in caregivers of people with ASD. Specifically, we sought to gather evidence on whether there were clinically significant improvements in speed/attention, memory, and visuospatial, language and executive functions after the intervention. The participants were 17 parents (mean age of 52 years, 59% females) of ASD-diagnosed people who had cared for their offspring for approximately 14 years. The study had a pre-post design. After the cognitive-behavioural intervention, ASD caregivers had better selective attention, short- and long-term memory for words, stories and images, naming, cognitive flexibility and planning skills (p = .01 for all). Nevertheless, no changes were observed in general cognitive status, working memory for digits, verbal fluency, processing speed or inhibitory control (p > .05 for all). These findings underline the relevance of proper support and respite services to help caregivers cope with and reduce stress. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment together with adjuvant domain-specific procedures and programmes to improve cognitive abilities are required to improve caregivers' well-being and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently reported that chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) induced left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) in rats, which was inhibited by the cardioprotective agent quercetin. Based on these findings and because majority of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) can develop LVD and heart failure, we sought to produce an animal model of MI and LVD in rats and use this model to test the hypothesis that quercetin is able to prevent the potential MI induction by CUS. Rats were exposed to CUS using a variety of stressors in the presence and absence of quercetin (50 mg/kg body weight/day) for 21 days. Blood pressure and electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded in all rat groups together with the examination of left ventricle (LV) tissue homogenates and sections to confirm the production of the animal model. We further extend on our recent findings on the role of apoptosis in the pathology of LVD and eventually MI. Blood pressure measurements and ECG recording confirmed the development of systemic hypertension and MI in the model group of rats exposed to CUS. In addition, histological staining confirmed that LV damages occurred in the same group. Furthermore, the proapoptotic gene Bax and the inflammatory biomarkers, TNF-α and IL-6 were augmented in LV homogenates by CUS. Simultaneous quercetin treatment lowered blood pressure and substantially prevented MI since it blocked the elevation of ST segment on the ECG and maintained a normal ECG reading. Quercetin suppressed the expression of Bax RNA messages, and significantly (p<0.05) blocked CUS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 upregulation. Thus, CUS induced MI in rats associated with augmentation of tissue injury biomarkers were prevented by quercetin, which further endorses our recent findings of a potential therapeutic role for quercetin in CUS induced cardiac dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat loss and fragmentation are causing widespread population declines, but identifying how and when to intervene remains challenging. Predicting where extirpations are likely to occur and implementing management actions before losses result may be more cost-effective than trying to reestablish lost populations. Early indicators of pressure on populations could be used to make such predictions. Previous work conducted in 2009 and 2010 identified that the presence of Eastern Yellow Robins ( Eopsaltria australis) in 42 sites in a fragmented region of eastern Australia was unrelated to woodland extent within 500 m of a site, but the robins' heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) ratios (an indicator of chronic stress) were elevated at sites with low levels of surrounding woodland. We resurveyed these 42 sites in 2013 and 2014 for robin presence to determine whether the H:L ratios obtained in 2009 and 2010 predicted the locations of extirpations and whether the previous pattern in H:L ratios was an early sign that woodland extent would become an important predictor of occupancy. We also surveyed for robins at 43 additional sites to determine whether current occupancy could be better predicted by landscape context at a larger scale, relevant to dispersal movements. At the original 42 sites, H:L ratios and extirpations were not related, although only 4 extirpations were observed. Woodland extent within 500 m had become a strong predictor of occupancy. Taken together, these results provide mixed evidence as to whether patterns of individual condition can reveal habitat relationships that become evident as local shifts in occupancy occur but that are not revealed by a single snapshot of species distribution. Across all 85 sites, woodland extent at scales relevant to dispersal (5 km) was not related to occurrence. We recommend that conservation actions focus on regenerating areas of habitat large enough to support robin territories rather than increasing connectivity within the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of biomarkers related to HIV and chronic stress increases opportunities for the design of more comprehensive research and intervention efforts on the health of transwomen within the context of Health Psychology. In this paper, we present data from a study implemented in Puerto Rico that aimed to: document the feasibility/acceptability of collecting biomarkers for chronic stress and HIV among transwomen; qualitatively document the factors related to the collection of biomarkers in this population; and explore the feasibility of collecting other types of biological specimens from transwomen in future studies. We implemented an exploratory mixed-method study with a sample of 10 transwomen. Quantitative information was gathered via saliva and hair biomarkers for chronic stress and HIV, while qualitative data was obtained via in-depth interviews. Twenty percent had positive results for HIV antibodies and 30% had hair cortisol levels that exceeded the normal range. The main motivations behind the provision of biomarkers were the desire to know about their health; contributing to a better understanding of health in the transgender community; and having previous positive experiences with our research team. We discuss the incorporation of biomarkers as powerful tools to better describe and understand the health of transwomen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is well documented that infectious diseases can pose threats to biodiversity, the potential long-term consequences of pathogen exposure on individual fitness and its effects on population viability have rarely been studied. We tested the hypothesis that pathogen exposure causes physiological carry-over effects with a pathogen that is uniquely suited to this question because the infection period is specific and time limited. The fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) in hibernating bats, which either die due to the infection while hibernating or recover following emergence from hibernation. The fungus infects all exposed individuals in an overwintering site simultaneously, and bats that survive infection during hibernation clear the pathogen within a few weeks following emergence. We quantified chronic stress during the active season, when bats are not infected, by measuring cortisol in bat claws. Free-ranging Myotis lucifugus who survived previous exposure to P. destructans had significantly higher levels of claw cortisol than naïve individuals. Thus, cryptic physiological carry-over effects of pathogen exposure may persist in asymptomatic, recovered individuals. If these effects result in reduced survival or reproductive success, they could also affect population viability and even act as a third stream in the extinction vortex. For example, significant increases in chronic stress, such as those indicated here, are correlated with reduced reproductive success in a number of species. Future research should directly explore the link between pathogen exposure and the viability of apparently recovered populations to improve understanding of the true impacts of infectious diseases on threatened populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complications of chronic stress including cardiovascular disease are among the common public health problems that affect the lives of millions of people around the globe. We sought to determine whether the anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic agent, quercetin can inhibit chronic stress-induced left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) was induced in rats using a variety of stressors in the presence and absence of quercetin (50 mg/kg body weight/day). Harvested tissues from the left ventricles (LV) of these animals were examined using basic histological staining. In addition, LV tissue homogenates were assayed for markers of oxidative and anti-oxidative stress that are known to be modulated in cardiac dysfunction. Furthermore, LV pressure was monitored by a pressure catheter inserted directly into the LV. Histopathological examinations of the LV in the model group (CUS) showed a profound damage to LV compared to the control group as demonstrated by a severe damage of cardiomyocytes and an increase of inflammatory cell infiltration, which was prevented by quercetin. CUS increased LV end-diastolic pressure that was significantly blocked by quercetin. In addition, quercetin significantly (p<0.05) blocked CUS-induced inhibition of the anti-oxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the survival Bcl-2 proteins. Quercetin also significantly (p<0.05) inhibited CUS-induced augmentation of the oxidative stress TBARS and the apoptotic protein caspase-3. We conclude that LVD induced by CUS possibly via activation of oxidative and apoptosis pathways can be inhibited by quercetin; thus may offer therapeutic potential in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En los últimos años existe un creciente interés por determinar los factores que inciden en el origen y el mantenimiento del burnout académico. En este contexto, en el presente trabajo se analiza la posible existencia de diferencias significativas en el burnout experimentado por los estudiantes universitarios en función de su nivel de autoestima. La muestra está compuesta por 487 estudiantes de Fisioterapia de diversas universidades españolas, 354 mujeres (72.68%) y 133 varones (27.32%), con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 47 años (M = 21.28 y DT = 4.32). Para medir la autoestima, se utilizó la Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg; para evaluar el burnout, se usó el Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Como procedimiento de análisis de datos, se efectuó un ANOVA de un factor, así como la d de Cohen. Los resultados de este trabajo ponen de manifiesto que, cuando los estudiantes tienen una baja autoestima, aparecen manifestaciones más claras de burnout. En cambio, cuanto mayor es la valoración que hacen de sí mismos, menores síntomas de agotamiento y despersonalización y mayores niveles de realización personal manifiestan los estudiantes. Dado el rol protector de la autoestima sobre el burnout, se incide en la importancia de potenciar la autoestima de los estudiantes como estrategia para prevenir la aparición del síndrome.

What variables are implicated in burnout appearance and maintenance among university students is one of the facts that has raised lately a greater attention in burnout investigation. In this context, our work assesses if students' self-esteem level causes meaningful differences in students' burnout. The sample comprised a total of 487 students selected among different Spanish universities of Physiotherapy, 354 women (72.68%) and 133 men (27.32%), aged between 18 and 47 years old (M = 21.28; SD = 4.32). We measure self-esteem by using Rosenberg's Self- Esteem Scale. Burnout was evaluated by using Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). One-way ANOVA was calculated in order to estimate statistical differences in students' burnout according to their level of self-esteem. Furthermore, Cohen's d was used in order to establish the effect sizes of those differences. Our results show that burnout syndrome appears when students' self-esteem is low. Nevertheless, higher levels of selfesteem show lower levels of emotionally exhaustion and despersonalization, and higher levels of personal accomplishment. In view that self-esteem works as a protector factor of burnout, we highlight that enhancing students' self esteem is one of the better ways to prevent this syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Los estudios científicos de las emociones han demostrado concluyentemente una robusta relación causal entre eventos estresantes de la vida diaria y la depresión clínica. El marco conceptual del presente estudio toma en consideración los marcos teóricos de Alex Zautra y de Susan Folkman acerca de la coexistencia de emociones positivas y negativas en el proceso de estrés y depresión. El propósito de este estudio es reportar el análisis de ítems y la validez convergente del Inventario Multicultural de la Depresión, Estado-Rasgo (IMUDER). En base a una muestra multicultural, se realizó los análisis psicométricos en base al coeficiente de correlación de Pearson, a fin de determinar la validez convergente. Los resultados de dichos análisis realizados en forma separada para la escala estado y para la escala rasgo, nos indican un elevado nivel de asociación y validez convergente entre las escalas estado y rasgo del IMUDER, dimensiones de distres y eustres, y las pruebas de depresión utilizadas en este estudio. Estos datos indican que el IMUDER es un instrumento psicométrico que presentauna sólida validez convergente y propiedades psicométricas adecuadas.

We are presenting an overview and a brief history of the growing field of Mindfulness Based Interventions. There has been a significant interest in this therapeutic model to reduce vulnerability to chronic stress and emotional distress in recent times. Mindfulness requires intentionally bringing our attention to the experiences that occur in the present moment. As the research advances in this line of inquiry, it is vital to carefully define the construct of Mindfulness and better understand its neurocognitive mechanisms of action. This review presents conceptual framework that emphasizes the central role of attentional control and sustainability mechanisms to build mindfulness skills. We also review the construct of Mindfulness and self-regulation of emotions; then describe briefly our research related to our Mindfulness Based-Stress Reduction Breast Cancer (MBSR-BC) program at the University of South Florida. With this premise, we present a model explaining our proposed cognitive mechanisms based on the Logic of the Biobehavioral Model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ever increasing humanitarian crises involve prolonged population displacement, a known trigger for chronic stress, which in turn highlights the need for chronic stress to be addressed more explicitly within humanitarian aid work. This calls for better tools to both assess chronic stress in these situations of extended displacement, as well as methods to evaluate the impact of psychosocial interventions in such settings. Noting these challenges, this paper proposes the use of hair cortisol concentration sampling to measure long-term suffering and stress. By including cortisol hair testing as a quantitative measure to complement existing measures of psychosocial pro - gramme surveillance, researchers may better understand the nature of chronic stress. Sampling any sort of biomarker, such as cortisol concentration in hair, raises ethical and logistical concerns, therefore this paper address these issues as well, maintaining that a 'do no harm' position should take priority over the decision to measure hair cortisol concentration. Furthermore, as there is also a paucity of evidence regarding the validity of hair cortisol testing on humans, further research will be required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current research in the field of emotions has demonstrated a strong causal correlation between stressful life events and clinical depression. The conceptual framework of this scientific study is taking into consideration the theoretical ideas developed by the laboratories of Alex Zautra, and Susan Folkman about the co-existence of positive and negative emotions during the experience of stress and depression. The principal purpose of this study is to report the convergent validity of the Multicultural State-Trait Depression Inventory, which supports the new direction in the psychometric assessment of clinical depression. Responses to the items of the state and trait scales were analyzed on a multicultural sample to determine the convergent validity and item analysis of the instrument. The results present empirical evidence that demonstrates a high degree of concurrent validity of the IMUDER subscales and the reference instruments as shown by Pearson correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the correlation and predictive value between the Academic Stress Inventory (ASI) and the Stress Symptom Inventory (SSI) in university students and its association with age and gender in both inventories. We evaluated a representative and random sample of 527 students at a public university in 2012. A multiple regression analysis was carried out. The results showed that IEA situations that correspond to classroom intervention, mandatory work, and doing an exam predict highlevel chronic stress; being a female and 18, 23, and 25 years old were associated mostly to stress. We conclude that accurate identification of stressors could help understand stress and its harmful effects on college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish adaptation of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) in chronic stress situations. The scale was administered to 111 non-professional caregivers of elderly dependent relatives. When calculating the reliability of the scale and the correlation item-scale, it was found that four items were affecting its reliability negatively and were removed. The reduced 21-item version showed good reliability (α= .90). Exploratory factor analysis yielded four factors (55.31% explained variance): coping and persistence in stress situations; strengthening effect of stress and orientation to targets; positive appraisal; and confidence. Factors 1-3, but not factor 4 (with only 2 items) showed adequate reliability (α=.75-.86). Regarding convergent and divergent validity, CD-RISC global scorings showed significant, direct correlations with self-esteem and perceived self-efficacy as caregiver measurements; and significant, inverse correlations with depression, anxiety and caregiver's burden. In conclusion, this new CD-RISC version offers a reliability and validity that enables its use in caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic stress by immobilization during pregnancy may cause alterations in mechanisms maintaining homeostasis in the adrenal gland. The objective of this study was to quantify cellular proliferation index in the adrenal cortex during pregnancy second half and assess the effects of chronic stress on it. Adrenal cortex proliferation index in stressed rats showed a significant decrease at 12 and 17 days of gestation, while at day 21 it did not show differences with the control treatments. Moreover, proliferation index of reticular zones in control and experimental rats, exhibited a significant reduction in comparison to glomerular and fascicular zones of adrenal cortex during the three gestation days studied. In conclusion, chronic stress by immobilization produces a decrease in cellular proliferation index at 12 and 17 gestation days, which may be related to changes in plasmatic concentrations of corticosterone and prolactin and, to the reduction of specific growth factors. Furthermore, the observed proliferation diminishment in reticular zone regarding the other cortical zones would be consistent with the migration theory of adrenal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mexican Journal of Behavioral Analysis / Revista Mexicana de Análisis de la Conducta is the property of Sociedad Mexicana de Analisis de la Conducta and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

During the first stages of life, the environment and maternal interactions are essential for normal mammalian neuronal maturity and behavior. In fact, it has been demonstrated that disruption of mother-pup interaction during early life exert long-lasting effects on the development of central nervous, endocrine, and immune systems and behavioral responses. The principal aim of our work was to study the consequences of early maternal separation (EMS) on adult male and female anxiety. The behaviors was evaluated using the Elavated Plus-Maze (EPM). Separation procedure was carried out in postnatal days 1 to 21 twice daily: three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon. As a control group we used animals that stayed with the mother but were manipulated daily for one minute in the morning and in the afternoon. In postnatal day 22, animals were distributed by sex and then kept in standard lab conditions. Behavioral testing in the EPM was performed at 90/95 days of age. All subjects were videotaped. Records included number of entries, time spent in each arm, and the frequency and time stretching, deeping, rearing, and grooming. Our results showed that separated females have more open arm entries and spent more time there, and exhibit more deeping and less grooming compared to females in the control group and males of the experimental and control group. Thus, based on the anxiolytic profile that female rat shows in the EPM, these data suggest that EMS affects differentially male and female adult rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chronic stress induces functional adaptations in the hypothalamo-pituitary- adrenocortical (HPA) and in the sympathetic-medullary-adrenal axis (SAM). Both axis are considered vital regulators of the homeostasis in vertebrates (Seyle, 1936; Ostrandrer et a!., 2006. On the other hand, the placenta provides highly specialized functions during gestation that are critical for the normal development of the eiribryo/fetus (Soares eta!., 1991). We hypothesized that the chronic immobilization (IMO) stress in pregnancy rats produces alterations in prolactin concentrations in placental tissue and also changes in the response of SAM axis. Chronic stress by IMO was applied on days 12, 17 and 21 of pregnancy rats. Relative concentrations and localization of placental lactogen-Il (PL-ll) and the PRL- like protein A (PLP-A) in chorioalantoic placenta were estimated by Immunoblotting and Immunocytochemical analysis. The levels of catecholamines metabolite, acid 3-metoxi 4-hidroximandélico (VMA), were analyzed in stressed rats urines on 6,12,17,21 days of pregnancy, by HPLC, in order to determine the response of SAM axis. During the days of the pregnancy studied, chronic stress did not induce any changes neither in the localization nor in placental concentrations of PL-II and PLP-A. The VMA values in stressed mothers urines increased on the day 6 respecting the control ones at the same time of pregnancy. VMA values in stressed rats at 21 days of pregnancy are smaller than the respective controls. We conclude that the chronic stressed mothers activated the SAM axis at the beginning of pregnancy and then they diminished the metabolites catecholamines that were interpreted as a stress adaptation coincident with normal concentrations of both placentary prolactines at this stage of the pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Migraciones is the property of Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Instituto Universitario de Estudios sobre Migraciones and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)