Abstract This mini-review explores the potential of precision medicine and personalized nutrition in addressing health challenges faced by perimenopausal women, focusing on the role of genetic polymorphisms in key metabolic pathways. Specifically focus on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the COMT, FUT2, and MTHFR genes, which influence neurotransmitter metabolism, gut microbiota composition, and folate homeostasis, respectively. These polymorphisms are critical in modulating hormonal fluctuations, metabolic imbalances, and nutrient absorption during perimenopause. The review highlights the impact of COMT rs4680 on stress response and mood disorders, FUT2 rs602662 and rs601338 on vitamin B12 absorption and cortisol metabolism, and MTHFR rs1801133 and rs1801131 on homocysteine levels and cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, the integration of machine learning in precision medicine is discussed, offering insights into how genetic data can optimize personalized interventions. This approach enables targeted nutritional and therapeutic strategies to mitigate the metabolic and psychological effects of perimenopause. Overall, this review underscores the importance of incorporating genetic testing into preventive care for perimenopausal women to enhance quality of life and promote healthy aging.

Abstract L-theanine has neuromodulatory properties, such as attenuate anxiety disorders and stress. Stress is a situation characterized by the stimulus to cortisol secretion and without specific pharmacological therapies. Thus, this study investigates the effect of L-theanine on the response to acute stress, evaluated by tissue cortisol level, oxidative status markers, and behavioral parameters, in zebrafish. The animals were divided into six groups: G1: control, G2: treated with L-theanine 45 mg/L, G3: treated with L-theanine 100 mg/L, G4: stress, G5: stress+L-theanine 45 mg/L and G6: stress+L-theanine 100 mg/L. Before the execution of the acute stress protocol that consisted of chasing the animals with a net for two minutes, exposure to L-theanine was performed in aquarium water for 1 hour. Tissue cortisol levels were analyzed, as well as cerebral oxidative status (lipoperoxidation and levels of thiolic compounds) and fish behavior (new tank test). L-theanine at a concentration of 45 mg/mL modulated the effects of acute stress on zebrafish, inhibiting increased levels of tissue cortisol. However, it was not able to alter the behavior or oxidative status of the animals. Thus, we conclude that the administration of L-theanine can promote acute stress attenuation, modulating the pathological responses of stress.

RESUMO: O objetivo foi avaliar parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos após teste em novo ambiente, e o desempenho zootécnico de Oreochromis niloticus classificado como proativo ou reativo. No experimento 1, machos de tilápia do Nilo com peso médio de 128,33 ± 34,17 g foram mantidos em sistema de recirculação de água (RAS). Imediatamente após a classificação, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 20 animais reativos e 20 proativos. No experimento 2 foram classificados 60 machos proativos e 60 reativos, com peso médio de 88,23 ± 21,59 g, os quais foram divididos nos seguintes tratamentos: PT (40 animais proativos), RT (40 reativos) MT (20 proativos + 20 reativos). Os animais foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia durante 90 dias. No experimento 1, os animais reativos apresentaram maior hemoglobina e cortisol e menor quantidade de leucócitos. No experimento 2, o ganho em peso foi maior nos animais proativos (PT) e nos animais reativos (RT); porém, a melhor conversão alimentar foi obtida nos animais reativos. A taxa de sobrevivência foi menor no grupo de animais do tratamento MT. Já a hemoglobina e a glicose tiveram valores inferiores para os animais proativos e para aqueles que estavam misturados, no grupo MT. O colesterol foi superior nos animais PT. Conclui-se que variáveis como hemoglobina, cortisol, leucócitos e colesterol têm maior probabilidade de sofrer alterações entre traços de personalidade. Ainda, pode-se concluir que O. niloticus reativos e proativos, cultivados em ambientes separados, apresentam o mesmo potencial de ganho em peso, porém, a conversão alimentar dos reativos é melhor. RESUMO ambiente reativo 1 12833 128 33 128,3 3417 34 17 34,1 RAS. RAS . (RAS) classificação 6 8823 88 23 88,2 2159 21 59 21,5 tratamentos 40 (4 , proativos) (2 9 dias (PT (RT) porém misturados Concluise Conclui se personalidade Ainda podese pode separados 1283 12 3 128, 341 34, (RAS 882 8 88, 215 5 21, 4 ( (RT

ABSTRACT: To evaluate hematological and biochemical parameters after testing in a new environment, and the zootechnical performance of Oreochromis niloticus classified as proactive or reactive. In experiment 1, male Nile tilapia with an average weight of 128.33 ± 34.17 g were kept in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Immediately after classification, blood samples were collected from 20 reactive and 20 proactive animals. In experiment 2, 60 proactive and 60 reactive males were classified, with an average weight of 88.23 ± 21.59 g, which were divided into the following treatments: PT (40 proactive animals), RT (40 reactive) MT (20 proactive + 20 reactive ). Animals were fed twice daily for 90 days. In experiment 1, reactive animals had higher amounts of hemoglobin and cortisol and lower amounts of leukocytes detected. In experiment 2, weight gain was greater in proactive animals (PT) and reactive animals (RT); however, the best feed conversion was obtained in reactive animals. The survival rate was lower in the MT treatment group of animals. Hemoglobin and glucose had lower values for proactive animals and for those that were mixed, in the MT group. Cholesterol was higher in animals PT. It is concluded that variables such as hemoglobin, cortisol, leukocytes and cholesterol are more likely to undergo changes between personality traits. Furthermore, it can be concluded that reactive and proactive O. niloticus, grown in separate environments, have the same potential for weight gain; however, the food conversion of reactive ones is better. ABSTRACT environment 1 12833 128 33 128.3 3417 34 17 34.1 RAS. RAS . (RAS) classification 2 6 8823 88 23 88.2 2159 21 59 21.5 treatments 40 (4 animals, , animals) (2 ) 9 days detected (PT (RT) however mixed traits Furthermore O environments better 1283 12 3 128. 341 34. (RAS 882 8 88. 215 5 21. 4 ( (RT

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the performance of cows for meat production raised in the wetlands of Paraguay, examining five cattle genotypes: Brahman, Brangus, and Nelore, as well as two local breeds at risk of extinction. The main objective is to identify and rank phenotypic variables, including blood, clinical, hair, and health variables, demonstrating causal linkage with the live weight of the cows analyzed. Initially, high correlations were identified between different variables included in this study; then, using advanced Machine learning (ML) techniques and the application of Shapley additive explanations (SHAP), a deeper understanding was provided of the factors strongly associated with adaptability in these environments, and, therefore, the respective zootechnical performance. The association between cattle genotypic components linked with the season of the year proved to be the most influential factor on cattle live weight. Variables such as hair length, hematocrit, phosphatase, phosphorus, creatine phosphokinase, creatinine, protein, cortisol, calcium, and the presence of endoparasites were highlighted, demonstrating their hierarchical importance for animal selection. ML models are effective tools for establishing hierarchies of relevance in complex phenotypic multivariable, which is crucial in breeding programs for different zootechnical species and in special and specific environments like wetlands. Paraguay genotypes Brahman Brangus Nelore extinction blood clinical analyzed Initially then (ML SHAP, SHAP , (SHAP) therefore length hematocrit phosphatase phosphorus phosphokinase creatinine protein cortisol calcium highlighted selection multivariable (SHAP

RESUMO Este estudo foca no desempenho de vacas para produção de carne, criadas nos pântanos do Paraguai, examinando cinco genótipos bovinos; Brahman, Brangus, Nelore, bem como duas raças locais em risco de extinção. O principal objetivo é identificar e classificar variáveis fenotípicas que incluem variáveis sanguíneas, clínicas, de pelagem e saúde, demonstrando ligação causal com o peso vivo das vacas analisadas. Inicialmente, foram identificadas correlações elevadas entre diferentes variáveis incluídas neste estudo, e, então, utilizando técnicas avançadas de aprendizado de máquina e a aplicação de explicações aditivas de Shapley (SHAP), foi proporcionado um entendimento mais profundo dos fatores fortemente associados à adaptabilidade nestes ambientes, e, portanto, o respectivo desempenho zootécnico. A associação entre o componente genotípico bovino ligado à estação do ano mostrou ser o fator influente mais predominante sobre o peso vivo bovino. Variáveis como comprimento do pelo, hematócrito, fosfatase, fósforo, creatina phosphokinase, creatinina, proteína, cortisol, cálcio e a presença de endoparasitas foram destacadas, demonstrando sua importância hierárquica para a seleção animal. Os modelos de ML são ferramentas eficazes para estabelecer hierarquias de relevância em multivariáveis fenotípicas complexas, o que é crucial em programas de melhoramento genético em diferentes espécies zootécnicas, bem como em ambientes especiais e específicos, como os pântanos. carne Paraguai bovinos Brahman Brangus Nelore extinção sanguíneas clínicas saúde analisadas Inicialmente então SHAP, SHAP , (SHAP) portanto zootécnico pelo hematócrito fosfatase fósforo phosphokinase creatinina proteína cortisol destacadas animal complexas zootécnicas específicos (SHAP

ABSTRACT: Objective: to analyze articles available in the literature about the association between sleep bruxism and salivary cortisol levels in children and adolescents. Methodology: a literature search was conducted through the following databases: Academic Search Premier (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, Web of science, Pubmed, SciELO, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, Science direct, Clinical Key and Bireme. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were then applied. Results: a total of 1019 articles were found, 6 of which were included in this review. Four of them are observational studies and two are systematic reviews. Sixty-seven percent of the articles were published between 2018 and 2022, while 33% were published between 2012 and 2017. Conclusion: the evidence is inconclusive to establish an association between sleep bruxism and salivary cortisol levels in children and adolescents.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar artículos disponibles en la literatura sobre la asociación entre el bruxismo del sueño y niveles de cortisol salival en niños y adolescentes. Metodología: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica a través de las siguientes bases de datos: Academic Search Premier (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, Web of science, Pubmed, SciELO, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, Science direct, Clinical Key y Bireme. Luego se aplicaron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: se encontraron 1019 artículos en total, de los cuales 6 fueron incluidos en esta revisión. 4 de ellos corresponden a estudios observacionales y 2 a revisiones sistemáticas. Un 67% de los artículos fueron publicados entre el 2018 y 2022, mientras que un 33% fueron publicados entre los años 2012 y 2017. Conclusión: la evidencia no es concluyente para establecer una asociación entre el bruxismo del sueño y los niveles de cortisol salival en niños y adolescentes.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between seroprevalence of chronic diseases, hair cortisol concentration (HCC), and welfare of dairy goats housed throughout a productive cycle. Sixty multiparous dairy goats, over four years old, were selected. Ananimal welfare assessment was conducted using health indicators for goats, according to the AWIN protocol. Blood samples were also collected for haematology and determination of seroprevalence of chronic diseases, hair samples for determination of HCC, milk samples for chemical composition and somatic cell counts, and faecal samples for parasite load. Small Ruminant Lentivirus (SRLv) had a prevalence of 71.66%, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) of 5%, Leptospira interrogans of 40% and Ovine Gammaherpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) of 50%. The percentages of goats that tested positive for one, two or three diseases were 31.67%, 50% and 11.66% respectively. Haematological alterations included hyperproteinaemia (84.94±1.58g/L) and hyperfibrinogenaemia (6.11±0.65g/L) for those with one or two diseases, with significant differences being found (P<0.05). The welfare indicators related to health and the number of diseases were poor body condition, poor coat, poor udder conformation, and mucosal lesions (P<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between HCC and the number of chronic diseases in dairy goats (P>0.05). Higher concentrations of cortisol in hair were found at 150 days of lactation (16.65±1.39pg/mg) compared to the mating season (9.55±0.04pg/mg) (P<0.05). No associations were found (P>0.05) between the production, composition, and somatic cell counts in milk and cortisol concentrations and diseases. It was concluded that the presence of chronic diseases in goats did not influence hair cortisol concentrations, possibly due to an effect of adaptive tolerance to diseases, as occurs in other domestic species; however, there was an effect of the productive stage.

Resumo As síndromes poliglandulares autoimunes (PAS) são um grupo complexo e heterogéneo de doenças caracterizado pela combinação de duas ou mais disfunções endócrinas autoimunes. É apresentado o caso de uma adolescente de 16 anos de idade com história de astenia, prostração e perda de peso, que foi diagnosticada com hipotiroidismo e anemia ferropénica. Duas semanas após ter iniciado tratamento com levotiroxina e ferro, desenvolveu insuficiência suprarrenal com náuseas e vómitos. Os níveis de cortisol baixo e hormona adrenocorticotrópica elevada e presença de anticorpos anti-suprarrenal e antiperoxidase tiroideia positivos confirmaram o diagnóstico de síndrome poliglandular autoimune tipo 2 (PAS-2). O tratamento com hidrocortisona, fludrocortisona e levotiroxina levou à remissão dos sintomas A PAS-2 é uma condição rara, sendo necessária uma elevada suspeita clínica para a mesma, dado que a maioria dos sintomas são inespecíficos. O diagnóstico precoce pode prevenir complicações potencialmente fatais.

Abstract Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (PAS) are a complex and heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by the combination of two or more endocrine or non-endocrine organ dysfunctions. Herein is presented the case of a 16-year-old female with a history of asthenia, prostration, and weight loss who was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and iron deficiency anemia. Two weeks after starting therapy with levothyroxine and iron, she developed an adrenal crisis with nausea and vomiting. Low cortisol, elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone, and positive antiadrenal and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies confirmed the diagnosis of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 (PAS-2). Symptoms resolved with hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone, and levothyroxine. PAS-2 is a rare but potentially serious disorder. A high clinical suspicion is required, as most symptoms are nonspecific. Early diagnosis may prevent life-threatening complications.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar las concentraciones salivales de interleucina (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-10, IL-23, factor de crecimiento transformante (TGF)-β y factor de necrosis tumoral (TNF)-α, nitrato (subproducto de la oxidación del óxido nítrico) y cortisol en pacientes con liquen plano oral (OLP). En este estudio transversal se incluyeron veinte pacientes diagnosticados con OLP y 20 voluntarios sanos (HV) del mismo sexo. Saliva entera no estimulada Se recolectó por la mañana, se determinaron las concentraciones de citocinas y cortisol en saliva mediante ensayo inmunoabsorbente ligado a enzimas (ELISA), se determinó nitrato mediante un analizador de óxido nítrico, se encontraron concentraciones salivales mayores de IL-2 (p<0,003), IL- 23 (p<0,04) y TGF-β (p=0,05) en pacientes con OLP en comparación con HV. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los niveles salivales de TNF-α, IL-1β e IL-10. Las concentraciones de nitrato fueron marcadamente aumentó en pacientes con OLP (1227,0 ± 738,8 µM/mg de proteína total), en comparación con HV (261,6 ± 166,8 µM/mg; p<0,0001). Los niveles de cortisol salival también fueron más altos en los pacientes con OLP que en los controles (2,79 ± 1,39 vs. 1,94 ±1,21 ng/mg; p<0,048). Los niveles de óxido nítrico en saliva aumentaron notablemente en pacientes con OLP, lo que sugiere una relación de esta molécula con la muerte celular y el daño tisular observado en las lesiones de OLP.

Abstract This study aimed to determine salivary concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-10, IL- 23, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nitrate (a by-product of nitric oxide oxidation), and cortisol in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP). Twenty patients diagnosed with OLP and 20 sex-matched healthy volunteers (HV) were included in this cross-sectional study. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected in the morning. Salivary cytokine and cortisol concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Nitrate was measured in a nitric oxide analyzer. We found higher salivary concentrations of IL-2 (p<0.003), IL-23 ( p<0.04), and TGF-β (p=0.05) in patients with OLP compared to HV. No significant differences were found in salivary levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, or IL-10. Nitrate concentrations were markedly increased in OLP patients (1,227.0 ± 738.8 µM/mg total protein) when compared to HV (261.6 ± 166.8 µM/mg; p<0.0001). Salivary cortisol levels were also higher in OLP patients (2.79 ± 1.39 vs. 1.94 ±1.21 ng/mg; p<0.048). The markedly increased salivary levels of nitric oxide in patients with OLP suggest a relationship of this molecule with the cell death and tissue damage observed in these lesions.

SUMMARY: Aging is an inevitable biological process that affects the function of all organs, including the adrenal gland, which is essential for producing steroid hormones that regulate metabolism, stress response, and immune activation. Understanding how aging affects the morphology of this gland is crucial to developing interventions to mitigate its adverse effects. Thus, this study aimed to describe the morphoquantitative alterations of the adrenal gland in senescent Sprague Dawley rats compared to adult rats. Twelve male rats were divided into 6 adult rats aged 6 months (group A) and 6 senescent rats aged 36 months (group S). Histopathological studies, quantification of collagen fibers types I and III, and stereological analysis were performed to determine the volume density (Vv), surface area (Sv), and number (Nv) of the nuclei of the zona fasciculata cells. Adrenal gland tissue from group S presented dysplasia, metaplasia, intracellular fat accumulation, fibrosis, blood vessel dilation, and increased presence of apoptotic cells. Capsule thickening and increased collagen type I were also observed. There was a significant decrease in Vv, Sv, and Nv of zona fasciculata nuclei in group S compared to group A. The results indicate that aging induces significant morphoquantitative changes in the adrenal gland, which could contribute to the decrease in glucocorticoid production and alterations in aldosterone and cortisol secretion observed in senescence. Understanding these alterations is crucial to developing interventions that mitigate the adverse effects of aging on the endocrine system.

RESUMEN: El envejecimiento es un proceso biológico inevitable que afecta la función de todos los órganos, incluida la glándula suprarrenal, fundamental para la producción de hormonas esteroides que regulan el metabolismo, la respuesta al estrés y la activación inmunológica. Comprender cómo el envejecimiento afecta la morfología de esta glándula es crucial para desarrollar intervenciones que mitiguen sus efectos adversos. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue describir las alteraciones morfocuantitativas de la glándula suprarrenal en ratas Sprague Dawley senescentes comparadas con ratas adultas. Se utilizaron 12 ratas macho, divididas en dos grupos: 6 ratas adultas de 6 meses de edad (grupo A) y 6 ratas senescentes de 36 meses de edad (grupo S). Se realizaron estudios histopatológicos, cuantificación de fibras de colágeno tipos I y III y análisis estereológicos para determinar la densidad de volumen (Vv), de superficie (Sv) y de número (Nv) de los núcleos de las células de la zona fasciculada. El tejido de la glándula suprarrenal del grupo S presentó displasia, metaplasia, acumulación de grasa intracelular, fibrosis, dilatación de vasos sanguíneos y mayor presencia de células apoptósicas. También se observó un engrosamiento de la cápsula y un incremento del colágeno tipo I. Hubo una disminución significativa en Vv, Sv y Nv de los núcleos de la zona fasciculada en el grupo S en comparación con el grupo A. Los resultados indican que el envejecimiento induce cambios morfocuantitativos significativos en la glándula suprarrenal, lo que podría contribuir a la disminución en la producción de glucocorticoides y alteraciones en la secreción de aldosterona y cortisol observadas en la senescencia. Comprender estas alteraciones es crucial para desarrollar intervenciones que mitiguen los efectos adversos del envejecimiento en el sistema endocrino.

RESUMEN Se evaluó el efecto de la música del género Guarania en el desempeño productivo y bienestar animal (producción láctea y cortisol sérico). Se utilizaron 17 animales de varias razas y en diferentes estados de lactación, con un diseño cruzado, donde cada animal recibió ambos tratamientos en cada periodo (inclusión y no inclusión de música en el proceso de ordeño). Cada periodo fue de dos semanas. Se realizaron controles diarios de la producción de leche (dos ordeñes diarios) y semanalmente se obtuvieron muestras de sangre para determinar concentraciones séricas de cortisol. El promedio de producción de leche del grupo de vacas sin aplicación de música fue de 19.7 L/día y en el grupo de vacas con aplicación de música fue de 20.4 L (p=0.008). El 96% de las concentraciones de cortisol presentó un tenor menor a 1 µg/dl, considerado dentro del rango de referencia, y sin diferencia significativa entre tratamientos.

ABSTRACT The effect of Guarania genre music on productive performance and animal wellbeing (milk production and serum cortisol) was evaluated. In total, 17 animals of various breeds and in different stages of lactation were used, with a crossover design, where each animal received both treatments in each period (inclusion and non-inclusion of music in the milking process). Each period was two weeks. Daily controls of milk production were carried out (two milkings per day) and blood samples were obtained weekly to determine serum cortisol concentrations. The average milk production of the group of cows without music application was 19.7 L/day and in the group of cows with music application it was 20.4 L (p=0.008). 96% of cortisol concentrations had a level less than 1 µg/dl, considered within the reference range, and without significant difference between treatments.

Resumen Antecedentes: La infertilidad incrementa el estrés y afecta la calidad de vida. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de mindfulness (atención plena) sobre la ansiedad, estrés y calidad de vida de mujeres infértiles. Material y métodos: Estudio exploratorio en pacientes tratadas por infertilidad más una intervención de ocho semanas con mindfulness (grupo MND) o solo tratamiento de la infertilidad (grupo de control). Al inicio y después de ocho semanas se evaluaron la ansiedad (Inventario de Ansiedad Rasgo-Estado), la calidad de vida (FertiQoL), y las concentraciones salivales de α-amilasa y cortisol. Se utilizó estadística no paramétrica, con α = 0.10. Resultados: 14 mujeres del grupo MND y 15 del grupo de control completaron el seguimiento. Al inicio, las pacientes del grupo de control mostraron mejor calidad de vida; las puntuaciones de ansiedad correlacionaron negativamente con la calidad de vida. Al final, el incremento de cortisol (p = 0.097) y amilasa (p = 0.039) fueron mayores en el grupo de control. Los incrementos en la calidad de vida se asociaron a ansiedad basal (p = 0.002), incremento en la subescala tolerabilidad (p < 0.001) y mindfulness (p = 0.014). Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que mindfulness disminuye el estrés y mejora la calidad de vida de pacientes bajo tratamiento de la infertilidad.

Abstract Background: Infertility increases stress and affects life quality. Mindfulness reduces stress and improves life quality, but its role in infertility remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the effect of mindfulness on stress and quality of life of women with infertility. Material and methods: An exploratory clinical study was conducted in women under infertility treatment, together with an 8-week mindfulness intervention (MND) or only infertility treatment (CTRL). Anxiety and quality of life were assessed at baseline and at the end of intervention with IDARE and FertiQoL questionnaires respectively, as well as salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol concentrations. Non-parametric statistics was used for analysis using an alpha value of 0.10. Results: 14 MND and 15 CTRL completed follow-up. At baseline, CTRL patients exhibited better quality of life than MND; anxiety scores correlated negatively with quality of life. At the end of intervention, cortisol concentrations (p = 0.097), and the increments of amylase (p = 0.039), were higher in CTRL than in MND. Increases in quality of life were associated with basal anxiety score (p = 0.002), improvements in tolerability (p < 0.001), and mindfulness intervention (p = 0.014). Conclusion: Our results suggest that mindfulness reduces stress and improves quality of life in women under infertility treatment.

RESUMEN El propósito de este trabajo fue evaluar el estatus hídrico y la concentración de cortisol sérico en equinos durante dos cabalgatas culturales en los municipios de Granada y Acacías del departamento del Meta (Colombia). Se seleccionaron 88 animales a conveniencia (44 por cabalgata), tomando muestras de sangre 1 h antes de iniciar la cabalgata (T0) y 15 min después de terminar la cabalgata (T1), además de un examen clínico para determinar su estatus hídrico (humedad de las mucosas, tiempo de llenado capilar, turgencia de la piel y la retracción del globo ocular). En el análisis de sangre se determinó el micro hematocrito, proteínas séricas totales y concentración de cortisol. Los resultados de las variables entre los dos tiempos se compararon con las pruebas de Shapiro Wilks y de Wilcoxon. La prueba de Spearman determinó las correlaciones entre edad y sexo con el cortisol sérico. No hubo diferencias significativas entre el estatus hídrico con los tiempos evaluados; sin embargo, el micro hematocrito, proteínas séricas totales y cortisol presentaron valores menores en T0 (p<0.001). Por otro lado, no se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre la concentración sérica de cortisol con la edad y el sexo. Los resultados sugieren que las cabalgatas culturales son una actividad estresante para el animal, determinada por el incremento significativo de cortisol sérico, habiendo una tendencia a la hemoconcentración que recalca la importancia de la correcta hidratación de los equinos antes, durante y después de estos eventos de exigencia física.

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to evaluate the hydric status and serum cortisol concentration in horses during two cultural horseback rides in the municipalities of Granada and Acacías in the department of Meta (Colombia). For this, 88 animals were selected at convenience (44 per ride), taking blood samples 1 h before starting the ride (T0) and 15 min after finishing the ride (T1). In addition, a clinical examination was conducted to determine their hydric status (humidity of the mucous membranes, capillary refill time, skin turgor and eyeball retraction). In the blood test, micro haematocrit, total serum proteins and cortisol concentration were determined. The results of the variables between the two times were compared with the Shapiro Wilks and Wilcoxon tests. The Spearman test determined the correlations between age and sex with serum cortisol. There were no significant differences between the hydric status and the times evaluated; however, micro haematocrit, total serum proteins and cortisol presented lower values at T0 (p<0.001). On the other hand, no significant correlations were found between serum cortisol concentration with age and sex. The results suggest that cultural horseback riding is a stressful activity for the animal, determined by the significant increase in serum cortisol, with a tendency toward haemoconcentration that emphasizes the importance of correct hydration of horses before, during and after these events.

ABSTRACT In Chile, selling cattle through auction markets is common, and involves various stressful events.The objective of this study was to determine the effects of selling weaned beef calves through an auction market on indicators of physiological stress. Considering that transportation is invariably linked to any commercialization procedure, we compared the effects of exposing calves to transport and sale through an auction market versus transporting them directly between farms. Twenty calves of 175 (+/-37.5) kg live weight were transported from their origin farm to an auction market (2.5 h journey), where 10 calves were unloaded and exposed to regular handling within the market (unloading, sorting, regrouping, penning, sale yard showing) and thereafter loaded and transported back to the farm (TM). The remaining 10 calves were not unloaded at the market and were immediately transported back to the farm, simulating a direct sale (TD). Data collection (blood samples, body temperature, and live weight) was performed at the farm in both groups before loading (initial, 0 h), at the end of the process, after unloading TM calves back on the farm (after unloading, 12 h), and during recovery at 24, 48, and 72 h after the initial sampling. We used mixed-effects models to compare treatments and samplings. No differences were found between treatments in terms of live weight loss, maximum eye temperature, plasma β-hydroxybutyrate, and serum cortisol concentrations. The rectal temperature was higher (p < 0.05) in TM after treatment and remained higher (p > 0.05) in the samples than in TD. Calves that passed through the market showed higher (p < 0.05) plasma CK activity after unloading (12 h) than did those that did not. The mean glucose concentration increased (p < 0.05) at 12h and remained higher than the initial value (0 h) in both the calf groups. This was a preliminary study, and according to the results, experiments should be repeated to test more animals under different situations and premises.

ABSTRACT Objective: COVID-19 is a multisystem immunoinflammatory disorder, and the hypothalamo–pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may be affected by SARS-CoV-2 as well as by steroid treatment during the illness. Information on the HPA axis after recovering from COVID-19, especially in those treated with steroids, is sparse. Hence, this study was performed to evaluate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis during the post-COVID-19 period in patients treated with steroids during the illness. Subject and methods: This prospective study involved 60 patients aged 18-60 years who had recovered from moderate or severe COVID-19 and had received steroid treatment during the illness. The HPA axis was assessed with a low-dose (1 mcg) adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test at 3, 6 and 9 months in the post-COVID period. Results: The HPA axis was suppressed in 31.66% of the patients at 3 months and 5% at 6 months; however, all patients recovered at 9 months. Cumulative steroid use during the illness was inversely correlated with stimulated cortisol at 3 months in the post-COVID period. Fatigue was present in 58.33% of the patients at 3 months and was more prevalent in those with HPA axis suppression. Conclusion: Nearly one-third of the patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 who were treated with steroids had suppressed HPA axis at 3 months, with gradual recovery over a period of 9 months. Cumulative steroid equivalent dose, but not disease severity, was predictive of HPA axis suppression at 3 months.