Individual Variation in Glucocorticoid Plasticity: Considerations and Future Directions

Sarah Guindre-Parker

doi:10.1093/icb/icaa003

Individual Variation in Glucocorticoid Plasticity: Considerations and Future Directions

Integrative and Comparative Biology ◽

10.1093/icb/icaa003 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 60 (1) ◽

pp. 79-88

Author(s):

Sarah Guindre-Parker

Keyword(s):

Empirical Research ◽

Hpa Axis ◽

Environmental Conditions ◽

Individual Variation ◽

Endocrine System ◽

Metabolic Demand ◽

Future Directions ◽

Changing Environments ◽

Multiple Phenotypes ◽

Future Work

Abstract The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis regulates the secretion of glucocorticoids, hormones with diverse roles ranging from regulating daily metabolic demand to coping with sudden perturbations. As a result, glucocorticoids are thought to help vertebrates track their changing environments and coordinate plasticity in diverse phenotypes. While this endocrine system is highly plastic—where one individual can produce multiple phenotypes across varying environmental conditions—little is understood about the degree to which individuals, populations, or species differ in circulating glucocorticoid plasticity. Empirical research quantifying individual variation in glucocorticoid plasticity has increased in recent years, though the multiple complex roles of the HPA-axis make it challenging to generalize the extent to which individual variation in plasticity exists. I provide an overview of current findings on variation in glucocorticoids plasticity, and outline multiple types of glucocorticoid plasticity researchers should consider in future work to advance our understanding of the causes and consequences of individual variation in glucocorticoid plasticity.

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Transcriptome profiling of Lymnaea stagnalis (Gastropoda) for ecoimmunological research

BMC Genomics ◽

10.1186/s12864-021-07428-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Otto Seppälä ◽

Jean-Claude Walser ◽

Teo Cereghetti ◽

Katri Seppälä ◽

Tiina Salo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Environmental Conditions ◽

Individual Variation ◽

Lymnaea Stagnalis ◽

De Novo ◽

Transcriptome Profiling ◽

Snail Species ◽

Immune Defence ◽

Immune Activity ◽

Self Recognition ◽

Immune Assays

Abstract Background Host immune function can contribute to numerous ecological/evolutionary processes. Ecoimmunological studies, however, typically use one/few phenotypic immune assays and thus do not consider the complexity of the immune system. Therefore, “omics” resources that allow quantifying immune activity across multiple pathways are needed for ecoimmunological models. We applied short-read based RNAseq (Illumina NextSeq 500, PE-81) to characterise transcriptome profiles of Lymnaea stagnalis (Gastropoda), a multipurpose model snail species. We used a genetically diverse snail stock and exposed individuals to immune elicitors (injury, bacterial/trematode pathogens) and changes in environmental conditions that can alter immune activity (temperature, food availability). Results Immune defence factors identified in the de novo assembly covered elements broadly described in other gastropods. For instance, pathogen-recognition receptors (PRR) and lectins activate Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway and cytokines that regulate cellular and humoral defences. Surprisingly, only modest diversity of antimicrobial peptides and fibrinogen related proteins were detected when compared with other taxa. Additionally, multiple defence factors that may contribute to the phenotypic immune assays used to quantify antibacterial activity and phenoloxidase (PO)/melanisation-type reaction in this species were found. Experimental treatments revealed factors from non-self recognition (lectins) and signalling (TLR pathway, cytokines) to effectors (e.g., antibacterial proteins, PO enzymes) whose transcription depended on immune stimuli and environmental conditions, as well as components of snail physiology/metabolism that may drive these effects. Interestingly, the transcription of many factors (e.g., PRR, lectins, cytokines, PO enzymes, antibacterial proteins) showed high among-individual variation. Conclusions Our results indicate several uniform aspects of gastropod immunity, but also apparent differences between L. stagnalis and some previously examined taxa. Interestingly, in addition to immune defence factors that responded to immune elicitors and changes in environmental conditions, many factors showed high among-individual variation across experimental snails. We propose that such factors are highly important to be included in future ecoimmunological studies because they may be the key determinants of differences in parasite resistance among individuals both within and between natural snail populations.

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Psychology and interviewing: what direction now in our quest for reliable information?

The British Journal of Forensic Practice ◽

10.1108/14636641111134378 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 135-144 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Gavin E. Oxburgh ◽

Coral J. Dando

Keyword(s):

Empirical Research ◽

Academic Research ◽

Psychological Theory ◽

Investigative Interviewing ◽

Future Directions ◽

Content Type ◽

The Impact ◽

Emergent Theory ◽

And Training ◽

Do So

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss two distinct but interrelated areas, namely witness/victim and suspect interviewing, and to argue that both must continue to evolve, suggest how they might do so, and that this process must be driven by emergent theory and contemporary empirical research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the impact of psychological theory and empirical research to investigative interviewing in recent decades.FindingsIt is argued that in order to stay ahead of the game, the field of investigative interviewing (suspect and witness) must continue to evolve in such a manner that not only protects and fosters the important practitioner/academic relationship, but also ensures that future directions are driven by empirical research, with recourse to emergent theory.Originality/valueThe paper outlines the impact of psychological theory and empirical research on investigative interviewing and the consequent enhancement of the interviewing of both suspected offenders and witnesses. The paper demonstrates that working closely together academic research can make a difference, and influence law, policy decisions and training guidelines in order to improve practice.

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Peripheral cortisol administration blunts reward arousal but heightens anxiety-like arousal in marmosets

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2021.453 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (S1) ◽

pp. S163-S164

Author(s):

Laith Alexander ◽

Philip Gaskin ◽

Lauren McIver ◽

Angela Roberts

Keyword(s):

Unconditioned Stimulus ◽

Hpa Axis ◽

Saline Control ◽

Subcutaneous Injections ◽

Video Cameras ◽

Before And After ◽

Control Versus ◽

Cortisol Levels ◽

Future Work ◽

Cardiovascular Arousal

AimsExcess hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation is common in people with major depression and generalised anxiety disorder. We sought to determine whether higher circulating levels of the glucocorticoid cortisol are causally related to the expression of anhedonia-like and anxiety-like behaviours in marmosets.MethodFour marmosets (two male, two female) took part in the study. Cortisol and saline control injections were administered intramuscularly and salivary cortisol samples were taken before and after injections to determine if circulating cortisol levels changed from pre- to post-injection. To measure anhedonia-like behaviours, we trained marmosets on an appetitive Pavlovian conditioning paradigm, where animals learn to associate two anticipatory auditory cues (conditioned stimulus + or conditioned sitmulus -, CS+ or CS-) with the presence or absence of food reward (unconditioned stimulus + or unconditioned stimulus -, US+ or US-). Using cardiovascular telemetry probes and video cameras, we recorded animals' cardiovascular and behavioural arousal in freely moving conditions, comparing the injection of saline control versus 5mg/kg, 10mg/kg or 20mg/kg intramuscular cortisol. To measure anxiety-like behaviours, we used a human intruder (HI) paradigm, where marmosets are confronted with an unfamiliar human in their home cage. We recorded their behaviour on video cameras after saline control or 20mg/kg intramuscular cortisol. We used an exploratory-factor analysis (EFA) to determine how marmosets' behaviours towards the intruder loaded onto an 'anxiety-like' score. We then compared these scores under saline control versus cortisol conditions. Significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultUnlike saline control, we found that subcutaneous injections of 20 mg/kg cortisol successfully elevated peripheral cortisol concentrations to levels equivalent to peak circadian concentrations (p = 0.023). In the appetitive setting, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg cortisol injections blunted anticipatory (CS+ induced) increases in behavioural arousal (p = 0.004) but did not alter anticipatory cardiovascular arousal. Consummatory behavioural and cardiovascular arousal also remained intact. In the HI test, 20 mg/kg cortisol injections moderately increased anxiety towards the intruder as measured by an increase in marmosets' EFA-derived anxiety-like scores (p = 0.035).ConclusionIn marmosets, elevated peripheral cortisol levels are causally related to the behavioural features of blunted reward anticipation together with elevated anxiety-like behaviours characteristic of mood and anxiety disorders. Future work will characterise the neuroimaging changes induced by elevated peripheral cortisol levels and identify the regions of the prefrontal cortex contributing to HPA axis regulation and dysregulation.

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Cardiovascular Responses During Downhill Treadmill Walking at Self-Selected Intensity in Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.21.3.335 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 335-347 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Mandy L. Gault ◽

Richard E. Clements ◽

Mark E.T. Willems

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Older Adults ◽

Peripheral Resistance ◽

Cardiovascular Responses ◽

Treadmill Walking ◽

Metabolic Demand ◽

Arterial Blood ◽

Cardiac Strain ◽

Downhill Walking ◽

Future Work

Cardiovascular responses of older adults to downhill (DTW, –10% incline) and level treadmill walking (0%) at self-selected walking speed (SSWS) were examined. Fifteen participants (age 68 ± 4 yr, height 1.69 ± 0.08 m, body mass 74.7 ± 8.1 kg) completed two 15-min walks at their SSWS (4.6 ± 0.6 km/hr). Cardiovascular responses were estimated using an arterial-volume finger clamp and infrared plethysmography. Oxygen consumption was 25% lower during DTW and associated with lower values for stroke volume (9.9 ml/beat), cardiac output (1.0 L/min), arteriovenous oxygen difference (a-v O2 diff, 2.4 ml/L), and systolic blood pressure (10 mmHg), with no differences in heart rate or diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure. Total peripheral resistance (TPR) was higher (2.11 mmHg) during DTW. During downhill walking, an exercise performed with reduced cardiac strain, endothelial changes, and reduced metabolic demand may be responsible for the different responses in TPR and a-v O2 diff. Future work is warranted on whether downhill walking is suitable for higher risk populations.

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Emotion Dysregulation and Childhood Trauma

The Oxford Handbook of Emotion Dysregulation ◽

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190689285.013.19 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 263-282

Author(s):

Patricia K. Kerig

Keyword(s):

Emotion Regulation ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Empirical Research ◽

Childhood Trauma ◽

Emotion Dysregulation ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

Traumatic Experiences ◽

Future Directions ◽

Developmental Mechanism

This chapter describes theoretical models and empirical research devoted to understanding the aftermath of childhood trauma exposure and discusses the value of considering posttraumatic stress from an emotion dysregulation perspective. After describing definitional controversies in the field related to both trauma and posttraumatic stress, this chapter summarizes research on the effects of chronic, prolonged, and repeated traumatic experiences in childhood, such as maltreatment, with particular attention to its potential to compromise development of adaptive emotion regulation capacities. The role of emotion dysregulation in leading theoretical models of posttraumatic stress is presented, as well as empirical research testing the hypothesis that emotion dysregulation represents an underlying developmental mechanism through which childhood trauma affects functioning over the lifespan. Future directions include a need for clarification in conceptualization and measurement, further developmental processes to be considered, and opportunities for translational work to inform intervention efforts.

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Intergroup Dialogue: A Review of Recent Empirical Research and Its Implications for Research and Practice

Small Group Research ◽

10.1177/1046496419835923 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 50 (5) ◽

pp. 654-695 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Keri A. Frantell ◽

Joseph R. Miles ◽

Anne M. Ruwe

Keyword(s):

Social Justice ◽

Empirical Research ◽

Group Intervention ◽

Future Research ◽

Intergroup Dialogue ◽

Future Directions ◽

Research And Practice ◽

Current State ◽

Intergroup Relationships ◽

Future Practice

Intergroup dialogue (IGD) is a small group intervention that allows for sustained communication between people across social identity groups. It aims to foster intergroup relationships, develop critical consciousness, and increase capacities for promoting social justice. A decade after Dessel and Rogge published their review of the empirical research on IGD from 1997 to 2006, we reviewed the empirical IGD research from 2006 to 2017. We explore research that has examined IGD outcomes, processes, and facilitation, seeking to understand the current state of the research and practice of IGD. We discuss advances and new approaches to IGD, assess growth since Dessel and Rogge’s review, and discuss future directions. We provide five key recommendations for future research on IGD, and five key recommendations for future practice of IGD.

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Die neue Welle Wirtschaftsethik – aus der Sicht der Evangelischen Akademien

Zeitschrift für Evangelische Ethik ◽

10.14315/zee-1989-0141 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

pp. 283-295

Author(s):

Hans May

Keyword(s):

Interdisciplinary Teams ◽

Future Directions ◽

The Future ◽

Open Debate ◽

Future Work

Abstract The Evangelical Academies are a forum to open debate on any matters relating to a furtherance of a responsible approach to future directions in society. The contribution discusses in the author's view in which way, for which reasons and on which sociallevels questions of ethics in economy have occured in the Academie's work. The author proposes to establish interdisciplinary teams developing norms to connect ethics and economy, and points out a nurober of tasks for the future work.

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An Examination of the Empirical Literature: Gifted Education in the Australian Context

journal for the education of the gifted ◽

10.1177/0162353218816498 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 42 (1) ◽

pp. 64-84 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ivan Luburic ◽

Jennifer L. Jolly

Keyword(s):

Empirical Research ◽

North American ◽

Gifted Education ◽

Empirical Literature ◽

Future Research ◽

Future Directions ◽

Research And Practice ◽

Current Trends ◽

Australian Context ◽

Research Themes

Gifted education as a field of research in Australia is relatively young when compared with its North American counterparts. A reflection of how the field of gifted education has developed from 1983 to 2017 in this context allows for observations of previous research and current trends, and how these may influence future directions for the field. Empirical research published in peer-reviewed journals is one metric that can be used to undertake this reflection, including the individuals responsible for the research, the setting where the research is undertaken, and outlets where resulting findings are published, as well as the research themes that dominate research agendas. Longitudinally, these metrics are part of the narrative that construct Australian gifted education. Reflecting on how the field developed provides an understanding of how research and practice have evolved and what future research and innovations are possible.

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Reactions and Preferences for Training Among Area Agency on Aging Providers Working With Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Older Adults

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464819868057 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 39 (5) ◽

pp. 545-554

Author(s):

Allison R. Warren ◽

Ann M. Steffen

Keyword(s):

Professional Development ◽

Older Adults ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Culturally Competent ◽

Future Directions ◽

Gender Nonconforming ◽

Professional Development Training ◽

And Gender ◽

Service Environments ◽

Future Work

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) older adults face numerous barriers to healthy aging. These older adults may be less likely to seek out aging-focused services due to fear of discrimination and a lack of culturally competent services. There is a dearth of trainings for aging-focused professionals that would contribute to the development of affirming service environments for TGNC older adults. The current study explores providers’ responses to a professional development training made available nationwide to staff and volunteers of area agencies on aging. Participants’ ( N = 155) reflections on what would be most helpful in their future work with TGNC older adults included requests for role-plays, instructions on creating more inclusive agency documents, increased contact with TGNC older adults, and managing discriminatory language in the workplace. Future directions include creating professional development opportunities that incorporate experiences with and exposure to both other aging-focused providers and TGNC elders.

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