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News Archives
2012
- 05.17.12 - Salimetrics and Salimetrics Europe combine twitter forces.
- 05.16.12 - Physiological correlates of peer victimization and aggression in African American urban adolescents
- Kliewer, W., et al. (2012). Devel Psychopathol, 24,
Salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase were used in this longitudinal study to examine reactivity in the HPA and SNS systems in relation to peer victimization and aggression in urban adolescents. The study found that a history of experiencing and responding to both overt and relational victimization by peers affects how adolescents react physiologically to stress. The majority of victimized youth in the study reacted physiologically to the stress of describing their most stressful recent event with increases of sAA (but not cortisol), while non-victims did not show elevations of sAA. The study suggests that repeated exposure to peer victimization may prime the body to be reactive to stress. Abstract
- 05.16.12 - Expectant mothers’ saliva tells stories of stress
- Shurkin, J.N. (May 11, 2012). Inside Science News Service.
This article features some recent research studies that have used salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase as markers of stress in pregnant women. News Release
- 05.07.12 - Salimetrics Builds A Salivary Research Community With Facebook
Now you can follow a community of salivary researchers that reaches around the world! Be a part of the Facebook collaboration and discovery that stimulates scientific advancement and innovation for salivary research. Press Release
- 05.03.12 - Come and Discuss the Determination of Salivary Hormones with Salimetrics at the European Endocrinology Conference in Florence this Saturday, May 5th (Booth 55)
Salimetrics Europe is to exhibit at the International/European Congress of Endocrinology. Opening this Saturday in Florence, the ICE/ECE Endocrinology Conference will attract over 5,000 visitors from across Europe. Press Release
- 05.01.12 - New Saliva Testing Robot Installed at Anglia Ruskin
Salimetrics' joint venture partner Anglia Ruskin University has completed the investment of £150,000 in new equipment to improve its saliva testing service - the fast-developing and minimally invasive alternative to blood testing for the monitoring of salivary biomarkers. Press Release
- 05.01.12 - Salimetrics Europe Joins Twitter
Follow all the latest published salivary research papers via the Salimetrics Europe Twitter Feed. If you have research news, send it to us for publication: @SalimetricsEuro And on our Blog! View the Press Release
- 04.23.12 - New Saliva Lab to Open in South Africa
Salimetrics welcomes a new salivary testing center located in South Africa. The saliva laboratory will be housed in the newly formed Prime Human Performance Institute, which is affiliated with the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban. The Institute is set to open formally on May 1st, 2012. Dr. Andrew Mckune, Associate Professor in the Department of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences at the university, will supervise and coordinate post-graduate students doing research at the institute. The new saliva lab will also offer saliva testing services to researchers located in South Africa and throughout the continent.
- 04.19.12 - The Salimetrics Cotinine EIA Kit is now available as a registered medical device in the U.S.
The Salimetrics Salivary Cotinine EIA Kit is now an FDA-registered medical device and is available for use in clinical settings in the United States. The cotinine assay kit is a competitive immunoassay designed and validated for the quantitative in vitro measurement of the presence of cotinine in saliva samples. This kit may be used to measure primary or secondhand exposure to nicotine. A validated urine protocol is available upon request. For more information on this product, Contact Us
- 04.19.12 - Daytime secretion of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase in preschool-aged children with autism and typically developing children.
- Kidd, S.A., et al. (2012). J Autism Dev Disord.
Important differences were observed in cortisol and sAA variability between autistic children and normally developing children. Additionally, there was a graded response among autistic children by functional status, where cortisol and sAA secretion levels were higher when IQ was lower. Abstract
- 04.16.12 - High endogenous salivary amylase activity is associated with improved glycemic homeostasis following starch ingestion in adults.
- Mandel, A.L, & Breslin, P. (2012). J Nutr.
Contrary to the hypothesis that individuals who have higher salivary alpha-amylase activity should have faster and more substantial postprandial blood glucose responses, this study found that individuals with high amylase activity had significantly lower postprandial blood glucose concentrations following ingestion of an experimental starch solution. Possible mechanisms that explain this finding are discussed. Abstract
- 04.16.12 - Sex differences in immune variables and respiratory infection incidence in an athletic population.
- Gleeson, M., et al. (2011). Exerc.Immunol.Rev
Saliva flow rates, salivary SIgA concentration, and salivary SIgA secretion rates were significantly higher in males than females. Blood immunoglobulins and most immune cell types were not different between the sexes, but males had higher numbers of B cells and NK cells. Sex differences in immune function among athletes only need to be considered if the focus is on mucosal immunity or NK cells. Abstract
- 04.09.12 - Salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol in infancy and toddlerhood: Direct and indirect relations with executive functioning and academic ability in childhood.
- Berry, D., et al. (2012). Psychoneuroendocrinology.
In a longitudinal study of predominantly low-income children, salivary alpha-amylase and salivary cortisol activities at 7, 15, and 24 months were found to predict executive functioning at 36 months and academic achievement in pre-kindergarten. Abstract
- 04.09.12 - Preliminary investigation of employee’s dog presence on stress and organizational perceptions.
- Barker, R.T., et al. (2012). Int J Workplace Health Management.
At a company that allows dog owners to take their pets to work, the effects of the dogs’ presence on owners’ stress levels was studied. Salivary cortisol measures upon awakening were used to assess baseline stress levels, and data on self-reported stress levels were collected at regular intervals throughout the workday. No significant differences were seen in mean baseline cortisol levels among employees in different study groups, but dog owners who took their pet to work reported significantly lower stress levels over the workday compared to dog owners who left their pet at home or to non-pet owners. Abstract and Press Release
- 04.06.12 - JoLynn Carney and Richard Hazler named winners of the American Counseling Association Research Award
Penn State faculty members JoLynn Carney and Richard Hazler were named winners of the American Counseling Association Research Award for their study “The Relations Between Bullying Exposures in Middle Childhood, Anxiety, and Adrenocortical Activity. “ Salimetrics’ Founder & Chief Scientific and Strategy Advisor Douglas A. Granger was a co-author on the paper. Press Release
- 04.05.12 - Improved packaging for the Salimetrics Oral Swab
Now a more hygienic oral swab! Our improved SOS saliva collection device has been individually wrapped to minimize the possibility of environmental contaminants and increase ease of use with study participants. We’ve also included printed instructions on each package to help you increase participant compliance and get better results! Product Page
- 03.29.12 - Salimetrics Europe publishes an Introduction to Saliva Research
The combined 14th / 15th International / European Congress on Endocrinology takes place in Florence this year Salimetrics Europe will be present to answer questions from Researchers, visit us at Booth 55 Blog Post
- 03.22.12 - Salimetrics Europe publishes an Introduction to Saliva Research
New to saliva research? Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen a sharp rise in credible salivary research. This adoption of saliva has been especially evident in psychology and related fields where researchers were among the first to recognize the advantages of multiple, non-invasive collections that saliva testing has to offer. If you're considering using saliva in your own research, read this new publication presented by the Salimetrics Europe team. Press Release
- 03.21.12 - Diagnostic value of salivary cortisol in the CRH stimulation test in premature infants.
- Matsukura, T., et al. (2012). J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
Significant correlations were found between matched serum and saliva samples from premature infants (gestational age < 29 weeks) during the CRH stimulation test. Abstract
- 03.21.12 - Sex differences in emotional memory consolidation: The effect of stress-induced salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol.
- Felmingham, K.L., et al. (2012). Biol Psychol.
Enhanced consolidation of negative images under stress in women may be a potential mechanism for the greater female prevalence for developing anxiety disorders. Abstract
- 03.12.12 - Salimetrics Europe launches Facebook page to support European saliva researchers.
Salimetrics' new Facebook page will contain company news, technical support and the opportunity for Salimetrics Europe to directly communicate with its EU Partners. Press Release
- 03.07.12 - Salimetrics Europe launches blog to support European saliva researchers
Salimetrics' new blog will contain technical support aimed at UK and European saliva researchers and will mirror what is currently published on the main Salimetrics website. This more targeted version will enable Salimetrics Europe to directly communicate with its EU partners. Press Release
- 03.01.12 - Positive life events predict salivary cortisol in pregnant women
- Pluess, M. et al. (2012). Psychoneuroendocrinology.
The effect of positive and negative life events on salivary cortisol was examined in third-trimester women. Positive events significantly predicted lower baseline cortisol levels, suggesting that intervention programs that focus on positive experiences might be beneficial for the mother and the developing fetus. Abstract
- 03.01.12 - Time-of-day effects in arousal: Disrupted diurnal cortisol profiles in children with ADHD
- Imeraj, L. et al. (2012). J Child Psychol Psychiatry.
Salivary cortisol was measured five times a day across five consecutive days in children with ADHD (both with and without ODD) and healthy controls in order to compare the cortisol awakening response and diurnal variations. Findings support time-related arousal disruptions in children with ADHD that are associated with the presence or absence of ODD. Abstract
- 02.22.12 - Salivary alpha-amylase during pregnancy: Diurnal course and associations with obstetric history, maternal demographics, and mood
- Giesbrecht, G.F. et al. (2012). Dev Psychobiol.
Salivary alpha-amylase levels over the course of 3 days were associated with mood and obstetric history but unrelated to individual differences in gestational age, fetal sex, maternal age, and anthropometrics. The findings replicate previous studies demonstrating a link between mood and the diurnal pattern of sAA and extend the overall pattern of results to pregnant women. Abstract
- 02.14.12 - Johns Hopkins University and UC Irvine to Collaborate on West Coast Spit Camps
Professor Douglas A. Granger, Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research at Johns Hopkins University, and Frank Zaldivar, Laboratory Director of the Bioassay Core at the Institute for Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS) , a Clinical Translational Science Award Center (CTSA), at the University of California, Irvine, announce that they will collaborate to present three sessions of the Spit Camp training workshop each year at UC Irvine. These sessions will be full, two-day workshops, which combine 1 day of lecture/discussion on salivary analytes with 1 day of practical laboratory experience in collecting and handling saliva and performing salivary immunoassays. Dr. Granger will teach the lecture and discussion components, and Dr. Zaldivar will be in charge of the laboratory sessions. We hope that scheduling these Spit Camps at UCI will make it easier for west-coast researchers to attend these popular training sessions. The first session at UCI will be held April 2nd-3rd, 2012. For further information or to sign up, please Pre-Register
- 02.14.12 - Boston IVF Fertility Clinic Adopts Salivary Estradiol Assay from Salimetrics for Use in Infertility Treatment; Patient Friendly Monitoring Replaces Daily Blood Tests
Boston IVF, a leading assisted reproduction clinic in the Boston area, now has the option to go needle-free with a very simple, patient-friendly saliva test based on the Salimetrics estradiol immunoassay kit. Press Release
- 02.09.12 - Assessing salivary C-reactive protein: Longitudinal associations with systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk in women exposed to intimate partner violence
- Out, D. et al. (2012). Brain Behav Immun.
In a longitudinal study of women exposed to intimate partner violence, plasma and saliva CRP levels were found to be moderately associated cross-sectionally and across a two year period. Salivary CRP reliably discriminated between high and low levels of plasma CRP, and discrimination between low and high plasma CRP was especially accurate for low levels of salivary CRP. Salivary CRP may therefore prove to be valuable noninvasive marker for the screening of systemic inflammation. Abstract
- 02.09.12 - Salimetrics to exhibit at the European College of Sport Sciences Conference in Bruges
The Salimetrics team will be present throughout the 17th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Sciences (ECSS), to be held in Bruges, Belgium from 4th to 7th July. We would be happy to meet you and discuss your research in more detail. Press Release
- 02.06.12 - The relationship between cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, and cognitive bias in young women.
- Kreher, D.A., et al. (2012). Behav Neurosci.
Previous studies that have shown that cortisol levels are linked to enhanced processing of negative information in diseases such as major depression. This study provides evidence that supports this view and adds the observation that this cortisol-enhanced processing occurs only in the presence of higher salivary alpha-amylase, which may serve as an indirect measure of norepinephrine. Abstract
- 02.01.12 - Salimetrics to exhibit at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference in London
The Salimetrics team will be present throughout the British Psychological Society Annual Conference, to be held at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London from 18 to 20 April. We would be happy to meet you and discuss your research in more detail. Press Release
- 01.31.12 - Salivary Melatonin Assay Validated for Use in the Salimetrics Laboratory
Salimetrics has completed validation of a commercial salivary melatonin enzyme immunoassay according to CLIA standards. The assay will be used for melatonin testing with customer samples in the Salimetrics Laboratory. Customers who are interested in incorporating salivary melatonin into their studies should contact Salimetrics for additional information. Press Release
- 01.30.12 - Diagnostic value of salivary cortisol in the CRH stimulation test in premature infants
- Matsukura, T., et al. (2012). J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
Salivary cortisol measurements for the CRH stimulation Test in premature infants were found to correlate significantly with serum cortisol measurements. Abstract
- 01.30.12 - An examination of the impact of harsh parenting contexts on children’s adaptation within an evolutionary framework.
- Sturge-Apple, M.L., et al. (2012). Dev Psychobiol.
2-year old toddlers with hawk or dove behavioral coping strategies were examined in a process model of harsh caregiving practices. Associations between harsh caregiving and children’s basal cortisol, parasympathetic nervous system activity, and sympathetic nervous system activity were found to be moderated by the hawk or dove profile membership. Abstract
- 01.19.12 - Salimetrics to exhibit in London at The Biomedical Basis of Elite Performance Conference
The meeting will comprise symposia, oral communications, posters and plenary lectures, all of which will focus on basic and applied scientific and medical issues of direct relevance to athletic performance.
The program will bring together national and international experts, alongside those who work in the world of elite sport – looking at a range of issues in the build up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond. Press Release
- 01.05.12 - Interactive effects of corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1, serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region, and child maltreatment on diurnal cortisol regulation and internalizing symptomatology
- Cicchetti, D., et al. (2011). Dev Psychobiol.
This study of gene and environment interactions found that the relationship between early childhood abuse and cortisol dysregulation is moderated by genetic variation. Abstract
- 01.05.12 - Child maltreatment and allostatic load: Consequences for physical and mental health in children from low-income families
- Rogosch, F.A. (2011). Dev Psychobiol.
Salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone were measured along with other indicators of health in maltreated and non-maltreated children in order to provide a composite index of allostatic load. The results support the view that a higher allostatic load can be associated with poorer mental and physical health in children. Abstract
- 12.21.11 - Assessing genetic polymorphisms using DNA extracted from cells present in saliva samples.
- Nemoda, Z., et al. (2011). BMC Med Res Methodol.
Whole saliva has recently been shown to a source of high-quality DNA for genotyping analysis. This study documents the usability of previously collected saliva samples, as well as the effects of environmental conditions during sample collection, handling, and storage. Abstract
- 12.21.11 - The father-daughter dance: The relationship between father-daughter relationship quality and daughters’ stress response.
- Byrd-Craven, J., et al. (2011). J Fam Psychol.
Two separate studies examined relationships between the quality of father-daughter relationships and activity in the HPA axis and autonomic nervous system. Differences in HPA axis activity, as determined by measurements of basal salivary cortisol and cortisol reactivity to a problem discussion, were observed between low-quality and high-quality relationships. No differences were observed for relationship quality and ANS activity between the two groups, as determined by basal salivary alpha-amylase levels or alpha-amylase reactivity. Abstract
- 12.19.11 - Salimetrics Europe appoints Loughborough University graduate to commercial team.
Salimetrics Europe has expanded its support staff with the appointment of Tim Price. Tim is a recent graduate of Loughborough University, where he gained knowledge of Salimetrics assays through his research in Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Nutrition. Press Release
- 12.19.11 - Salimetrics plans 'Spit Camp' saliva testing training days on mainland Europe.
In 2012 Salimetrics Europe is planning to offer “Spit Camp” Saliva Testing Training Days on mainland Europe, particularly with partner institutions within Germany and Portugal. This will enable European researchers easier travel arrangements within France, Germany, Portugal and Spain without the need to fly to the UK with the additional expense of hotels.
The “Spit Camp” training day will be charged on a non-profit basis. The cost covers lunch and refreshments, all materials, use of University facilities and course lecturer’s time. Participants will run the Salimetrics Salivary Assay in the Laboratory during the day and a certificate will be given together with USB memory stick containing useful information.
The practical component will be based around Cortisol; however, Salimetrics can cover any of the testing kits available, which are detailed on this link: Analyte List
The full day Spit Camps in Cambridge UK will also continue to be offered during 2012 at a cost of £240 inclusive, next training day late January in the New Year.
Salimetrics also offer Educational Roadshow visits to your Institution; these days are designed to allow University Lecturers, Students the opportunity to discuss the use of Saliva as a less invasive method for measuring Salivary Biomarkers such as Cortisol
For further information on these educational programs, mail your interest to: info@salimetricseurope.com
To sign up for a Spit Camp, Click Here
- 12.01.11 - Interparental aggression and infant patterns of adrenocortical and behavioral stress responses.
- Towe-Goodman, N.R., et al. (2011). Dev Psychobiol.
In a large study of 735 infants from predominantly low-income, non-metropolitan communities, children with higher levels of violence in the home were more likely to exhibit high cortisol reactivity with moderate signs of distress, suggesting patterns of adaptation in violent households. Abstract
- 11.29.11 - Interactions between salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase as predictors of children’s cognitive functioning and academic performance.
- Keller, P.S., et al. (2011). Physiol Behav.
In this study of cognitive and academic performance among children, significant curvilinear relations and interactions were found between cortisol and sAA levels and the prediction of child functioning. Findings suggest that the study of interactions between biological stress response systems should not be based on models of rectilinear interactions. Abstract
- 11.29.11 - Psychoneuroendocrinology lists Salimetrics-affiliated paper among top ten articles cited (among articles published in the last five years).
- 11.09.11 - Parents’ communication skills and adolescents’ salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol response patterns.
- Afifi, T.D., et al. (2011). Communication Monographs.
This study explores the degree to which adolecents’ patterns or groupings of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase responses can be explained by their parents’ communications skills. The results for sAA ( but not cortisol) support the idea that adolescents who think their parents are more skilled in communication are more likely to recover from a stressful interaction than adolescents who think their parents are less skilled. Abstract
- 11.09.11 - Salivary cortisol mediates effects of poverty and parenting on executive functions in early childhood.
- Blair, C., et al. (2011). Child Dev.
In a longitudinal study of children from a predominantly low-income population that were followed from birth, salivary cortisol was assessed at ages 7, 15, and 24 months. Cortisol levels were found to be associated with lower executive function ability and with IQ at age 3 years, and the effect of positive parenting on executive functions was partially mediated through cortisol. Resting cortisol levels were increased in African-Americans compared to Whites. Abstract
- 10.24.11 - Do infants show a cortisol awakening response?
- Bright, M.A., et al. (2011). Dev Psychobiol.
Salivary cortisol measurements were used to examine the question of whether infants have a cortisol awakening response similar to that seen in adults. In contrast to the adult pattern, infants’ cortisol levels were found to decrease from AM waking to 30 minutes post awakening. Abstract
- 10.21.11 - Asynchrony of mother-infant hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity following extinction of infant crying responses induced during the transition to sleep.
- Middlemiss, W., et al. (2011). Early Hum Dev.
Salivary cortisol was measured in infants and their mothers in order to study synchronization of the HPA axis during the transition to sleep. Abstract
- 10.21.11 - Performance on the Iowa Gambling Task is related to magnitude of weight loss and salivary cortisol in a diet-induced weight loss intervention in overweight women.
- Witbracht, M.G., et al. (2011). Physiol Behav.
This study examined the relationship between executive function and weight loss by using the Iowa Gambling Task. Higher mean salivary cortisol concentrations were found to be associated with lower performance on the gambling task and greater fat consumption from a self-selected buffet dinner, suggesting a possible link between cortisol and decision making. Abstract
- 10.12.11 - The cross-generation transmission of oxytocin in humans.
- Feldman, R., et al. 2010. Horm Behav.
Oxytocin was measured in saliva samples taken from parents and infants before and after a 15-minute play session. Parent and infant oxytocin levels showed significant correlations at both the pre- and post-interaction assessments, suggesting a cross-generation transmission of oxytocin in humans similar to that observed in other mammals. Abstract
- 10.12.11 - Evolutionary functions of early social modulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis development in humans.
- Flinn, M.V., et al. (2011). Neurosci Biobehav Rev.
Within the context of evolutionary development, the authors discuss relations between physiological stress responses and the development of social competencies in human children. Abstract
- 10.06.11 - Maternal and paternal plasma, salivary, and urinary oxytocin and parent-infant synchrony: Considering stress and affiliation components of human bonding.
- Feldman, R., et al. (2011). Dev Sci.
Oxytocin was studied in plasma, saliva, and urine of mothers, fathers and infants to study human bonding. Plasma oxytocin and salivary oxytocin were found to be inter-related and were unrelated to oxytocin in urine. Salivary oxytocin was associated with various processes of parent-child bonding. Abstract
- 10.06.11 - Interparental aggression and children’s adrenocortical reactivity: Testing an evolutionary model of allostatic load.
- Davies, P.T., et al. (2011). Dev Psychopathol.
Salivary cortisol levels measured in 2-year-old toddlers indicated that interparental aggression predicted greater cortisol reactivity for children with high levels of temperamental inhibition and vigilance, but was marginally associated with diminished cortisol reactivity in children with bold, aggressive temperamental characteristics. Abstract
- 09.28.11 - Anglia Ruskin University, a joint venture partner of Salimetrics Europe, has opened its refurbished saliva testing laboratory.
- 09.28.11 - Downregulation of the immune system in low-quality child care: The case of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in toddlers.
- Vermeer, H.J., et al. (2011). Physiol Behavior.
Salivary SIgA levels were measured in toddlers to investigate the effects of quality of care on immune function. Children attending care centers with large group sizes did not have lower SIgA levels when compared to those attending family child care centers with smaller group sizes. Lower caregiver sensitivity was associated with lowered SIgA levels, however, both in child care settings and in the home. Abstract
- 09.23.11 - Storm Season.
- Yakutchik, M. Johns Hopkins Public Health Magazine (Fall, 2011).
This article contains a discussion of stress during the adolescent years and a description of related research being carried out at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Read More
- 09.22.11 - The empathic, physiological resonance of stress.
- Buchanan, T.W., et al. (2011). Soc Neurosci.
Salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase were measured in both speakers and observers during a stress task to observe whether physiological stress can resonate between individuals. Cortisol responses, but not alpha-amylase responses, were found to resonate between speakers and observers. Abstract
- 09.22.11 - Psychosocial environment and health: Methodological variability of the salivary cortisol measurements.
- Bovenzi, M.G., et al. (2011). Toxicol Lett.
Salivary cortisol was measured in healthy subjects on three separate days to explore intra-individual variability in the cortisol awakening response (CAR). The results were consistent with the understanding that cortisol rhythms are affected by many factors, reinforcing the need to control for confounding factors when using salivary cortisol as a biomarker in mind-health studies. Abstract
- 09.15.11 - Longitudinal evidence that fatherhood decreases testosterone in human males.
- Gettler, L.T., et al. (2011). PNAS.
In species in which males care for young, testosterone is often high during mating periods but then declines to allow for caregiving of resulting offspring. This model may apply to human males as well. This large, representative study in the Philippines intends to show that among single, non-fathers at baseline, men with high waking testosterone were more likely to have become partnered fathers by the time of a follow-up 4.5 years later. Men who became partnered fathers then experienced large declines in waking and evening testosterone, which were significantly greater than declines in single non-fathers. Abstract
- 09.09.11 - Parents’ testosterone and children’s perception of parent-child relationship quality.
- Dorius, C., et al. (2011). Horm Behav.
In this study of predominantly white working and middle class families, no direct link between the parents’ testosterone levels and parent-child closeness was found. However, the association between mother’s testosterone and mother-child closeness was found to be affected by marital satisfaction or the fathers’ intimacy with their children for mothers with high testosterone. Abstract
- 09.08.11 - Investigation into the cross-correlation of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase responses to psychological stress.
- Engert, V., et al. (2011). Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Using high-frequency saliva sampling, salivary alpha-amylase and salivary cortisol stress responses were found to be reliably associated at various time lags throughout a stressful situation. Abstract
- 09.08.11 - Diurnal alpha amylase patterns in adolescents: Associations with puberty and momentary mood states.
- Adam, E.K., et al. (2011). Biol Psychol.
This study examined salivary alpha-amylase basal activity and reactivity to stress in adolescents. Basal levels were found to increase with puberty, and acute increases may reflect emotional arousal rather than being specific to stress. Abstract
- 08.24.11 - State and trait variance in salivary a-amylase: A behavioral genetic study.
- Out, D., et al. (In press). Biol Psych.
This study is the first to examine genetic and environmental influences on the stability and change in salivary a-amylase levels during baseline measurements and following exposure to the sounds of a crying infant. Abstract
- 08.24.11 - Relation of intimate partner violence to salivary cortisol among couples expecting a first child.
- Feinberg, M.E., et al. (In press). Aggress Behav.
This study explores the involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in intimate partner violence by assessing salivary cortisol levels taken before and after a couple conflict discussion. Baseline cortisol levels and recovery levels following the conflict task were found to be related to reports of aggression over the past year for both men and women, but cortisol reactivity during the task was not related. Abstract
- 08.11.11 - Psychological distress and salivary cortisol covary within persons during pregnancy.
- Giesbrecht, G.F., et al. (2011). Psychoneuroendocrinology.
This study examined the possibility of a link between altered cortisol levels due to maternal psychological distress during pregnancy and changes in fetal development. A robust association was found between negative mood and salivary cortisol in mothers, suggesting that cortisol may plausibly transfer the effects of maternal stress to the developing fetus. Abstract
- 08.11.11 - Allostasis and allostatic load in the context of poverty in early childhood.
- Blair, C., et al. (2011). Dev Psychopathol.
The effect of early environmental adversity on children’s basal salivary cortisol levels was followed in this longitudinal study of children from the age of 7 to 48 months. Elevated cortisol levels were found to be related to poor housing quality, African-American ethnicity, low positive caregiving behavior, adult exits from the home, and perceived economic insufficiency. Abstract
- 08.04.11 - Salimetrics Spit Camper wins research award!
- 07.26.11 - Assessing stress reactivity indexed via salivary cortisol in preschool-aged children.
- Kryski, K.R., et al. (2011). Psychoneuroendocrinology.
To fulfill the need for a stressor paradigm that evokes mean increases in salivary cortisol in young children, this study examines the ability of a standardized task (adapted from Lewis and Ramsay, 2002) to assess cortisol reactivity in a group of preschool-aged children, with positive results. Abstract
- 07.26.11 - Direct and moderating links of salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol stress-reactivity to youth behavioral and emotional adjustment.
- Allwood, M.A., et al. (2011) Biol Psychol.
This study explores basal levels and stress responses of salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol as measures of activity in the autonomic nervous system and HPA axis, respectively, in relation to behavioral and emotional adjustment in children aged 7-16 years. Alpha-amylase was positively related to anxiety and also moderated associations between cortisol reactivity and problem behavior. Abstract
- 07.12.11 - 2D:4D ratios in the first 2 years of life: Stability and relation to testosterone exposure and sensitivity.
- Knickmeyer, R.C., (2011). Horm Behav.
In this study on the development of 2D:4D ratios in infancy, salivary testosterone levels were measured and DNA samples were genotyped for the CAG repeat polymorphism in the androgen receptor. Substantial variability across age in the 2D:4D ratios and small sex differences compared to adults suggest that 2D:4D may not function well as a proxy measure of prenatal testosterone exposure in infancy. The interaction of salivary testosterone and CAG repeat length predicted digit ratios and change in digit rations in males. 2D:4D ratios in adults may reflect, in part, neonatal testosterone exposure. Abstract
- 07.12.11 - Influences of menstrual cycle position and sex hormone levels on spontaneous intrusive recollections following emotional stimuli.
- Ferree, N.K., et al. (2011). Conscious Cogn.
Salivary sex hormone levels were analyzed in women to investigate the relationship between the menstrual cycle and the higher rates of spontaneous intrusive recollections (SIR) in women following emotional events compared to men. Women in the luteal phase reported significantly more SIRs than did women in the follicular phase, and SIR frequency significantly correlated with salivary progesterone levels. Implications for disorders such as PTSD are discussed. Abstract
- 06.15.11 - Increased serum androstenedione in adults with autism spectrum conditions.
- Ruta, L., et al. (2011). Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Current research in neurodevelopment is exploring possible associations between sex-steroid hormones, autism spectrum conditions (ASC), and autistic traits. This study examined serum levels of the sex steroids testosterone and estradiol, and their precusors, DHEA-S and androstenedione. ASC diagnosis strongly predicted androstenedione levels, and serum androstenedione levels were significantly elevated in the ASC individuals, adding support to the proposed relationship between sex hormones and brain development. Abstract
- 06.15.11 - Hair cortisol levels as a retrospective marker of hypothalamic-pituitary axis activity throughout pregnancy: Comparison to salivary cortisol.
- D’Anna-Hernandez, K.L. et al. (2011). Physiol Behav.
Cortisol levels in hair of women were evaluated and compared to diurnal salivary cortisol levels throughout the course of pregnancy. Salivary and hair cortisol levels rose during pregnancy, and the areas under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg) were also correlated for both measures throughout pregnancy. Hair cortisol levels are a useful measure of long-term cortisol activity. Abstract
- 06.09.11 - No effect of social exclusion on salivary cortisol secretion in women in a randomized controlled study.
- Zöller, C., et al. (2010). Psychoneuroendocrinology.
The effects of social exclusion on mood and HPA-axis response (salivary cortisol) were examined in this study using a standardized Cyberball paradigm. The social exclusion paradigm was not observed to affect HPA-axis function, although significant effects on mood were observed. Abstract
- 06.09.11 - Neural pathways link social support to attenuated neuroendocrine stress responses.
- Eisenberger, N.I., et al. (2007). NeuroImage.
This study examined relationships between levels of social support and assessments of neurocognitive reactivity to a social rejection task (fMRI imaging during a Cyberball paradigm) and neuroendocrine reactivity to a social stressor (salivary cortisol responses to the TSST procedure). Individuals who had regular social support showed reduced neurocognitive reactivity to social stressors in two brain regions, which in turn was associated with reduced cortisol reactivity. The hypothalamus mediated the relationship between the two brain regions and cortisol responses, suggesting a link between activity in the two regions and activation of the HPA axis. Abstract
- 06.09.11 - Effects of an early family intervention on children’s memory: The mediating effects of cortisol levels.
- Bugental, D., et al. (2010). Mind Brain Educ.
This study examined the effects of a home visitation intervention program on salivary cortisol levels and memory abilities of at-risk pre-term children. Maternal participation in the program led to lowered basal cortisol levels in the infants and higher verbal short-term memory at age 3. Abstract
- 05.27.11 - State, not trait, neuroendocrine function predicts costly reactive aggression in men after social exclusion and inclusion.
- Geniole, S.N., et al. (2011). Biol Psychol.
Aggression was measured in men randomly assigned to a social exclusion or social inclusion condition during a computer ball-toss game. Salivary cortisol and testosterone were measured at three points. Increases in cortisol and testosterone were found to predict aggressive behavior, while baseline cortisol and testosterone did not. Abstract
- 05.27.11 - Diet and the evolution of human amylase gene copy number variation.
- Perry, G.H., et al. (2011). Nature Genetics.
Copy number of the salivary amylase gene (AMY1) is correlated positively with salivary amylase protein level, and individuals from populations with high-starch diets have, on average, more AMY1 copies than those with traditionally low-starch diets. Abstract
- 05.27.11 - The cortisol awakening response in context.
- Clow, A., et al. (2010). Int Rev Neurobiol.
This discussion examines the initiation and control of the CAR, with a consideration of its relationship to other awakening-induced processes, changes in hormones and the immune system, and mobilization of the motor system. Abstract
- 05.27.11 - Diagnostic potential of Saliva: Current state and future applications.
- Pfaffe, T., et al. (2011). Clin Chem.
This review examines the production and secretion of saliva, the salivary proteome, transportation of biomolecules from blood into saliva, and the diagnostic potential of saliva for use in detection of cardiovascular disease and oral and breast cancers. Abstract
- 05.18.11 - Predictors and patterns of participant adherence to a cortisol collection protocol.
- Hall, D.L., et al. (2011). Psychoneuroendocrinology.
This study examined participant adherence to a multi-point salivary cortisol sampling protocol with respect to various demographic factors and fatigue. Abstract
- 05.18.11 - Current developments in salivary diagnostics.
- Miller, C.S., et al. (2010). Biomark Med.
Recent developments in the diagnostic use of salivary biomarkers are examined in this paper, with particular emphasis on panels of markers that could potentially help with the identification and treatment of periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Abstract
- 05.18.11 - Self-esteem moderates neuroendocrine and psychological responses to interpersonal rejection.
- Ford, M.B. & Collins, N.L. (2010). J Pers Soc Psychol.
Salivary cortisol was used in this study that explores interactions between interpersonal rejection, physiological stress pathways, and defensive social action. Self-blame attributions were found to mediated the link between low self-esteem and increased cortisol reactivity; cortisol reactivity, in turn, was found to mediate the link between low self-esteem and increased partner derogation. Abstract
- 05.18.11 - Individual differences in biological stress responses moderate the contribution of early peer victimization to subsequent depressive symptoms.
- Rudolph, K.D., et al. (2011). Psychopharmacology (Berl).
Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase were used to study possible relationships between individual differences in biological stress responses, peer victimization, and the development of depressive symptoms in children. Victimization was found to interact with high levels of cortisol measured in anticipation of a laboratory stress task to predict rumination and depressive symptoms one year later. Victimization also predicted subsequent depressive symptoms in girls with high sAA reactivity across the task. Abstract
- 05.12.11 - Are salivary gonadal steroid concentrations influenced by acute psychosocial stress? A study using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST).
- Schoofs, D., & Wolf, O.T. (2011). Int J Psychophysiol.
The effects of the TSST on the HPA axis, sympathetic nervous system, and HPG axis were studied using salivary analytes. As expected the stress condition led to increased salivary concentrations of cortisol and alpha-amylase. Levels of testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol were not affected, however, indicating that acute psychosocial laboratory stress had no strong rapid effects on salivary gonadal steroids. Abstract
- 05.12.11 - Cross-sectional and 35-year longitudinal assessment of salivary cortisol and cognitive function: The Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging.
- Franz, C.E., et al. (2011). Psychoneuroendocrinology.
This study examined the effects of cortisol levels on executive function abilities related to the prefrontal cortex in humans. Higher average salivary cortisol output across three days in a sample of middle-aged male twins was found to be associated with poorer performance in three domains: executive measures, processing speed, and visual-spatial memory. Abstract
- 05.05.11 - Stress in migrant framworkers during premigration.
- Clingerman, E.M., & Brown, A. (2011). Biol Res Nurs.
Salivary cortisol was used in this study of the effects of stress on migrant farmworkers. Results indicated that migrant workers experienced significant levels of stress prior to migration and that cortisol responses varied significantly by the levels of perceived stress. Abstract
- 05.05.11 - Neurobiological and behavioral stress reactivity in children prenatally exposed to tobacco.
- Huijbregts, S.C., et al. (2011). Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase levels were measured throughout a stressful neuropsychological test session in three groups of children: those exposed prenatally to tobacco, those with disruptive behavior problems, and normal controls. No significant differences in cortisol responses were found for the three groups. sAA levels , sAA reactivity, and behavioral reactivity patterns, however, were found to be similar in prenatally exposed children and those with behavior problems, compared to the normal controls. Abstract
- 04.29.11 - Salivary alpha-amylase levels as a biomarker of experienced fear.
- Buchanan, T.W., et al. (2011). Commun Integr Biol.
Salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase were studied as indices of emotional arousal before and after participants went through a fear-challenge course. Alpha-Amylase, but not cortisol, showed a highly specific increase for participants with both emotional arousal and negative valence. Participants who had high arousal and positive valence exhibited no increase in alpha-amylase. Abstract
- 04.29.11 - Asymmetry of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase responses to psychosocial stress in anorexia nervosa but not in bulimia nervosa.
- Monteleone, P., et al. (2011). Psychol Med.
Salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase responses to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) were studied in individuals with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, and in healthy controls. Anorexia patients showed a normal cortisol response to the TSST (at significantly increase hormone levels), but almost no response of alpha-amylase. In contrast, bulemia patients showed a normal response of both alpha-amylase and cortisol to the TSST (with elevated pre-stress levels of alpha-amylase). Abstract
- 04.18.11 - The SIS release date is here!
- 04.13.11 - ‘Immunogenetics of Aging’: Report on the activities of the 15th International HLA and Immunogenetics Working Group and 15th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop.
- Naumova, E., et al. (2011). Tissue Antigens.
This report presents information from studies that have examined human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, cytokine genes, and some innate immunity genes in relation to successful aging and longevity. Abstract
- 04.13.11 - Children’s internalizing symptoms: The role of interactions between cortisol and respiratory sinus arrhythmia.
- El-Sheikh, M., et al. (2011). Physiol Behav.
The interactions of the HPA axis and the parasympathetic nervous system were examined using salivary cortisol and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), respectively, as measures of activity in the two systems. Children with higher cortisol levels in conjunction with higher RSA levels tended to exhibit the lowest levels of depression and anxiety symptoms. Abstract
- 03.28.11 - Genome-wide association studies of sleep disorders.
- Byrd-Craven, J., et al. (2010). J Social Personal Relationships.
This study used salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase as measures of activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system (SNS), respectively, in order to explore the reactivity of the two systems to co-rumination in same-sex friendships among young women. At low levels of negative affect the SNS system was more responsive than the HPA axis, but higher levels of negative affect from excessive problem discussion was found to influence both systems. These results suggest that examination of both stress systems may be important in order to understand the social dynamics of coping. Abstract
- 03.28.11 - Genome-wide association studies of sleep disorders.
- Raizen, D.M. & Wu, M.N. (2011). Chest.
This review examines recent advances in the study of sleep disorders through genome-wide association studies. In particular, the identification of gene variants associated with restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy have opened new areas of research that may lead to a better understanding of these disorders. Abstract
- 03.17.11 - Biosocial influences on the family: A decade review.
- D’Onofrio, B.M., & Lahey, B.B. (2010). J Marriage Family.
This review examines recent advances in biosocial family research, with a discussion of the need to integrate measurement of biological factors. Abstract
- 03.17.11 - Effects of an early family intervention on children’s memory: The mediating effects of cortisol levels.
- Bugental, D.B., et al. (2010). Mind Brain Educ.
This study examines the use of an early family intervention program to reduce cortisol levels in at-risk preterm infants, with subsequent improvements in short-term memory at age 3. Abstract
- 03.02.11 - a-Amylase as a reliable and convenient measure of sympathetic activity: Don’t start salivating just yet!
- Bosch, J.A., et al. (2011). Psychoneuroendocrinology.
In this invited mini-review, the authors address the use of a-amylase as a non-invasive measure of sympathetic nervous activity. They summarize research that has shown that parasympathetic nerves also contribute to a-amylase release, as well as regulating saliva flow from the saliva glands. Failure to consider differences in the structure and innervation of the various saliva glands and the resultant effects on salivary levels of a-amylase may result in data that is hard to interpret and that does not represent a reliable measure of SNS activity. Unstimulated whole saliva collected by the passive drool technique is recommended for a-amylase determinations. Abstract
- 02.25.11 - Conference on Stress and the Brain to be held at Johns Hopkins University, April 28th-29th, 2011.
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The Johns Hopkins University is sponsoring an interactive summit conference on Stress and the Brain – Implications for Health, Development, and Learning, to be held April 28th-29th, 2011. The keynote speaker will be Sir Michael Rutter. Read More
- 02.23.11 - Correlated genotypes in friendship networks
- Fowler, J.H., et al. (2011). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
Using information about respondents’ genes and friendship ties from two large independent studies–the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, and the Framingham Heart Study Social Network– this paper examines the question of whether any correlation exists among genotypes of people in nonreproductive, friendship unions. Correlations for two genes were found, one positive and one negative, suggesting that genotypic clustering does occur in social networks. Abstract
- 02.16.11 - Dr. Douglas A. Granger to give seminar on Salivary Analytes
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The Pediatric Topics in Growth and Development Seminar Series at the University of Maryland School of Medicine will feature Dr. Douglas A. Granger in a talk titled “Integration of Salivary Analytes into Behavioral and Developmental Science,” March 1, 2011. Dr. Granger serves as director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, as well as Founder and Chief Scientific and Strategy Advisor at Salimetrics. Read More
- 02.10.11 - Oral Fluid Reveals More Heroin Use Than Previously Believed, According to Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index.
- Quest Diagnostics (Jan. 25, 2011). News Release.
Testing more than 320,000 oral fluid samples collected from the general U.S. workforce in 2010 has found a higher user rate for the heroin marker 6-acetylmorphine (6-AM) when compared to the results from urine testing. News Release
- 01.27.11 - The effects of maltreatment and neuroendocrine regulation on memory performance.
- Cicchetti, D., et al. (2010). Child Dev.
In the setting of a week-long camp for maltreated children, memory performance, behavioral symptoms, and morning salivary cortisol levels were evaluated. The results of the study illustrate the effects of maltreatment and hypocortisolism on children’s recognition memory errors. Abstract
- 01.27.11 - Genetic and environmental influences on cortisol regulation across days and contexts in middle-aged men.
- Franz, C.E., et al. (2010). Behav Genet.
The heritability of salivary cortisol concentrations was examined as part of the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. Significant cortisol heritability estimates for identical twins were found for laboratory measures, but not when samples were collected independently while the subjects were at home. The authors suggest that cortisol results were correlated in identical twins only when they were both exposed to the same mild challenge of the unfamiliar laboratory experience. Abstract
- 01.14.11 - Salimetrics Introduces New Saliva Collection Device for Infants
In response to requests from researchers for a safe, effective, and easy-to-use saliva collection device for use with infants, Salimetrics has now introduced the Salimetrics Infant’s Swab (SIS). This new swab has the following features:
- Small size appropriate for the mouths of infants (5 x 90 mm).
- No choking hazard. The extra length allows one end of the swab to be held by an adult while the other end is placed in the infant’s mouth.
- The taste and texture of the durable polymer used in the SIS are acceptable to infants.
- Better recovery of sample volumes (typically in range of 200-1000 µL). Samples may be recovered by centrifugation, or by compression in a needle-less syringe while in the field, so that the actual volume collected can be determined, followed by repetition if necessary. Reports from researchers indicate the SIS helps them avoid the problem of samples with insufficient volume for testing.
- Excellent analyte recovery characteristics (>95% for cortisol).
- No assay interference for a broader range of analytes. The SIS may used to collect saliva for determination of the following analytes: alpha-amylase, chromogranin A, cortisol, cotinine, C-reactive protein, SIgA, and testosterone.
- The SIS is made of the same synthetic polymer used in our regular Salimetrics Oral Swab (SOS) and in the Salimetrics Children’s Swab (SCS), making possible consistency in collection method over the course of longitudinal studies.
- 01.14.11 - A clinical allostatic load index is associated with burnout symptoms and hypocortisolemic profiles in healthy workers.
- Juster, R.P., et al. (2010). Psychoneuroendocrinology.
A new clinical allostatic load index derived from 15 separate biomarkers, along with measurements of salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase, were used in this study of the relationships between stress, burnout, and depression. The allostatic load index was found to be related to increased chronic stress and burnout, but not to depression. Individuals with a higher allostatic load were also found to have lower morning and stress-reactive cortisol levels, but alpha-amylase levels were not significantly altered. Abstract
- 01.14.11 - Dr. Douglas Granger Promoted to Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.
- Johns Hopkins University News.
Dr. Douglas A. Granger, Founder and former President of Salimetrics LLC, has been promoted to the rank of Professor by the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Dr. Granger currently serves as Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, as well as Salimetrics, where he is Chief Scientific and Strategy Advisor. News Release
- 12.22.10 - Father contributions to cortisol responses in infancy and toddlerhood.
- Mills-Koonce, W.R., et al. (2010). Dev Psychol.
This study examines associations between father caregiving behaviors and child cortisol reactivity and regulation, using data from the Family Life Project. Negativity in the fathers’ behavior was found to be positively associated with the children’s cortisol reactivity to emotional challenge at 7 months and with higher overall levels of cortisol at 24 months. Father caregiving during infancy was not found to predict later cortisol activity in the toddler period, however. Abstract
- 12.21.10 - Increased testosterone to cortisol ratio in psychopathy.
- Glenn, A.L., et al. (2010). J Abnorm Psychol.
In this study that examined the interaction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, researchers studied cortisol and testosterone levels in individuals demonstrating a wide range of psychopathy scores. Psychopathy scores were found to be associated with an increased ratio of baseline testosterone to cortisol reactivity to a stressor, but not to either measure by itself, or with baseline cortisol levels. Abstract
- 12.14.10 - Faculty Position Open – Purdue University, Dept. of Child Development & Family Studies.
- The Department of Child Development & Family Studies at Purdue University has announced an opening for up to two positions at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank. Starting date: August 2011 or as arranged. More information
- 12.13.10 - Measuring salivary analytes from free-ranging monkeys.
- Higham, J.P., et al. (2010). Physiol Behav.
This study explores the use of commercially available oral swabs attached to ropes for collecting saliva from free-ranging rhesus macaques. Salivary cortisol and sAA assays were validated for use with these animals, but the SIgA assay tested did not work with this species. The advantages of salivary testing compared to testing with urinary or fecal samples are discussed. Abstract
- 12.03.10 - Salivary Research Center Receives National Children’s Study Funding.
- Johns Hopkins News Release
Researchers at the Center for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, led by Douglas A. Granger, PhD, have received a large award from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to explore the use of saliva analysis as part of the National Children’s Study. The study is a large-scale, multi-year examination of the effects of environmental influences on child health and development. Article Link
- 12.02.10 - Power posing: Brief nonverbal displays affect neuroendocrine levels and risk tolerance.
- Carney, D.R., et al. (2010). Psych Sci.
It has been well-established that humans and other animals express power or dominance by adopting postures that give the impression of greater size. Conversely, smaller or contracted postures relay a message of powerlessness or submission. This study presents evidence that simply posing subjects in expansive or contractive postures results in increased salivary testosterone and decreased salivary cortisol levels, accompanied by increased feelings of power and increased risk-taking behavior. Abstract
- 11.23.10 - Center for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing News
- Hendricks, M. (2010). Saliva Science. Johns Hopkins Nursing.
The newly formed Center for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, directed by Douglas A. Granger, PhD, is helping researchers design studies that incorporate measurements of hormones and other biomarkers in saliva. Article Link
- 11.18.10 - Child care setting affects salivary cortisol and antibody secretion in young children.
- Watamura, S.E., et al. 2010. Psychoneuroendocrinology.
The functional link between the stress system and the immune system is well recognized, but it is unclear whether the elevated cortisol levels found in children who attend child care have any effect on their immunity. This study examines this question more closely and finds that elevated cortisol in children during child care may be related to lowered antibody levels and more frequent illnesses. Abstract
- 10.25.10 - Sex differences in corticotropin-releasing factor receptor signaling and trafficking: Potential role in female vulnerability to stress-related psychopathology.
- Bangasser, D.A., et al. (2010). Molec Psychiatry.
This investigation of the interaction of CRF receptor (CRFr) with the GTP-binding protein Gs found that differences in CRFr function in the female brain lead to increased sensitivity to low levels of CRF and reduced adaptability to high levels of CRF. This difference may be an underlying cause of increased female susceptibility to stress-related disorders such as depression and PTSD. Abstract
- 10.25.10 - Exogenous cortisol enhances aggressive behavior in females, but not in males.
- Böhnke, R., et al. (2010).Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Participants in this study of the involvement of the HPA axis in aggressive behavior received either a dose of hydrocortisone (cortisol group) or a placebo before following the Taylor Aggression Paradigm to induce and measure aggression. As expected, males showed more aggression than females in the placebo condition. The females showed an increase in aggression, but only in the cortisol group, where they equaled the level of aggression found in the males. Women, but not men, also showed a negative relationship between basal HPA axis activity and aggressive behavior. Abstract
- 10.15.10 - Two-Year Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship
The Child Sleep, Health, and Development Laboratory at Auburn University has an opening for a two-year post-doctoral research fellowship to begin August 1, 2011 (earlier start date is negotiable). The fellow will work collaboratively with Dr. Mona El-Sheikh and her colleagues, graduate students, and staff to investigate the effects of family functioning on children’s physical and mental health, with a focus on psychophysiological and biological markers of stress, emotion regulation, sleep, and health. Data are currently available from three large, federally-funded, prospective longitudinal studies that include a high percentage of minority participants and multiple forms of assessment in the home and laboratory settings. For more information, visit http://www.humsci.auburn.edu/~elshemm. Primary responsibilities of the fellow will include: 1) assist in data analysis and co-author manuscripts; 2) assist in preparation of grant applications. Training in the analysis of psychophysiological data will be provided. Applicants are expected to have a Ph.D. at time of appointment in psychology, human development and family studies, or a closely related field. A letter of completion (ABD status) is acceptable at the time of hiring yet employment is dependent on receiving the final degree by the start date. Strong quantitative skills (e.g., expertise with SEM and multi-level modeling) and experience with developmental psychopathology research are required. The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements to work in the U.S. by the date of this appointment and continue to work legally for the proposed term of the appointment. The selected candidate must be able to communicate effectively in English. NIH pay scale, plus benefits and travel to two conferences per year, are provided. Send letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference to: Mona El-Sheikh, Ph.D., 203 Spidle Hall, Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, AL, 36849; or email to elshemm@auburn.edu. Review of applications will begin 10/1/10 and continue until the position is filled. Auburn University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
- 10.15.10 - Testosterone and cortisol jointly regulate dominance: Evidence for a dual-hormone hypothesis.
- Mehta P.H., et al. (2010).Horm Behav.
Some human studies have found that testosterone levels are linked to dominance under conditions of status threat or challenge, but other studies have not observed this relationship. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that control of testosterone production by the HPG axis may be affected by other neuroendocrine systems, and it finds preliminary evidence that the HPA axis interacts with the HPG axis to regulate dominance. Abstract
- 10.08.10 - Relations between mucosal immunity and children’s mental health: The role of child sex.
- Keller, P.S., et al. (2010).Physiol Behav.
IL-6 and SIgA were measured in the saliva of 329 healthy children (67 % European American, 33% African American), and parents and children completed mental health questionnaires. Analysis of the data found that increased levels of salivary IL-6 and SIgA were associated with adjustment problems more strongly for girls than for boys. Abstract
- 10.08.10 - Reappraising arousal improves performance on the GRE.
- Jamieson, J.P., et al. (2010). J Exp Soc Psychol.
Participants who were taking the GRE were assigned either to a group that was told that arousal improves performance on the exam or to a control group that was not given this information. The group whose appraisal of arousal had been manipulated exhibited a significant increase in salivary alpha-amylase levels before a practice GRE compared to the control group. They also scored higher than controls on the math section of the practice test, but not on the verbal section. Later, at the actual GRE test, the reappraisal group again scored higher on the math section of the test. Abstract
- 09.28.10 - Children’s and adults’ salivary alpha-amylase responses to a laboratory stressor and to verbal recall of the stressor.
- Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) responses to a psychosocial laboratory stressor and to a recall interview in adults and in children were compared. For the adults, concentrations of sAA increased in response to the stressor on both occasions, but similar increases were not observed among the children, suggesting developmental differences in sAA reactivity. Abstract
- 09.22.10 - Welcome to the new website!
- We hope you enjoy our reorganized, informative, and fresh new look!
- 09.20.10 - Hair cortisol and the risk for acute myocardial infarction in adult men
- Acute stress has been recognized as a factor that may lead to heart attacks, but the role of chronic stress has been less clear. To investigate, researchers in Israel and Canada measured cortisol levels in hair samples from men who had been admitted to the hospital for acute myocardial infarction and in controls admitted for other causes. The segments of hair used for the study represented a record of cortisol secretion and stress for the preceding three months in the patients. The study demonstrated higher hair cortisol levels in the AMI patients than the controls, after controlling for other known risk factors. The data supports the hypothesis that elevation of cortisol levels due to activation of the HPA-axis may be an important risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. Abstract
- 09.14.10 - Age and puberty differences in stress responses during a public speaking task
- Researchers in the Netherlands have published a paper that explores changes in stress sensitivity that may occur during adolescent pubertal development. Using the Leiden Public Speaking Task, they examined biological reactivity to the speech task, finding that reactivity increased with age and puberty both in anticipation of and during delivery of the speech, and especially so during anticipation. Abstract
- 09.14.10 - Behavioral adjustment in a community sample of boys
- A study examining basal and stress-induced cortisol concentrations in relation to internalizing and externalizing symptoms in 8-11 year old boys has found that both measures are associated with internalizing behaviors and social problems, as well as with attention and thought problems. Abstract
- 09.07.10
- Salimetrics, LLC has pledged a $50,000 grant to the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) in support of the Center for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research(CISBR). The new funding will assist in increasing collaboration between behavioral and biological scientists.
"Salivary research is a relatively new field, having been around for less than 20 years," said the CISBR's director Douglas A. Granger, PhD. "We now have a unique opportunity to merge nursing research with behavioral science and increase our knowledge of various salivary markers and what they can tell us."
According to Granger, saliva holds the key to examining biological elements such as hormones, oral health, reproductive health, DNA, infectious disease exposure, inflammation, and more. Salivary analytics can be ideal because gathering saliva is minimally invasive; it takes little training, can be performed quickly, and is pain-free for the patient or research subject.
"The Center will increase access to tools that will train researchers in various fields how to analyze and apply salivary analytes to their work," Granger added.
The funding from Salimetrics, which will begin in October with the option for a yearly renewal, will be unrestricted, allowing the CISBR flexibility to pursue ideas quickly, and ideally will open the door for further funding from other foundations and corporations.
To see the full press-release on JHUSON’s Website; Click Here!
- 09.07.10
- A study of adolescents displaced by Hurricane Katrina and living in a U.S. government relocation camp has found lower cortisol levels and slightly higher sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, as measured by salivary alpha-amylase, when compared with a demographically matched no-trauma group. These differences were more pronounced among displaced females. A relationship between lower cortisol and higher internalizing behaviors was found to be moderated by hurricane exposure and SNS activity. Both men and women reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, but these symptoms were especially high among the females. Evidence that sex moderates the relation between sAA and symptoms of depression was also found. Abstract
- 09.07.10
- A current review article discusses biomarkers of the HPA axis, SAM axis, and immune system that are involved in the response to stress and the aging process. Suggestions are made for future studies that will utilize these biomarkers to further study links between stress and aging. Abstract
- 09.07.10
- A study combining actigraphy-based sleep observation in connection with measurement of salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase has found evidence of altered neuroendocrine function in subjects with poor sleep. Children with shorter-than-average sleep duration had a higher cortisol awakening response and nadir, while children with lower-than-average sleep efficiency had higher diurnal cortisol levels across the entire day, higher cortisol responses after the TSST-C stress procedure, and higher sAA levels across the entire TSST-C protocol. The study may help provide an understanding of ways that poor sleep can be connected to poor health. Abstract
- 08.27.10
- The developmental course of nonstress, morning cortisol was measured at six timepoints from childhood into young adulthood in 84 females with a history of familial sexual abuse and in 89 non-abused, comparison females. The study found initially higher levels of cortisol in the abused females following disclosure of the abuse, followed by attenuation of cortisol activity starting in adolescence, with significantly lower levels of cortisol by early adulthood. The findings provide support for the belief that childhood abuse may lead to alterations in the cortisol secretion patterns later in life. Abstract
- 08.18.10
- In a press release dated August 16th 2010, BP announced that it is providing $52 million to federal and state health organizations to fund behavioral health support and outreach programs across the US Gulf Coast region.
Specifically, BP is providing funding to five agencies, one at the federal level and one in each of the affected states.- SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - $10m
- Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals - $15m
- Mississippi Department of Mental Health -- $12m
- Alabama Department of Mental Health – $12m
- Florida Department of Children and Families – $3m
- 08.17.10
- Researchers studying the effects of psychosocial stress on the probability of conception have published a study that used salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase as markers of activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic medullar system (SAM), respectively. Alpha-amylase concentrations were found to be negatively associated with the probability of conception after adjustment for the couples’ ages, intercourse frequency, and alcohol consumption, but this effect was not found for cortisol. The authors suggest that stress-related increases in blood catecholamines, which lead to increases in salivary alpha-amylase secretion, may interact with the female reproductive tract, affecting fertility. Abstract
- 08.17.10
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Call for Abstracts
The American Psychosomatic Society's abstract submission program for
the 69th Annual Scientific Meeting is available online!This year’s theme is:
Biobehavioral Processes and Health: Understanding Mechanisms, Implementing Interventions
Submission deadline is October 22, 2010 for papers, posters and symposia. Please note: If you are submitting an abstract for possible oral presentation, you will be required to complete author-specific information during the abstract submission process.
The Program Committee is particularly interested in encouraging abstract submissions in the following areas:
- Biological mechanisms (including central/neural and peripheral) in interventions
- Psychosocial and behavioral mechanisms in interventions
- Translation of basic work to intervention and practice
- Couple/family (including maternal/fetal), community, public health, or multi-level interventions
- Placebo effects in intervention or as mechanism
- e-Health and technology interventions
- Intervention dissemination and/or cost-effectiveness
To submit your Abstract online: Click Here!
- 08.12.10
- The effects of stress reactivity and family adversity on emotional and cognitive development were examined in this study with 5-6 year old children. Stress responses in the parasympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis were determined by measurement of respiratory sinus arrhythmia and salivary cortisol levels, respectively. Children with high stress reactivity were associated with more mal-adaptive outcomes when exposed to family adversity. However, in the context of low family adversity, high reactivity children had the lowest levels of externalizing symptoms and the highest levels of prosocial behaviors and school engagement. The findings show that high reactivity to stress can both hinder and promote adaptive functioning. Abstract
- 08.12.10
- In a study of stress reactivity in healthy undergraduate students, salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase responses were analyzed using the absolute concentration, the percent change in concentration, the area under the curve, and the arrival index (change from arrival to one hour after arrival). The magnitude of the difference in cortisol and alpha-amylase between arrival and one hour after arrival was found to predict subsequent stress reactivity. The authors argue that changes should be made in the way that studies establish and make use of baseline values. Abstract
- 07.30.10
- Patients treated with high-dose glucocorticoids often experience a variety of serious side effects, which can include metabolic changes, depression, and even suicide. There is, however, considerable variability in the type and severity of the symptoms. This discussion reviews the basic biological factors that influence the release of glucocorticoids and the molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid receptor function. It further considers ways that dysregulation of glucocorticoid action could contribute to such unwanted side effects. A framework for assessment of patients is proposed that seeks to identify patients at risk for developing depressive symptoms and to prevent potentially life-threatening complications. Abstract
- 07.15.10
- Police officers who engaged in virtual reality scenarios involving lethal force showed significant increases in salivary levels of cortisol, IL-6, alpha-amylase, and SIgA. Abstract
- 07.07.10
- In a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, young men who consumed caffeine under laboratory conditions and were then exposed to a mental arithmetic stressor showed increased sAA activity following the challenge period, and the increased sAA activity was related to the dose of caffeine given. Further studies are needed to assess the independent effects of stress and caffeine on sAA levels. Abstract
- 07.01.10
-
Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Family Studies/Developmental or Social Psychology
Family and Personal Relationships Lab
Heriot-Watt University - School of Life Sciences
Salary: £28,983 - £35,646
The Family and Personal Relationships Lab at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in Family Studies, Developmental or Social Psychology. Experience working with mother/child relationships and/or with cortisol will be given priority. Candidates with experience of cortisol analysis from any age group will however be considered.
The desired candidate will have strong writing and data-analysis skills and motivation to publish quality papers in international journals. Experience in grant writing, Hierarchical Linear Modelling (HLM), or with qualitative methodology are all considered favourable.
The position is based within the Applied Psychology section of the School of Life Sciences. Heriot-Watt University has a strong tradition of research and teaching and was recently ranked the 4th best university in Scotland by the Times UK university rankings for 2010.
The position is full time with a competitive salary (range £28,839-£35,469 GBP) and benefits package (e.g., earned vacation days and pension contributions). The contract will first run for six months, but will be extended with an additional twelve months upon satisfactory job performance and additional funding. The start date is 1 September 2010 or as soon thereafter as possible.
Additional details about the job can be found here: http://www.hw.ac.uk/hr/htm/vacancies/Ref%2011310%20-%20fps.doc.Completed application forms together with cover letter, full CV, statement of research interests, pre-print/re-print of your best article, and contact information for three referees should be sent to the Human Resources Office, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, United Kingdom or hr@hw.ac.ukquoting Ref 113/10/J.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr. Bjarne Holmes (Director: Family and Personal Relationships Lab) on b.m.holmes@hw.ac.uk. Please also visit the lab's webpage at http://www.attachmentresearch.org.
Download an application pack from our website www.hw.ac.uk/jobsor contact the Human Resources Office, Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh EH14 4AS tel 0131 451 3475 (24 hours) email hr@hw.ac.uk
Closing date: 30 July, 2010 - 07.01.10
- Heightened anticipatory levels of salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase before a laboratory-based social challenge task were found to predict depressive symptoms in children exposed to early peer victimization, but heightened anticipatory cortisol was protective against depressive symptoms in children who had experienced only low levels of victimization. Abstract
- 07.01.10
- Adolescent girls who have two copies of the short allele for the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) were found to be at risk for the development of depressive symptoms when they experience relational peer victimization. Abstract
- 07.01.10
- The UK Government's public health watchdog NICE has recommended that all pregnant women should be tested for smoking so that the NHS can intervene and help them quit. Read More
- 06.21.10
- In this study of 832 children who were members of the Collaborative Perinatal Project, the findings suggest that high levels of maternal cortisol during pregnancy may be related to lowered cognitive skills in the offspring at age 7 years, independent of family characteristics. Abstract
- 06.21.10
- The impact of saliva flow rate on measurement of salivary alpha-amylase is studied by examining the influence of collection method (passive drool vs. various types of swabs), length of collection time, and oral fluid type (whole saliva vs. samples from local areas of the mouth). Abstract
- 06.09.10 - Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy and Neonatal Behavior
- Maternal smoking during pregnancy has been linked to long-term behavioral problems in children. In this large-scale, prospective study of the effects of maternal smoking, a significant association was also found to exist between maternal smoking and neonatal infant irritability and muscle tone. Abstract
- 06.09.10 - Bullying Exposures in Middle Childhood, Anxiety, and Adrenocortical Activity
- The effects of exposure to bullying at school were studied by measuring salivary cortisol in samples gathered at a time before lunch when anxiety about potential bullying would be increased. The analysis revealed that bullying was associated with reduced HPA axis activity and lowered cortisol levels, but only indirectly through the relationship with general anxiety over the possibility being bullied. Abstract
- 05.14.10 - Interparental Aggression and Parent-Adolescent Alpha-amylase Symmetry
- Alpha-amylase responses among family members before and after a family conflict discussion show symmetry. However, the nature of this symmetry is affected by a context of interparental aggression. Abstract
- 05.14.10 – Physiological Arousal in Response to a Stressor in Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Salivary alpha-amylase reactivity is used as one measure to assess the degree of sympathetic arousal in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder and the nature of their response to an emotional challenge. Abstract
- 05.12.10 – Dr. Granger Joins Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
- State College, Pennsylvania, May 12, 2010-Salimetrics Founder Dr. Douglas A. Granger, Professor of Biobehavioral Health and Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State University, has joined the faculty of Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) to establish and direct the Center for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research. The research program at the new Center will focus on the discovery of new salivary analytes, as well as expanding the applications of these non-invasive measurements into the fields of prevention science, nursing, public health, and medicine. See the official JHUSON news release here
- 04.26.10 – Parenting of Depressed Mothers and Cortisol Secretion in Offspring
- Animal research indicates that early care experiences influence hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning in offspring. This longitudinal study with humans found that postnatal withdrawal by mothers predicted elevated mean and maximum morning cortisol secretion in their offspring at the age of 13 years, possibly increasing their risk of developing depression. Abstract
- 04.16.10 - Self-esteem, Neuroendocrine and Psychological Responses to Rejection.
- Individuals with low self-esteem responded to interpersonal rejection from an opposite sex partner by more negative self-appraisal, greater cortisol reactivity, and increased partner derogation, compared to individuals with higher self-esteem. Abstract
- 03.31.10 - Serotonin Transporter Polymorphism and the Stress Response in Newborns
- Newborn babies with the S/S genotype for the 5-HTTLPR serotonin transporter gene polymorphism were found to have greater stress responses to pain during routine heel prick, regardless of the lack of adverse environmental factors. Abstract
- 03.15.10 - Serotonin Transporter Genotype, Cortisol and Depression in Adolescents
- The short allele of 5-HTTLPR may moderate the association between morning cortisol and the subsequent onset of a depressive episode. Abstract
- 03.15.10 - Associations between sociodemographic, sampling, health factors and various cortisol indicators in a large sample without psychopathology
- Various factors that affect salivary cortisol levels have been examined previously, but not systematically in a single study with a large sample size. In order that salivary cortisol measurements can be better utilized in psychosomatic research, this study examines the effects that sociodemographic, health, and sampling-related factors can have on salivary cortisol levels in a large sample of subjects without psychiatric disorders. Abstract
- 02.22.10 – Manipulation of the Serotonergic System
- An examination of whether manipulation of the serotonergic system in patients with generalized social anxiety disorder leads to alterations in the function of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic pituitary axis. A tryptophan depletion challenge, which temporarily decreases serotonergic neurotransmission, was combined with a social speaking task that activated the stress system. When compared to a placebo group, subjects who received the tryptophan depletion challenge showed a significantly larger autonomic response, as measured by salivary alpha-amylase, while no difference was seen in the HPA axis response, as measured by salivary cortisol. Abstract
- 02.22.10 – Testosterone and Anti-social Behavior
- An examination of the folk hypothesis that testosterone induces antisocial behavior in humans. Female participants received a single dose of oral testosterone or a placebo before engaging in an interactive bargaining game. Subjects who received the testosterone showed a significant increase in fair bargaining behavior, while those who believed that they had received testosterone--regardless of whether they actually received it or not--behaved more unfairly. Abstract
- 02.15.10 – Attachment-based Intervention of Infants an Toddlers
- An assessment of the effectiveness of a relational intervention intended to normalize HPA functioning among children in foster care. HPA function was assessed by salivary cortisol. Abstract
- 02.10.10 - Physiological Attunement Among Family Members while Engaged in Conflict
- This study measured salivary alpha-amylase responses to assess physiological attunement among family members while they engaged in conflict discussions. Different patterns of parent-adolescent attunement were found among families with a history of interparental aggression. Abstract
- 02.10.10 – How to Incorporate Cortisol Measurements Into a Study
- Large scale social science and epidemiological studies are increasingly adding measurement of analytes such as salivary cortisol. This paper offers a valuable discussion of a number of factors that must be considered in order to successfully incorporate cortisol measurements into a study, including financial considerations and study design, appropriate methods and timing of sample collection, monitoring response and compliance rates, and data analysis. Abstract
- 02.01.10 – Regulatory Influence and Awakening
- An examination of physiological regulatory influences that govern the peak of cortisol production that accompanies the shift from sleep to morning awakening. Abstract
- 02.01.10 – Early Development of Cortisol Reactivity in Infants
- This review article examines the role of infant age on the early development of cortisol reactivity in infants. Abstract
- 01.20.10 - Serotonin transporter genotype, morning cortisol and subsequent depression in adolescents.
- Higher morning cortisol levels have been reported to be associated with increased likelihood of subsequent onset of clinical depression. This study presents preliminary evidence that this predictive relationship may be moderated by the presence of the “short” allele in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) for both male and female adolescents. Abstract
- 01.20.10 – Coregulation of Couples’ Cortisol Levels and Mood States
- Fluctuations in negative mood and cortisol levels are linked between partners, but higher levels of marital satisfaction may affect the degree of coregulation. Abstract
- 01.05.10 – Salimetrics Kit V.S. Clinical Determination of Salivary Cortisol Levels
- A review article published in Clinical Biochemistry has cited work that shows that the results from the Salimetrics Cortisol EIA kit are very close to those obtained from an earlier modified RIA method used for clinical determination of salivary cortisol levels. Abstract
- 12.23.09 – DNA Analysis and Depressive Episodes in Adolescents.
- The short allele of the serotonin transporter gene promoter may moderate the association between morning cortisol and the onset of a depressive episode in adolescents. Abstract
- 12.23.09 – DHEA and DHEA-S Physiology and Potential
- A review the potential involvement of DHEA and DHEA-S in neuropsychiatric diseases that examines circulating levels of these compounds in patients, possible mechanisms of action, and the potential for pharmacological use. Abstract
- 12.17.09 – Intimate Partner Violence and Mother and Infant Adrenocortical Levels
- Researchers from Purdue University, Salimetrics, and the Family Life Project have published a study on the impact of intimate partner violence on the relationship between mother and infant adrenocortical levels and reactivity to an emotion eliciting task. Abstract
- 12.17.09 - Boys and Off-time Pubertal Development
- A new paper suggests that the interaction between timing of puberty and HPA or SAM regulation in boys may be involved in the adverse consequences of off-time pubertal development. Abstract
- 12.10.09 – Collect Saliva with the new Children’s Swab!
- Collecting saliva from children can be challenging…Introducing Salimetrics Children's Oral Swab
Obtaining a saliva sample from children under the age of six usually involves placing an absorbent device inside the mouth where issues surrounding taste, texture, retrieval and choking arise. Salimetrics has addressed these challenges with our new safe and effective Salimetrics Children's Swab. This new device is a thinner, longer version of our well-known Salimetrics Oral Swab (SOS), which has already proven itself a superior saliva collection device. We believe that the following characteristics make our children's swab superior to other collection devices currently available.
Safety
The extra length of the Children's Oral Swab allows the parent or research technician to hold one end while placing the other end in the child's mouth, which prevents choking hazards. Additionally, the swab material withstands chewing.
Inoffensive Taste & Texture
When used as directed, our Children's Oral Swab does not have the problems with taste or texture that make cotton ropes unacceptable to many children.
Ample Sample Volume
Other small collection devices such as the microsponge (Sorbette) collect a very small sample (300 µL), and it can be difficult to know in the field whether the Sorbette is fully saturated. The Children's Oral Swab allows larger volumes to be collected, and the samples can be expressed in the field with a 5 cc syringe to ensure that sufficient volume is present.
No Assay Interference
Cotton rope can make recovery of sample and/or analyte difficult, and cause assay interference for some analytes. We therefore recommend they be used only for studies involving salivary cortisol, cotinine, and a-amylase. In contrast, the Children's Oral Swab has verified recovery characteristics and is approved for use with a wider range of analytes: cortisol, cotinine, α-amylase, testosterone, SIgA, and CRP.
Versatility
The Children's Oral Swab is also appropriate for research applications with unconscious elderly patients or in animal research studies.
Interested? For further information on the Children's Oral Swab, contact us toll-free at 1-800-790-2258, or email us at support@salimetrics.com. - 11.06.09 – Assistant Professor Position in Psychology at the University of Florida
- The Department of PSYCHOLOGY at the UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA invites applications for a full time (9-mo) tenure track Assistant Professor with research interests related to health broadly defined. The position starts in August 16, 2010 and salary is commensurate with qualifications; a Ph.D. is required. The successful applicant will be an active participant in one (or more) of the five graduate-training specialty areas of the department: Behavior Analysis, Counseling Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Neurobehavioral and Cognitive Sciences, and Social Psychology. Candidates who can interface with one of the interdisciplinary centers on campus (e.g., Brain Institute, Genetics Institute, or with interests in Environment and Health) are encouraged to apply. Applicants should provide evidence of outstanding research and teaching potential. The successful applicant will be expected to develop an independent program of research that can garner significant extramural support, supervise and mentor graduate students, teach graduate and undergraduate classes, and participate in program and departmental governance. Appointments at the Associate Professor rank are possible for exceptional candidates. Interested candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests/plans, statement of teaching interests and philosophy, up to four reprints or pre-prints, and three letters of recommendation. Send materials electronically to psysrch@grove.ufl.edu by December 1, 2009. The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. Minorities, women, and those from other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. The selection process will be conducted in accord with the provisions of Florida's Government in the Sunshine and Public Records Laws. Search Committee meetings will be open to the public, and applications and many other documents related to the search will be available for public inspection.
- 11.06.09 – Emotional Material in Men and Women
- Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, have published a new paper, “Endogenous noradrenergic activation and memory for emotional material in men and women.” Abstract
- 10.18.09 – Ability of Stressors to elicit an HPA Axis Response
- Researchers from the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota have published a study reviewing the ability of various stressor paradigms used in studies with infants, children, and adolescents to elicit a response in the HPA axis, as measured by salivary cortisol. Abstract
- 10.06.09 – Public Speaking Protocol for Youth
- Researchers at Leiden University have proposed a new public speaking task designed for youth, the Leiden Public Speaking Task (Leiden-PST). Abstract
- 10.06.09 – Postdoc Position at University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN SOCIAL OR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY OR NEUROSCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, AMHERST. The postdoctoral scholar will work on an NIH-funded longitudinal study of newlywed couples that examines interactions among social, clinical and endocrine factors. The post-doc will have the opportunity to receive training in each of these areas through the project, the UMass Department of Psychology, the UMass Neuroscience and Behavior Program, and related research centers (Center for Neuroendocrine Studies, http://www.umass.edu/cns, and the Center for Research on Families, http://www.umass.edu/family). Primary roles of the postdoctoral scholar will be data analysis and preparation of manuscripts for publication, collaborating with the PIs to develop grant applications that build upon findings from the parent grant, and working collaboratively with other members of the research team. Qualified candidates will possess a Ph.D. in social/personality psychology, clinical psychology, or a closely related field of psychology or neuroscience, strong statistical skills, and expertise in one or more of the substantive foci of the project (close relationships, analyses of social interactions, endocrine functioning, and internalizing psychopathology). Experience with multi-level modeling and longitudinal data analyses is preferred, but we will consider candidates who have the ability to quickly obtain this training at UMass within the first few months of the position. The position will begin January 2010 and continue through July 2011. Applicants should submit a CV, statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation to Professor Paula Pietromonaco, Department of Psychology, 135 Hicks Way, Tobin Hall, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, monaco@psych.umass.edu. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials via email. Review of applications will commence October 15, 2009 and continue until the position is filled. The University of Massachusetts is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.
- 09.17.09 – Stress and Disorders
- Nature Reviews Endocrinology has published a paper, “Stress and disorders of the stress system,” by Dr. George Chrousos of the University of Athens, Greece. Abstract
- 09.10.09 - National Symposium on Family Issues at Penn State’s University Park Campus
- Penn State's Population Research Institute is hosting its 17th annual National Symposium on Family Issues at the University Park campus, October 8th-9th, 2009. The title of this year's meeting is “Biosocial Research Contributions to Understanding Family Processes and Problems.” Principal speakers include Alison Fleming, University of Toronto at Mississauga; Jenae Neiderhiser, Penn State University; Steven Gangestad, University of New Mexico; and Buang Guo, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. For more information on the presentations and to register, visit http://www.pop.psu.edu/events/symposium/2009.htm. The symposium is supported annually by a grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, as well as by various departments and centers at Penn State. Support for this year's meeting is also provided by Salimetrics as part of its effort to promote research in human health, behavior, and development. For further information please visit http://www.innovationpark.psu.edu/about/companies/salimetrics-llc.
- 09.10.09 – Effects of Testosterone on Financial Risk and Career Choices
- Researchers at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago have published a paper that examines the effects of testosterone on financial decisions involving risk and on career choices. The study involved a sample of more than 500 MBA students. Abstract
- 07.31.09 – DNA Analysis Now Available
- Salimetrics is pleased to announce that our new Saliva DNA Analysis Service is now accepting saliva samples for DNA extraction and SNP genotyping. Watch for further information on the DNA analysis page of our website, and be sure to read the next issue of The Spit Report in August, which will be devoted to the topic of the inclusion of a genetic component into biobehavioral research projects. Contact us to discuss details for planning your project.
- 07.31.09 – Medication Effects on Cortisol
- Dr. Douglas Granger, founder of Salimetrics, and his colleagues at Penn State University have published a new paper: Medication effects on salivary cortisol: Tactics and strategy to minimize impact in behavioral and developmental science. Abstract
- 07.27.09 – Hormones in Children With and Without Disruptive Behavior
- Researchers at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine have published a new paper on salivary gonadal and adrenal hormones in children with and without disruptive behavior disorders. Moderating effects of contextual variables are noted. Abstract
- 07.27.09 – Late Night Salivary Cortisol and Cushing’s Syndrome
- A meta-analysis of data from earlier papers supports the use of late-night salivary cortisol as a convenient test for screening and diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. Abstract
- 07.22.09 – Assessing HPA-Axis Activity in Baboons
- Researchers at Bucknell University have published a study on the use of salivary cortisol measurements to assess baseline and stress-induced HPA axis activity in baboons. The collection method and assay validation are discussed. Abstract
- 07.22.09 - Co-regulation Between Mothers and Preterm Infants
- A new paper has been published on co-regulation between mothers and preterm infants, as measured by salivary cortisol. A co-regulatory relationship was found to exist during holding, and this relationship was affected by sound levels in the ICU. Abstract
- 06.19.09 - Progesterone and Engaging in Altruistic Behavior
- A study of female college students has shown that participation in a closeness task is related to increases in salivary progesterone levels (but not cortisol levels), and that the increases in progesterone predict willingness to engage in altruistic behavior. Abstract
- 06.19.09 - Effects of Exercise Intensity on Biomarker Levels
- Researchers at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, UK, have published a paper on the effects of exercise intensity on levels of sIgA, lysozyme, a-amylase, and chromogranin A in saliva. Abstract
- 06.08.09 – Sex Differences in Response to Pain in Children
- Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Emory University in Atlanta have published a new paper on sex differences in cortisol responses to pain in children.
Allen, L.B., Lu, Q., Tsao, J.C.I., Worthman, C.M. & Zeltzer, L.K. (Available online 28 April 2009). Sex differences in the association between cortisol concentrations and laboratory pain responses in healthy children. Gender Medicine (In press, 2009), doi:10.1016/j.genm.2009.03.001. - 06.05.09 – DNA Analysis Coming Soon!
- Design multi-system and multi-level studies by adding genetic testing!
Since its inception a decade ago, Salimetrics has worked to develop a range of non-invasive salivary biomarker assays that can be used to monitor multiple biological systems associated with a particular research focus. Current theory suggests, however, that studies should be both multi-system and multi-level in their design, and at Salimetrics we feel that the addition of a genetic component will best fulfill this need. We have therefore begun the process of adding a salivary DNA testing service to our company, which we hope will make this extra level of investigation possible for researchers who may not have access to the necessary facilities and expertise. We are actively working with customers to identify the polymorphisms that will be most useful in their studies, and we welcome additional inquiries from other interested parties. - 06.01.09 – Changes in Salimetrics Estradiol HS EIA kit
- The estradiol diluent in the Salimetrics Estradiol HS EIA kit has been changed to improve sensitivity of the assay. The release date for the kit with the new estradiol diluent will be June 1, 2009. Details
- 05.01.09 – New Apha-Amylase Publication
- Named series in Psychoneuroendocrinology publishes two comprehensive overviews by Urs Nater and Nic Rohleder on salivary alpha-amylase. Abstract 1 | Abstract 2
- 04.29.09 - Zebrafish Physiology Analogous to Humans
- Researchers at the Medical Schools of Tulane University and Georgetown University have been using the Salimetrics HS Cortisol EIA kit in studies of stress, anxiety, and drug abuse that use the zebrafish as an animal model. Zebrafish are becoming increasingly popular in biomedical research because their physiology is analogous to humans. Because of the ease of maintaining and observing the fish, and their well-documented corticosteroid stress axis, they are ideal subjects for studies of the effects of stress. Whole body homogenates of the fish were extracted with ether and then dried. After reconstitution in buffer, samples were assayed with the Salimetrics Cortisol EIA. Cortisol levels were then related to the weight of the initial body sample, generally showing a good correlation with behavioral data. More information
- 04.27.09 – Garrison Award for Research paper!
- The paper “Parents’ and children’s cortisol and alpha-amylase reactance to parents’ inappropriate disclosures and interparental conflict,” by Afifi, T., Granger, D. A., Denes, A. N., Joseph, A. L., & Aldeis, M. D. (to be presented at the 59th Annual International Communication Association Conference, Chicago, May 2009), has been named co-recipient of the Garrison Award for the Top Applied Paper in Interpersonal Communication.
- 04.09.09 – Cortisol Awakening Response
- Researchers at the University of Westminster in London, who are working with Salimetrics to establish a research consortium and salivary testing laboratory, have published a new paper on the cortisol awakening response. abstract
- 03.18.09 – Sorry!
- International customers may have noticed sporadic access and Salimetrics has taken steps to resolve these communication problems. Firewall issues existed for certain regions of the world. We appreciate your patience.
- 03.18.09 – Free help with saliva Collection and Handling
- Saliva Collection and Handling Advice booklet now available online or in print version by request.
- 03.2.09 – Job Posting
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow: The Child Sleep and Biobehavioral Health Laboratory at Auburn University has an opening for a two-year post-doctoral research fellowship to begin August 1, 2009 (earlier start date is negotiable). HTML | PDF | Doc
- 02.16.09
- New Collaboration with German Contract Research Organization DAaCRO!
- 01.26.09
- Advisory: Salivary alpha-amylase levels may be affected by flow rate.
- 01.21.09
- March and May U.S. Spit Camps are FULL. New Dates for 2009 June 25th & 26th and August 6th & 7th. Don't delay, sign-up today!
- 11.11.08
- Salimetrics Spit Camp
March 27th & 28th, May 29th & 30th, 2009. For Behavioral and Social Scientists. Learn Salivary analyte basics. - 09.02.08
- Salimetrics introduces new salivary assay for DHEA-S.
- 07.01.08
- Salimetrics announces European Joint Venture!
- 06.01.08
- Salimetrics introduces new salivary assay for C-Reactive Protein.
2011
The article “Asymmetry between salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase reactivity to stress: Relation to aggressive behavior in adolescents,” by E.B. Gordis, D.A. Granger, E.J. Susman, and P.K. Trickett (2006), has been listed by the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology as one of the top ten cited articles published over the last five years. This article was the first by this group of researchers that adopted the practice of measuring salivary cortisol and salivary amylase concurrently as markers of HPA axis and ANS activity. See the Top 10 List
Anglia Ruskin University, a joint venture partner of Salimetrics Europe, has this week opened the refurbished saliva testing laboratory including the installation of a new saliva testing robot. Analysis of a full range of salivary biomarkers will continue to be offered for research based institutions covered by a full HTA Licence. News Release
Bridget Hatfield, Ph.D., a research associate working with the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, is among five researchers nationally receiving an Early Career Educational Psychology Research Award from the Education Psychology Division (15) of the American Psychological Association. News Release
The Salimetrics Infant’s Swab is set to be released in June, 2011. See product details here.
