News

2010

02.22.10: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: This review article examines the role of infant age on the early development of cortisol reactivity in infants. Abstract
01.20.10: 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: 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: A review article published in Clinical Biochemistry has cited work that shows that the results from the Salimetrics Cortisol EIA are very close to those obtained from an earlier modified RIA method used for clinical determination of salivary cortisol levels. Abstract

2009

12.23.09

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

A review the potential involvement of DHEA and DHEAS 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Douglas Granger, president 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

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

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 syndrome. Abstract

07.22.09

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

A new paper has been published on coregulation between mothers and preterm infants, as measured by salivary cortisol. A coregulatory relationship was found to exist during holding, and this relationship was affected by sound levels in the ICU. Abstract

06.19.09

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

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

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

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

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

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

Researchers at the Medical Schools of Tulane University and Georgetown University have been using the Salimetrics Cortisol EIA 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

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

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

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

Saliva Collection and Handling Advice booklet now available online or in print version by request.

03.2.09

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!

2008

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.