To determine whether the adapted Sternberg short-term working memory task (STMST) is an effective method to induce emotional stress-induced malodour.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
Stress-induced malodor formation
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The aim of this study is to assess whether the adapted Sternberg short-term
working memory task (STMST) is an effective method to induce malodor formation
by emotional stress, as assessed by expert assessments of stress-induced
malodor formation in the armpits of healthy male volunteers.
Secondary outcome
Secondary objectives:
* To determine whether the adapted Sternberg short-term working memory task
(STMST) is an effective and valid method to induce emotional stress, as
assessed by measurable stress biomarkers (cortisol in saliva);
* To determine whether the adapted Sternberg short-term working memory task
(STMST) is an effective and valid method to induce emotional stress, as
assessed by self-assessed mood state;
* To explore the volatile malodor compounds formation during conditions of
emotional sweating induced by the adapted STMST;
* To explore the correlation between skin microbial species that are known to
induce the formation of malodor components (i.e. Corynebacterium species, C.
tuberculostearicum, C. jeikeium, C. mucifaciens, C. minutissimum, C. striatum,
C. bovis, C. urealyticum, and Staphylococus species, S. epidermidis, S.
haemolyticus, S. lugdunensis, S. hominis S. capitis, S. caprae) and the
production of malodor components induced by the adapted STMST;
* To explore the correlation between other relevant skin microbial species and
the formation of malodor compounds induced by the adapted STMST;
Tertiary objectives:
* To explore the effects of the presence of microbial genes known to be
involved in malodor formation on malodor compounds formation induced by the
adapted STMST;
* To explore the effects of the activity of genes known to be involved in
malodor formation on malodor compounds formation induced by the adapted STMST.
Background summary
Stress is a primary physiological response to physical and/or social threats
resulting from a complex interplay of neurophysiological and psychological
factors. Cognitive interpretations of social-evaluative threats have been found
to be very potent emotional stressors. Apocrine sweat glands are stimulated by
emotional stress, fear or mental tension. Upon secretion, apocrine sweat is
odorless. By enzymatic action of the bacterial microbiome on apocrine sweat in
particular, body malodor is formed. This is perceived as offensive by most
societies. As a result, self-confidence and social relationships can be
influenced by undesired body odor. A good understanding of the complex
sweat-microbiome interactions leading to malodor formation is required for the
development of effective malodor remedies.
Study objective
To determine whether the adapted Sternberg short-term working memory task
(STMST) is an effective method to induce emotional stress-induced malodour.
Study design
During a run-in period of 10 days subjects will need to follow specific
guidelines regarding the use of personal care products, personal hygiene and
consumption of specific food. After 9 days of run-in period, subjects are asked
to assess their present feelings of anxiety and embarrassment and to collect a
saliva sample at home before coming to the study facilities for malodor
assessment by expert judges. Only subjects with an odor score of * 4* 8 are
asked to keep a 24h no wash period and to visit NIZO the day after to be
subjected to the adapted STMST to induce emotional sweating. Prior to testing,
subjects will complete a short psychological assessment questionnaire, The
Trait Shame and Guilt Scale (TSGS), assessing long-term experience of shame,
guilt and pride. Before, during and after being exposed to the adapted version
of the STMST, saliva will be collected to determine cortisol levels, subjects
have to rate their momentary feelings of anxiety and embarrassment and heart
rate variability will be monitored continuously with a wireless signal
transmission device. Before and after exposure to the adapted STMST, malodor
levels will be assessed by two expert judges, axillary volatiles will be
collected by cup scrubbing and microbiota samples will be taken to determine
microbial species
Intervention
In order to expose subjects to external stressors that induce emotional stress
responses, they will be submitted to a cognitively and emotionally challenging
task: the adapted STMST. In the basic STMST a set of items presented on a
computer screen needs to be memorized. Subjects then indicate as fast as
possible whether subsequently shown items were in the memory set or not. In the
adapted STMST, this protocol is augmented by adding relevant additional stress
factors like lowering the controllability of the outcome, adding a
social-evaluative threat, presenting disrupting sounds upon failure and adding
(negative) monetary rewards.
Study burden and risks
The subjects will not benefit directly from participation to the study. A
subject fee is provided, which includes repayment of traveling expenditures.
The burden of the subjects producing malodor scores of * 4* 8 that participate
in this study consist of investing 7,5 hours in total for screening, following
study guidelines, and 2 study visits. These subject will receive a 100 euro
subject fee. Subjects producing malodor scores of 3 or lower will leave during
the run-in period and will be provided with 70 euro. To our opinion, the risks
of participation in this study for physical or mental wellbeing are negligible.
Reed Hartman Hwy 11510
Cincinnati OH45241
US
Reed Hartman Hwy 11510
Cincinnati OH45241
US
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
1. Male
2. Age 18-34 yrs
3. BMI between 18,5-25 kg/m2
4. Healthy as assessed by the NIZO lifestyle and health questionnaire (*Verklaring leefgewoonten en gezondheid*).
5. Non-smoking
7. Access to internet
Exclusion criteria
1. Alcohol consumption > 15 units/week and > 3/day.
2. Drug abuse
3. Heavy exercise or sports training > 10 hours/week.
4. Hyperhidrosis , Hypohidrosis or Anhidrosis
5. Known allergy to cosmetics
6. Psychiatric disorders
7. Use of anti-anxiety medications or beta-blockers, statins or blood pressure medication
8. Use of antibiotics during the six (6) months prior to study start.
9. Use of topical medications in underarm area during two (2) weeks prior to study start
10. Active eczema or psoriasis on any portion of the body.;Procedural:
1. Personnel of the research institute(s) involved in execution of the study, their partner and their first and second degree relatives
2. Not having a general practitioner, not allowing disclosure of participation to the general practitioner or not allow to inform the general practitioner about abnormal results.
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL62290.041.17 |