Demographic, social, psychological, and medical characteristics were assessed using established instruments [43], including measures of depression [55], perceived stress [56], hostility [57], body mass index, physician-diagnosed medical conditions, use of anti-inflammatory agents (including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories), diuretics, statins, beta-blockers, anti-diabetic agents, and anti-depressants. Participants were free of infectious disease symptoms, major medical conditions, and anti-inflammatory medications at the time of data collection. Samples were collected between 10 am and 2 pm (median = 11 am for both groups).
