The Impact of BDNF, NTRK2, NGFR, CREB1, GSK3B, AKT, MAPK1, MTOR, PTEN, ARC, and SYN1 Genetic Polymorphisms in Antidepressant Treatment Response Phenotypes.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of genetic variants in neuroplasticity-related genes on antidepressant treatment phenotypes. The BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway, as well as the downstream kinases Akt and ERK and the mTOR pathway, have been implicated in depression and neuroplasticity. However, clinicians still struggle with the unpredictability of antidepressant responses in depressed patients. We genotyped 26 polymorphisms in BDNF, NTRK2, NGFR, CREB1, GSK3B, AKT, MAPK1, MTOR, PTEN, ARC, and SYN1 in 80 patients with major depressive disorder treated according to the Texas Medical Algorithm for 27 months at Hospital Magalhães Lemos, Porto, Portugal. Our results showed that BDNF rs6265, PTEN rs12569998, and SYN1 rs1142636 SNP were associated with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Additionally, MAPK1 rs6928 and GSK3B rs6438552 gene polymorphisms were associated with relapse. Moreover, we found a link between the rs6928 MAPK1 polymorphism and time to relapse. These findings suggest that the BDNF, PTEN, and SYN1 genes may play a role in the development of TRD, while MAPK1 and GSK3B may be associated with relapse. GO analysis revealed enrichment in synaptic and trans-synaptic transmission pathways and glutamate receptor activity with TRD-associated genes. Genetic variants in these genes could potentially be incorporated into predictive models of antidepressant response.

Predictors of poor 6-week outcome in a cohort of major depressive disorder patients treated with antidepressant medication: the role of entrapment.

BACKGROUND: Only a small number of consistent processes predict which depressed patients will achieve remission with antidepressant medication. One set of processes is that of social ranking strategies/variables that are related to life events and severe difficulties. Particularly, defeat and entrapment predict poorer response to antidepressants. However, results are inconsistent. AIM: The current study aimed to evaluate evolutionary strategies, childhood maltreatment, neglect and life events and difficulties (LEDs) as predictors of remission in depressed patients undergoing pharmacological treatment in a psychiatric outpatient sample. METHODS: A cohort of 139 depressed outpatients undergoing pharmacological treatment was followed prospectively in a naturalistic study for 6 weeks. Two major evaluations were considered at baseline and 6 weeks. We allocated patients to a pharmacological treatment algorithm for depression - the Texas Medication Algorithm Project. Variables evaluated at baseline and tested as predictors of remission included demographic and clinical data, severity of depression, social ranking, evolution informed variables, LEDs and childhood maltreatment. RESULTS: Of the 139 patients, only 24.5% were remitted at week 6. In univariate analyses, non-remitted patients scored significantly higher in all psychopathology and vulnerability scales except for submissive behaviour and internal entrapment. For the logistic regression, a higher load of LEDs of the entrapment and humiliation dimension in the year before the index episode (OR = 6.62), and higher levels external entrapment in the Entrapment Scale (OR = 1.10) predicted non-remission. These variables accounted for 28.7% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: Multivariate analysis revealed that external entrapment was the only predictor of non-remission.

Role of Rutin in 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis: Prevention of Histological Damage and Reduction of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress.

Intestinal mucositis, characterized by inflammatory and/or ulcerative processes in the gastrointestinal tract, occurs due to cellular and tissue damage following treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Rutin (RUT), a natural flavonoid extracted from Dimorphandra gardneriana, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and gastroprotective properties. However, the effect of RUT on inflammatory processes in the intestine, especially on mucositis promoted by antineoplastic agents, has not yet been reported. In this study, we investigated the role of RUT on 5-FU-induced experimental intestinal mucositis. Swiss mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Saline, 5-FU, RUT-50, RUT-100, RUT-200, Celecoxib (CLX), and CLX + RUT-200 groups. The mice were weighed daily. After treatment, the animals were euthanized and segments of the small intestine were collected to evaluate histopathological alterations (morphometric analysis); malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glutathione (GSH) concentrations; mast and goblet cell counts; and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, as well as to perform immunohistochemical analyses. RUT treatment (200 mg/kg) prevented 5-FU-induced histopathological changes and reduced oxidative stress by decreasing MDA concentrations and increasing GSH concentrations. RUT attenuated the inflammatory response by decreasing MPO activity, intestinal mastocytosis, and COX-2 expression. These results suggest that the COX-2 pathway is one of the underlying protective mechanisms of RUT against 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis.

IL6-174G > C genetic polymorphism influences antidepressant treatment outcome.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder is a condition associated with dysregulated cytokine levels; among these, IL6. Furthermore, genetic variations within cytokine genes have been proposed to predict antidepressant treatment outcome. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the role of IL6-174G > C and IL6R D358A A > C functional polymorphisms in antidepressant treatment phenotypes, specifically remission, relapse, and treatment resistant depression (TRD). METHODS: The referred polymorphisms were genotyped in 80 MDD patients followed at Hospital Magalhães Lemos, Portugal, within a period of 27 months. RESULTS: It was found that patients carrying IL6-174 GC genotype present a protection towards the development of TRD (OR = 0.242; 95% CI = 0.068-0.869; p = .038), when compared with GG genotype. Additionally, carriers of IL6-174 CC genotype remit earlier than patients with IL6-174 GG/GC genotypes, with a median time to remission of 6 weeks for CC carriers and 15 weeks for GG or GC carriers (p = .030, Log-rank test). No association was found between IL6R D358A genetic polymorphism and any of the treatment phenotypes evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The IL6-174G > C polymorphism influences antidepressant treatment outcome in this sub-set of MDD patients, providing a putative mechanistic link for the dysregulated IL-6 levels described in the literature in patients with TRD.

Photochemical attributes determine the responses of plant species from different functional groups of ferruginous outcrops when grown in iron mining substrates.

Environments originating from banded iron formations, such as the canga , are important reference ecosystems for the recovery of degraded areas by mining. The objective of this work was to evaluate if the relationship between morphofunctional and photosynthetic attributes of native canga species from different functional group results in distinct responses when grown in iron mining tailings substrate. The experiment was carried out with species belonging to different functional groups: a widespread semi-deciduous tree-shrub, Myrcia splendens ; an endemic deciduous shrub, Jacaranda caroba ; and a nitrogen-fixing herbaceous species, Periandra mediterranea . The species were grown in two conditions, reference soil and iron ore tailing. Despite belonging to different functional groups when grown in tailings, the morphofunctional attributes presented similar responses between species. M. splendens was the species most affected by the conditions imposed by the iron ore mining tailings, with decreased light-use efficiency and electron transport. P. mediterranea had satisfactory growth and maintenance of photosynthetic attributes. J. caroba growing in the tailings increased the effective quantum yield of PSII. The photochemical and growth assessments were able to better explain the adaptive strategies developed by the species, guaranteeing a greater chance of success during the rehabilitation of mining substrates.

Effects of Increasing Levels of Palm Kernel Oil in the Feed of Finishing Lambs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of palm kernel oil (PKO) in a lamb diet on nutrient intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation parameters, and animal performance. Three experimental trials were conducted. The treatments consisted of varying levels of PKO included in the diet, with PKOzero = no PKO inclusion, PKO1.3 = 1.3% addition, PKO2.6 = 2.6% addition, PKO3.9 = 3.9% addition, and PKO5.2 = 5.2% addition, based on the total dry matter (DM) of the diet. With the inclusion of PKO in the diet, linear decreases in DM (p < 0.001), crude ash (p < 0.001), crude protein (CP) (p < 0.001), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p < 0.001), nonfibrous carbohydrate (NFC) (p < 0.001), and total digestible nutrient (TDN) (p = 0.021) intake were observed, as was an increase in ether extract (EE) intake (p < 0.001). The digestibility coefficients of NDF and NFC were not affected by PKO addition to the diet. However, the digestibility of DM (p = 0.035), EE (p < 0.001), CP (p < 0.001), and TDNs (p < 0.001) increased when PKO was added to the lambs' diet. Reductions in N intake (p < 0.001), fecal nitrogen excretion (p < 0.001), and microbial protein production (p < 0.001) were noted with increasing PKO levels. Serum cholesterol increased (p < 0.001) while serum GGT enzyme concentrations in the blood decreased (p = 0.048) with increasing PKO levels. PKO addition had no effect on total weight gain and average daily gain; however, feed conversion improved (p = 0.001) with increasing PKO levels. The intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and growth performance of lambs with PKO1.3 added to their diet were similar to animals that did not receive PKO, meaning that PKO could be an alternative energy source for growing lambs because it does not harm animal performance and can lower the cost of feed.

Dietary Effect of Palm Kernel Oil Inclusion in Feeding Finishing Lambs on Meat Quality.

This study evaluated the effects of palm kernel oil (PKO) in the diet of lambs on carcass characteristics, quality, and fatty acid profile of the meat. Forty uncastrated male Santa Inês lambs were used and divided among the treatments: PKOzero without inclusion; PKO1.3­added 1.3%; PKO2.6­added 2.6%; PKO3.9­added 3.9%; PKO5.2­added 5.2%. The carcass characteristics, the variables related to meat color, and the chemical composition of the Longissimus lumborum of lambs were not affected by the PKO inclusion. The weight of the carcasses at slaughter, hot and cold, half carcass, loin-eye area, and commercial cuts decreased linearly when PKO was added to the lamb diet (p < 0.01). CCY decreased linearly to the inclusion level of 2.66% PKO (RMSE 2.204). Total conjugated linoleic acid CLA and C18:3 n-3 GA concentrations remained stable until the inclusion levels of 3.44% PKO (RMSE 0.0956) and 2.17% (RMSE 0.0637), decreasing its concentrations as the increased level of PKO. The presence of PKO in the lambs' diet up to the level of 5.2% did not change the meat quality characteristics; thus, from the point of view of lamb meat production and fatty acid profile, the inclusion of PKO is not beneficial.

Normative data of the Portuguese version of the Mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination.

INTRODUCTION: Mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (M-ACE) is a screening neurocognitive test with diagnostic accuracy for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The present study aims to determine the construct validity, concurrent and divergent validity and to determine the normative equation for the Portuguese version of M-ACE. METHOD: The sample is composed by 130 participants without any subjective complaint of memory loss and completely independent in daily life activities, recruited in health units, day care centers and religious and civic associations, from several districts of Portugal. The ACE-III, from which the M-ACE was extracted, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were administered to all participants. RESULTS: Reliability is considered good (α = 0.844) and the item-total correlations of the M-ACE were highly significant. M-ACE showed a positive correlation with ACE-III and a negative correlation with GDS. Schooling and age were the only variables related to M-ACE performance. The obtained model from the multiple regression was significant. A normative equation was extracted from this model. CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of M-ACE has solid psychometric properties enabling its clinical use. The availability of M-ACE normative equation based on a healthy sample according to age and education enables the use of a brief screening tool for cognitive functioning. M-ACE does not require formal specialized training, it is a quick test which can be an advantage, for instance, in primary health care consultations.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and acute kidney injury associated with cocaine use - Case report.

A wide spectrum of renal complications can occur with acute and chronic use of cocaine. Most cases are related to rhabdomyolysis, but other mechanisms are malignant hypertension, renal ischemia, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) associated-ANCA vasculitis. In recent years, the use of cocaine adulterated with levamisole has been associated with ANCA vasculitis and pauci-immune RPGN. RPGN is clinically manifested as a nephritic syndrome with a rapid and progressive decline in renal function, and its histopathological finding is the presence of crescents in more than 50% of the glomeruli. We report a case of a 38-year-old man chronic user of cocaine, alcohol, and cigarettes who had red urine, oliguria, swollen legs and eyelids, as well as the uremic symptoms anorexia, emesis, and mental confusion. He was admitted with acute kidney injury and performed six hemodialysis sessions during the first 16 days of hospitalization and then was transferred to a tertiary hospital for diagnostic investigation. Tests of ANF (antinuclear factor), ANCA, anti-DNA, serology for hepatitis B, C, and HIV virus were negative. A renal percutaneous biopsy revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis with mild tubular atrophy. The patient underwent pulse therapy with methylprednisolone (for 3 days) and cyclophosphamide. Then he maintained daily prednisone and monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide and evolved with progressive improvement of renal function.

Troxerutin Prevents 5-Fluorouracil Induced Morphological Changes in the Intestinal Mucosa: Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 Pathway.

Intestinal mucositis is a common complication associated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a chemotherapeutic agent used for cancer treatment. Troxerutin (TRX), a semi-synthetic flavonoid extracted from Dimorphandra gardneriana, has been reported as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of TRX on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. Swiss mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Saline, 5-FU, TRX-50, TRX-100, TRX-150, Celecoxib (CLX), and CLX + TRX-100. The weight of mice was measured daily. After treatment, the animals were euthanized and segments of the small intestine were collected to evaluate histopathological alterations (morphometric analysis), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH), mast and goblet cell counts, immunohistochemical analysis, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. Compared to the saline treatment, the 5-FU treatment induced intense weight loss and reduction in villus height. TRX treatment (100 mg/kg) prevented the 5-FU-induced histopathological changes and decreased oxidative stress by decreasing the MDA levels and increasing GSH concentration. TRX attenuated inflammatory process by decreasing MPO activity, intestinal mastocytosis, and COX-2 expression. TRX also reversed the depletion of goblet cells. Our findings suggest that TRX at a concentration of 100 mg/kg had chemopreventive effects on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis via COX-2 pathway.

Protective Effect of Cashew Gum (Anacardium occidentale L.) on 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis.

Intestinal mucositis is a common complication associated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a chemotherapeutic agent used for cancer treatment. Cashew gum (CG) has been reported as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of CG extracted from the exudate of Anacardium occidentale L. on experimental intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU. Swiss mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Saline, 5-FU, CG 30, CG 60, CG 90, Celecoxib (CLX), and CLX + CG 90 groups. The weight of mice was measured daily. After treatment, the animals were euthanized and segments of the small intestine were collected to evaluate histopathological alterations (morphometric analysis), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glutathione (GSH), and immunohistochemical analysis of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). 5-FU induced intense weight loss and reduction in villus height compared to the saline group. CG 90 prevented 5-FU-induced histopathological changes and decreased oxidative stress through decrease of MDA levels and increase of GSH concentration. CG attenuated inflammatory process by decreasing MPO activity, intestinal mastocytosis, and COX-2 expression. Our findings suggest that CG at a concentration of 90 mg/kg reverses the effects of 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis.

Validation of the Portuguese version of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III in mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive assessment is central to the diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia, and it should be performed in all patients in the early stages of the disease. Recently, the 3rd version of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-III) has been developed in order to improve the previous versions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of ACE-III, namely: reliability and discriminative validity (sensitivity and specificity) in the identification of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, in comparison to other neuropsychological screening tests, as well as to establish its concurrent and divergent validity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study encompassed a sample of 90 participants distributed into 3 groups: Control (n = 30), MCI (n = 30) and Dementia (n = 30). In addition to ACE-III, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were also used. RESULTS: The reliability of ACE-III was very good (α = 0.914). ACE-III significantly differentiated the 3 groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves significantly favored ACE-III in comparison to another screening test - MoCA. ACE-III presented higher levels of sensitivity and specificity. Its total score correlated positively with the results on MoCA (ρ = 0.912; p < 0.001) and negatively with a depression scale (ρ = -0.505; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of ACE-III has very good reliability and high diagnostic capacity in the context of MCI and dementia. ACE-III also holds concurrent and divergent validity.

The role of IL18-607C>A and IL18-137G>C promoter polymorphisms in antidepressant treatment phenotypes: A preliminary report.

Recent studies suggest that immune activation and cytokines, such as IL-18, are involved in depression. IL-18 is expressed in brain and is increased in patients with moderate to severe depression. In this study we aim to evaluate the role of IL18-607C>A and IL18-137G>C promoter polymorphisms in antidepressant treatment phenotypes, specifically relapse and treatment resistant depression (TRD). We genotyped the referred polymorphisms in a subset of 80 MDD patients followed at Hospital Magalhães Lemos, Portugal, within a period of 27 months. Patients carrying IL18-607 CA or AA genotypes were significantly more prone to relapse after AD treatment and present a significantly lower time to relapse than patients carrying CC genotype. Similarly, patients carrying IL18-137 GC or CC genotypes have a significantly higher risk of relapse and display relapse significantly earlier than the ones carrying GG genotype. Due to the low number of IL18-607 CC and IL18-137 GG in the relapse subgroup (n=3 and n=5, respectively), results were validated by bootstrapping analysis, and remained significant. No association was found between the evaluated genetic polymorphisms and TRD. IL18 peripheral mRNA levels were upregulated in IL18-607 CA or AA carriers. This preliminary report indicates that IL18-607C>A and IL18-137G>C genetic polymorphisms seem to influence depression relapse after antidepressant treatment in our subset of depressed patients, and may possibly contribute to the disregulated IL-18 levels found in patients with depression.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and acute kidney injury associated with cocaine use - Case report / Glomerulonefrite rapidamente progressiva e lesão renal aguda associada ao uso de cocaína - Relato de caso

ABSTRACT A wide spectrum of renal complications can occur with acute and chronic use of cocaine. Most cases are related to rhabdomyolysis, but other mechanisms are malignant hypertension, renal ischemia, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) associated-ANCA vasculitis. In recent years, the use of cocaine adulterated with levamisole has been associated with ANCA vasculitis and pauci-immune RPGN. RPGN is clinically manifested as a nephritic syndrome with a rapid and progressive decline in renal function, and its histopathological finding is the presence of crescents in more than 50% of the glomeruli. We report a case of a 38-year-old man chronic user of cocaine, alcohol, and cigarettes who had red urine, oliguria, swollen legs and eyelids, as well as the uremic symptoms anorexia, emesis, and mental confusion. He was admitted with acute kidney injury and performed six hemodialysis sessions during the first 16 days of hospitalization and then was transferred to a tertiary hospital for diagnostic investigation. Tests of ANF (antinuclear factor), ANCA, anti-DNA, serology for hepatitis B, C, and HIV virus were negative. A renal percutaneous biopsy revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis with mild tubular atrophy. The patient underwent pulse therapy with methylprednisolone (for 3 days) and cyclophosphamide. Then he maintained daily prednisone and monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide and evolved with progressive improvement of renal function.

RESUMO Um amplo espectro de complicações renais pode ocorrer com o uso agudo e crônico de cocaína. A maioria dos casos está relacionada à rabdomiólise, mas outros mecanismos são hipertensão maligna, isquemia renal e glomerulonefrite rapidamente progressiva (GNRP) associada à vasculite por ANCA. Nos últimos anos, o uso de cocaína adulterada com levamisol tem sido associado à vasculite por ANCA e GNRP pauci-imune. A GNRP se manifesta clinicamente como uma síndrome nefrítica, com um declínio rápido e progressivo da função renal, e seu achado histopatológico é a presença de crescentes em mais de 50% dos glomérulos. Relatamos um caso de um homem de 38 anos, usuário crônico de cocaína, álcool e cigarros que apresentava urina vermelha, oligúria, pernas e pálpebras inchadas, além dos sintomas urêmicos, anorexia, êmese e confusão mental. Foi internado com lesão renal aguda e realizou seis sessões de hemodiálise durante os primeiros 16 dias de internação, e depois foi transferido para um hospital terciário para investigação diagnóstica. Os testes de ANF (fator antinuclear), ANCA, anti-DNA, sorologia para vírus da hepatite B, C e HIV foram negativos. Uma biópsia percutânea renal revelou glomerulonefrite crescente, com leve atrofia tubular. O paciente foi submetido à pulsoterapia com metilprednisolona (por 3 dias) e ciclofosfamida. Em seguida, ele manteve a prednisona diária e a ciclofosfamida intravenosa mensal e evoluiu com melhora progressiva da função renal.

Primary school educational intervention r egarding schistosomiasis in a riverside community, northeastern Brazil

Schistosomiasis is still a serious public health concern in Brazil and Sergipe State presents the highest prevalence rate of the disease. Brazil implemented the Schistosomiasis Control Program (PCE) with several strategies to control the disease, including health education actions in endemic areas. Herein, we assessed the impact of an educational intervention on knowledge concerning schistosomiasis in students from a riverside village of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. The study was carried out in 3 phases. 1) A questionnaire was applied to assess the students' knowledge about the biological, clinical, and epidemiological aspects of schistosomiasis mansoni (pre-test). 2) Next, an educational intervention was conducted. Pamphlets about schistosomiasis were distributed to the entire school community, who were then invited to a lecture. 3) A post-test was performed using the questionnaire to assess acquired knowledge. 151 elementary school students were interviewed. 2.6% of the pre-test students and 4.3% of the post-test group had already been diagnosed with schistosomiasis. In the pre-test, only 24.5% knew the cause of the disease and 48.3% the transmission sites. In the post-test, 74.3% (OR= 8.9; p-value<0.0001) knew the etiology and 77.1% the possible transmission sites (OR= 3.6; p-value<0.0001). There was also significant improvement in knowledge regarding signs, symptoms and prophylactic measures. Most students were unaware of the risk of reinfection by Schistosoma mansoni after treatment. The educational intervention proved quite effective in increasing information on schistosomiasis. These results reinforce the importance of health education as an auxiliary tool in the control of schistosomiasis.

FAS -670A>G genetic polymorphism Is associated with Treatment Resistant Depression.

BACKGROUND: Hippocampal neurogenesis has been suggested as a downstream event of antidepressants (AD) mechanism of action and might explain the lag time between AD administration and the therapeutic effect. Despite the widespread use of AD in the context of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) there are no reliable biomarkers of treatment response phenotypes, and a significant proportion of patients display Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD). Fas/FasL system is one of the best-known death-receptor mediated cell signaling systems and is recognized to regulate cell proliferation and tumor cell growth. Recently this pathway has been described to be involved in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. METHODS: Since FAS -670A>G and FASL -844T>C functional polymorphisms never been evaluated in the context of depression and antidepressant therapy, we genotyped FAS -670A>G and FASL -844T>C in a subset of 80 MDD patients to evaluate their role in antidepressant treatment response phenotypes. RESULTS: We found that the presence of FAS -670G allele was associated with antidepressant bad prognosis (relapse or TRD: OR=6.200; 95% CI: [1.875-20.499]; p=0.001), and we observed that patients carrying this allele have a higher risk to develop TRD (OR=10.895; 95% CI: [1.362-87.135]; p=0.008). Moreover, multivariate analysis adjusted to potentials confounders showed that patients carrying G allele have higher risk of early relapse (HR=3.827; 95% CI: [1.072-13.659]; p=0.039). FAS mRNA levels were down-regulated among G carriers, whose genotypes were more common in TRD patients. No association was found between FASL-844T>C genetic polymorphism and any treatment phenotypes. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size. Patients used antidepressants with different mechanisms of action. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge this is the first study to evaluate the role of FAS functional polymorphism in the outcome of antidepressant therapy. This preliminary report associates FAS -670A>G genetic polymorphism with Treatment Resistant Depression and with time to relapse. The current results may possibly be given to the recent recognized role of Fas in neurogenesis and/or neuroplasticity.

Performance, body composition and net requirements of protein and energy for weight gain in steers supplemented with or without addition of lipids / Desempenho, composição corporal e exigências líquidas de proteína e energia para ganho de peso em novilhos suplementados com ou sem adição de lipídios

This research aimed to evaluate the performance, body composition and net requirements for protein and energy in grazing Nellore steers supplemented with or without addition of lipids. Twenty-eight steers, 301 ± 5.8 kg BW, were used in the experiment. The comparative slaughter method was used, with four steers used as references. The remaining 24 steers were randomly distributed into four groups, during 180 days, according to treatment: only Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa grass; Mombasa grass with concentrated supplementation based on soybean meal; Mombasa grass with concentrate containing lipids from soybean oil; and Mombasa grass with concentrate containing lipids derived from soybean grains. The total DMI of the steers fed only the pasture did not differ (P > 0.05) from the average intake of the treatments with or without addition of lipids. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between treatments for total daily gain, carcass and non carcass for protein, energy and fat. The requirements of protein and energy did not differ (P > 0.05) among the treatments. When the pasture is of good quality, supplementation does not alter the body composition or the net requirements of protein and energy for weight gain. The supplementations with higher concentrations of lipids (oil and grain) were not enough to promote greater gains in fat and energy in carcass.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho, composição corporal e requisitos líquidos para proteínas e energia de novilhos Nelore em pastejo suplementados com ou sem adição de lipídios.Foram utilizadas no experimento vinte e oito novilhos, 301 ± 5,8 kg PC. O método comparativo de abate foi utilizado, com quatro novilhos utilizados como referências. Os 24 restantes novilhos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos, durante 180 dias, de acordo com o tratamento: apenas Panicum maximum cv. Grama Mombasa; Grama de Mombasa com suplementação concentrada à base de farelo de soja; Grama de Mombasa com concentrado contendo lipídios de óleo de soja; e Mombasa com concentrado contendo lipídiosderivados de grãos de soja. O CMS total dos novilhos alimentados apenas com a pastagem não diferiu (P>0,05) da ingestão média dos tratamentos com ou sem adição de lipídios. Não houve diferenças (P> 0,05) entre os tratamentos para o ganho diário total, carcaça e não carcaça para proteínas, energia e gordura. Os requisitos de proteína e energia não diferiram (P> 0,05) entre os tratamentos.Quando a pastagem é de boa qualidade, a suplementação não altera a composição corporal ou os requisitos líquidos de proteína e energia para ganho de peso. As suplementações com maiores concentrações de lipídios (óleo e grão) não foram suficientes parapromover maiores ganhos de gordura e energia na carcaça.

Growth performance and carcass traits of young nellore bulls supplemented with or without addition of lipids / Desempenho e características de carcaça de novilhos Nelore suplementados com ou sem adição de lipídios

The aim of research was to evaluate the performance and characteristics of the carcasses of Nellore young bulls in grazing supplemented with or without addition of lipids. Twenty­eight young bulls, 301 ± 5.8 kg in body weight, which four constituted the reference group and the twenty-four remnants were used in the experiment and randomly distributed into four groups according to treatment: only Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa grass; Mombasa grass with concentrated supplementation based on soybean meal; Mombasa grass with concentrate containing lipids from soybean oil; and Mombasa grass with concentrate containing lipids derived from soybean grains. The total dry matter intake of the animals fed only Mombasa grass did not differ from the average intake of the three treatments supplemented with concentrate. There were no differences (P>0.05) between Mombasa grass and diets with concentrate, supplementation with or without lipid and lipids sources in the carcass traits, gastrointestinal tract, organs and loin eye area. Nellore bulls receiving concentrate increased subcutaneous fat thickness compared with bulls that received only Mombasa grass. Nellore young bulls fed Mombasa grass only, supplemented with or without addition of lipids were similar regarding growth performance and carcass traits

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar o desempenho e as características das carcaças de novilhos Nelore em pastejo suplementados com ou sem adição de lipídios. Vinte e oito novilhos, 301 ± 5,8 kg de peso vivo, sendo que quatro constituíram o grupo de referência e os vinte e quatro remanescentes foram utilizados no experimento e distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos de acordo com o tratamento: somente Panicum maximum cv. capim-mombaça; capim-mombaça com suplementação concentrada à base de farelo de soja; capim-mombaça com concentrado contendo lipídios do óleo de soja; e capim-mombaça com concentradocontendo lipídios derivados de grãos de soja. O consumo total de matéria seca dos animais alimentados apenas com capim-mombaça não diferiu da ingestão média dos três tratamentos suplementados com concentrado. Não houve diferenças (P>0,05) entre capim-mombaça e dietas com concentrado, suplementação com ou sem lipídeos e fontes de lipídeos nas características de carcaça, trato gastrintestinal, órgãos e área de olho de lombo. Os novilhos Nelore que receberam concentrado aumentaram a espessura de gordura em comparação aos novilhos que receberam apenas capim-mombaça. Novilhos Nelore criados em capim-mombaça, alimentados apenas com capim-mombaça ou suplementados com ou sem adição de lipídeos, foram semelhantes quanto ao desempenho de crescimento e características de carcaça.

Evaluation of methodologies of urine collection to estimate microbial synthesis in bovines diets containing lipids or not / Avaliação de metodologias de coleta de urina para estimar a síntese microbiana em dietas de bovinos contendo ou não lipídios

This study investigated the effectiveness of the urine sample collection method in predicting the volume urinary and synthesis of microbial nitrogen. Eight fistulated steers were used with accessible rumens and kept in individual stalls. Their diets consisted of corn silage; corn silage + concentrate; corn silage + concentrate with addition of lipids in the form of soybean oil; and corn silage + concentrate with addition of lipids in the form of soybean grains. Estimates of microbial protein synthesis were obtained based on the urinary excretion of purine derivatives. There was no effect of diets on daily creatinine excretion (P>0.05). There were differences (P<0.05) between the urinary volume and microbial synthesis values determined by the total urine collection and those estimated from the urine spot samples and equations proposed by different authors. The estimation of microbial synthesis based on the urine excretion of purine derivatives should be performed from the total collection of the urine for a period of 24 hours.

Este estudo investigou a eficácia do método de coleta de amostras de urina sobre a predição do volume urinário e síntese de nitrogênio microbiano. Oito novilhos fistulados foram utilizados com rúmen acessível e mantidos em baias individuais. Suas dietas consistiram de silagem de milho; silagem de milho + concentrado; silagem de milho + concentrado com adição de lipídios na forma de óleo de soja; e silagem de milho + concentrado com adição de lipídios na forma de grãos de soja. Estimativas de síntese de proteína microbiana foram obtidas com base na excreção urinária de derivados de purina. Não houve efeito de dietas na excreção diária de creatinina (P> 0,05). Houve diferenças (P <0,05) entre o volume urinário e os valores de síntese microbiana determinados pela coleta total de urina e os estimados a partir das amostras de manchas de urina e equações propostas por diferentes autores. A estimativa da síntese microbiana baseada na excreção de urina dos derivados de purina deve ser realizada a partir da coleta total da urina por um período de 24 horas.

Physicochemical characteristics of meat of nellore steers supplemented with or without addition of lipids / Características físico-químicas da carne de novilhos nelore suplementados com ou sem adição de lipídios

The aim of research was to evaluate the meat quality of Nellore young bulls in grazing supplemented with or without addition of lipids. Twenty­four young bulls, 301 ± 5.8 kg in body weight, were used in the experiment and randomly distributed into four groups according to treatment: only Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa grass; Mombasa grass with concentrated supplementation based on soybean meal; Mombasa grass with concentrate containing lipids from soybean oil; and Mombasa grass with concentrate containing lipids derived from soybean grains. There were no differences (P>0.05) between the treatments for temperature, pH, thawing, cooking and total losses, shear force, sarcomere length and collagen in bulls. Nellore young bulls raised in fertilized and irrigated Mombasa grass fed Mombasa grass only or supplemented with or without addition of lipids were similar regarding meat quality.

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar a qualidade da carne de novilhos Nelore em pastejo suplementado com ou sem adição de lipídios. Vinte e quatro novilhos, 301 ± 5,8 kg de peso vivo, foram utilizados no experimento e distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos de acordo com os tratamentos: somente Panicum maximum cv. capim-mombaça; capim-mombaça com suplementação concentrada à base de farelo de soja; capim-mombaça com concentrado contendo lipídios do óleo de soja; e capim-mombaça com concentrado contendo lipídios derivados de grãos de soja. Não houve diferenças (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos para temperatura, pH, perdas por descongelamento, perdas por cozimento e perdas totais, força de cisalhamento, comprimento de sarcômero e colágeno nos touros. Novilhos Nelore criados em capim-mombaça fertilizado e irrigado, alimentados apenas com capim-mombaça ou suplementados com ou sem adição de lipídeos, foram semelhantes quanto à qualidade da carne.