Effects of a pro-resolving drug in COVID-19: preclinical studies to a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase Ib/IIa trial in hospitalized patients.

INTRODUCTION: Pro-resolving molecules may curb disease caused by viruses without altering the capacity of the host to deal with infection. AP1189 is a melanocortin receptor-biased agonist endowed with pro-resolving and anti-inflammatory activity. We evaluated the preclinical and early clinical effects of treatment with AP1189 in the context of COVID-19. METHODS: C57BL/6j mice were infected intranasally with MHV-A59 or hK18-ACE2 mice with SARS-CoV-2. AP1189 (10 mg·kg-1, BID, s.c.) was given to the animals from day 2 and parameters evaluated at day 5. Human PBMCs from health donors were infected with SARS-CoV-2 in presence or absence of AP1189 and production of cytokines quantified. In the clinical study, 6 patients were initially given AP1189 (100 mg daily for 14 days) and this was followed by a randomized (2:1), placebo-controlled, double-blind trial that enrolled 54 hospitalized COVID-19 patients needing oxygen support. The primary outcome was the time in days until respiratory recovery, defined as a SpO2 ≥ 93% in ambient air. RESULTS: Treatment with AP1189 attenuated pulmonary inflammation in mice infected with MHV-A59 or SARS-CoV-2 and decreased the release of CXCL10, TNF-α and IL-1ß by human PBMCs. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients already taking glucocorticoids took a median time of 6 days until respiratory recovery when given placebo versus 4 days when taking AP1189 (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Treatment with AP1189 was associated with less disease caused by beta-coronavirus infection both in mice and in humans. This is the first demonstration of the effects of a pro-resolving molecule in the context of severe infection in humans.

Are you how you eat? Aspects of self-awareness in eating disorders.

Eating disorders (ED) are severe psychiatric disorders characterized by dysfunctional behaviors related to eating or weight control, with profound impacts on health, quality of life, and the financial burden of affected individuals and society at large. Given that these disorders involve disturbances in self-perception, it is crucial to comprehend the role of self-awareness in their prevalence and maintenance. This literature review presents different self-awareness processes, discussing their functioning across different levels of complexity. By deconstructing this concept, we can gain a better understanding of how each facet of self and personality relates to the symptoms of these disorders. Understanding the absence or impairment of self-awareness in ED holds significant implications for diagnosis, treatment, and overall management. By recognizing and comprehending the characteristics of self-awareness, clinicians can develop tailored interventions and evidence-based treatments for individuals with ED. Furthermore, this narrative review underscores the importance of considering temperament and personality factors in the context of ED, as temperament traits and personality characteristics may interact with self-awareness processes, influencing the development and maintenance of ED. Ultimately, the results highlight the pressing need for further research on the development of effective interventions and support strategies grounded in the aspects of self-awareness mechanisms for individuals affected by these disorders.

Genomic Contributors to Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A 12 Year Retrospective Review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate genetic testing utilization and diagnostic yield in infants with esophageal atresia (EA)/tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) over the past 12 years to inform future practices and individualize prognostication and management. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was performed for all infants with EA or EA/TEF hospitalized between January 2011 and January 2023 at a quaternary children's hospital. For each infant, demographic information, prenatal and postnatal history, and genetic testing were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 212 infants who were classified as follows: 1) complex/syndromic with EA/TEF plus an additional major anatomic anomaly (n = 114, of which 74 met VACTERL criteria); 2) isolated/nonsyndromic EA/TEF (n = 88) and 3) isolated/nonsyndromic EA (n = 10). A range of genetic tests were sent with varying diagnostic rates including karyotype analysis in 12 (all with complex/syndromic phenotypes and all positive), chromosomal microarray analysis in 189 (114 of whom were complex/syndromic with an overall diagnostic rate of 3/189), single gene testing for CHD7 in 18 (4 positive), and exome analysis in 37 complex/syndromic patients (8 positive). CONCLUSIONS: EA/TEF with and without additional anomalies is genetically heterogeneous with a broad range of associated phenotypes. While the genetic etiology of EA/TEF with or without VACTERL remains largely unknown, genome wide testing (exome or genome) including copy number analysis is recommended over chromosomal microarray testing. We anticipate that expanded genetic/genomic testing modalities such as RNA sequencing and tissue specific molecular testing are needed in this cohort to improve our understanding of the genomic contributors to EA/TEF.

Back to the future: A preserved specimen validates the presence of Molossuspretiosus (Molossidae, Chiroptera) in Honduras.

Molossuspretiosus is a molossid bat that has been thought to exist in Honduras. While some authors have suggested its range extends all the way to Mexico, others have placed its northernmost distribution in Nicaragua. We present evidence, based on one specimen collected in 2005, confirming the presence of this species in the Caribbean of Honduras within the Islas de la Bahía department. This discovery increases the count of known species within this family to 18 in the country and raises the total bat species count for Honduras to 114. We recommend a detailed study of historical specimens to confirm the identification of species that may have been misidentified as well as a thorough examination of molossids distributed in northern Honduras.

Stressor-evoked brain activity, cardiovascular reactivity, and subclinical atherosclerosis in midlife adults.

Background: Cardiovascular responses to psychological stressors have been separately associated with preclinical atherosclerosis and hemodynamic brain activity patterns across different studies and cohorts; however, what has not been established is whether cardiovascular stress responses reliably link indicators of stressor-evoked brain activity and preclinical atherosclerosis that have been measured in the same individuals. Accordingly, the present study used cross-validation and predictive modeling to test for the first time whether stressor-evoked systolic blood pressure (SBP) responses statistically mediated the association between concurrently measured brain activity and a vascular marker of preclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries. Methods: 624 midlife adults (aged 28-56 years, 54.97% female) from two different cohorts underwent two information-conflict fMRI tasks, with concurrent SBP measures collected. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT) was measured by ultrasonography. A mediation framework that included harmonization, cross-validation, and penalized principal component regression was then employed, while significant areas in possible direct and indirect effects were identified through bootstrapping. Sensitivity analysis further tested the robustness of findings after accounting for prevailing levels of cardiovascular disease risk and brain imaging data quality control. Results: Task-averaged patterns of hemodynamic brain responses exhibited a generalizable association with CA-IMT, which was mediated by an area-under-the-curve measure of aggregate SBP reactivity. Importantly, this effect held in sensitivity analyses. Implicated brain areas in this mediation included the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, insula and amygdala. Conclusions: These novel findings support a link between stressor-evoked brain activity and preclinical atherosclerosis accounted for by individual differences in corresponding levels of stressor-evoked cardiovascular reactivity.

Clip Dislodgement After Full-Thickness Endoscopic Resection Device Removal of Scarred Gastric Subepithelial Lesion Leading to Delayed Perforation.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection using a full-thickness resection device is a newer technique for endoscopic removal of submucosal lesions not amenable to endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection. There is a low rate of complications reported, although we report 2 cases of delayed perforation caused by dislodgement of a full-thickness resection device clip after removal of scarred gastric lesions. Both were managed endoscopically with good outcomes. However, special attention and consideration of alternative closure techniques should be considered with scarred gastric lesions and possible changes to the clip design could be considered.

Neuropsychological evaluation of children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in the Brazilian population.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a collective name for lifelong physical and neurodevelopmental problems caused by the gestational consumption of alcohol affecting fetal development. In Brazil, the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, and the scarcity of suitable diagnostic tools and trained clinicians, can contribute to the underestimation of FASD prevalence and severity. The present review aims to map and analyze studies conducted in Brazil on children and adolescents with FASD or a history of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Additionally, it intends to report the psychometric properties of the neurodevelopmental assessment tools applied in the selected articles. Searches were carried out in the databases Scielo, LILACS, PePSIC, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, selecting original clinical studies that have investigated the neurodevelopment of this population. From a total of 175 studies, ten articles fit the inclusion criteria in which 18 instruments were identified. The most reported deficits were related to language, general intelligence quotient (IQ), adaptive behavior, attention, and visual perception. Our results point to the need for more clinical research on FASD in Brazil, as well as for the standardization and validation of neurodevelopmental assessment tools for the accurate diagnosis of FASD in Brazil.

Athletic Trainers' Psychosocial Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Research Study.

CONTEXT: Despite the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, athletic programs have sought ways to persevere and deliver sport programming. This process has strained the psychosocial health of all sport stakeholders but especially those entrusted with promoting the health of participants and enforcing safety protocols. Athletic trainers (ATs) have been a major influence in striving to achieve these goals by expanding their typical roles to lead in promoting the safe delivery of sport programs. OBJECTIVE: To examine the psychosocial lived experiences of ATs as they practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: National Collegiate Athletic Association Divisions I, II, and III. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 27 ATs practicing at the collegiate level (Divisions I, II, and III) who were actively involved in planning and implementing return-to-sport protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom. Inductive conventional content analysis identified emerging themes that characterized participants' narratives. Three members of the research team were involved in the analysis process and used field notes, continuous member checking, peer review, and multiple-researcher triangulation to establish data credibility and confirmability. RESULTS: Three higher-order themes related to ATs' psychosocial lived experiences emerged: (1) internalized experience, (2) interpersonal interactions, and (3) AT identity. Several subthemes were also identified to further organize elements that characterized or differentiated participants' lived experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Athletic trainers encountered significant challenges in maintaining their psychosocial health during the pandemic as they strived to assist others in this regard. Providing effective psychological and social support resources and strategies for ATs may not only allow them to better support themselves but may also enhance their ability to deliver professional services and promote psychosocial health among their athletes and other stakeholders in their respective sport systems in the future.

Tracking demands for seeking psychological help before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a quanti-qualitative study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented burdens on individuals and communities around the world. The isolation, fear, and uncertainty caused by the virus has led to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The pandemic has also had a disproportionate impact on individuals and communities with low income and socioeconomic status.ObjectiveTo shed light on the consequences of the pandemic on individuals from minorities and low-income areas, we investigate the main reasons that led patients who were referred to a social clinic of a private university in Rio de Janeiro to seek psychological treatment before (2019) and during the pandemic (2020 and 2021).MethodsWe conducted a quanti-qualitative study with a lexical analysis that evaluated 549 complaint forms of patients seeking treatment in these two distinct periods. Our analyses included descending hierarchical analysis (DHA) and correspondence factor analysis (CFA).ResultsFamily dynamics and communication factors play a dominant role in the reason for seeking therapy and psychological treatment. Additionally, our study suggested an increase in anxiety and panic attacks among other mental health issues associated with grief and losses during the pandemic years.ConclusionBased on these analyses, we can begin to identify a few changes in the main demand and redirection of complaints of patients during the period of COVID-19.

Evidence for Aerosol Transfer of SARS-CoV-2-Specific Humoral Immunity.

Infectious particles can be shared through aerosols and droplets formed as the result of normal respiration. Whether Abs within the nasal/oral fluids can similarly be shared between hosts has not been investigated. The circumstances of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic facilitated a unique opportunity to fully examine this provocative idea. The data we show from human nasal swabs provides evidence for the aerosol transfer of Abs between immune and nonimmune hosts.

Prevalence Estimation, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, and Serotyping of Salmonella enterica Recovered from New World Non-Human Primates (Platyrrhini), Feed, and Environmental Surfaces from Wildlife Centers in Costa Rica.

Concern about zoonoses and wildlife has increased. Few studies described the role of wild mammals and environments in the epidemiology of Salmonella. Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem associated with Salmonella that threatens global health, food security, the economy, and development in the 21st century. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence and identify antibiotic susceptibility profiles and serotypes of non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica recovered from non-human primate feces, feed offered, and surfaces in wildlife centers in Costa Rica. A total of 180 fecal samples, 133 environmental, and 43 feed samples from 10 wildlife centers were evaluated. We recovered Salmonella from 13.9% of feces samples, 11.3% of environmental, and 2.3% of feed samples. Non-susceptibility profiles included six isolates from feces (14.6%): four non-susceptible isolates (9.8%) to ciprofloxacin, one (2.4%) to nitrofurantoin, and one to both ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin (2.4%). Regarding the environmental samples, one profile was non-susceptible to ciprofloxacin (2.4%) and two to nitrofurantoin (4.8%). The serotypes identified included Typhimurium/I4,[5],12:i:-, S. Braenderup/Ohio, S. Newport, S. Anatum/Saintpaul, and S. Westhampton. The epidemiological surveillance of Salmonella and antimicrobial resistance can serve in the creation of strategies for the prevention of the disease and its dissemination throughout the One Health approach.

Combined exposure to alcohol and cannabis during development: Mechanisms and outcomes.

Exposure to substances of abuse during pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on offspring. Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances of abuse that leads to the most severe consequences. Recent studies in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom showed that between 1% and 7% of all children exhibit signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Despite preventive campaigns, the rate of children with FASD has not decreased during recent decades. Alcohol consumption often accompanies exposure to such drugs as tobacco, cocaine, opioids, and cannabis. These interactions can be synergistic and exacerbate the deleterious consequences of developmental alcohol exposure. The present review focuses on interactions between alcohol and cannabis exposure and the potential consequences of these interactions.

Systematics and diversification of the Ichthyomyini (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) revisited: evidence from molecular, morphological, and combined approaches.

Ichthyomyini, a morphologically distinctive group of Neotropical cricetid rodents, lacks an integrative study of its systematics and biogeography. Since this tribe is a crucial element of the Sigmodontinae, the most speciose subfamily of the Cricetidae, we conducted a study that includes most of its recognized diversity (five genera and 19 species distributed from southern Mexico to northern Bolivia). For this report we analyzed a combined matrix composed of four molecular markers (RBP3, GHR, RAG1, Cytb) and 56 morphological traits, the latter including 15 external, 14 cranial, 19 dental, five soft-anatomical and three postcranial features. A variety of results were obtained, some of which are inconsistent with the currently accepted classification and understanding of the tribe. Ichthyomyini is retrieved as monophyletic, and it is divided into two main clades that are here recognized as subtribes: one to contain the genus Anotomys and the other composed by the remaining genera. Neusticomys (as currently recognized) was found to consist of two well supported clades, one of which corresponds to the original concept of Daptomys. Accordingly, we propose the resurrection of the latter as a valid genus to include several species from low to middle elevations and restrict Neusticomys to several highland forms. Numerous other revisions are necessary to reconcile the alpha taxonomy of ichthyomyines with our phylogenetic results, including placement of the Cajas Plateau water rat (formerly Chibchanomys orcesi) in the genus Neusticomys (sensu stricto), and the recognition of at least two new species (one in Neusticomys, one in Daptomys). Additional work is necessary to confirm other unanticipated results, such as the non-monophyletic nature of Rheomys and the presence of a possible new genus and species from Peru. Our results also suggest that ichthyomyines are one of the main Andean radiations of sigmodontine cricetids, with an evolutionary history dating to the Late Miocene and subsequent cladogenesis during the Pleistocene.

Pharmacological and Physiological Correlates of the Bidirectional Fear Phenotype of the Carioca Rats and Other Bidirectionally Selected Lines.

The Carioca rat lines originated from the selective bidirectional breeding of mates displaying extreme defense responses to contextual conditioned fear. After three generations, two distinct populations could be distinguished: the Carioca High- and Low-conditioned Freezing rats, CHF, and CLF, respectively. Later studies identified strong anxiety-like behaviors in the CHF line, while indications of impulsivity and hyperactivity were prominent in the CLF animals. The present review details the physiological and pharmacological-related findings obtained from these lines. The results discussed here point towards a dysfunctional fear circuitry in CHF rats, including alterations in key brain structures and the serotoninergic system. Moreover, data from these animals highlight important alterations in the stress-processing machinery and its associated systems, such as energy metabolism and antioxidative defense. Finally, evidence of an alteration in the dopaminergic pathway in CLF rats is also debated. Thus, accumulating data gathered over the years, place the Carioca lines as significant animal models for the study of psychiatric disorders, especially fear-related ones like anxiety.

Tracking demands for seeking psychological help before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a quanti-qualitative study

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented burdens on individuals and communities around the world. The isolation, fear, and uncertainty caused by the virus has led to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The pandemic has also had a disproportionate impact on individuals and communities with low income and socioeconomic status. Objective To shed light on the consequences of the pandemic on individuals from minorities and low-income areas, we investigate the main reasons that led patients who were referred to a social clinic of a private university in Rio de Janeiro to seek psychological treatment before (2019) and during the pandemic (2020 and 2021). Methods We conducted a quanti-qualitative study with a lexical analysis that evaluated 549 complaint forms of patients seeking treatment in these two distinct periods. Our analyses included descending hierarchical analysis (DHA) and correspondence factor analysis (CFA). Results Family dynamics and communication factors play a dominant role in the reason for seeking therapy and psychological treatment. Additionally, our study suggested an increase in anxiety and panic attacks among other mental health issues associated with griefand losses during the pandemic years. Conclusion Based on these analyses, we can begin to identify a few changes in the main demand and redirection of complaints of patients during the period of COVID-19.

Model selection for assessing the effects of doxorubicin on triple-negative breast cancer cell lines.

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy widely used to treat several types of cancer, including triple-negative breast cancer. In this work, we use a Bayesian framework to rigorously assess the ability of ten different mathematical models to describe the dynamics of four TNBC cell lines (SUM-149PT, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453, and MDA-MB-468) in response to treatment with doxorubicin at concentrations ranging from 10 to 2500 nM. Each cell line was plated and serially imaged via fluorescence microscopy for 30 days following 6, 12, or 24 h of in vitro drug exposure. We use the resulting data sets to estimate the parameters of the ten pharmacodynamic models using a Bayesian approach, which accounts for uncertainties in the models, parameters, and observational data. The ten candidate models describe the growth patterns and degree of response to doxorubicin for each cell line by incorporating exponential or logistic tumor growth, and distinct forms of cell death. Cell line and treatment specific model parameters are then estimated from the experimental data for each model. We analyze all competing models using the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), and the selection of the best model is made according to the model probabilities (BIC weights). We show that the best model among the candidate set of models depends on the TNBC cell line and the treatment scenario, though, in most cases, there is great uncertainty in choosing the best model. However, we show that the probability of being the best model can be increased by combining treatment data with the same total drug exposure. Our analysis points to the importance of considering multiple models, built on different biological assumptions, to capture the observed variations in tumor growth and treatment response.

OnTrack Chile for people with early psychosis: a study protocol for a Hybrid Type 1 trial.

BACKGROUND: Substantial data from high-income countries support early interventions in the form of evidence-based Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) for people experiencing First Episode Psychosis (FEP) to ameliorate symptoms and minimize disability. Chile is unique among Latin American countries in providing universal access to FEP services through a national FEP policy that mandates the identification of FEP individuals in primary care and guarantees delivery of community-based FEP treatments within a public health care system. Nonetheless, previous research has documented that FEP services currently provided at mental health clinics do not provide evidence-based approaches. This proposal aims to address this shortfall by first adapting OnTrackNY (OTNY), a CSC program currently being implemented across the USA, into OnTrackChile (OTCH), and then examine its effectiveness and implementation in Chile. METHODS: The Dynamic Adaptation Process will be used first to inform the adaptation and implementation of OTCH to the Chilean context. Then, a Hybrid Type 1 trial design will test its effectiveness and cost and evaluate its implementation using a cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) (N = 300 from 21 outpatient clinics). The OTCH program will be offered in half of these outpatient clinics to individuals ages 15-35. Usual care services will continue to be offered at the other clinics. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, most research and intervention procedures will be conducted remotely. The study will engage participants over the course of 2 years, with assessments administered at enrollment, 12 months, and 24 months. Primary outcomes include implementation (fidelity, acceptability, and uptake) and service outcomes (person-centeredness, adherence, and retention). Secondary outcomes comprise participant-level outcomes such as symptoms, functioning, and recovery orientation. Over the course of the study, interviews and focus groups with stakeholders will be conducted to better understand the implementation of OTCH. DISCUSSION: Findings from this study will help determine the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost for delivering CSC services in Chile. Lessons learned about facilitators and barriers related to the implementation of the model could help inform the approach needed for these services to be further expanded throughout Latin America. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov NCT04247711 . Registered 30 January 2020. TRIAL STATUS: The OTCH trial is currently recruiting participants. Recruitment started on March 1, 2021, and is expected to be completed by December 1, 2022. This is the first version of this protocol (5/12/2021).

(Z)-Endoxifen and Early Recurrence of Breast Cancer: An Explorative Analysis in a Prospective Brazilian Study.

Adherence to treatment and use of co-medication, but also molecular factors such as CYP2D6 genotype, affect tamoxifen metabolism, with consequences for early breast cancer prognosis. In a prospective study of 149 tamoxifen-treated early-stage breast cancer patients from Brazil followed up for 5 years, we investigated the association between the active tamoxifen metabolite (Z)-endoxifen at 3 months and event-free survival (EFS) adjusted for clinico-pathological factors. Twenty-five patients (16.8%) had recurred or died at a median follow-up of 52.3 months. When we applied a putative 15 nM threshold used in previous independent studies, (Z)-endoxifen levels below the threshold showed an association with shorter EFS in univariate analysis (p = 0.045) and after adjustment for stage (HR 2.52; 95% CI 1.13-5.65; p = 0.024). However, modeling of plasma concentrations with splines instead of dichotomization did not verify a significant association with EFS (univariate analysis: p = 0.158; adjusted for stage: p = 0.117). Hence, in our small exploratory study, the link between impaired tamoxifen metabolism and early breast cancer recurrence could not be unanimously demonstrated. This inconsistency justifies larger modeling studies backed up by mechanistic pharmacodynamic analyses to shed new light on this suspected association and the stipulation of an appropriate predictive (Z)-endoxifen threshold.

#funnypoliticians: How Do Political Figures Use Humor on Twitter?

Social media has increased its popularity among politicians. If they wish to succeed in the political arena, politicians need to present themselves to citizens as attractive individuals through these platforms. This study examined how politicians present themselves using humor on Twitter. We analyzed tweets (n = 6,443) from 27 politicians to determine their use of different types of humor and its relationship with age, gender, or political position. We also present changes in humor use in relation to the publication of a political survey in which politicians who were part of this study were evaluated. Results showed politicians' use of humor is relatively low in frequency and primarily aggressive. Politicians who are male, younger, and in the opposition tend to use more aggressive humor. We discuss the results considering the role of aggressive humor in political messages. Based on the analyses of tweets and the publication of the survey, we propose as a hypothesis for future studies that politicians' use of humor on Twitter could be affected by the publication of these kinds of surveys.

High-sugar/high-fat diet modulates the effects of chronic stress in cariocas high- and low-conditioned freezing rats.

Stress and eating disorders are closely related and are a topic of major concern due to their burden on human health. Engaging in unhealthy eating habits may come as a result of stress, and it often serves to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety or as a distraction from the stressor itself or self-awareness. However, it can also lead to negative feelings of a person's body figure, guilty, or shame. As diverse as these consequences are in humans, so are the effects of the combined administration of stress and hypercaloric food in animals' models. In this study, we assessed the influence of individual innate behavioral predisposition on the effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress and the dietary supplementation with high-sugar/high-fat food. These conditions were applied to male Carioca low- and high-conditioned freezing (CLF and CHF) rats for 21 days. Behavioral results show that the hypercaloric supplement had a protective effect over the alterations caused by the stress. Notably, it was more strongly observed in CHF rather than CLF animals. As the chronic stress led to an impaired behavior in the contextual fear conditioning and the forced swimming tests in the CLF line, animals fed with the HSHF pellet scored responses similar to their untreated control. On CHF rats, these effects also were seen to a broader extent on the open field test, where the locomotor behavior was also increased. No major effects of the diet were seen in the unstressed groups. Overall, our results show that the influences of both chronic stress and hypercaloric feeding depend on innate differences in fear response traits of male Carioca rats.