Objective: Clinical and biological correlates of resilience in major depressive disorder are scarce. We aimed to investigate the effect of the Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene on resilience scores in major depressive disorder patients and evaluate the polymorphism’s moderation effect on resilience scores in response to cognitive therapy. Method: A total of 106 major depressive disorder patients were enrolled in this clinical randomized study. The Resilience Scale and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression were applied at baseline, post-treatment, and at six months of follow-up. Blood samples were obtained at baseline for molecular analysis. Results: The baseline resilience scores were higher in patients with the Met allele (114.6±17.6) than in those with the Val/Val genotype (104.04±21.05; p = 0.037). Cognitive therapy treatment increased resilience scores (p ≤ 0.001) and decreased depressive symptoms (p ≤ 0.001). In the mixed-effect model, the Val/Val genotype represented a decrease in resilience scores (t218 = -1.98; p = 0.048), and the Val66Met polymorphism interacted with sex to predict an increase in total resilience scores during cognitive treatment (t218 = 2.69; p = 0.008). Conclusion: Our results indicate that cognitive therapy intervention could improve resilience in follow-up, considering that gender and genetic susceptibility are predicted by the Val66Met polymorphism.

Abstract Introduction Childhood trauma has been suggested to be involved in susceptibility to bipolar disorder (BP). However, it remains unclear whether the occurrence of childhood trauma is differently distributed in subthreshold bipolar disorder (SBP). Objective To assess childhood trauma in young adults with SBP, as compared to young adults with BP and population controls (PC). Method This was a cross-sectional, population-based study. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to define the groups with BP (subjects with a lifetime or current manic episode or lifetime or current hypomania with a history of a depressive episode), SBP (subjects with a history of hypomanic episode without lifetime or current depressive episode), and subjects without mood disorders (PC). Childhood trauma was assessed using de Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). We investigated differences regarding childhood trauma across the three groups (BP, SBP and PC). Result Except for sexual abuse, all subtypes of childhood trauma remained associated with the BP group as compared to PC. Additionally, when we compared SBP and BP, significant differences were found only for emotional abuse. No significant differences were found in relation to childhood trauma between the SBP and PC groups after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusion These findings suggest that investigating childhood trauma, with a particular focus on emotional abuse, could be considered a preventive measure and potentially improve the prognosis.

Objective: To identify the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychiatric disorders in young adults in southern Brazil. Methods: This population based cross-sectional study involved a total of 1,023 young adults between the ages of 21 and 32 years. Current episodes of psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview – Plus version. MetS was evaluated using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). Results: Of the 1,023 participants, 24.3% were identified with MetS, 13.5% were diagnosed with anxiety disorders, 7.5% with current depression, 3.9% with bipolar disorders and 10.1% were at risk of suicide. MetS was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.022), excess weight (p < 0.001), current anxiety disorders (p < 0.001), current mood disorders (bipolar disorder in mood episode and current depression) (p < 0.001), and suicide risk (p < 0.001). Conclusions: MetS was associated with psychiatric disorders. Awareness of factors associated with MetS can help identify high-risk individuals and stimulate disease prevention and control programs, as well as lifestyle changes.

Objective: To evaluate the association between abuse of and dependence on different psychoactive substances and the presence of anxiety disorders in a sample of young adults from a city in southern Brazil. Methods: Between 2007 and 2009, we carried out a cross-sectional, population-based study of individuals aged 18-24 years who lived in Pelotas, a city in southern Brazil. We evaluated anxiety disorders using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0 (MINI), and use of psychoactive substances with the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST 2.0/0MS). We used Fisher’s exact test for univariate analysis, and Poisson regression models with robust variance for multivariable analysis. Results: The sample consisted of 1,560 young adults. The overall prevalence of abuse/dependence was 26.9% for alcohol, 24.9% for tobacco, and 7.3% for illicit substances. Individuals with agoraphobia had a 32% higher prevalence of tobacco abuse/dependence (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.32 [95%CI 1.01-1.74]). Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) had a 2.41-fold (95%CI 1.22-4.77) and 1.76-fold (95%CI 1.00-3.11) higher prevalence of illicit substance abuse/dependence, respectively. Conclusion: In this population-based sample, we found associations between GAD, PTSD, and increased prevalence of illicit substance abuse/dependence. In addition, individuals with agoraphobia seem to have increased tobacco abuse/dependence.

Objective: To evaluate the serum leptin levels in cannabis smokers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional population-based study of participants between the ages of 18 and 35 years. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic data and the use of psychoactive substances. Leptin levels were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Results: Of the 911 participants, 6.7% were identified as cannabis smokers and had significantly lower leptin levels (p = 0.008). When stratified by gender, there was a significant decrease in leptin levels among male smokers (p = 0.039). Conclusion: Cannabis smoking was linked to leptin levels in men, suggesting that the response to biological signals may be different between men and women.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of alcohol abuse and/or dependence in a population-based sample of young adults and assess the prevalence of comorbid mood disorders, anxiety, and suicide risk in this population. Methods: This cross-sectional, population-based study enrolled 1,953 young adults aged 18-35 years. The CAGE questionnaire was used to screen for alcohol abuse and/or dependence, with CAGE scores ≥ 2 considered positive. Psychiatric disorders were investigated through the structured Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Results: Alcohol abuse and/or dependence was identified in 187 (9.60%) individuals (5.10% among women and 15.20% among men). Alcohol abuse and/or dependence were more prevalent among men than women, as well as among those who used tobacco, illicit drugs or presented with anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and suicide risk. Conclusion: These findings suggest that alcohol abuse and/or dependence are consistently associated with a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities, could be considered important predictors of other psychiatric disorders, and deserve greater public heath attention, pointing to the need for alcohol abuse prevention programs.

Objective: To evaluate the association between perceived social support and anxiety disorders in pregnant adolescents. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a sample of 871 pregnant women aged 10 to 19 years who received prenatal care in the national public health care system in the urban area of Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. We assessed perceived social support and anxiety disorders using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. A self-report questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic information. Results: The prevalence of any anxiety disorder was 13.6%. Pregnant adolescents with an anxiety disorder reported less perceived social support in all domains (affectionate, emotional, tangible, informational, and positive social interaction). Older teenagers reported lower perceived support in the emotional, informational, and positive social interaction domains, whereas those with low socioeconomic status reported lower perceived social support in the material domain. Women who did not live with a partner had less perceived social support in the affectionate and positive social interaction domains. Conclusion: Perceived social support seems to be a protective factor against anxiety disorders in pregnant adolescents, with a positive effect on mental health.

A cultura da mamona (Ricinus communis L.) é uma das mais importantes para a região semiárida do Brasil, sendo o cultivo efetuado, principalmente, com variedades crioulas, sem melhoramento genético e com baixa qualidade fisiológica. Face ao exposto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de mamona crioula var. carrapatinho em função da posição do rácemo (cacho). O ensaio foi realizado na Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia. Foi efetuada análise estatística - Delineamento Inteiramente Casualizado em esquema fatorial 2x3, correspondente a 2 situações morfológicas das sementes de mamona (presença e ausência de carúncula) provenientes dos rácemos localizados em 3 ramos distintos da planta (ramo primário, secundário e terciário). Os dados foram colhidos em condições laboratoriais e em estufa. Ao final do ensaio os dados foram submetidos a testes de homogeneidade de variância e teste de normalidade, e as médias obtidas foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey ao nível de 5%. Concluiu-se que a qualidade das sementes crioula da variedade carrapatinho foi afetada pela posição do rácemo na planta, e que a remoção da carúncula afetou positivamente a maioria das características avaliadas nos testes de qualidade fisiológica de sementes, principalmente a condutividade elétrica.

The castor culture (Ricinus communis L.) is one of the most important crops for the semi-arid region of Brazil. Cultivation mainly relies on landraces, without breeding and low physiological quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of Creole castor seeds var. Carrapatinho depending on the position of the raceme. The experiment was conducted at the State University of Southwest Bahia. The statistical analysis included a completely randomized design in a 2x3 factorial, corresponding to 2 morphological situations of castor seeds (presence and absence of wattle) from the racemes located in 3 different branches of the plant (primary branch, secondary and tertiary). Data were collected in laboratory conditions and in a greenhouse. At the end of the experiment the data were submitted to variance homogeneity and normality tests, and the averages were compared by Tukey test at 5%. It was concluded that the quality of Creole seeds variety Carrapatinho was affected by the racemes position in the plant, and that removal of caruncles positively affected most of the characteristics evaluated in the physiological quality tests on seeds, especially the electric conductivity.

Objective: To investigate peripheral levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and evaluate the relationship between IL-10, age of disease onset, and duration of illness. Methods: Case-control study nested in a population-based cohort of 231 individuals (age 18-24 years) living in Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Participants were screened for psychopathology using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). Serum IL-10 was measured using commercially available immunoassay kits. Results: Peripheral levels of IL-10 were not significantly different in individuals with MDD or BD as compared to controls. However, higher IL-10 levels were found in MDD patients with a later disease onset as compared with controls or early-onset patients. In addition, IL-10 levels correlated negatively with illness duration in the MDD group. In the BD group, age of onset and duration of illness did not correlate with IL-10 levels. Conclusion: Higher levels of IL-10 are correlated with late onset of MDD symptoms. Moreover, levels of this cytokine might decrease with disease progression, suggesting that an anti-inflammatory balance may be involved in the onset of depressive symptoms and disease progression in susceptible individuals.

Objective: To evaluate the association between social anxiety disorder (SAD) and perceived maternal bonding styles among young women during pregnancy and 30 months after childbirth. Methods: A cohort of young women from the city of Pelotas, Brazil was followed up from pregnancy to 30 months postpartum. The Mini Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus was used to assess SAD and the Parental Bonding Instrument was administered to measure maternal bonding styles. Poisson regression with robust variance was used for multivariable analysis. Results: After adjusting for potential confounding factors, SAD prevalence was 6.39 times higher among young women who perceived their mothers as neglectful (prevalence ratio [PR] 6.39; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.2-32.0), and 5.57 times higher in women who perceived their mothers as affectionless controlling (PR = 5.57; 95%CI 1.5-19.7) when compared with those who received optimal care. Conclusion: Maternal bonding style may have an influence on the development of SAD. Therefore, support and early prevention strategies should be offered to the family.

Objective: To assess the relationship between crack cocaine use and dimensions of quality of life and social functioning in young adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, population-based study involving 1,560 participants in Pelotas, Brazil. Crack cocaine use and abuse were investigated using the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) inventory. Outcomes of interest were quality of life, religiosity, and social functioning in terms of education, occupational status, family structure, and medical treatment history. Results: Lifetime crack cocaine use was associated with poor quality of life, worse functioning, impaired academic performance, and lower religious involvement. A greater maternal presence and higher paternal absence were more also more pronounced in crack cocaine users, who were also more likely to seek psychological and psychiatric treatment than the general population. Conclusion: Quality of life was severely impacted by crack cocaine use, especially in terms of general and physical health. Social functioning also differed between the general population and crack users, who had lower educational attainment and religious involvement. Maternal presence, paternal absence, and mental health-seeking behaviors were also more frequent among crack cocaine users, although these individuals reported lower rates of treatment satisfaction. Crack cocaine users also had significant social impairment, so that interventions involving family management and a greater focus on general health, quality of life, and functioning may make crucial contributions to the recovery of this group.

Cogumelos apresentam propriedades nutricionais e medicinais bastante empregadas na manutenção da saúde humana e têm sido considerado por pesquisadores como possíveis fontes de seqÜestradores de radicais livres. Neste trabalho, as propriedades antioxidantes de extratos aquosos de Agaricus blazei Murill, produzidos por maceração e decocção, são demonstrados in vitro. A resistência à oxidação é demonstrada através de três mecanismos: i) inibição de processos oxidativos enzimáticos, with 100% de inibição da HRP (horseradish peroxidase) e MPO (myeloperoxidase); ii) inibição do estresse oxidativo celular, com 80% de inibição do oxidative burst de neutrófilos polimorfonucleares (PMN) e iii) ação direta sobre espécies reativas, com 62% e 87% de supressão do HOCl e ânion superóxido (O2• –), respectivamente. A partir destes dados, concluise que o extrato aquoso deste cogumelo tem significativa capacidade antioxidante, indicando sua possível aplicação para propósitos nutracêuticos e medicinais.

Mushrooms possess nutritional and medicinal properties that have long been used for human health preservation and that have been considered by researchers as possible sources of free radical scavengers. In this work, the antioxidant properties of water extracts from Agaricus blazei Murill, produced by maceration and decoction, are demonstrated in vitro. Resistance to oxidation is demonstrated through three mechanisms: i) inhibition of enzymatic oxidative process, with 100% inhibition of HRP (horseradish peroxidase) and MPO (myeloperoxidase); ii) inhibition of cellular oxidative stress, with 80% inhibition of the oxidative burst of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs); and iii) direct action over reactive species, with 62% and 87% suppression of HOCl and superoxide anion radical (O2• –), respectively. From the data, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of A. blazei has significant antioxidant activity, indicating its possible application for nutraceutical and medicinal purposes.

In this study, the original interstratified kaolinite/ilite clay sample has been collected from altered basalt in Minas Gerais state, Southeast of Brazil. The natural sample was used in the intercalation process with dimethyl sulfoxide. The efficiency of the natural and modified kaolinite/illite clay in the adsorption of methylene blue was investigated by determining their equilibrium adsorption isotherms at dye concentrations and pH. The phyllosilicate sample and hybrid material were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Freundlich expression for adsorption isotherm was applied in order to determine the adsorption capacity to form a monolayer and the constant related to the adsorption intensity. The maximum number of moles adsorbed was determined to be 55.0 and 62.5 mgg-1 for systems methylene blue/kaolinite/ilite and methylene blue / kaolinite/ilite + dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively.

Anastrepha pseudanomala Norrbom was reared in fruits of Couma utilis (Apocynaceae), and also collected in McPhail traps in Ferreira Gomes county, State of Amapá, Brazil.