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ABSTRACT The objective was to estimate the body weight (BW) of Brown Alpine goats by means of body volume (BV) measurements. We used 132 pieces of information with measurements of BW, body length (BL) and thoracic perimeter (TP) from 22 goats evaluated fortnightly, between March and May 2023. Based on this information, the BV of the animals was calculated. Three mathematical models were evaluated - a linear model, a quadratic model, and an exponential model - with the measurement of BV. The goodness of fit of the equations was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2), mean square error (MSE) and root of the MSE (RMSE). The predictive ability of the models was evaluated by k-fold cross-validation (k = 10). A high positive correlation between BW and TP (r = 0.95) and BL (r = 0.94) was observed. The correlation between BW and BV was higher than the other correlations (r = 0.98). The linear model showed the lowest values of MSE (9.49) and RMSE (3.08). In the cross-validation, the linear and quadratic models presented estimates of the mean BW and the standard deviation of this weight similar to the real data, and high R2 values (0.95) of the data predicted by the observed ones. The analysis of the coefficient of correlation and concordance (CCC) also showed that these models have accuracy and precision (CCC > 0.95). Thus, the linear and quadratic models estimate the body weight of Brown Alpine goats with precision and accuracy.

Introduction Delusion of pregnancy (DP) is a heterogeneous symptom that can emerge from different neuropsychiatric syndromes, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, but also major neurocognitive disorder (MND). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5), DP is an unspecified type of delusional disorder present in the spectrum of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders This type of delusion, which can affect both sexes, may have numerous determinants to its genesis and may last decades to resolve. Objectives We aim to present a case and review of DP and its association with dementia/MND, hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea. Methods Non-systematic literature review and case report, based on the search for titles and/or abstracts of articles that address both DP and dementia, and DP and hyperprolactinemia/galactorrhea, including articles published between 2010 and 2022 in English. Results A 71-year-old female patient was admitted to the Psychiatric unit due to a change in usual behavior in the past 6 months: insomnia, anterograde amnesia, delusions of ruin and persecutory and, for the past month, the belief of being pregnant with twins, supported by the galactorrhea she presented after starting Risperidone prescribed by her Family Doctor weeks prior. Shortly after admission, the patient also revealed hearing her fetuses’ voices. DP vanished briefly after admission due to the combination between the change of Risperidone to Aripiprazole (a prolactin-sparing antipsychotic) and psychotherapy to help deconstruct the patient’s cognitive misinterpretations. She was furthermore diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and Memantine was started. Conclusions This patient, according to Bera et al. (Bera et.al. Indian J Psychol Med 2015;37:131-7) is part of the 28.6% of patients more than 50 years of age who present DP, 6.0% that report having twins and 8.3% that report hearing voices of their fetuses. No data was found correlating DP and MND directly. Hyperprolactinemia and its consequent galactorrhea represent one of the many explanations behind DP, especially in suggestible demented patients that easily misinterpret somatic sensations, in which delusional thoughts are frequent and contribute to the morbidity. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Self-stigma refers to the process in which a person internalizes negative stereotypes, beliefs, and prejudices about their mental illness, adopting a stigmatized view of themselves. Severe mental illness is one of the most socially exclusive stigmata and is associated with poor clinical and functional outcomes and social withdrawal. Objectives In Portugal, investigation regarding self-stigma is scarce. In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of self-stigma among people with diagnosis of severe mental illness (SMI). For this goal we assess the prevalence of self-stigma of psychiatric patients with diagnosis SMI; and investigate the correlates of elevated self-stigma levels. Methods Fifty-one outpatients with SMI, were recruited from a community psychiatry unit from Porto, Portugal. After informed consent, evaluations included sociodemographic data, illness characteristics, and self-reported standardized scales. Self-stigma (ISMI), self-esteem (RSES) and quality of life (WHO-QoL) were assessed. Data analyses were performed using the SPSS version 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). p-values

Introduction PTSD is a chronic, debilitating condition with limited treatment efficacy. Accessing traumatic memories often leads to overwhelming distress, impacting treatment process. Current approved pharmacological treatments have exhibited small to moderate effects when compared with placebo. Evidence suggests 3,4,-methylene-dioxymethamphetamine(MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy as a viable option for refractory PTSD. Objectives Comprehensive review of early clinical research, proposed mechanisms, safety and emerging therapeutic models. Methods Eligible studies will be identified through strategic search of MEDLINE. Results Pre-clinical and imaging studies suggest memory reconsolidation and fear extinction as candidate psychological and neurological mechanisms, involving MDMA’s combined effects of increasing serotonergic activity, as well the release of oxytocin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in key memory and emotional circuits. Resulting reduction in amygdala and insula activation and increasing connectivity between the amygdala and hippocampus may create a “tolerance window” of neuroplasticity for emotional engagement and reprocessing of traumatic memories during psychotherapy. Early clinical trials report impressive and durable reduction in PTSD symptoms, with a safety profile comparable to that of SSRIs. A recently completed randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial reported full remission of PTSD symptoms in 67% of patients at 2 months, with no increase in suicidality, cardiovascular events or abuse behavior. Emerging treatment models underline the importance of unmedicated therapeutic sessions for preparation for the experience and subsequent integration as essential for full benefit and safety of the clinical context. Conclusions The psychological impact associated with the COVID-19 pandemic is an reminder of the emotional and economic burden associated with PTSD. MDMA-assisted therapy may be a breakthrough approach meriting further multidisciplinary investment and clinical research. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction The delusional misidentification syndromes (DMS) are uncommon but fascinating neuropsychiatric disorders. One particularly intriguing form of DMS is called the mirror sign or mirror delusional misidentification (MDM). Objectives We aim to present a case on MDM and a review on MDM and its correlation with neurological lesions. Methods Non-systematic review of the literature and case report. Results A 72 years old patient was admitted to the emergency department with disorientation, behavioral changes and persecutory delusional ideation. The patient was also unable to recognize his face in the mirror, claiming to be his son. On neuroimaging tests, the patient presented with moderate diffuse cortical-subcortical cerebral atrophy associated with mild diffuse cortical cerebellar atrophy, as well as atheromatous calcifications in carotid siphons. In the MDM, the patient treats the mirror image as separate from the self. It is commonly seen in patients with dementia. Unlike Capgras syndrome, MDM is typically associated with neurological illness, particularly with neurodegenerative conditions. Findings on neuroimaging have shown a pattern of right hemisphere cortical and subcortical lesions. the most common findings included the following: generalized or localized atrophy on Magnetic Resonance Imaging, ventricular dilatation on Computed Tomography scan, and slowing on Electroencephalography. Conclusions Mirror delusional misidentification differs from other forms of DMS as it is seen exclusively in patients with neurological disease. While right hemisphere dysfunction appears to be a requirement for MDM, patients with this condition do not show consistent enough neuroimaging findings to allow for a localization within the right hemisphere. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Kleptomania is characterized by recurrent failure to resist the impulse to steal items of little value despite the ego-dystonic impulse and awareness of the wrongfulness of the act. Its prevalence is considered to be 0.6–0.8% in the general population and it is mostly comorbid with other psychiatric disorders. Kleptomania is a disabling disorder since patients suffer from emotional distress and impaired functioning. Objectives Although there is no cure, treatment may help prevent Kleptomania worsening and its negative consequences. We propose a review of the therapeutic approach to this disease. Methods Non-systematic literature review. Results No effective treatment is available for Kleptomania. Better efficacy can be achieved by combining psychotherapy with pharmacotherapy. Different treatment interventions can be selected based on clinical similarities to other disorders, co-occurring conditions or behavioral core features. Patients with significant mood symptoms may benefit from mood stabilizers or antidepressants. For patients with shoplift cravings and/or family history of substance use disorders, Naltrexone may reduce symptoms. Stimulants may be useful for Kleptomania bassociated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder impulsivity. Benzodiazepines are effective in tension relief when used as adjuvants, at the beginning of treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy should be reserved for patients with treatment-resistant symptoms and comorbid depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has replaced Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic psychotherapies. Conclusions Treatment helps decrease disruption to the person’s life, preventing the intense shame, legal, social, family, and occupational repercussions of Kleptomania. Although pharmaceutical and psychosocial interventions are available, we still lack specific treatments for Kleptomania. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Epidemiological studies suggested that antidepressant usage amongst pregnant women increased by 3- to 7-fold in the past 2 decades and that up to 13% of fetuses are exposed to antidepressants. There are concerns regarding the impact of prenatal antidepressant use on the offspring. Objectives We aim to review more recent evidence of antidepressant use during pregnancy and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the offspring. Methods Non-systematic review based on the PubMed® database. Results A recent meta-analyses suggested children of mothers who used antidepressants during their pregnancy may be at a higher risk of ASD, compared to mothers who do not use these medications. Other suggested that the use of any antidepressants in the first 2 trimesters was related to significantly risk of developing ASD. Despite higher risks with the use of antidepressants, the absolute risk appears to be low. In addition, confounding factors should be considered while interpreting the results. Studies concluded that the comparator group selection strongly influences the observed antidepressant-ASD relationship. Associations derived from general population studies might have been mediated by unmeasured maternal psychiatric burden or transdiagnostic genetic liability. The observed increase in risk may also be associated with depression, not its treatment. Conclusions The findings of these studies have important implications, and often result in drug discontinuation with a significant impact on maternal and infant health. Future research should include investigation of the severity of depression in this association, assessment of antidepressant dose and use of antidepressants in pregnant women with other pathologies. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Delirium is characterized as a short-term consciousness and cognition disturbance which tends to fluctuate during the course of the day. It is a common and serious problem, mainly in hospitalized older adults, potentially avoidable and often poorly recognized. Objectives We propose an analysis on the theme through a work that evaluates the requests for psychiatric consultation made in a district hospital in Portugal during the course of 12 months. Methods We identified all patients on the requests for psychiatric consultation and obtained a demographic, clinical and consultation requests by medical specialties data and conducted statistical analysis using Excel. Results We identified 106 consultation requests, in which 41 cases were eventually diagnosed as delirium. Most (83%) were hyperactive delirium, 12% were hypoactive delirium and 5% were mixed delirium. Incidence was higher in males (59%) and in those aged between 66 and 80 years old (56.1%). Most consultation requests were made by Internal Medicine (46.3%), followed by General Surgery (26.8%), Pulmonology (14.6%), Orthopedics (9.8%) and Neurology (2.5%). Finally, we analyzed which symptoms mentioned in the request made physicians consider requesting a psychiatric evaluation. Approximately half of the cases (48.8%) reported psychomotor agitation, followed by temporal/spatial disorientation (41.5%) and aggressive behaviour (17.1%). Conclusions We highlight a still notorious lack of proper identification of delirium, resulting in symptoms being incorrectly interpreted as a psychiatric disorder. This may cause a delay in the adequate diagnosis and management of the condition, increasing the morbidity and mortality of patients. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Rice husk and polyethylene were mixed (50 % w/w each) and submitted to a pyrolysis assay. Four physical activations with CO2 were performed on the resulting co-pyrolysis char (PC). The activation at 800 °C, for 4h, generated the activated carbon (PAC3) with the best textural properties. PC, PAC3 and a commercial activated carbon (CAC) were characterized and submitted to Cr(III) removal assays. PC had a high percentage of volatile matter that was removed after the physical activation, resulting in more available poresin the final material (PAC). In the Cr(III) removal assays, two S/L ratios were tested: 5 and 10 g L-1. PC did notremove any Cr(III) from the solutions, but PAC presented similar results to CAC. At the S/L of 5 g L-1, Cr(III) removal was of 58.5 % for PAC and 62.5 % for CAC, both by adsorption mechanism; at the S/L of 10 g L-1, Cr(III) removal was almost complete due to precipitation caused by pH increase. The highest uptake capacities were of 7.92 mg g-1 for PAC and 8.71 mg g-1 for CAC, at the S/L of 5 g L-1. The results indicated that PAC3 may be a viable alternative to CAC on Cr(III) removal from aqueous media.

The enhancement of biogas and CH4 yields through anaerobic co-digestion (co-AD) of the pre-hydrolysed Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (hOFMSW) and Maize Cob Waste (MCW) was tested in a lab- scale thermophilic anaerobic reactor. Before the co-AD, MCW was chemically pre-treated with H2O2 at room temperature in alkaline conditions (10 % MCW wMCW/ valkaline water) with 4 hours contact time, at a ratio of 0.5 wH2O2/wMCW. This pre-treatment is the last of a set of pre-treatments catalysed by H2O2 already tested by the authors. The anaerobic reactor was initially fed with hOFMSW obtained from the hydrolysis tank of an industrial AD plant. The hOFMSW was co-digested with the pre-treated MCW and then with non-pre-treated MCW. The co-AD of hOFMSW with pre-treated MCW (CASE 1) increased the biogas yield by 65 % and CH4 yield by 48 %, when compared to the results obtained with the standalone hOFMSW, while the co-digestion of hOFMSW with non-pre-treated MCW (CASE 2) increased biogas and CH4 yields by 84 % and 57 %, respectively. Despite of higher yields, the Low Heating value (LHV) and daily energy content (LHV * Volume of biogas per day) in biogas stream, obtained in CASE 2 were on average 4 % and 1% lower, respectively than in the biogas stream obtained with CASE 1. These results showed that the pre-treatment is recommended before submitting MCW to co-AD and the chemical pre-treatment of MCW with H2O2, at room temperature, is a promising low-cost way to valorise MCW through co-AD.

Data on a synergetic phenomena of the components of the co-mingled solid and liquid wastes occurs during their thermolysis were used for the development of the co-activation approach to wastes recycling. Co-activation was aimed at generation of porous solid valuable secondary products (activated carbons). The development of the design parameters for the activated carbons syntheses was done at valorization of the re-polymerization, re-association and the polycondensation reactions between the reference structural fragments of the components in the ternary composite systems "Spent Petroleum Product Waste – Biomass – D-grade coal" and "Coal Processing Sludge – Biomass – D-grade coal". From elaborated comprehensive investigations the main factors, which influence the carbonized chars formation and the properties of the resulted activated carbons were evaluated. The porous solid secondary products of uniform particle size and pore size distribution were obtained during co-processing in the co-mingled systems. The surface area is ranged between 600-1100 m2/g, the total pore volume is of 0.32-0.47 m3/g and the yield is of 21-27%. Additionally, an efficiency of the catalytic co-processing of natural organic solid and liquid wastes with coal in a presence of the K/Na carbonates was studied aiming at novel adsorbents usage for wastewater purification from heavy metals.

Estudou-se a filogenia do gene da miogenina, um membro da família MyoD, reguladora da miogênese, que ocorre durante o desenvolvimento embrionário, e sua história evolutiva em espécies domésticas que apresentem seqüências de DNA depositadas no Genbank, comparando-se o índice de substituição de nucleotídeos não-sinônimos pelo índice de substituição sinônima. Valores maiores do que um (1) indicaram que o gene sofreu mudanças que tornaram o organismo mais adaptado ao ambiente. As árvores filogenéticas foram obtidas por máxima verossimilhança, e os índices de substituição sinônima e não-sinônima foram analisadas pelo método de parcimônia. Os resultados indicaram que, provavelmente, o gene sofreu evolução adaptativa no grupo Ruminantia, Bos taurus e Ovis aries, depois que essas espécies divergiram do ancestral comum. Para as outras espécies analisadas, o gene parece ter evoluído de modo conservativo.The myogenin gene, a member of the MyoD gene family, is a regulator of the myogenesis that takes place during the embryonic development. The objective of this study was to perform a phylogenic analysis of the myogenin gene to study its evolutionary history in the domestic species that have the sequencing data deposited in the Genbank. One common method to detect a gene evolution is made by comparing the ratio of nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution by the ratio of synonymous substitutions. Values greater than one (1) means that the gene has gone through changes that made the organism more adapted to the environment. The phylogenetic trees were obtained by maximum likelihood and the synonymous and nonsynonymous substitution rates were analyzed by the parsimony method. The results point out that probably the gene suffered an adaptive evolution in the Ruminantia group, Bos Taurus and Ovis aries, after these species diverged from their common ancestral. In the other species, the gene seems to be evolved in a conservative way.

Se han determinado distintas propiedades mecánicas del acero C45E según norma EN10083 (AISI 1045) reconocido, templado y revenido a distintas temperaturas. Las propiedades mecánicas analizadas han sido: dureza, límite elástico convecional, resistencia a la tracción, resiliencia y módulo de Young. Esta última propiedad se determinó por ultrasonidos y a partir de curvas tensión-deformación midiendo ésta mediante extensometría eléctrica.En todos los casos se ha comprobado la bondad del tratamiento aplicado madiante observaciones metalográficas por microscopía eléctronica de barrido. Los valores de dureza, límite elástico convecional y resistencia a la tracción presentan las variaciones esperadas después de los distintos tratamientos térmicos aplicados. Sorprendentemente, el módulo de Young se incrementa desde valores de 199-200 GPa para el acero templado hasta 211-212 GPa para el acero templado y revenido a 500ºC durante una hora; el acero en estado de recocido presenta un valor de módulo de 206-207GPa. Se detectó una muy buena concordancia entre los valores de módulo obtenidos por ultrasonidos y los obtenidos a partir de las curvas tensión-deformación. Se ha correlacionado este comportamiento con la distribución de dislocaciones en el material bajo diferentes estados.

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Abstract Background The complement system is part of the innate immune system that clears pathogens and cellular debris. In the healthy brain, complement influences neurodevelopment and neurogenesis, synaptic pruning, clearance of neuronal blebs, recruitment of phagocytes, and protects from pathogens. However, excessive downstream complement activation that leads to generation of C5a, and C5a engagement with its receptor C5aR1, instigates a feed-forward loop of inflammation, injury, and neuronal death, making C5aR1 a potential therapeutic target for neuroinflammatory disorders. C5aR1 ablation in the Arctic (Arc) model of Alzheimer’s disease protects against cognitive decline and neuronal injury without altering amyloid plaque accumulation. Methods To elucidate the effects of C5a–C5aR1 signaling on AD pathology, we crossed Arc mice with a C5a-overexpressing mouse (ArcC5a+) and tested hippocampal memory. RNA-seq was performed on hippocampus and cortex from Arc, ArcC5aR1KO, and ArcC5a+ mice at 2.7–10 months and age-matched controls to assess mechanisms involved in each system. Immunohistochemistry was used to probe for protein markers of microglia and astrocytes activation states. Results ArcC5a+ mice had accelerated cognitive decline compared to Arc. Deletion of C5ar1 delayed or prevented the expression of some, but not all, AD-associated genes in the hippocampus and a subset of pan-reactive and A1 reactive astrocyte genes, indicating a separation between genes induced by amyloid plaques alone and those influenced by C5a–C5aR1 signaling. Biological processes associated with AD and AD mouse models, including inflammatory signaling, microglial cell activation, and astrocyte migration, were delayed in the ArcC5aR1KO hippocampus. Interestingly, C5a overexpression also delayed the increase of some AD-, complement-, and astrocyte-associated genes, suggesting the possible involvement of neuroprotective C5aR2. However, these pathways were enhanced in older ArcC5a+ mice compared to Arc. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that C5a–C5aR1 modulation in Arc mice delayed the increase in CD11c-positive microglia, while not affecting other pan-reactive microglial or astrocyte markers. Conclusion C5a–C5aR1 signaling in AD largely exerts its effects by enhancing microglial activation pathways that accelerate disease progression. While C5a may have neuroprotective effects via C5aR2, engagement of C5a with C5aR1 is detrimental in AD models. These data support specific pharmacological inhibition of C5aR1 as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat AD.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a common progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to an imbalance of various neurotransmitters and affects cognitive, motor and non-motor function. Safinamide inhibits monoamine oxidase B in a highly selective and reversible manner and beyond that has anti-glutamatergic properties, with positive effects on motor and non-motor symptoms. The aim of the study was to obtain data about the effectiveness and tolerability of safinamide under routine clinical practice conditions in unselected patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). A post-hoc analysis of the German cohort of the European SYNAPSES study (a non-interventional cohort study). Patients were treated with safinamide as an add-on to levodopa and followed-up for 12 months. Analyses were done in the total cohort and in clinically relevant subgroups (patients older than 75 years; with relevant comorbidities; with psychiatric conditions). 181 PD patients were eligible for analysis. Motor symptoms included bradykinesia (76.8%), rigidity (77.3%), tremor (58.6%), and postural instability (27.1%). Non-motor symptoms were reported in 161 patients (89.0%), mainly psychiatric symptoms (43.1%), sleep disorders (35.9%), fatigue (30.9%), and pain (27.6%). 28.7% of patients were aged 75 years or older, 84.5% had relevant comorbidities, and 38.1% had psychiatric conditions. During treatment, the rate of motor complications decreased from 100.0% to 71.1%. UPDRS scores improved under safinamide, with a clinically important effect in 50% in the total score and 45% in the motor score. The positive effect on motor complications occurred already at the 4-month visit and was maintained over 12 months. At least one adverse event (AE)/adverse drug reaction (ADR) was reported by 62.4%/25.4% of patients, AEs were generally mild or moderate, and completely resolved. Only 5 (1.5%) AEs had a definite relationship to safinamide. The benefit-risk profile of safinamide was favourable and consistent with the total cohort of the SYNAPSES study. In the subgroups, findings were congruent with the total population, which allows the clinical utilisation of safinamide also in more vulnerable patient groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane bagasse and cassava bagasse are lignocellulosic industrial residues that can be used as cheap substrates for organisms' growth. These lignocellulosic residues are also suitable for inducing enzyme secretion that can be applied in different bioprocesses such as juices clarification. The goal of our work was to use Aspergillus niger LBM 134 to produce xylanases, characterize them and employ these enzymes in the clarification of apple juice and pulp. A. niger LBM 134 was isolated from a natural environment and grown on sugarcane bagasse and cassava bagasse. The highest endoxylanase and ß-xylosidase activity were 144 ± 5,65 and 0,74 ± 0,05 U mL-1, respectively (p<0.05). The optimum activity and high stability at acidic pH values make these enzymes suitable for biotechnological applications in juice industries. The enzymatic cocktails produced by the fungus grown on cassava bagasse reached the major clarification of apple juice (36,66 ± 4,01%) and pulp (60,15 ± 5,63%) (p<0.05). These clarification percentages were due to the hydrolysis of hemicellulosic material carried out by the xylanases from A. niger LBM 134. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]