Disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania(Leishmania) amazonensis in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-infected patients: A report of two cases

Rationale: Co-infection of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) and Leishmania spp. has impact on clinical and therapeutic outcomes of leishmaniases. Most studies do not present the identification of Leishmania species causing American tegumentary leishmaniasis in co-infections. In the Americas, Leishmania(L.) Viannia(V.) braziliensis and L.(V.) guyanensis have been identified. Patient concerns: In this study, two cases of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in patients infected with HIV are described. Patients presented several lesions with rapid dissemination and mucosal involvement. Diagnosis: Disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. amazonensis was identified by molecular test. Interventions: The patients were treated with conventional therapies for HIV infection and American tegumentary leishmaniasis. Outcomes: In co-infection, the clinical manifestations are atypical and the treatment response can be impaired. Lessons: These cases show that HIV infection impacts L. amazonensis infection and point to the relevance of identifying Leishmania species, which can lead to a better patient management.

Environmental determinants of social wasp diversity and assemblage structure in an Amazonian archipelagic landscape

Hydropower development has become an important driver of habitat loss and fragmentation across lowland tropical forests.Despite ample evidence on the detrimental effects of insular habitat fragmentation on biodiversity,invertebrate taxa,that may be critical to ecosystem functioning,have been overlooked.We assessed the assemblage-level responses of social wasps to forest insularization induced by the Balbina Hydroelectric Dam in Central Brazilian Amazonia.Employing Malaise trapping,we captured wasps on 27 forest islands and three continuous forests.We constructed Generalized Linear Models and employed a model selection approach to examine the impact of local variables(fire severity(FIRE)and basal area of pioneer tree species(PIONEER))and landscape-scale variables(amount of habitat(COVER))on patterns of species richness,composition,and body size of wasps.A total of 374 individuals(29 species)were collected across all sampling sites.COVER was the main predictor of species richness,while PIONEER was the only variable that explained variation in community composition,with a negative effect on body size.Our results add evidence to the pervasive impacts of large hydroelectric dams on tropical forest biodiversity,and suggest that social wasps,among other invertebrates,can be used as bioindicators in infrastructure development projects.

巴西Gois Goinia地区人群发生于下肢的皮肤鳞状细胞癌

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a common malignant neoplasm that affects areas that are exposed to the sun in fair-skinned people. It occurs less frequently on the lower limbs where other etiological factors are involved. Objective: To determine the epidemiological aspects of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the lower limbs in Goinia. Methodology: Forty-three cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the lower limbs from the Cancer Registry of the Population Base of Gois, for the period between 1995 and 1999, were included in the study. Results: Among the cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma registered in this 5-year interval, 43 (4.6%) represented cases affecting the lower limbs. Of these individuals, seven (16.3%)were male and 36 (83.7%)-female (P < 0.001). Those in the age group of 60 years and above represented 90.7%of the cases (P < 0.001). None of the patients had metastasis. Conclusion: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas on the lower limbs are more frequently seen in women older than 60 years of age, and they rarely metastasize.

Amazonian Fruits: An Overview of Nutrients, Calories and Use in Metabolic Disorders

Amazonian fruits are outstanding in quality. They are consumed as true delicacies of nature by the Brazilian population. Besides their attractive attributes, i.e. appearance, different textures and distinctive flavors, their nutritional value is diversified in the type of calories and the functional food ingredients. In addition to being very palatable, Amazonian fruits provide energy-rich macronutrients (lipids, proteins and carbohydrates), micronutrients (minerals, water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins), prebiotics (dietary fibers, especially pectin), bioactive substances (carotenoids and polyphenols), variety in the diet and improvement in the organoleptic properties and digestibility of (mixed) foods. This study first aimed to review concepts applicable to nutritional constituents and caloric contents of Amazonian fruits. It also attempted to clarify the potential use of these fruits in metabolic disorders (i.e. diabetes mellitus and/or obesity). To fulfill these purposes, 12 fruits were chosen for their dietetic significance in the Brazilian Amazonia.

Fertilization with Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in Upland Rice Cultivars in the Southern Region of Rondônia, Brazil

The upland rice productivity in the state of Rond?nia is still low, in view of the potential of culture. The use of cultivars adapted to different regions and more responsive to fertilizer employed is an essential practice which can change that. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics and productivity of two upland rice cultivars with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N-P-K) doses in two municipalities in the southern state of Rondonia region. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications in a factorial 2 × 2 × 5, with the first factor composed of two cultivars (hybrid Ecco and conventional farming AN Cambará), the second factor, the environment of the two municipalities, Cerejeiras and Vilhena and the third factor of five doses of N-P-K (0-0-0, 30-40-30, 60-60-60, 90-90-90 and 120-100-120 kg·ha-1). The characteristics evaluated were: tillering, number of integers and sterile grains per panicle, weight of 1000 grains, grain yield (kg·ha-1) and whole grain yield. There was no triple interaction between the three factors for any of the traits. The hybrid Ecco has higher tillering ability than AN Cambara and presents fewer sterile grains per panicle, heavier 1000 grains and hence greater productivity. For both cultivars, the highest yields are obtained with a dose of 120-100-120 kg·ha-1 N-P-K. For the Ecco, the productivity is achieved with this dose and the dose of 90-90-90 kg·ha-1 is statistically similar. There is no difference in productivity between the municipalities when the dose of N-P-K is less than 60-60-60 kg·ha-1. The highest yield of whole grains in function of N-P-K fertilization is obtained in Cerejeiras.

Recycling process and proto-kimberlite melt metasomatism in the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary beneath the Amazonian Craton recorded by garnet xenocrysts and mantle xenoliths from the Carolina kimberlite

Here we present new data on the major and trace element compositions of silicate and oxide minerals from mantle xenoliths brought to the surface by the Carolina kimberlite,Pimenta Bueno Kimberlitic Field,which is located on the southwestern border of the Amazonian Craton.We also present Sr-Nd isotopic data of garnet xenocrysts and whole-rocks from the Carolina kimberlite.Mantle xenoliths are mainly clinopyroxenites and garnetites.Some of the clinopyroxenites were classified as GPP–PP–PKP(garnet-phlogopite peridotite,phlogopite-peridotite,phlogopite-K-richterite peridotite)suites,and two clinopyroxenites(eclogites)and two garnetites are relicts of an ancient subducted slab.Temperature and pressure estimates yield 855–1102℃ and 3.6–7.0 GPa,respectively.Clinopyroxenes are enriched in light rare earth elements(LREE)(La_(N)/Yb_(N)=5–62;Ce_(N)/Sm_(N)=1–3;where N=primitive mantle normalized values),they have high Ca/Al ratios(10–410),low to medium Ti/Eu ratios(742–2840),and low Zr/Hf ratios(13–26),which suggest they were formed by metasomatic reactions with CO_(2)-rich silicate melts.Phlogopite with high TiO_(2)(>2.0 wt.%),Al_(2)O_(3)(>12.0 wt.%),and FeOt(5.0–13.0 wt.%)resemble those found in the groundmass of kimberlites,lamproites and lamprophyres.Conversely,phlogopite with low TiO_(2)(<1.0 wt.%)and lower Al_(2)O_(3)(<12.0 wt.%)are similar to those present in GPP-PP-PKP,and in MARID(mica-amphibole-rutile-ilmenite-diopside)and PIC(phlogopite-ilmenite-clinopyorxene)xenoliths.The GPP-PP-PKP suite of xenoliths,together with the clinopyroxene and phlogopite major and trace element signatures suggests that an intense proto-kimberlite melt metasomatism occurred in the deep cratonic lithosphere beneath the Amazonian Craton.The Sr-Nd isotopic ratios of pyrope xenocrysts(G3,G9 and G11)from the Carolina kimberlite are characterized by high ^(143)Nd/^(144)Nd(0.51287–0.51371)and eNd(+4.55 to+20.85)accompanied with enriched ^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr(0.70405–0.71098).These results suggest interaction with a proto-kimberlite melt compositionally similar with worldwide kimberlites.Based on Sr-Nd whole-rock compositions,the Carolina kimberlite has affinity with Group 1 kimberlites.The Sm-Nd isochron age calculated with selected eclogitic garnets yielded an age of 291.9±5.4 Ma(2σ),which represents the cooling age after the proto-kimberlite melt metasomatism.Therefore,we propose that the lithospheric mantle beneath the Amazonian Craton records the Paleozoic subduction with the attachment of an eclogitic slab into the cratonic mantle(garnetites and eclogites);with a later metasomatic event caused by proto-kimberlite melts shortly before the Carolina kimberlite erupted.

Evaluation of the Efficiency of the Magicramp® Device for Reducing Cramps Resulting from Oncological Treatments: “Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial”

We identified that oncological treatments in general (chemotherapies, immunotherapies and radiotherapies) frequently cause peripheral neuropathy, including cramps, characterized by excess protons due to metabolic and neuronal factors, such as sudden changes in pH, uremia and aspects that affect neuromotor functions. Such situations and others like them are often neglected in treatment, which naturally concerns itself with the main problem: Cancer. Sometimes toxic solutions are implemented that have comorbid side effects, such as duloxetine (standard treatment). Based on monitoring of cancer patients who used the non-toxic product, called “Magicramp® Electrostatic Charge Reduction Cushion” (MECRC), approved in Europe more than 10 years ago, we carried out a controlled test in Brazil. In this clinical trial, we hypothesized that reducing excessive ionic charges (electrostatic charge), which is one of the side effects often described in the literature as “Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy” (CIPN), would decrease or eliminate cramping, under the hypothesis that such elimination would prevent or attenuate muscular vulnerability to action impulses, and increase the power of relaxation through the same mechanism. In this double-blind and randomized clinical trial, 40 (forty) adult patients with muscle cramps caused by oncological treatments were tested, evaluating the degree of efficiency of the product that aims to reduce muscle cramps, by eliminating and/or reducing excess loads electrostatic ionic. Data from the clinical research conducted in this study are available online at https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/QUS94U.

Antecedent Precipitation Index to Estimate Soil Moisture and Correlate as a Triggering Process in the Occurrence of Landslides

Landslides are highly dangerous phenomena that occur in different parts of the world and pose significant threats to human populations. Intense rainfall events are the main triggering process for landslides in urbanized slope regions, especially those considered high-risk areas. Various other factors contribute to the process;thus, it is essential to analyze the causes of such incidents in all possible ways. Soil moisture plays a critical role in the Earth’s surface-atmosphere interaction systems;hence, measurements and their estimations are crucial for understanding all processes involved in the water balance, especially those related to landslides. Soil moisture can be estimated from in-situ measurements using different sensors and techniques, satellite remote sensing, hydrological modeling, and indicators to index moisture conditions. Antecedent soil moisture can significantly impact runoff for the same rainfall event in a watershed. The Antecedent Precipitation Index (API) or “retained rainfall,” along with the antecedent moisture condition from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, is generally applied to estimate runoff in watersheds where data is limited or unavailable. This work aims to explore API in estimating soil moisture and establish thresholds based on landslide occurrences. The estimated soil moisture will be compared and calibrated using measurements obtained through multisensor capacitance probes installed in a high-risk area located in the mountainous region of Campos do Jordão municipality, São Paulo, Brazil. The API used in the calculation has been modified, where the recession coefficient depends on air temperature variability as well as the climatological mean temperature, which can be considered as losses in the water balance due to evapotranspiration. Once the API is calibrated, it will be used to extrapolate to the entire watershed and consequently estimate soil moisture. By utilizing recorded mass movements and comparing them with API and soil moisture, it will be possible to determine thresholds, thus enabling anticipation of landslide occurrences.

Functional Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (F-RYGB), with Preservation of Duodenal Access: Report of Two Revisional Cases of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Objective: This case report aimed to demonstrate a possible neuromuscular effect of Latarjet nerves transection or truncal vagotomy, in association with sleeve gastrectomy plus antrojejunostomy, in order to reproduce a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) mechanistic principles, in patients with previous Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) who had had weight regain, with or without concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most frequently performed bariatric operations worldwide. Nevertheless, weight regain and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been consistently demonstrated, in association with this technique, which may require a revisional procedure. RYGB is an option in such a situation but, implies in gastrointestinal exclusions, which represents a shortcoming of this revision. Surpassing this inconvenient would be of great value for the patients. Methods: We describe herein two cases of SG revision for weight regain and GERD, with a follow-up of one year. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was evaluated by validated questionnaire, upper endoscopy, seriography, high resolution manometry (HRM) and impedance pHmetry (I-pHmetry), in the pre and postoperative periods. A re-Sleeve Gastrectomy with antrojejunal anastomosis was done in both cases, after informed consents. The Latarjet nerves were transected in one case, due to a bleeding in the left gastric vessels and a truncal vagotomy was required in the other, to appropriately treat an associated hiatal hernia. Results: In the postoperative evaluation it was observed a pyloric spasm in both cases, during seriography and endoscopy, kept until the one-year follow-up. There was unidirectional contrast flow to the gastrointestinal anastomosis, filling the jejunal limb, in radiologic contrast study. No contrast passed through the pylorus. Nonetheless, the duodenum was kept endoscopically accessible. In the one-year evaluation, weight loss was adequate and GERD resolution was obtained in both cases, confirmed by endoscopic and functional esophageal assessment, together with symptoms questionnaire. Conclusion: The association of Latarjet nerves sectioning or truncal vagotomy with re-sleeve gastrectomy plus gastrointestinal anastomosis (antrojejunal), in a revision for a failed sleeve, can represent a technical approach, to reproduce RYGB results, without exclusions and with duodenum endoscopic accessibility maintenance. It maybe could be applied for primary surgeries. Additional studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

Assembly structures of coastal woody species of eastern South America:Patterns and drivers

Tropical regions have provided new insights into how ecological communities are assembled.In dry coastal communities,water stress has been hypothesized to determine plant assembly structure by favoring preadapted lineages from neighboring ecosystems,consistent with functional clustering.However,it is unclear whether this hypothesis is sufficient to explain how coastal communities in tropical ecosystems are assembled.Here,we test whether water stress or other factors drive community assembly in woody plant communities across the coastal zone of Brazil,a tropical ecosystem.We characterized functional and phylogenetic structures of these communities and determined the underlying environmental factors(e.g.,water stress,historical climate stability,edaphic constraints,and habitat heterogeneity)that drive their community assembly.Assemblages of coastal woody species show geographically varied patterns,including stochastic arrangements,clustering,and overdispersion of species relative to their traits and phylogenetic relatedness.Topographic complexity,water vapor pressure,and soil nutrient availability best explained the gradient in the functional structure.Water deficit,water vapor pressure,and soil organic carbon were the best predictors of variation in phylogenetic structure.Our results support the water-stress conservatism hypothesis on functional and phylogenetic structure,as well as the effect of habitat heterogeneity on functional structure and edaphic constraints on functional and phylogenetic structure.These effects are associated with increased phenotypic and phylogenetic divergence of woody plant assemblages,which is likely mediated by abiotic filtering and niche opportunities,suggesting a complex pattern of ecological assembly.

Plant growth and metabolism of exotic and native Crotalaria species for mine land rehabilitation in the Amazon

Despite its enormous benefits,mining is respon-sible for intense changes to vegetation and soil properties.Thus,after extraction,it is necessary to rehabilitate the mined areas,creating better conditions for the establishment of plant species which is challenging.This study evaluated mineral and organic fertilization on the growth,and carbon and nitrogen(N)metabolism of two Crotalaria species[Cro-talaria spectabilis(exotic species)and Crotalaria maypu-rensis(native species from Carajás Mineral Province(CMP)]established on a waste pile from an iron mine in CMP.A control(without fertilizer application)and six fertilization mixtures were tested(i=NPK;ii=NPK+micronutrients;iii=NPK+micronutrients+organic compost;iv=PK;v=PK+micronutrients;vi=PK+micronutrients+organic compost).Fertilization contributed to increased growth of both species,and treatments with NPK and micronutrients had the best results(up to 257%cf.controls),while organic fertilization did not show differences.Exotic Crotalaria had a greater number of nodules,higher nodule dry mass,chlorophyll a and b contents and showed free ammonium as the predominant N form,reflecting greater increments in biomass compared to native species.Although having lower growth,the use of this native species in the rehabilitation of mining areas should be considered,mainly because it has good development and meets current government legislation as an opportunity to restore local biodiversity.

Progress in Organ Bioprinting for Regenerative Medicine

Organ damage or failure arising from injury,disease,and aging poses challenges due to the body’s limited regenerative capabilities.Organ transplantation presents the issues of donor shortages and immune rejection risks,necessitating innovative solutions.The three-dimensional(3D)bioprinting of organs on demand offers promise in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.In this review,we explore the state-of-the-art bioprinting technologies,with a focus on bioink and cell type selections.We follow with discussions on advances in the bioprinting of solid organs,such as the heart,liver,kidney,and pancreas,highlighting the importance of vascularization and cell integration.Finally,we provide insights into key challenges and future directions in the context of the clinical translation of bioprinted organs and their large-scale production.

Ex-Patients with COVID-19: Observations after Healing and Its Consequences*

During the SARS-Cov-2 or COVID-19 clinical course pandemic of the coronavirus family, we observed symptoms of the respiratory tract, fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. The most common symptoms were loss of smell and taste and, when aggravated, it could develop into pneumonia and even death. We selected 40 former COVID-19 patients, who answered a questionnaire with questions about the symptoms and complications after they were cured and which symptoms remained or appeared after the total isolation quarantine for a specific time. Among the answers, the most cited was about “forgetting”. Another observation noted was the number of cases in children, which surprised us, considering that, at the beginning of the pandemic, the danger was more related to the elderly population and those with comorbidities.

Agroecosystems, Landscapes and Knowledge of Family Farmers from AramaçáIsland, Upper Solimões Region, Amazon

The family farmer’s knowledge about floodplains agroecosystems dynamics is part of agrobiodiversity conservation cognitive strategies. This is because the conservation in floodplains is conditioned by the ecophysiological adaptation to the period and flood gradient of the agricultural lands and by the transformations promoted in the environment by the waters pulse. The aim of this study was to understand the cognitive strategies expressed in the organized meaning of agroecosystems by local knowledge, related to the geomorphological dynamics of the Arama&#231;á Island, Amazonas, Brazil. In this research, the Case Study and Ethnoecology were adopted as approach, taking the systemic complexity paradigm as a theoretical framework. To do so, it was necessary to establish a dialogue with the local knowledge through multitemporal analyses of satellite images, historical series of hydrological data, as well as cartographic documents of the locality. The floodplains amphibian mark, as a living organism in permanent autopoietic process, seems to be imprinted in the family farmer’s knowledge. In order to live in the floodplains and of floodplains, it is necessary, above all, to develop a cognitive ability capable of understanding not only the rivers action on the lands, but also that of the lands on the rivers as well. Therefore, the geomorphological dynamics in the spaces managed by the family farmers impose on them, risks and uncertainties, demanding from them strategies that allow knowing and dealing with this complexity.

Highway Infrastructure, Protected Areas, and Orchid Bee Distribution and Conservation in the Brazilian Amazon

Scientists regularly lament that development and habitat destruction in once isolated and distant areas are promoting species extinction before species can even be known by science. In the Brazilian Amazon, the government’s Plan for Growth Acceleration in part involves major improvements and expansion of highways. Such infrastructure has long been linked to the main causes of deforestation in this region. It is essential for scientists to assess where to target bio-diversity collections in relation to the location of road development and existing protected areas. The objective of this study was to amass all of the records of occurrence of orchid bees in digital form, in order to obtain a spatial picture of our knowledge thus far and to make recommendations about priority areas for future collections and the role of protected areas in species conservation. The collection data used for this study come from various collection efforts, and were also gathered from the literature. The collection data were then imported into a Geographic Information System, making it possible to integrate other spatial data layers such as highways, conservation units, indigenous lands and forest cover. Results show a major need for collections along the BR 163 and BR 230 highways, heavily deforested areas with few conservation units. We suggest the creation of conservation units and recommend that abandoned areas be allowed to remain fallow as a way to help save additional biodiversity in the area of influence of these two main highways.

孔雀鱼(Poecilia Reticulata)的生态

广泛分布在特立尼达自然水体中的孔雀鱼,因捕食压力形成不同的鱼类群落,这些群落通常离散分布,彼此间被瀑布隔离。一般下游是捕食压力高的群落,上游是捕食压力低的群落。这种分布模式在很多河流中都存在。在每一条河流中,孔雀鱼种群都存在生活史、行为、形态学和生理学的差异。在低捕食压力群落中对生活史、行为、形态学和生理学的选择因素是高种群密度及其相关因素。

从人胚胎干细胞畸胎瘤中有效获取间充质干细胞和神经前体细胞(英文)

通过人胚胎干细胞(human embryonic stem cells,hESC)体外分化方法和畸胎瘤形成可以分化获得多种成体细胞.但目前尚不清楚是否可以从 hESCs 畸胎瘤中分离某些特异性细胞.通过体外筛选方法,有效地从 hESCs 畸胎瘤中分离出神经前体细胞(neural progenitor cells,NPCs)和间充质干细胞(mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs).这种 hESCs 畸胎瘤来源的 NPCs 和MSCs 与体内神经前体细胞和间充质干细胞有着相似的分子标记和特性,并具有进一步的分化潜能——分别可以诱导成为神经元、神经胶质细胞、脂肪细胞和骨骼细胞等.根据人胚胎干细胞畸胎瘤中含有不同分化阶段的外胚层、中胚层和内胚层的组织或细胞,认为人胚胎干细胞畸胎瘤可以作为另一个细胞来源以获取多种(包括人胚胎干细胞体外分化难以得到的)各种前体 / 干细胞和终末分化细胞.

Effect of artesunate supplementation on bacterial translocation and dysbiosis of gut microbiota in rats with liver cirrhosis

AIM: To evaluate the effect of artesunate(AS) supplementation on bacterial translocation(BT) and gut microbiota in a rat model of liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control group(N), a liver cirrhosis group(M) and a liver cirrhosis group intervened with AS(MA). Each group was sampled at 4, 6 and 8 wk. Liver cirrhosis was induced by injection of carbon tetrachloride(CCl4), intragastric administration of 10% ethanol, and feeding a high fat diet. Rats in the MA group were intragastrically administered with AS(25 mg/kg body weight, once daily). Injuries of the liver and intestinal mucosa were assessed by hematoxylineosin or Masson's trichrome staining. Liver index was calculated as a ratio of the organ weight(g) to body weight(g). The gut microbiota was examined by automated ribosomal intergenic-spacer analysis of fecal DNA. BT was assessed by standard microbiological techniques in the blood, mesenteric lymph nodes(MLNs), liver, spleen, and kidney. RESULTS: Compared to group N, the body weight was reduced significantly in groups M and MA due to the development of liver cirrhosis over the period of 8 wk. The body weight was higher in group MA than in group M. The liver indices were significantly elevated at 4, 6 and 8 wk in groups M and MA compared to group N. AS supplementation partially decreased the liver indices in group MA. Marked histopathologic changes in the liver and small intestinal mucosa in group M were observed, which were alleviated in group MA. Levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly elevated at 8 wk in ileal homogenates in group M compared to group N, which were decreased after AS supplementation in group MA. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota indicated by the mean diversity(Shannon index) and mean similarity(Sorenson index) was severe as the liver cirrhosis developed, and AS supplementation had an apparent intervention effect on the dysbiosis of gut microbiota at 4 wk. The occurrence of BT was increased in the liver of group M compared to that of group N. AS supplementation reduced BT in group MA at 8 wk. BT also occurred in the MLNs, spleen, and kidney, which was reduced by AS supplementation. BT was not detected in the blood in any group.CONCLUSION: Dysbiosis of gut microbiota, injury of intestinal mucosal barrier and BT occurred as liver cirrhosis progressed, which might enhance inflammation and aggravate liver injury. AS may have other nonantimalarial effects that modulate gut microbiota,inhibit BT and alleviate inflammation, resulting in a reduction in CCl4, alcohol and high fat-caused damages to the liver and intestine.

Pork Meat Quality of Preto Alentejano and Commercial Largewhite Landrace Cross

This work aimed to evaluate the physical-chemical characteristics of pork from a local breed （Portuguese black pork called Preto Alentejano） and a commercial breed. Sixteen animals were used, 4 females and 4 males from each breed. Animals had 80-100 kg of live weight. The longissimus muscle between the 5th thoracic vertebra and the 10th lumbar vertebra was used in the analysis. Samples were analysed for protein, fat, pigments, ashes, dry mater, water-holding capacity, and texture. Results of fat and pigments contents indicate signiifcant （P〈0.05 and P〈0.01） differences for all treatments. For protein, ashes, dry mater, water-holding capacity and texture, no signiifcant differences were found for sex. In the analysis of fatty acids composition, ten were detected, being the main ones C16：0, C18：0, C16：1, C18：1, C18：2. There was a predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids （MUFA）, followed by saturated （SFA） and polyunsaturated （PUFA）. Differences were signiifcant for sex （P〈0.01） and breed （P〈0.01）. Preto Alentejano breed and females presented the higher percentages of SFA （P〈0.01） and MUFA （P〈0.001） fatty acids. Differences between breeds might be due to breed production system and feed differences.

Menopause and cognitive impairment:A narrative review of current knowledge

A severe impairment of cognitive function characterizes dementia.Mild cognitive impairment represents a transition between normal cognition and dementia.The frequency of cognitive changes is higher in women than in men.Based on this fact,hormonal factors likely contribute to cognitive decline.In this sense,cognitive complaints are more common near menopause,a phase marked by a decrease in hormone levels,especially estrogen.Additionally,a tendency toward worsened cognitive performance has been reported in women during menopause.Vasomotor symptoms(hot flashes,sweating,and dizziness),vaginal dryness,irritability and forgetfulness are common and associated with a progressive decrease in ovarian function and a subsequent reduction in the serum estrogen concentration.Hormone therapy(HT),based on estrogen with or without progestogen,is the treatment of choice to relieve menopausal symptoms.The studies conducted to date have reported conflicting results regarding the effects of HT on cognition.This article reviews the main aspects of menopause and cognition,including the neuroprotective role of estrogen and the relationship between menopausal symptoms and cognitive function.We present and discuss the findings of the central observational and interventional studies on HT and cognition.