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Objective Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic parasitic disease in Latin America, and its clinical picture is aggravated in coinfections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The objective of this study was to investigate clinical factors and laboratory variables associated with VL relapse and death in VL/HIV coinfected patients. Methods A prospective longitudinal study was conducted from January 2013 to July 2020 among 169 patients coinfected with VL and HIV. The outcomes investigated were the occurrence of VL relapse and death. Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney test and logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. Results The occurrence rates were 41.4% for VL relapse and 11.2% for death. Splenomegaly and adenomegaly were associated with the increased risk of VL relapse. Patients with VL relapse had higher levels of urea ( p  = .005) and creatinine ( p  < .001). Patients who died had lower red blood cell counts ( p  = .012), hemoglobin ( p  = .017) and platelets ( p  < .001). The adjusted model showed that antiretroviral therapy for more than 6 months was associated with a decrease in VL relapse, and adenomegaly was associated with an increase in VL relapse. In addition, edema, dehydration, poor general health status, and paleness were associated with an increase in hospital death. Conclusion The findings suggest that adenomegaly, antiretroviral therapy, and renal abnormalities can be associated with VL relapse, while hematological abnormalities, and clinical manifestations like paleness, and edema can be associated with an increased odds of hospital death. Trial registration number: The study was submitted to the Ethics and Research Committee of the Federal University of Maranhão (Protocol: 409.351).

Amazonia is one of the most diverse biomes worldwide, and, as well as luxuriant forest, it includes mountain areas which, despite their small surface area, display fascinating endemism. In these regions, the specificity of edaphic factors is mirrored by a highly specialised, isolated flora adapted to survive adverse conditions. The Serra dos Carajás in the Brazilian state of Pará is one of world’s largest iron ore reserves. Known locally as canga , this ironstone formation occupies an area of 115.9 km 2 , and supports campo rupestre of canga vegetation on outcrops that are mostly in the Floresta Nacional de Carajás (FLONA of Carajás) and Parque Nacional dos Campos Ferruginosos (PNCF). The recent publication of the Flora of the canga s of Carajás lists 856 species of seed plants and 186 species of ferns and lycophytes. This project assessed the canga endemic species growing in the region, and further expeditions guided by SDM were carried out in order to ascertain their distribution outisde the area. Departing from an initial list of 58 putative endemics, the final list comprises 38 species of vascular plants (c. 4% of the local flora). These are distributed in 31 genera and 22 families, including three monotypic genera: Carajasia (Rubiaceae), Monogereion and Parapiqueria (Asteraceae). From these, 24 are classified as Rare Species for Brazil and seven as Highly Restricted Endemic (EEO < 100 km 2 ). An illustrated account is provided, as well as further SDM to detect other possible areas of distribution based on the studied species. The knowledge generated is aimed at directing appropriate conservation plans for the area.

Access to drinking water is essential for life, and an adequate and constant distribution of water is necessary during the occurrence of contagious diseases and pandemic situations. Currently, COVID-19, caused by the SARS-COV-2 coronavirus, has spread throughout the world, and in Brazil, more than 5,300,000 cases and 157,000 deaths had been reported by 26th October 2020. Water is regarded as one of the most important resources in a pandemic, in order to provide the necessary sanitary conditions. Thus, the present study aims to analyse changes in hygiene behaviour in relation to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and the impact on water consumption before and during the pandemic. The survey was conducted using a questionnaire, which was delivered online to 149 participants between June and July 2020. The results pointed to changes in hygiene behaviour, with a consequent effect on water consumption.

The aim of this study was to compare cases of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) with and without HIV in a state in northeastern Brazil. We performed a comparative study in the state's referral hospital for infectious/parasitic diseases located in Northeast Brazil between January 2007 and July 2017. The data obtained using this protocol were analyzed with SPSS. In total, 252 patients were evaluated, including 126 with coincident VL/HIV and 126 with VL alone. Both groups primarily consisted of male patients. The most commonly affected ages were 30-39 years in the coinfected group and 19-29 years in the VL group (p < 0.001). Fever and anorexia (p = 0.001), which were more common in those with VL alone, were frequently observed, while diarrhea, vomiting, bleeding and dyspnea were more common in patients with VL/HIV coinfection (p<0.005). According to the hemogram results, leukocyte levels were lower in the VL group (p < 0.0001). Additionally, AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels differed between the groups, with higher levels in patients with VL (p < 0.001). On average, HIV was diagnosed 2.6 years before VL (p < 0.001), and VL relapse was observed only in the coinfection group (36.5% of cases). Fever (β = +0.17; p = 0.032) in the first VL/HIV episode was identified as a risk factor for relapse (R2 = 0.18). More deaths occurred in the VL/HIV group (11.1%) than in the VL group (2.4%). VL/HIV was found to be prevalent among young adults, although the median patient age was higher in the VL/HIV group. The classic symptomatology of VL was more common in patients not coinfected with HIV; therefore, attention is needed in patients with HIV who present with any symptoms that suggest the presence of VL, especially in endemic areas. No cases of VL relapse occurred in patients without HIV, and death was more common in the VL/HIV co-infected group.

The Araguaian river dolphin Inia araguaiaensis), or Araguaian boto, is the only cetacean species endemic to Brazil, and is restricted to the Araguaia-Tocantins River system. The species was described in 2014 by Hrbek and colleagues, who analyzed samples from two extremes of the Inia distribution. Despite the molecular and osteological evidence presented in the study, the Committee on Taxonomy of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (2017) questioned the species-level designation of Inia araguaiaensis. However, most South American scientists support its classification as a distinct species. Reflecting this consensus, the Brazilian government, where the species exclusively occurs, recognizes its taxonomic status and classifies it as \"Vulnerable to Extinction\". The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List acknowledges the existence of Inia araguaiaensis but currently provides a conservation status (\"Endangered\") only for Inia geoffrensis. Inia araguaiaensis fonns groups of up to 20 individuals, with an average of five, and primarily preyslon fish. Major threats to the species include overfishing, bycatch, illegal hunting, habitat degradation and loss, obstruction of river corridors by hydroelectric dams, and contamination from organochlorines and heavy metals.

This study aimed to evaluate the addition of açaí, beetroot, and hibiscus flour on the sensory characteristics of a buffalo whey-based cocoa beverage and, second, to consider if health and sustainability claims could enhance consumer acceptance and purchase intention for the buffalo whey-based cocoa beverage. In this sense, five treatments were elaborated; BCC, the control with a commercial beverage formulation; BCE, the experimental control; BFA, with the addition of açaí flour; BFB, with added beetroot flour; and BFH, with the addition of hibiscus flour. The experiment was divided into two stages: In the first, the beverages were submitted to sensory analyses of acceptance (nine-point hedonic scale), purchase intention and just-about-right (five points), and check-all-that-apply (CATA). In the second stage, the beverages with the highest and lowest acceptance rates were taken, and they were subjected to the effect of sustainability and health information on consumer acceptance, purchase intention, and the CATA test using terms referring to emotions and feelings. The addition of flours decreased the beverage acceptance rate compared to the BCC treatment. The treatments were penalized in aroma and sweet taste. There was no effect on the type of information received by the consumer. Probably, the addition of high cocoa percentages can negatively affect the acceptance of products, as well as the use of flour with bitter flavors, due to the greater acceptance of sweeter products.

Amazonia is one of the most diverse biomes worldwide, and, as well as luxuriant forest, it includes mountain areas which, despite their small surface area, display fascinating endemism. In these regions, the specificity of edaphic factors is mirrored by a highly specialised, isolated flora adapted to survive adverse conditions. The Serra dos Carajas in the Brazilian state of Para is one of world's largest iron ore reserves. Known locally as canga, this ironstone formation occupies an area of 115.9 [km.sup.2], and supports campo rupestre of canga vegetation on outcrops that are mostly in the Floresta Nacional de Carajas (FLONA of Carajas) and Parque Nacional dos Campos Ferruginosos (PNCF). The recent publication of the Flora of the cangas of Carajas lists 856 species of seed plants and 186 species of ferns and lycophytes. This project assessed the canga endemic species growing in the region, and further expeditions guided by SDM were carried out in order to ascertain their distribution outisde the area. Departing from an initial list of 58 putative endemics, the final list comprises 38 species of vascular plants (c. 4% of the local flora). These are distributed in 31 genera and 22 families, including three monotypic genera: Carajasia (Rubiaceae), Monogereion and Parapiqueria (Asteraceae). From these, 24 are classified as Rare Species for Brazil and seven as Highly Restricted Endemic (EEO< 100 [km.sup.2]). An illustrated account is provided, as well as further SDM to detect other possible areas of distribution based on the studied species. The knowledge generated is aimed at directing appropriate conservation plans for the area.

Background The case of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection was reported in Spain first in 1985, and coincidence of these diseases has also been confirmed in more than 35 countries. Methodology We performed a comparative study in the state s reference hospital for infectious/parasitic diseases, which treats adults with HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), between January 2007 and July 2017. The data obtained using this protocol were analyzed using SPSS. Principal findings In total, 163 patients were evaluated in this study, including 126 patients with coincident VL/HIV and 37 patients with VL alone. Both groups consisted primarily of male patients. The most commonly affected age group was 30 39 years (p < 0.001). Fever (p < 0.001) and hair loss (p = 0.007), which were more common in patients with VL alone, were more common. On hemogram, segmented neutrophils (p < 0.0001) were found to be more in the VL/HIV group than in the VL alone group. Additionally, AST and ALT levels differed between the groups (p < 0.001). On average, HIV was diagnosed 2.6 years before VL (p < 0.001). VL relapse was observed only in the co-infection group (36.5% of cases). Fever ( = +0.17; p = 0.032) in the first VL/HIV episode was identified as a risk factor for relapse (R2 = 0.18). The death rate of co-infected patients was 11.1%. Conclusion/Significance VL/HIV was prevalent among young adults, whereas the median patient age was higher in the VL group. The classic symptomatology of VL was more common in patients not co-infected with HIV, but attention is needed regarding the presence of fever in the first episode of VL as a risk factor for relapse in co-infected patients. No cases of VL relapse occurred in patients without HIV.