This study tested the hypothesis that cocoa monoculture (MS) and cocoa-açai agroforestry systems (AFS) may influence the microbial community structure and populations of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR). Accordingly, the aim was to analyze the microbial community structure and PGPR populations in different agroecosystems in the Brazilian Amazon. To achieve this, the rhizosphere microbial community of cocoa and açai plants in both Amazonian seasons (dry and rainy) was analyzed using culture-dependent (PGPR screening) and -independent methods [PCR-DGGE based on rrs, alp, nifH gene, and intergenic region (ITS) of fungi]. Concerning PGPR screening, out of 48 isolated bacterial strains, 25% were capable of siderophore production, 29% of mineralized organic phosphate, 8% of inorganic phosphate solubilization, and 4% of indole acetic acid production. Moreover, 17% of isolates could inhibit the growth of various phytopathogenic fungi. Statistical analyses of DGGE fingerprints (p < 0.05) showed that bacterial and fungal community structures in the rhizosphere were influenced by the seasons, supporting the results of the physicochemical analysis of the environment. Furthermore, as hypothesized, microbial communities differed statistically when comparing the MS and AFS. These findings provide important insights into the influence of climate and cultivation systems on soil microbial communities to guide the development of sustainable agricultural practices.

Background/Objectives: Serological and molecular screening for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been essential in reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infection, particularly in regions of high endemicity. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile and laboratory outcomes of 259 blood donors deemed ineligible after initial reactive or inconclusive screening for HBV markers. Methods: Donors were summoned for revaluation at the HEMOPA Foundation, in Belém, Pará, between February 2015 and July 2016. Demographic data, risk factors, and results for HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and HBV DNA obtained at the donation and return time points were collected. Results: The mean age was 37 ± 11.25 years, with a predominance of males (56.8%) and first-time donors (76%). At the return time point, 63.7% presented a profile indicative of resolved HBV infection and 3.5% of active infection, 6.6% were susceptible to HBV infection, and 1.9% presented vaccine-induced HBV immunity. Cases of Occult Hepatitis B Infection (OBI, 0.4%) and Window Period (WP, 0.4%) were also identified. Conclusions: The findings reveal a high prevalence of resolved HBV infection among ineligible donors, particularly first-time donors, and reinforce the importance of combined serological and molecular screening, as well as the need for vaccination and health education strategies for at-risk populations. As a public blood bank located in the Amazon region, we highlight that local epidemiological specificities must be considered in the formulation of public health policies that are sensitive to the regional context.

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects postural and motor development, causing limitations in family dynamics, and changing the routine and well-being of the patient and those who assist them. The intense demand placed on care can lead to overload and the triggering of psychological disorders. Thus, based on an extension project (PIBEX) at the Federal University of Pará, the present work sought to determine the levels of overload, anxiety and depression in caregivers of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy assisted at a reference center for child rehabilitation in the Amazon. 93 caregivers, divided into two groups, participated in the study: 29 formal and 64 informal. After collecting socioeconomic information, assessments of anxiety, depression and burden were applied using the GAD-7, PHQ-9 and Zarit Burden Scale, respectively. The data obtained revealed that the symptoms of the evaluated disorders were present at low-intensity levels in both groups. Several factors such as “conformism”, religiosity and length of care may justify the reduction of these symptoms. The nature of the place where the study was carried out may be directly related to the absence of higher levels of anxiety, depression and overload in caregivers since the development of extension and educational practices is differential. However, even under conditions conducive to minimizing the harmful effects associated with this function, it does not mean caregivers are out of risk. This points to the need to carry out studies to quantify the impact of educational practices on caregivers' mental health.

Publicado em 05 de abril de 2023. O conhecimento biológico nunca é completo quando o organismo é estudado isoladamente. É preciso compreender as relações entre os organismos e seu ambiente. Assim, a Ecologia surgiu para possibilitar um conhecimento mais aprofundado sobre a estrutura e o funcionamento da natureza, considerando também que a humanidade faz parte dela. A palavra “ecologia” deriva do grego oikos, que significa “casa”, e logos, que significa “estudo”, sendo literalmente o estudo da “vida em casa”, ou seja, a vida na Terra. A Ecologia é uma Ciência transdisciplinar por excelência e a discussão de temáticas ecológicas vem tomando cada vez mais espaço, sendo fundamental para a criação de políticas públicas que busquem o equilíbrio entre a natureza e o desenvolvimento econômico, social e tecnológico. Esta obra “Ecologia: entre a Ciência e a ideologia de uma época” é um pequeno compilado de pesquisas científicas desenvolvidas no Brasil. O primeiro capítulo apresenta uma investigação sobre a influência de formas de flores de Senna rugosa (Fabaceae) na atração de polinizadores. O segundo capítulo mostra-nos uma pesquisa sobre florivoria, ou seja, danos às flores ou botões florais. Neste estudo, os autores sugerem que a forma das pétalas de Senna rugosa influencia na atração de florívoros e trazem contribuições para a compreensão dos critérios de escolha e dos atrativos florais utilizados por esses antagonistas durante o forrageamento. Já o terceiro capítulo é dedicado para o entendimento da relação entre consumo de frutos e dispersão de sementes por aves, sendo um processo fundamental para a propagação e manutenção de espécies vegetais nos ecossistemas. E para encerrar este livro, os autores do último capítulo, em uma abordagem microbiológica, apresentam um estudo de identificação de bactérias em jalecos utilizados por professores e estudantes em aulas práticas de manipulação de amostras biológicas, averiguando o perfil de sensibilidade destes microrganismos a antimicrobianos. Por fim, agradecemos aos autores dos capítulos pela escolha da Atena Editora. De fato, a Ecologia é uma ciência fascinante, dinâmica e aplicada. Desejamos a todos uma ótima leitura! Vanessa da Fontoura Custódio Monteiro Pedro Henrique Abreu Moura

The Conocarpus erectus L, known as “button mangrove”, is a plant with great ethnopharmacological applicability in diabetes, gastric ulcer, and diarrhea, widely used as a single treatment, or associated with allopathy. Using a preclinical model, the present work evaluated possible alterations in the hematological and biochemical tests of Wistar rats after consumption of lyophilized C. erectus L. tea for 40 days, at the dose traditionally used for digestive disorders. Exposure in repeated doses could not promote significant changes in body mass and routine hematological/biochemical parameters evaluated. Studies with these characteristics promote a greater understanding of the use of traditional medicine, the possible interactions on diagnostic laboratory parameters, and the impact on patient follow-up.