Corrigendum to “Easy Access to Biomedicine and Knowledge about Medicinal Plants: A Case Study in a Semiarid Region of Brazil”

The aim of the present study was to test a pellet formulation of Monacrosporium thaumasium in a sodium alginate matrix in the biological control of goat gastrointestinal helminthiasis in a semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. An area of 2.4 ha was divided into three paddocks, with seven goats kept on each paddock, during the months of March to August 2011: group 1 received 3 g/10 kg live weight of M. thaumasium pellets (NF34a) twice a week; group 2 was given 0.2 mg/kg of 0.2 % moxidectin orally every 30 days; and group 3 received 3 g/10 kg live weight of pellets without fungus twice per week. Each month, two tracer goats was placed in each group for 30 days and then killed and necropsied. The M. thaumasium group showed a 34 % reduction in eggs per gram, higher packed cell volume rates and a lower parasitic load in the tracers compared with the other groups. The 0.2 % moxidectin group had weight gain of 5.7 kg; the M. thaumasium group, 3.6 kg; and the control group had an average reduction in weight of 1.1 kg. The use of M. thaumasium pellets may be effective as an alternative method to control goat gastrointestinal helminthiasis in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil.

BackgroundThe concept of eco-cultural health considers the dynamic interaction between humans and ecosystems, emphasizing the implications of the health of the ecosystem for the health and well-being of human populations. Ethnobotanical studies focusing on folk medicine and medicinal plants can contribute to the field of eco-cultural health if they incorporate the perspective and local knowledge of communities. We investigated the local health practices in three rural communities living within the vicinity of a protected area of sustainable use in a semi-arid region of Brazil. We analyzed the opinions of local health experts on the elements that influence human health and on how the environment contributes to this influence. We also analyzed and compared the local knowledge of medicinal plants, as knowledge of this type is an important factor when considering the interaction between environmental and human health.MethodsWe performed structured interviews and free-listings with 66 local health experts. We used content analysis to systematize the elements of the influences on human health. We compared the richness of the plants cited among communities and analyzed the differences among the three communities regarding the ways in which the plants were obtained and the environments in which plants were collected.ResultsThe local experts identified several influences of the environment on human health. These influences can be associated with ecosystem services, such as climatic conditions, water and air quality, recreation and medicinal and food resources. We identified 192 medicinal plant species, most of which were gathered from wild ecosystems. The most important environments for the three communities were the plateau mountain and backyards.ConclusionsThe informants had a broad and integrated view of health, perceiving the importance of conserving the environment within the National Forest of Araripe for the health and well-being of the local populations.

Oilseeds from five native plant species with edible potential from the Brazilian Caatinga semi-arid region (Diplopterys pubipetala, Barnebya harleyi, Croton adamantinus, Hippocratea volubilis, and Couroupita guianensis) were investigated regarding their mineral contents. The minerals, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Cr, Al, were analyzed by high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (HR–CS AAS) and P by the vanadomolybdophosphoric acid colorimetric method. K, Mg, and P were the main elements found (1.62–3.7 mg/g, 362–586 µg/g, and 224–499 µg/g dry weight (dw), respectively). B. harley seeds contained the highest amounts of K and P, while C. guianensis seeds were the richest in Mg. Fe was the most abundant oligoelement (2.3–25.6 µg/g dw). Cr contents were below the limit of quantification for all samples and Al amounts were low: 0.04–1.80 µg/g dw. A linear discriminant analysis clearly differentiated B. harleyi and C. guianensis samples from the remaining ones. In sum, these oilseeds from the Brazilian Caatinga semi-arid region seem to have the potential to be used as natural sources of minerals, mainly K.

We aimed to evaluate how proximity to urban areas interferes with the relationship between socioeconomic variables and various aspects of medicinal plant knowledge. The study was conducted in six communities of the Catimbau National Park (PARNA Catimbau) in the state of Pernambuco. Eighty participants were interviewed. The communities were divided into two groups according to their distance from the nearest urban center. Socioeconomic data and information on medicinal plants were collected through semistructured interviews. Subsequently, generalized linear models were generated to verify the influence of the interaction between the variables on medicinal knowledge. We observed that proximity to the urban center influenced the relationship between the level of education and the knowledge of body systems treated by medicinal plants. We concluded that environmental variables can generate a differentiated effect on the influence of socioeconomic factors on one's knowledge of medicinal plants.

Stressors of various nature impact fish reproduction from the physiological to the behavioural levels. Seasonal changes such as drought and pluvial (rainfall) variations have a profound effect on reproduction of semiarid tropical fishes. In the semiarid tropical region of Brazil the factors that influence fish reproduction are changes in rainfall regimes and drought. These environmental changes can either stimulate or inhibit reproduction in fishes. Information on these fundamental variables on reproduction can help management and conservation of tropical fishes. Information on fish reproduction also is an important factor for understanding the freshwater ecosystems of the semiarid region. This paper is a narrative review on the effects caused by rainfall and drought on reproduction of some cichlids and an annual fish from the semiarid region of Brazil. During the breeding period cichlid fishes demonstrate aggressive behavior and dominant fishes often get priority of access to territories and mates. On the other hand, the annual fishes have rapid growth and gonadal development to complete their life cycle within a short span of time. Fishes which are subjected to varying pluvial pressures have characteristic life history patterns.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of irrigation levels and bio-stimulant doses on the production and post-harvest of the yellow melon variety Gladial F1, during different periods of the year. Theoretical Framework: Irrigation management combined with the use of bio-stimulants has been employed in various agricultural crops to enhance their agronomic performance. Thus, its application may represent a promising alternative for melon cultivation in semiarid regions of northeastern Brazil. Method: The experimental design used was randomized complete blocks with sub-subdivided plots. The main plots corresponded to four irrigation levels, the subplots to five doses of the bio-stimulant Stimulate, and the sub-subplots to different cultivation periods. The evaluated variables included total and commercial yield, average fruit weight, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, pulp firmness, and water use efficiency. Results and Discussion: Bio-stimulant doses of 2.4 and 0.6 L ha-1 resulted in higher total and commercial yields, with 17.59 and 16.47 t ha-1 during the warm period and 10.21 and 9.65 t ha-1 during the cold period, respectively. The dose of 4.8 L ha-1 provided greater pulp firmness, with values of 15.43% and 12.20% for the warm and cold periods, respectively. Research Implications: The results reinforce that the adoption of new technologies, combined with more efficient irrigation management, contributes to greater sustainability in melon cultivation in the Brazilian Semiarid region. Originality/Value: The use of bio-stimulants in conjunction with precision irrigation enhances water use efficiency in melon production, reducing the consumption of this precious natural resource in the Semiarid region of Brazil.

Moisture, temperature and respiration of two soil classes under pasture and tropical dry forest in the semiarid Brazilian region

Cerambycidae is one of the largest families of Coleoptera, with approximately 38,000 species described. Knowledge of Cerambycidae fauna in Brazil has increased in the last 50 years, but some regions, such as the Brazilian semi-arid region, remain relatively unexplored. An updated checklist of Cerambycidae from that region, based on previously published works, checklists, and catalogs, and the study of 331 specimens of 72 species, 58 genera, 26 tribes, and three subfamilies deposited in the collection of the Zoology Museum of the Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana is provided. This list has 633 species, 303 genera, 58 tribes, of four subfamilies of Cerambycidae from 75 municipalities in nine states in the Brazilian semi-arid region. A map illustrating the distribution of the Cerambycidae species in the semi-arid region is also provided. Four new species are described: Eburodacrys boteroi sp. nov. and Coccoderus costae sp. nov. (Cerambycinae); and Aerenicopsis joseferreirai sp. nov. and Pseudomecas mourai sp. nov. (Lamiinae). The new species are included in an identification key to the respective genus. Furthermore, Antodice kyra Martins & Galileo, 1998 is new record from the Bahia State; Chevrolatella tripunctata (Chevrolat, 1862) is a new record to Brazilian semi-arid region; Colobothea rubroornata Zajciw, 1962 is a new record from Bahia State and Brazilian semi-arid region, and Odontocera bilobata Zajciw, 1965 is a new record from the Bahia State and Brazilian semi-arid region. It is evident that some regions in the Brazilian semi-arid region are poorly sampled and new inventory studies must be carried out.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To analyze the temporal trend of the double burden of malnutrition in the Brazilian semi-arid and non-semi-arid regions, and to assess its spatial distribution in the Brazilian semi-arid region among children aged 5 to 9 years, between 2008 and 2022.METHODS Ecological time-series study based on public reports, using macrodata of body mass index-for-age and height-for-age from the Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional (SISVAN – Brazilian Food and Nutritional Surveillance System). For temporal analysis of the prevalence of wasting, overweight, stunting, undernutrition, and the double burden of malnutrition in the semi-arid and non-semi-arid regions, Prais-Winsten regression models were used to estimate the annual percentage change (APC%) between 2008 and 2022. To evaluate spatial distribution in the Brazilian semi-arid region, maps showing the temporal evolution of the prevalence of overweight, undernutrition, and the double burden of malnutrition were constructed.RESULTS Between 2008 and 2022, 48.7 million children aged 5 to 9 years were registered in SISVAN-Web for body mass index-for-age and height-for-age indices. Approximately 28.1% of these lived in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition in the semi-arid region exceeded 20%, with an increasing trend among children aged 7 to 9 years (APC = 0.61%; p < 0.05). Overweight showed a rising trend, while undernutrition decreased across all strata except among the Indigenous population, which remained stable (APC = −1.12%; p > 0.05). APCs in the semi-arid region were higher than in the non-semi-arid region.CONCLUSION The study highlights a high prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition in the Brazilian semi-arid region, especially among children aged 7 to 9 years. Therefore, it is crucial to promote health actions and malnutrition prevention, strengthening existing policies and prioritizing the most vulnerable populations.

Phytogenic additives are organic molecules that also improve ruminal fermentation, turning the supplemented individuals into more productive animals, without damage the population welfare. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of mesquite (Prosopis juliflora [Sw.] DC.) extract as phytogenic additive for sheep finished on pasture in the Brazilian Northeast semiarid region. Twenty-four intact lambs (Santa Ines × Dorper F1 crossbred) were used, with an initial body weight of 23.00 ± 1.83 kg. The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized design with four treatments and six replicates. Treatments consisted of four diets: Pasture and no supplementation; grazing pasture and phytogenic additive; pasture, supplementation with Tifton 85 hay, and concentrate; and pasture, phytogenic additive, and supplementation with Tifton 85 hay and concentrate. Prior to supplementation, animals received the phytogenic additive according to treatment. There were nonsignificant differences for nutrient intake and behavior patterns (P > 0.05). However, additive intake derived from mesquite provided an increase (P < 0.05) in digestibility (14.40% total digestible nutrients), N balance (27.12% retained N:ingested N) and performance (8.82% final body weight, 21.81% total weight gain, and 30.81% average daily gain) compared to animals consuming only pasture in rainy period. Thus, the use of mesquite extract as phytogenic additive is recommended for sheep finished on pasture in the Brazilian semiarid region.

The death of wild vertebrates run over by motor vehicles on highways is one of the main causes of the loss of wildlife diversity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity of wild fauna in roadkill incidents on a stretch of highway in the semiarid region of Brazil. The survey was conducted between March 2020 and May 2021 through active searches using a motorcycle. Killed vertebrates were analyzed and photographed in situ. Wild fauna was studied based on ecological descriptors, speed of movement and average rate of roadkill incidents. We compared total observed richness to that expected using nonparametric estimators. A total of 464 road-killed vertebrates were represented by two species of amphibians, 17 reptiles, 17 birds and 10 mammals. Amphibians were the most affected, totaling 245 individuals. Colubridae was the family with the largest number of species affected. Boiruna sertaneja and Boa constrictor were the only medium-size to large snakes killed. Herpailurus yagouaroundi and Leopardus tigrinus are respectively categorized as “least concern” and “vulnerable” according to the IUCN. The species accumulation curves continued to rise, showing no sign of approaching to an asymptote. Chao 2 and Jack 2 were the main estimators for road-killed wild vertebrates considering total richness. The diversity reported here is considered to be underestimated and greater monthly sampling efforts are required. Conservation strategies are urgently needed for the protection of wild vertebrate fauna to mitigate the staggering loss of biodiversity caused by the construction and operation of roads and highways in Brazil.

The phenology of tree species in environments that are subject to strong climatic seasonality is mainly determined by water availability, which may vary as a function of wood density. The relationship among phenology, water potential, wood density and the capacity of water storage in the stem were determined for woody species of caatinga vegetation (dry forest) in the semiarid region of NE Brazil. Leaf flush and fall, flowering and fruiting events were recorded over a 31-month period, and the water potential was measured over a two-year period. These data were related to precipitation, water availability in the soil and photoperiod. Seven deciduous species exhibited low wood density (DLWD, <0.5 g cm−3), high capacity of water storage in the stem (until 250 % of the dry weight) and high water potential during the year, as opposed to 15 deciduous species that showed high wood density (DHWD, ≥0.5 g cm−3). Leaf flush, flowering and the fruiting of DHWD species were related to precipitation, whereas these phenological events occurred at the end of the dry season and/or the beginning of the rainy season for DLWD species and were related to the photoperiod. The two evergreen species showed variations of water potential that were intermediate between those of DHWD and DLWD deciduous species, leaf flush during the dry season and flowering at the end of dry season. These results suggest the existence of three functional groups: evergreen species, DHWD deciduous species and DLWD deciduous species.

BackgroundAt least 511 species of birds occur in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil and many of them interact with human populations in a number of different ways, including their use in zootherapeutics and their links with local beliefs.ObjectiveThe present work examined these types of birds/human interactions (use in zootherapeutics and their links with local beliefs) in the semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte State in northeastern Brazil.MethodsInformation was obtained through semi-structured interviews with 120 local residents.ResultsA total of 16 wild bird species distributed among 11 families were found to interact directly with humans, with Columbidae being the best represented family. Seven species were identified in the medicinal category, five were related to symbolic aspects, while four species were identified as being related to both categories (medicinal and symbolic).ConclusionThe accumulated folk knowledge, beliefs, and practices involving the avifauna in the semiarid region of Brazil, whether symbolic or medicinal, demonstrated the cultural importance of this vertebrate group to local human populations and revealed a belief system intrinsically related to cynegetic practices in the region.Portuguese abstractIntroduçãoNo semiárido do Brasil ocorrem 511 espécies de aves, algumas das quais interagem frequentemente com as populações humanas locais de diferentes formas, incluindo o uso como zooterápico e a inserção em crenças.ObjetivoEsta pesquisa registrou as aves diretamente associadas a essas formas de interação (o uso como zooterápico e a inserção em crenças) na região semiárida do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Nordeste do Brasil.MétodosAs informações foram obtidas através de entrevistas semiestruturadas aplicadas a 120 moradores locais.ResultadosForam registradas 16 espécies de aves silvestres distribuídas em 11 famílias, sendo Columbidae a que apresentou o maior número de representantes. Sete espécies foram indicadas apenas na categoria medicinal, cinco espécies apenas relacionadas a aspectos simbólicos e quatro foram indicadas como relacionadas a ambas as categorias (medicinal e simbólica).ConclusãoOs conhecimentos, crenças e práticas relacionadas à avifauna no semiárido brasileiro, seja no aspecto simbólico ou medicinal, demonstra a importância cultural que esse grupo de vertebrados representa para as populações locais, revelando um sistema de crenças que está intrinsicamente relacionado às práticas cinegéticas na região.

A micrometeorological experiment was conducted over grasslands in a semi-arid region of north-eastern Brazil (São João, Pernambuco) from January to December 2011, using the Bowen ratio energy balance method, to improve the current understanding of energy partitioning and water vapour exchange over this ecosystem in this region. The objectives of the present study were to quantify the seasonal and diurnal variations in energy and water vapour exchanges over grasslands and understand the biotic and abiotic factors controlling the energy partitioning of this ecosystem. In the dry period, the low stored soil water limited the grass production and leaf area index, and as a consequence of these conditions, most of the annual net radiation (58%) was consumed in sensible heat flux. During the course of the study the evaporative fraction was linearly related to the leaf area index. The total annual evapotranspiration and its daily maximum were 543.8 mm and 3.14 mm d-1. The seasonal and diurnal variations in energy partitioning and evapotranspiration were controlled by soil water availability and leaf area index.

Litterfall has a strong influence on biodiversity and on the chemical and physical characteristics of the soil. Its production can be quite variable over time and space, and can be influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. We evaluated litterfall production and its relationship with rainfall, species richness, and the densities of the arboreal vegetation. Thirty litter traps were constructed with 1.0 m2 nylon mesh (1.0 mm) and randomly installed within a 2000 m × 500 m area of arboreal/shrub Caatinga (dryland) vegetation. Litter samples were collected monthly from November/2010 to June/2012, and the collected material was classified, dried, and weighted. Species richness and tree densities were determined by conducting phytosociological surveys in 20 m × 20 m plots surrounding each of the litter traps. The litterfall accumulation rate was 3.673 Mgha-1yr-1, similar to values from other seasonally dry tropical forests. Litterfall production was continuous, and principally accompanied the rainfall rate, but with a time interval of 2 to 3 months, with the greatest accumulation at the beginning of the dry season and the least during the rainy season. The different fractions of materials demonstrated distinct accumulation rates, with leaves being the principal category. Litterfall production was found to be related to tree density, but no link was found to species richness. The observed temporal heterogeneity of litterfall production demonstrated a strong link between rainfall and the dynamics of nutrient cycling in the semiarid region of Brazil.