Area Of Northeastern Brazil Research Articles

PHYSICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF SAVED COWPEA SEEDS USED IN THE BRAZILIAN SEMI-ARID REGION

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the physical and physiological attributes of saved cowpea seeds (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) used in the Brazilian semi-arid area and compared them with certified seed varieties. The study tested 37 saved seed samples from the state of Rio Grande do Norte and two varieties of certified seeds (“BRS Guariba” and “BRS Pujante”) from the production field of Embrapa Products and Market, Petrolina, PE, Brazil. The seeds were tested for moisture, hectoliter weight, weight of 1,000 seeds, and physical purity to evaluate the physical quality. Germination, first germination count, field emergence, emergence rate index, shoot dry mass, and accelerated aging were tested for physiological quality. The saved cowpea seeds showed great differences, suggesting the influence of genetic variability and different growing environments. The use of saved cowpea seeds by small farmers in the semi-arid areas of Northeastern Brazil is impractical, because these seeds have inferior physical and physiological qualities compared to certified cowpea seeds.

Aboveground carbon stock in a restored neotropical mangrove: influence of management and brachyuran crab assemblage

Mangrove forests are important sinks of atmospheric carbon, and the internal deposits and fluxes of organic matter can reflect how these ecosystems respond to disturbances and environmental changes. Data on carbon content of mangrove forests vary geographically due to differences in abiotic (climate, geomorphic settings, tides) and biotic (diversity, herbivory, bioturbation) conditions. Mangroves have been degraded worldwide and ecological restoration is an alternative to recover these ecosystems and their functionality. However, although growing and biomass after disturbances have been addressed, studies on the recovery of faunal groups are rare. The brachyuran crab assemblage is strongly integrated to carbon recycling and ecosystem functioning, since propagule consumption and fossorial activity can affect the diversity and biomass of mangroves. We assessed the aboveground biomass and carbon stock of differently managed mangrove areas in northeastern Brazil, after being deforested for shrimp culture and then abandoned, and compared data with other forests worldwide. After a decade, the area restored with Rhizophora mangle showed higher carbon stock than the self-recovered forest and similar amount as an older forest. We discuss the applied rehabilitation measures regarding the effects of management and brachyuran crabs on forest aboveground carbon storage. The effects of herbivory and bioturbation of brachyurans on the low recruitment of Laguncularia racemosa propagules, contributed to higher biomass levels in the restored forest through reinforcing the predominance of R. mangle, which stocks more aboveground carbon with respect to Laguncularia. This suggests that the particularities of target tree species and brachyuran assemblage need to be considered in mangrove restoration, since they are related to function recovering and carbon cycling in the ecosystem.

Aspects of reproductive biology of curimba Prochilodus lacustris (Pisces, Prochilodontidae) in a tropical lake in Northeastern Brazil

This study evaluated the annual cycle of biological reproductive aspects of Prochilodus lacustris, a neotropical fish species, in Baixada Maranhense Protection Area in northeastern Brazil. Fish were collected monthly between June of 2015 and June of 2016 using gill nets. In the laboratory, 600 individuals were weighed, measured, and eviscerated to obtain biometric data and data for the microscopic and macroscopic analyses of the maturation stages of the gonads. These analyses allowed the determination of the reproductive period using biological indicators such as the gonadosomatic index and hepatosomatic index, condition factor, stomach repletion index, and spawning season. Abiotic variables were measured in situ during the samplig: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and electrical conductivity. In addition, local rainfall data was also obtained. The results showed that the total body length of individuals varied from 151 to 211 mm in males, and from 142 to 239 mm in females. The sex ratio showed a predominance of females over males, and the species showed negative allometric growth. The annual variation of reproductive indicators and the frequency of individuals in advanced stages of gonadal maturation suggest that the reproductive cycle of the species occurs between November and January, with a reproductive peak in January. This reproductive peak coincides with the beginning of the region's rainy season. Although we did not do the fertility analysis, our results suggest that the species presents partitioned spawning. In conclusion, this results demonstrates that the reproduction of the investigated specie is influenced by associations between environmental variables on a seasonal scale and can be contribute to improve the understanding of the dynamics of the physiological reproductive process in lentic environments.

Termite assemblages (Blattaria, Isoptera) in two montane forest (Brejo de Altitude) areas in northeastern Brazil

Abstract: Wet enclaves of montane forests in Caatinga domain, locally known as "Brejos de Altitude", are associated with plateau at altitudes greater than 500 m a.s.l. and to orographic rainfall. Termite assemblage structures were studied in two areas of montane forest (Brejo de Altitude) located in the municipalities of Bezerros and São Vicente Ferrer, Pernambuco State, Brazil. Sampling was performed in 65 x 2 m transects, totaling 300 m2/per area; the densities of nests in each area were estimated using six 1300 m2 plots. A total of 35 morphospecies were recorded that belonged to 21 genera and three families, with 133 encounters. The soil-feeders feeding group predominated, followed by wood-feeders species. A total of five species constructing conspicuous nest were recorded in the two areas. The mean density of active conspicuous nests was 2.6 ± 6.3 nests/ha (mean ± sd) in Bezerros, and 21.8 ± 21.4 nests/ha in São Vicente Ferrer. Termite richness in the study areas were within the amplitude ranges recorded in other montane forests. Thus, the results presented here, combined with data from literature, reinforce need additional studies of the termite fauna in montane forest areas, once the "Brejos" are currently under high ecological pressure and their preservation is urgent.

Field performance of a low cost, simple-to-build, non-motorized light-emitting diode (LED) trap for capturing adult Anopheles mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

In this paper, a non-powered trap equipped with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) designed for capturing small night-flying insects was field-evaluated for sampling anopheline mosquitoes. This new light trap, referred to as the Silva trap, was compared with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) miniature light trap in a livestock area in northeastern Brazil. Light traps were operated from 18:00 to 06:00 between July and August 2018, over a 12-night period. A total of 3124 specimens and eight species were collected. Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) argyritarsis was the prevalent species, followed by A. (Nys) triannulatus s.l., A. (Nys) goeldii, A. (Nys) evansae, A. (Nys) rangeli, A. (Nys) galvaoi, A. (Nys) darlingi and A. (Nys) albitarsis s.l. The total number of anopheline mosquitoes captured with the Silva trap was higher than the number of individuals captured with the CDC light trap, but no significant difference between the two trapping methods was found. Concerning the damaged specimens, the Silva trap damaged significantly less mosquitoes than the CDC light trap. According to these results, the Silva trap has acceptable performance in being an efficient tool for sampling anopheline mosquitoes, mainly in comparison with the CDC light trap. The Silva trap has a number of advantages over other trapping devices that collect questing mosquitoes and these advantages are pointed out and discussed.

Neotectonics in the South American passive margin: Evidence of Late Quaternary uplifting in the northern Paraiba Basin (NE Brazil)

The relief evolution of several areas of northeastern Brazil has been increasingly related to tectonic events. This is the case for the Paraíba Basin, where an abundance of faults and folds were recorded in Neogene and even Late Pleistocene-Holocene deposits. We tested whether dome-like morphologies in the northern sector of this basin, where geological exposures are scarce, were also formed by tectonic deformation. The work combined limited geological data with qualitative and quantitative analyses of the relief applying the 1 arc-second digital elevation model provided by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. The geomorphic indices of basin asymmetry factor (AF), swath topographic profiles, enhanced transverse hypsometry index (THi*) and normalized river long-profiles were used for validating a neotectonic origin for the dome-like morphologies. This interpretation was also supported by other morphological evidence of the dome relief, including: recurving channels featured in radial to recurved trellis patterns; tectonically-controlled drainage sub-basins; high relative relief values related to increased fluvial incision; and anomalous river long-profiles indicative of ungraded rivers. The domic structures were attributed to fault- and fold-related strike-slip deformation during the late Quaternary. This record supports the proposal that the South American passive margin remained under tectonic stress long after the main rifting in the late Jurassic-early Cretaceous.

MOLLUSKS ON RECRUITMENT PANELS PLACED IN AN OFFSHORE HARBOR IN TROPICAL NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Como o objetivo de contribuir para o conhecimento das comunidades marinhas incrustantes, o presente estudo analisou a variação temporal em comunidades de moluscos encontradas em placas de recrutamento trimestrais e anuais instaladas em uma região portuária no nordeste do Brasil. Um conjunto de 30 placas artificiais foi submerso entre os pilares do píer a uma profundidade aproximada de 6 m. A cada três meses, um subconjunto de 15 placas era removido para o exame da biota presente. O segundo subconjunto de 15 placas foi deixado submerso por um ano, e depois removido para análise. No mesmo dia em que as placas eram removidas, elas eram substituídas por novas placas. Doze remoções/reposições de placas foram realizadas de outubro de 2009 a novembro de 2012. Duas classes de Mollusca foram encontradas nos painéis de recrutamento: Gastropoda e Bivalvia. Trinta táxons foram encontrados nas placas trimestrais e 23 táxons nas placas anuais. Duas espécies nãonativas da costa brasileira foram encontradas: Isognomon bicolor e Eualetes tulipa. Nas placas trimestrais, a espécie mais comum e abundante foi a ostra Crassostrea brasiliana e a espécie mais abundante nas placas anuais foi o bivalve Musculus lateralis.

The effects of plastic bags presence on a macrobenthic community in a polluted estuary

The damaging effects of marine debris on wildlife are often noted through the observation of animals that ingest and/or become entangled in debris. Yet, few studies have evaluated the effects of marine litter on benthic habitats. The aim of this study was to investigate if the presence of plastic bags has any effect on benthic macrofauna in an estuary located in an urban area in North-eastern Brazil. Biogeochemical and macrofauna samples were obtained from 10 different deposition locations (location factor), under, border and distant (treatment factor) from plastic bags. The results did not show any significant alterations in the biogeochemical parameters of the sediment due to treatment effect except for summed microphytobenthic pigments. The macrobenthic community structure responded to treatment. The greatest dissimilarity (34%) was between samples that were under and distant. Effects occurred despite the high dynamics of deposition-resuspension of plastic bags and the dominance of opportunistic species. Changes in community structure are a complex result of plastic bags effects on species ecological interactions in the polluted estuarine environment, attracting deposit feeders, diminishing suspension feeders and providing mechanical protection against predation by seabirds.

Focal persistence of soil-transmitted helminthiases in impoverished areas in the State of Piaui, Northeastern Brazil.

ABSTRACTThis study aims to describe the prevalence, distribution, and factors associated with soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) in rural localities in Piaui, Brazil. Two cross-sectional surveys (n=605 subjects; 172 families) were carried out in order to obtain socio-demographic, anthropometric, spatial and parasitological data. Parasites were evaluated using Kato-Katz and centrifugal sedimentation techniques. Eggs were measured to assess infection with zoonotic Strongylida parasites. Kernel maps were constructed with Q-GIS. The prevalence of hookworm infection was 12.4% (75/605). Other helminthes found were Trichuris trichiura (n=1; 0.2%) and Hymenolepis nana (n=1; 0.2%). The hookworm positivity rate was significantly lower among subjects who had used albendazole when compared with individuals who had not used anthelmintics or had used antiprotozoal drugs in the last 6 months (8/134 [6.0%] vs. 59/415 [14.2%]; p=0.009). A total of 39/172 (22.7%) families had at least one infected member. The association between the number of dwellers and hookworm positivity in the family was present in a logistic regression multivariate model. Assessment of worm burdens showed 92.2% light, 6.2% moderate, and 1.6% heavy infections. Hookworm eggs (n=34) measured 57.2 - 75.4 µm in length and 36.4 - 44.2 µm in width (mean ± SD = 65.86 ± 4.66 µm L and 40.05 ± 1.99 µm W), commensurate with human hookworms. Hotspots suggest that transmission has a focal pattern. STHs persist in impoverished rural areas in Northeastern Brazil where currently available control strategies (mass drug administration) apparently do not allow the elimination of the infection.

Challenges of Organ Donation: Potential Donors for Transplantation in an Area of Brazil's Northeast

BackgroundNew strategies to manage the pool of potential donors are needed to increase organ donation rates. The purpose of the study was to identify the main causes of lack of organ donation and to identify the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of potential organ donors in an area of northeastern Brazil. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study between November 2015 and January 2017. ResultsA total of 150 potential donors were included in the sample. The main cause of death among potential donors was hemorrhagic stroke (35.3%). Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity (25.6%). Family member's refusal was cited as the most common reason for not performing organ donation (49.4%). Among the causes of family member's refusal, the most prevalent was declaration of non-consent in life (23%), followed by family disagreement (20.3%). ConclusionThere is clearly a need for public educational efforts with regard to organ donation. Educational advertising campaigns can help improve the authorization rate of organ donation.

Ehrlichia spp. infection in rural dogs from remote indigenous villages in north-eastern Brazil

BackgroundEhrlichia canis is a tick-borne bacterium that causes severe, life-threatening disease in dogs, being more prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries. Randomized studies conducted in Brazil indicate that the prevalence of E. canis infection in dogs ranges from 0.7% to over 50.0%. In a study conducted in northern Brazil, the prevalence was higher in dogs from urban areas, as compared to dogs from rural areas. In the present study, we investigated the exposure to Ehrlichia spp. infection in dogs from remote indigenous villages located in a rural area in north-eastern Brazil.MethodsFrom March to June 2015, 300 privately owned dogs were blood sampled and tested by a rapid ELISA and by a conventional PCR in order to detect anti-Ehrlichia spp. antibodies and E. canis DNA, respectively. Additionally, dogs were also tested for anti-Anaplasma spp. antibodies and Anaplasma platys DNA, using the same diagnostic approaches. Positivity was correlated with tick infestation and dogs’ data (gender, age and level of restriction).ResultsOverall, 212 (70.7%) dogs were positive for at least one test targeting Ehrlichia spp. In particular, 173 (57.7%) dogs were positive only by rapid ELISA, 5 (1.7%) only by PCR and 34 (11.4%) were simultaneously positive by both tests. In the same way, 39 (13.0%) dogs presented detectable E. canis DNA in their blood, whereas 18 (6.0%) dogs were A. platys DNA-positive. Coupling serological and PCR data, 63 (21.0%) dogs were simultaneously positive to Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. Positivity rates for both Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. were higher among dogs more than 1 year of age. Sick dogs were more positive to Ehrlichia spp. as compared to healthy dogs.ConclusionsDogs from rural areas in north-eastern Brazil are highly exposed to Ehrlichia spp. infection and positivity rates do not necessarily correlate with current tick infestation load, since only one infected tick bite is needed to get the infection. This reinforces the importance of keeping dogs free of ticks, in order to reduce as much as possible the risk of infection by E. canis and other tick-borne pathogens such as Babesia vogeli, which are usually co-endemic.

Study of diagnostic accuracy of Helmintex, Kato-Katz, and POC-CCA methods for diagnosing intestinal schistosomiasis in Candeal, a low intensity transmission area in northeastern Brazil.

Control initiatives have successfully reduced the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis transmission in several localities around the world. However, individuals that release low numbers of eggs in their feces may not be detected by classical methods that are limited by low sensitivity. Given that accurate estimates of prevalence are key to implementing planning control actions for the elimination of schistosomiasis, new diagnostic tools are needed to effectively monitor infections and confirm transmission interruption. The World Health Organization recommends the Kato-Katz (KK) thick smear as a parasitological test for epidemiological surveys, even though this method has been demonstrated to underestimate prevalence when egg burdens are low. The point-of-care immunodiagnostic for detecting schistosome cathodic circulating antigen (POC-CCA) method has been proposed as a more sensitive substitute for KK in prevalence estimations. An alternative diagnostic, the Helmintex (HTX) method, isolates eggs from fecal samples with the use of paramagnetic particles in a magnetic field. Here, a population-based study involving 461 individuals from Candeal, Sergipe State, Brazil, was conducted to evaluate these three methods comparatively by latent class analysis (LCA). The prevalence of schistosomiasis mansoni was determined to be 71% with POC-CCA, 40.% with HTX and 11% with KK. Most of the egg burdens of the individuals tested (70%) were < 1 epg, thereby revealing a dissociation between prevalence and intensity in this locality. Therefore, the present results confirm that the HTX method is a highly sensitive egg detection procedure and support its use as a reference method for diagnosing intestinal schistosomiasis and for comparative evaluation of other tests.

Evaluating a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen test (POC-CCA) to detect Schistosoma mansoni infections in a low endemic area in north-eastern Brazil

Schistosomiasis is still a public health problem in Brazil. The Kato-Katz test is the most frequently used diagnostic method for Schistosoma mansoni infection. However, it lacks sensitivity in areas of low prevalence. We have assessed the positivity rate of S. mansoni infection in Bananeiras, a village on Capistrano, Ceara, Brazil by performing a point-of-care test in urine to determine the circulating cathodic antigens (POC-CCA), and we compared the findings with those of the Kato-Katz technique for egg detection in stool and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for specific antibodies against adult worms (SWAP-ELISA) in serum before treatment (baseline). Additionally, the POC-CCA and Kato-Katz test results were compared at one and two years post-treatment, and only POC-CCA strips were utilised for follow-up testing on urine samples at 3–6 weeks. Only one sample of stool and urine was collected per event. Overall, 258 individuals were investigated at the baseline. The POC-CCA test detected 10 (3.9%) positive cases; however, this amount increased to 30 (11.6%) when considering trace readings as positive (t + ), whereas the Kato-Katz method found only 4 (1.6%) positive cases and the SWAP-ELISA detected 105 (40.7%) positive cases. The consistency observed between a single POC-CCA (t + ) or (t-) and the Kato-Katz (three slides) was poor (Kappa indexes <0.20). The highest positivity rate as determined by CCA and Kato-Katz was found in adults. At the baseline, a praziquantel treatment was administered to all individuals regardless of their infection status. According to the POC-CCA test, 93% of the previous positive cases became negative by the third week after the treatment; this rate reached 100% at the sixth week assessment. The follow-up showed that of the 175 individuals evaluated at one year post-treatment, only one (0.6%) showed ‘trace’ results, and all the individuals were negative for eggs in the stool. At two years, all 185 examined individuals were negative by the Kato-Katz method, and 11 (5.9%) presented traces by POC-CCA. Our results indicate that a single POC-CCA test reveals a significantly higher number of positive cases than the Kato-Katz technique for diagnosing S. mansoni in a low endemic setting, when trace results are considered as positive cases. Nevertheless, the true significance of the trace is not clear. These findings reinforce the need to associate different tools for improved schistosomiasis diagnosis in individuals with low parasite burdens.

Dynamics of natural infection by Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in dairy cattle from an enzootic instability area in Northeastern Brazil.

This study aimed to determine the dynamics of natural infection in the transmission of Babesia spp. to cattle in an enzootic instability area in Northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 30 calves located on two dairy farms to determine the packed cell volume (PCV) and the timing of the primo-infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and their association with climatic factors and management practices. On Farm A, the determination of primo-infection was observed on average at 249.4 (±24.42) days of age for B. bigemina and at 252.6 (±17.07) days of age for B. bovis; there was no significant difference between the times of infection (P> 0.05). The infection coincided with a period of high rainfall in the region. On Farm B, primo-infection infection was not observed. There was no infection by Babesia spp. on Farm B due to the intensive use of acaricides that led to an absence of ticks. There was no significant difference between the average PCV of animals from Farms A and B (P> 0.05). The management practices on the properties, in addition to the weather conditions influenced the exposure of the animals to disease vectors and may have contributed to the maintenance of this enzootic area in Northeastern Brazil.

Spatial analysis of the prevalence of schistosomiasis in an endemic coastal area in north-eastern Brazil.

Due to contact and misuse of water drainage channels, schistosomiasis has spread and become a constant concern in northeastern Brazil. The aim of this study was to monitor human cases of Schistosomiasis mansoni and the breeding areas of the snail intermediate host Biomphalaria glabrata through spatial analysis in a community named Invasão do Canal do Guaxinim, located in Barra dos Coqueiros City in an endemic coastal part of the state of Sergipe, Brazil. This research was performed as a cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted with parasitological and malacological surveys. To verify the spatial analysis, a two-year spatial point pattern analysis was performed by means of Kernel intensity estimation using TerraView software 4.2.2. A schistosomiasis prevalence reduction from 8.1% (2013) to 4.9% (2014) was observed but mild infection prevailed in adolescents and/or young adults during the two-year study. In malacological research, 387 specimens of snails of the genus B. glabrata were collected and all were negative with regard to schistosomiasis. Spatial analysis showed a strong, spatial trend of increased transmission risk areas north and south of the community, both in 2013 and 2014. In Invasão do Canal do Guaxinim itself, the increased risk was only seen in the northern part. When combined, the human and the malacological spatial analyses constituted an important methodological approach for monitoring and controlling this parasitic disease.

Bats in settlements from an atlantic forest area in northeastern Brazil

Bats are key components of ecological networks, and studies in degraded areas are especially important to understand the impact of the human settlements on bats communities. Here, we surveyed the bat fauna in Guaribas Biological Reserve, a protected area in the Atlantic Forest in Paraiba state, northeastern Brazil, and compared it with the bat fauna that occupies the nearby villages. In the villages, we recorded 650 individuals from 14 species, while 1,127 individuals from 20 species were recorded in the Reserve. Diversity estimation pointed out 19 species for the settlements, and 22 for the Reserve. A Bray-Curtis/Sorensen similarity cluster analysis informed that the Reserve areas and the villages form two distinct groups. Additionally, a Wilcox test pointed out that both areas have significantly distinct abundances and species richnesses. Only a subset of the assemblage, mainly formed by generalist or opportunist species, occupies the villages, exploring resources that are offered by human activities.

Reproduction, diet and sexual dimorphism of Gymnodactylus geckoides Spix, 1825 (Sauria: Squamata) from a Restinga area in northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACTReproduction, diet and sexual dimorphism are three crucial descriptive natural history parameters necessary to understand and recognize evolutionary processes and patterns across different taxa. The recognition of distinct patterns and how traits vary in related species/population give us a better understanding of the role environment characteristics play in the evolution and maintenance of such traits. Gymnodactylus (Phyllodactylidae) currently comprises five species widely distributed in both forested and open formations in Brazil. Gymnodactylus geckoides is mainly associated with the Caatinga domain, but also reported for the first time in a Restinga site in this study. Herein, we analysed the species’ reproduction, diet and sexual dimorphism, based on 181 specimens collected over a period of 16 months from a Restinga site in north-eastern Brazil. Reproduction was continuous and females only lay one egg per clutch, while most juvenile recruitment occurs from June through October. Gymnodactylus geckoides is a generalist feeder (Isoptera and Orthoptera the predominant prey items in its diet) and sit-and-wait forager based on dietary items and habitat use. Females are significantly larger than males and sexes can also be distinguished based on shape variables: males have higher heads and longer hindlimbs than females. We comment on the intra- and interspecific variation on these traits in comparison to related species from other biomes. Although pointed out as an important feature shaping reproductive strategies in Neotropical lizards, environment seasonality did not influence reproduction and phylogenetic inertia is proposed as one possible force explaining clutch size patterns found.

Assessment of the aerial behaviors of humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781), in coastal areas in Northeastern Brazil

The aim of this study was to analyze the aerial behaviors of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Northeastern Brazil. From July to October 2013, 113 groups, totaling 272 individuals (x̄ = 2.41; ± 1.52), were observed, including possible double counts. Groups consisting of more than three individuals showed a significantly higher level of aerial behaviors (χ² = 0.03) and a more varied aerial behavioral repertoire (χ² = 0.00) compared to smaller groups. No significant differences in aerial behaviors were found in relation to month (χ² = 0.74), the presence of calves in groups (χ² = 0.14) or depth (χ² = 0.54). Long-term studies can provide valuable information about sociality in humpback whales since their communication system is not limited to sound and can differ according to the environment.

Diversity of nonvolant mammals in a Caatinga area in northeastern Brazil

The Caatinga is an exclusively Brazilian biome that covers approximately 11% of the country and is currently vulnerable to a series of impacts. Its biodiversity is relatively poorly- known, and few data are available on most groups of fauna, hampering the reliable identification of priority areas for conservation. The present study describes the species composition and diversity of the nonvolant mammal community from the Serra das Almas Nature Reserve, an advanced outpost of the Caatinga Biosphere Reserve. Data on small mammals (rodents and marsupials) were collected using live traps. Data on medium – and large – bodied mammals were obtained through observations in the field, photographic records, specimens donated by local residents, and indirect evidences. In addition, camera traps were installed along trails and near water bodies. The analysis of 520 individual records yielded a list containing 29 species of nonvolant mammals. Estimated species richness for the study area was 21±8. The species richness recorded in the SANR represents from one-third to one-half of the nonvolant mammals found in the Caatinga, based on the most recent estimates. Keywords: inventory, camera trap, Serra das Almas, Ceara.

Giardia intestinalis infection associated with malnutrition in children living in northeastern Brazil.

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with Giardia intestinalis infection, verifying its impact on the nutritional status of children in northeastern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted to obtain parasitological, sociodemographic, and anthropometric data in two municipalities in the states of Piauí and Ceará, northeastern Brazil. Prevalence of giardiasis was 55/511 (10.8%). G. intestinalis was more frequent in people living in poverty (30/209 [14.4%], p = 0.041), performing open evacuation (26/173 [15%], p = 0.034), and drinking rainwater stored in cisterns (9/56 [16.1%], p = 0.005). The proportion of stunting and being underweight in children infected with G. intestinalis was significantly higher than that in uninfected children (5/23 [21.7%] vs. 10/179 [5.6%], p = 0.017, OR = 4.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44-15.25 and 5/23 [21.7%] vs. 13/179 [7.3%], p = 0.038, OR = 3.54, 95% CI = 1.13-11.09, respectively). Infection with G. intestinalis remained significantly associated with stunting and being underweight after adjustment for poverty, municipality, sex, and age in a logistic regression multivariate model. In rural areas in northeastern Brazil, giardiasis has acquired great public health importance in the soil-transmitted helminths control era, impacting the nutritional status of children and requiring new approaches to diagnosis and treatment and translational research that could generate applicable solutions at the community level.