Area Of Northeastern Brazil Research Articles

Risk factors for the occurrence of schistosomiasis mansoni in a quilombola community in an endemic area in northeastern Brazil

Objective: To identify the risk factors related to Schistosomiasis mansoni in a quilombola community located in a highly endemic area in the Northeast of Brazil. Methods: This is an ecological epidemiological study conducted with 497 individuals, of both sexes aged over 4 years. Information on sociodemographic, economic, and environmental data from the quilombola community of Patioba was collected through a questionnaire, stored in an Excel database, and evaluated by descriptive statistics. Results: From the sample, 53.92% were women and 46.08% men, approximately 43.25% of the population had incomplete elementary education, 58.35% had a family income between 1 and 3 minimum wages, 49.89% disposed sewage in the street, 95.97% stated they had household garbage collection, 88.93% reported consuming well water, 65.19% reported having contact with natural waters, 26.15% had undergone diagnostic testing for schistosomiasis, and 15.69% had tested positive for the disease. During the visits, several snail breeding sites were observed. Conclusion: The absence of water supply and sewage treatment, the low socioeconomic status of the studied families, and the significant presence of the parasite's intermediate hosts in the streets of the settlement are strong indicators that this population is exposed to the risk of contracting the disease.

Spatial and temporal patterns of floating litter in shallow habitats: Insights from high-tourism tropical areas in Northeastern Brazil

We investigated the composition, quantity, distribution and potential sources of floating litter in the subtidal zones of tropical beaches. Marine sampling sites were selected based on the presence (protected/sheltered) or absence (non-protected) of reefs. Plastic was the most abundant material, and the presence of floating litter from land-based sources was confirmed, which was likely associated with domestic and tourism-related activities, owing to irregular waste disposal. Marine debris was more abundant during the rainy season, and marine beaches had more floating litter than estuarine beaches. Coastal reefs served as a barrier, impeding the transport of marine litter by coastal currents, explaining the greater abundance of floating litter on protected/sheltered marine beaches. Thus, three mechanisms seemed to drive the amount of floating litter in the subtidal zone of the tropical beaches: 1) the availability of floating litter in the water, 2) coastal hydrodynamics favoring the accumulation of floating litter, and 3) a beach’s capacity to retain floating litter. Our study demonstrates that marine litter is an important pollution source in sensitive areas that play a key role as nurseries for marine life, especially in beaches close to reef formations.

The impact of immune recovery and treatment duration on disseminated histoplasmosis consolidation therapy in AIDS patients

IntroductionThe present study investigated the impact of immune recovery and the duration of antifungal adherence in the consolidation phase of disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients living in a hyperendemic area in northeastern Brazil. Material and MethodsSixty-nine patients with DH/AIDS, admitted to the São José Hospital between 2010 and 2015, who continued histoplasmosis consolidation therapy at the outpatient clinic were studied. The follow-up duration was at least 24 months. ResultsSixty-eight patients used itraconazole 200–400 mg/day or amphotericin B deoxycholate weekly during the consolidation phase, and six patients relapsed during follow-up. The overall median duration of consolidation antifungal use was 250 days [IQR 101 - 372]. Antifungal withdrawal by medical decision occurred in 41 patients (70.7 %) after a median of 293 days [IQR 128 - 372] of use; 16 patients discontinued by their own decision, with a median of 106 days [IQR 37 - 244] of therapy; three patients had no information available, and nine continued on AF therapy. The median CD4+ T-cell count in the group without relapse was 248 cells/µL [IQR 115–355] within 6 months after admission; conversely, in the relapse group, the median cell count remained below 100 cells/µL. Irregular adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was the leading risk factor associated with relapse and death (p< 0.01). DiscussionThe regular use of HAART, combined with immune recovery, proved to be highly effective in preventing relapses in DH/AIDS patients, suggesting that long-term antifungal therapy may not be necessary.

Assessment of potential human health, radiological and ecological risks around mining areas in northeastern Brazil.

Mining is responsible for the release of metallic pollutants and radioactive materials into the environment, which have the potential to disrupt ecosystems and pose significant risks to human health. Significant mining activity is concentrated in the municipality of Caetité (northeastern Brazil), where Latin America's only active uranium mine and significant iron ore deposits are located. Although previous studies have shown that the regional soil and water resources are highly contaminated by various toxic elements and that exposure to these elements is known to have adverse effects on human health, the health risks in this mining region have never been assessed. The aim of this unprecedented comprehensive investigation was to assess the health, radiological and ecological risks in this mining region, which is home to nearly 100,000 people. To achieve our goal, soil and water samples were collected in the vicinity of the mines and in the main settlements in the region. Fifteen metallic toxic elements were determined using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. The HERisk code, which follows the main methodological guidelines for risk assessment, was used to quantify human health, radiological and ecological indices. The average values of the total risk and cancer risk indices indicated that region falls into the moderate risk category (1.0 ≤ HItot < 4.0). However, 63% of the sites had high risk values, with Fe, Co and As being the metals contributing most to total and cancer risk, respectively. Near the mining areas, the potential ecological risk can be considered extreme (PERI ≥ 600). The values of the calculated radiological indices correspond to typical values ​​in natural uranium areas. However, in the communities near the mine, the dose values are slightly above the permissible limit (1 mSv y-1), so they must be continuously monitored, and risk mitigation measures must be taken.

Histoplasmosis in non-immunosuppressed patients from an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil.

Differently from immunocompromised patients, very little information is available in the literature regarding the clinical presentation, epidemiology, and outcomes of histoplasmosis in non-immunosuppressed individuals living in endemic areas. This retrospective case series study was carried out by reviewing the medical records of non-immunocompromised patients with histoplasmosis, residents in a hyperendemic area in northeastern Brazil, between 2011 and 2022. Thirty HIV-negative patients were identified with histoplasmosis, and 19 cases met the inclusion criteria: three had acute, five subacute and one chronic pulmonary forms; two with mediastinal picture and eight had disseminated disease (two with severe symptoms). The median age of our sample was 32.7 years old [interquartile range: 24-45]. Most of the patients were male (male-to-female ratio=15:4) and resided in the state capital (n=9). The majority had a previous history of exposure to well-known risk factors for Histoplasma infection. Pulmonary nodules were observed in all subacute form, two patients (acute and subacute forms) were initially treated empirically for pulmonary tuberculosis; one death was registered in the subacute form. The chronic pulmonary form of histoplasmosis was diagnosed in one patient only after the symptoms persisted despite specific treatment. The primary clinical manifestations of the moderate form of DH were enlarged lymph nodes, with histopathology being the main diagnostic method. The cases were detected as isolated occurrences and not as an outbreak, suggesting that exposure to Histoplasma can be more widespread than presumed. Despite the self-limiting nature of the disease, death can occur even in previously heathy patients.

Knowledge and practices on lymphatic filariasis in patients with filarial morbidity in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil

BackgroundLymphatic filariasis (LF) is a stigmatizing and debilitating disease that represents a significant global public health challenge. Information regarding the knowledge and practices of individuals with filarial morbidities is limited, and this understanding is crucial for the implementation of effective control strategies. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and practices of individuals with filarial morbidity residing in two intervention areas of the Elimination Program in the city of Olinda, Brazil.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with residents who reported filarial morbidity in 2010, four years after the start of mass drug administration, in the intervention areas of the LF Elimination Program in the city of Olinda, Brazil. The knowledge and practices of patients with reported filarial morbidity in an endemic area were scrutinized using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect pertinent information. Data were analyzed utilizing the R language version 3.6.1.ResultsFilarial morbidity was reported in 338 patients. Dermatolymphangioadenitis emerged as the most frequently reported clinical form (50.9%). Mosquito bites were the most commonly cited form of transmission, accounting for 296 cases (87.6%). Approximately 80% (266) confirmed the adoption of prevention measures. Participants reported that the treatment involved the administration of medication. The existence of a cure for parasitosis was indicated by 212 subjects (62.7%).ConclusionsIndividuals with reported filarial morbidity exhibit varying levels of conceptions, knowledge, and practices regarding the disease, despite residing in an endemic area and receiving consistent visits from family health teams. Health services must identify shortcomings in this approach to minimize disparities, thereby enabling health education to effectively contribute to disease control and elimination in the municipality.

Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture in the Semi-Arid: A Case Study of Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Gender inequality affects agricultural production and rural households’ capacity to build climate resilience, especially in developing countries. However, empirical research on promoting women’s empowerment in the face of environmental threats is limited, particularly in areas vulnerable to the impact of climate change, such as semi-arid regions. This study identifies factors promoting women’s empowerment in semi-arid regions and the mechanisms behind them. This mixed-methods case study was conducted in a semi-arid area in Northeastern Brazil, utilizing household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus groups. Results show that accessing targeted credit lines and extension services was significantly associated with empowerment. The qualitative findings suggest that adopting participatory mechanisms in policymaking and utilizing feminist pedagogy and popular education in the intervention delivery process was crucial to achieving women’s empowerment in the study area. HIGHLIGHTS Climate change increases risks for rural livelihoods, highlighting the need for resilience. Women’s empowerment is key to bolstering agriculture’s resilience in semi-arid regions, such as northeastern Brazil. Participatory approaches in policy design are crucial for women's empowerment success. Inclusion of feminist pedagogy in interventions enhances rural women’s empowerment.

Filarial Nematodes in Dogs from the Northeast Region of Brazil.

Medical and veterinary filarial nematodes are transmitted by blood-feeding vectors. In dogs, these parasites are mainly represented by nematodes in which microfilariae dwell in the blood (Dirofilaria spp. and Acanthocheilonema spp.) or skin (Cercopithifilaria spp. and Onchocerca lupi). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these filarial infections in dogs residing in a touristic, heavily populated location in the northeastern region of Brazil. Blood samples (n = 245) were assessed by a modified Knott test, followed by a qualitative ELISA test (SNAP® 4Dx® Plus, IDEXX Laboratory, Westbrook, Maine, USA) for the detection of antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Ehrlichia spp. and antigens of Dirofilaria immitis. Skin samples (n = 71) were microscopically examined and molecularly assessed through a PCR targeting the 12S rRNA gene. Microfilariae and antigen of D. immitis were detected simultaneously in 15 (6.1%; 95% CI = 3.7-9.8) animals. Nine animals (3.6%; 95% CI = 1.9-6.8) were D. immitis antigen positive but microfilariae negative and nine other animals (3.6%; 95% CI = 1.9-6.8) were microfilariae positive but D. immitis antigen negative. D. immitis positive dogs were found in four different municipalities. No filarioids were detected in the skin after microscopical and molecular analyses. Data from this study demonstrate that D. immitis is the main filarial nematode infecting dogs in coastal areas in northeastern Brazil. Based on the potential risk of infection in which animals are submitted, it is essential to perform tests to detect microfilariae and D. immitis antigen. Preventive measures must be adopted by using microfilaricidal compounds and anti-feeding insecticides to prevent canine infection.

Population biology of the reef crab Eriphia gonagra (Fabricius, 1781): Spatial variations and anthropogenic impacts in the Western Tropical Atlantic

The red-finger rubble crab, Eriphia gonagra, plays a fundamental ecological role in maintaining reef cover and is an important component of the reef food web. This study aimed to compare population aspects of E. gonagra in four reef areas in Northeastern Brazil and investigated the effects of anthropogenic impacts upon the community, including trampling, sewage discharge, and one of the largest oil spills in Brazilian history, which occurred in August 2019. Over the course of a year, 222 individuals of E. gonagra were examined. The oil spill impact did not affect the studied aspects of the population, but results pointed out that tourism caused a decrease in the average carapace size and maturation in Ponta Verde and Carneiros compared to less frequented areas. While the current study found no apparent impact of the oil spill on the studied aspects of the population, it underscores the ongoing need for research into the sub-lethal effects of oil spills. Continued investigation is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of potential long-term impacts and to refine our knowledge in this area. This study highlights the importance of research into the effects of human activities on benthic crustacean species in reef environments to better understand their overall health.

Factors associated with delayed diagnosis of leprosy in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to investigate the factors related to the individual and the health system that contribute to delayed diagnosis of leprosy in an endemic area in the Northeastern Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study of 120 individuals with leprosy. Demographic and clinical data and information on the factors related to the individual and the health system that contribute to delayed diagnosis of leprosy were obtained. Delayed diagnosis in months was estimated for each participant by interviews. A multivariate Poisson's regression analysis was performed between the outcome and the independent variables. The median delay in the diagnosis of leprosy was 10.5 (4.0-24.0) months. Approximately 12.6% of participants had grade 2 disability (G2D) at the time of diagnosis. In the multivariate Poisson regression analysis, males, older age, low schooling level, residing in urban areas, multibacellar or tuberculoid leprosy, not seeking healthcare immediately after symptom onset, suspected leprosy, excessive referrals, and the need for three or more consultations to confirm the diagnosis were associated with longer diagnostic delay. This study found a significant delay in the diagnosis of leprosy in Arapiraca, Northeastern Brazil, which may explain the continuously high rate of G2D among new cases. Factors related to the individual and the health system were associated with longer diagnostic delay. Interventions to raise awareness of the disease among the general population and strengthen primary health care are urgently needed.

Prevention of heartworm infection in dogs using a combination of moxidectin, imidacloprid and praziquantel: evidence from a randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a topical combination of moxidectin 3.5%, imidacloprid 10% and praziquantel 10% for the prevention of Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy, 1856) infection in dogs. For this purpose, a randomized and controlled clinical trial was conducted between August 2021 and October 2022, in the municipality of Goiana, state of Pernambuco, north-eastern Brazil, where heartworm is highly prevalent. Of the 213 dogs initially sampled (baseline), 68 (31.9%) were positive for adult antigens (SNAP 4Dx Plus, Idexx) and/or microfilariae (modified Knott's test). On day 0, 140 negative dogs were randomly included in the treatment and control groups, 70 animals each. During the study, 60 dogs (34 treated and 26 untreated) were removed for different reasons. At the end of the study (day 360 ± 2), 36 treated and 44 untreated were sampled and included in the efficacy calculation. The efficacy against the development of adults and microfilariae was 84.7%, with only one treated dog being positive for adult antigens but negative for microfilariae. On the other hand, eight untreated dogs were positive for adultantigens and/or microfilariae, resulting in a significant difference in the number of positives between groups (Chi-square test = 4.706, df = 1, P = 0.0301). Remarkably, the efficacy against the appearance of D. immitis microfilariae was 100% (i.e., all treated dogs negative) and three untreated dogs were positive for microfilariae. The topical combination of moxidectin 3.5%, imidacloprid 10% and praziquantel 10% significantly reduced the risk of D. immitis infection in treated dogs as compared with untreated dogs, in a highly endemic area in north-eastern Brazil.

Use of insect repellent as personal protection among women of childbearing age in an arbovirus endemic area in Northeastern Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os fatores associados ao uso de repelente individual por mulheres em idade fértil residentes em área endêmicas para arboviroses em Fortaleza, Brasil. Métodos: Coorte realizada entre 2018 e 2019, com mulheres entre 15 e 39 anos, moradoras em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Participaram 1.173 mulheres, usuárias de quatro unidades primárias de saúde do município. O desfecho foi categorizado em: uso continuado, uso descontinuado e não uso de repelente. Realizada análise de regressão logística multinominal norteada por modelo hierárquico, com apresentação dos respectivos odds ratio (OR) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). As variáveis independentes incluem: dados socioeconômicos e demográficos, características ambientais e sanitárias, conhecimento sobre o repelente e aspectos comportamentais e relacionados à gravidez. Resultados: Somente 28% das participantes referiram o uso de repelente durante as duas ondas da coorte. Mulheres com escolaridade superior (OR=2,55; IC95% 1,44–4,51); com emprego (OR=1,51; IC95% 1,12–2,03); que receberam orientações por profissionais da saúde (OR=1,74; IC95% 1,28–2,36) e pela mídia (OR=1,43; IC95% 1,01–2,02); que intensificaram os cuidados contra o mosquito na epidemia (OR=3,64; IC95% 2,29–5,78); estavam grávidas entre 2016 e 2019 (OR=2,80; IC95% 1,83–4,30) tiveram as chances aumentadas para uso continuado de repelente. Conclusões: O uso de repelente entre mulheres em idade fértil mostrou-se associado a um maior nível de escolaridade, ao emprego, às orientações sobre repelente fornecidas por profissionais de saúde e pela mídia, às mudanças comportamentais de cuidado contra o mosquito durante a epidemia da Zika e à gravidez quando ocorrida a partir do início do período epidêmico.

Wind power density in areas of Northeastern Brazil from Regional Climate Models for a recent past.

Investments in renewable energy sources are increasing in several countries, especially in wind energy, as a response to global climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation. Thus, it is important to evaluate the Regional Climate Models that simulate wind speed and wind power density in promising areas for this type of energy generation with the least uncertainty in recent past, which is essential for the implementation of wind farms. Therefore, this research aims to calculate the wind power density from Regional Climate Models in areas at Northeast of Brazil from 1986 to 2005. Initially, the ECMWF-ERA5 reanalysis data was validated against observed data obtained from Xavier. The results were satisfactory, showing a strong correlation in areas of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte (except during the SON season), and some differences in relation to the wind intensity registered by observed data, particularly during the JJA season. Then, the Regional Climate Models RegCM4.7, RCA4 and Remo2009 were validated against the ECMWF-ERA5 reanalysis data, with all models successfully representing the wind speed pattern, especially from December to May. Four specific areas in Northeast of Brazil were selected for further study. In these areas, the RCMs simulations were evaluated to identify the RCM with the best statistical indices and consequently the lowest associated uncertainty for each area. The selected RCMs were: RegCM4.7_HadGEM2 (northern coastal of Ceará and northern coastal of Rio Grande do Norte) and RCA4_Miroc (Borborema and Central Bahia). Finally, the wind power density was calculated from the selected RCM for each area. The northern regions of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará exhibited the highest wind power density.

Primeiro registro de Aricoris campestris (Bates, 1868) Lepidoptera: Riodinidae em pitaya no nordeste brasileiro

ABSTRACT Pitaya (Selenicereus spp.) is a tropical fruit tree belonging to the Cactaceae family, native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. Your cultivation has been considered promising due to its organoleptic characteristics and its high acceptance in the market. However, little information is available about pests associated with pitaya in northeastern Brazil. Here, we aim to communicate the identification and record of the occurrence of a pest insect in a pitaya plantation in the Caatinga. Caterpillars of this lepidopteran were collected from parts of pitaya plants, in January 2021, in the municipality of São João do Cariri, PB (7° 23'27” S, 36°31'57” W), placed in plastic containers and transported to the Invertebrates Laboratory of the Biosciences Department at the Agricultural Sciences Center of the Federal University of Paraíba, in the municipality of Areia, PB. Under laboratory conditions, the caterpillars were fed with pitaya shoots and kept in an environment with controlled conditions of temperature and humidity. When they reached the pupal stage, they were transferred to a cage and kept until the adults emerged. Identification of the adult was carried out by a specialist, by comparison with specimens from the Reference Collection of the Laboratory of Ecology and Interactions of Insects of the Caatinga (CLEIIC), belonging to the Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, PB. The lepidopteran is Aricoris campestris (Bates, 1868), belonging to the Riodinidae family, Nymphidiini tribe, which also attacks other cacti in the region and has already been recorded in other areas in northeastern Brazil.

Use of insect repellent as personal protection among women of childbearing age in an arbovirus endemic area in Northeastern Brazil.

To analyze the factors associated with the individual use of insect repellent by women of childbearing age living in area endemic for arboviruses in Fortaleza, Brazil. This is a cohort study carried out between 2018 and 2019 with women aged between 15 and 39 years in Fortaleza, state of Ceará, Brazil. A total of 1,173 women users of one of the four selected primary health care units participated in the study. The outcome was divided into: continued use, discontinued use, and nonuse of insect repellent. Crude and adjusted multinominal logistic regression analysis was carried out guided by a hierarchical model, with presentation of the respective odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The independent variables include: socioeconomic and demographic data, environmental and sanitary characteristics, knowledge of the insect repellent, and behavioral and pregnancy-related aspects. Only 28% of the participants reported using insect repellent during the two waves of the cohort. Women with higher education (OR=2.55; 95%CI 1.44-4.51); who are employed (OR=1.51; 95%CI 1.12-2.03); who received guidance from healthcare professionals (OR=1.74; 95%CI 1.28-2.36) and the media (OR=1.43; 95%CI 1.01-2.02); who intensified precautions against mosquitoes during the epidemic (OR=3.64; 95%CI 2.29-5.78); and who were pregnant between 2016 and 2019 (OR=2.80; 95%CI 1.83-4.30) had increased odds for continued use of insect repellent. The use of insect repellent among women of childbearing age was associated with a higher level of education, employment, guidance on insect repellent provided by healthcare professionals and the media, behavioral changes to protect against mosquitoes during the Zika virus epidemic, and pregnancy when occurring as of the beginning of the epidemic period.

Isotopic niches of juvenile and adult green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in feeding and nesting areas in Brazil, southwestern Atlantic Ocean

Stable isotope analysis is an approach that allows inferring feeding ecology and trophic structure of populations, especially for species that are difficult to observe in natural habitats, such as marine turtles. This study investigated the niche breadth of adult and juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) through δ15N and δ13C values in carapace scutes. During 2017 and 2018, tissues were collected from juveniles in a feeding area in southeastern Brazil (n = 60) and from adults in a nesting area in northeastern Brazil, at Fernando de Noronha (n = 21). Our results revealed no temporal variations in the isotopic values of adult green turtles and the mean δ15N values are compatible with the isotopic values of primarily herbivorous animals. In southeastern Brazil, the δ13C values and isotopic niche breadth differences observed in juvenile green turtles suggest that variations in habitat (i.e., channel between the municipalities of Ilhabela and São Sebastião - “SSC” and region comprising the other two municipalities of Ubatuba and Caraguatatuba - “CAU”, as defined in this study based on oceanographic current dynamics) can influence their isotopic niche. The isotopic values observed in juvenile green turtles demonstrated a high degree of feeding behavior plasticity and individual variability, which were possibly influenced by the dynamic of oceanographic currents and seasonal nutrient inputs. These findings help to elucidate the feeding behavior of green turtles at different life stages and the potential influence of oceanographic current dynamics in key feeding sites for juvenile green turtles.

Association between Consumption of Ultra-Processed Food and Body Composition of Adults in a Capital City of a Brazilian Region.

The present study investigates the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and anthropometric indices of body composition in adults and seniors living in Teresina, the state capital of an area in northeastern Brazil. The article seeks to address two questions: Is UPF consumption linked to worsening body composition in different age groups? Do anthropometric indicators of body composition change with the increasing consumption of UPF? The study is a cross-sectional, household, population study, carried out with 490 adults and seniors. The food consumption was obtained with a 24 h food recall, and the foods were classified using NOVA. Anthropometric indicators evaluated were waist-to-height ratio, triceps skinfold thickness, arm circumference, corrected arm muscle area, subscapular skinfold thickness, and calf circumference. The association between energy contribution of UPF with anthropometric indicators was verified with a simple and multiple linear regression analysis. Individuals aged 20 to 35 years showed a significant association between UPF consumption and skinfold thickness (ß: 0.04; CI: 0.03/0.09), demonstrating an increase in this subcutaneous body fat marker with higher UPF consumption. Moreover, in participants aged 36 to 59 years, an inverse correlation between UPF intake and muscle mass markers, arm circumference (ß: -0.02; confidence interval: -0.03/-0.01), and corrected arm muscle area (ß: -0.07; confidence interval: -0.12/-0.02) were observed. Such results suggest there is decreased muscle mass with increasing UPF consumption. This is the first study that verified an association between UPF consumption and low-cost body composition indicators in different age groups.

Floristic Inventory of an Estuarine Area in Northeastern Brazil (Ponta do Tubarão Sustainable Development Reserve)

Floristic Inventory of an Estuarine Area in Northeastern Brazil (Ponta do Tubarão Sustainable Development Reserve)

Evaluation of Strategies to Remediate Mixed Wastes at an Industrial Site in Brazil

AbstractComplex mixtures of contaminants at hazardous waste sites often pose significant challenges for remediation. For example, within the largest industrial area in northeastern Brazil, one of the sites is contaminated with at least 26 chemicals, six of which are present in the part per million range: chlorobenzene (CB), 1,2‐dichlorobenzene (1,2‐DCB), 4‐nitrotoluene (4‐NT), 2,6‐dinitrotoluene (2,6‐DNT), 4‐isopropylaniline (4‐IPA), and 1,2‐dichloroethane (1,2‐DCA). Other chemicals of concern include 2,4‐dinitrotoluene (2,4‐DNT), 2‐ and 3‐nitrotoluene (NT), and 1,4‐dioxane. The objective of this study was to evaluate remediation strategies that include aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation, along with chemical reduction and oxidation. In microcosms prepared with site soil and groundwater, aerobic biodegradation of CB, 1,2‐DCB, 2‐NT, 3‐NT, and 4‐NT was demonstrated, while the dinitrotoluene isomers, 1,2‐DCA, and 1,4‐dioxane were recalcitrant. 2,6‐DNT, 2,4‐DNT, and 4‐NT were readily reduced to amino‐toluenes under anaerobic conditions by microbes with lactate serving as the electron donor or using zero valent iron. Amino‐toluenes were amenable to chemical oxidation and/or aerobic biodegradation. This suggests a sequential treatment strategy may be the most effective remediation approach, consisting of aerobic biodegradation, followed by anaerobic reduction (abiotic or biotic) and then aerobic biodegradation and/or chemical oxidation. This approach was the most effective in a continuous flow column experiment using site soil. Batch tests with mixtures of contaminants as well as groundwater exposed to chemical oxidation revealed modest to no inhibitory effects. While these mixtures may slow the rate of biodegradation, a remediation strategy that incorporates aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation is achievable.

Space-time risk clusters of Covid-19 in a tourism area in the northeastern Brazil: an epidemiological overview after two years of pandemic

The world is facing a serious viral infection caused by the new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. We aimed to evaluate and map the high-risk clusters of COVID-19 in the State of Alagoas, a touristic area in northeastern Brazil, after two years of pandemic by a population-based ecological study, using COVID-19 cases reported in the State of Alagoas, between March, 2020 and April, 2022. We performed a descriptive and statistical analysis of epidemiological data. We then map high-risk areas for COVID-19, using spatial analysis, considering the incidence rate by municipality. 297,972 positive cases were registered; 56.9% were female and 42.7% aged between 20 and 39 years old. Men (OR = 1.59) and older than 60 years old (OR = 29.64) had a higher risk of death, while the highest incidence rates of the disease occurred in the metropolitan region. Our data demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 in the State of Alagoas, through the two years of pandemic. Although the number of cases were greater among women and young adults, the chance of death was greater among men and older adults. High-risk clusters of the disease initially occur in metropolitan cities and tourist areas. KEY WORDS: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; spatial analysis; Brazil.