Caatinga Biome Research Articles

Advertisement call variation is related to environmental and geographic distances in two anuran species inhabiting highland forests in northeastern Brazil

AbstractHighlands are of paramount importance to the study of evolution as they are frequently implicated in historical and ecological processes that generate and maintain biological diversity. In northeastern Brazil, sparse rainforest remnants located in highlands north of the São Francisco River are surrounded by the dry and open landscape of the Caatinga biome. Earlier studies suggested that these forests were historical refuges to the rainforest fauna and flora during Pleistocene's climatic cycles. However, it is still unclear whether populations in distinct highlands experienced phenotypic differentiation as a result of adaptation to environmental conditions of each forest remnant. Herein, we used two frog species widely distributed and ecologically different, Dendropsophus oliveirai, a habitat specialist, and Physalaemus cuvieri, a habitat generalist, to investigate the relationships between environmental variation, geographic, genetic, and body size distance with advertisement call variation among populations inhabiting different highlands. Our results indicated that acoustic variation among P. cuvieri populations is strongly influenced by environmental variation, but also by the geographic distance among populations. In D. oliveirai, environment is also the most influent factor on acoustic variation, followed by a lower influence of genetic and morphological variation. Associations between environmental and geographic factors suggest indirect effects of geographic distance on acoustic variation in both species through an environmental gradient. We believe that selective processes and isolation by distance possibly act together in driving interpopulational acoustic variation with habitat‐specific species being more affected by geographic isolation in suitable habitats.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

Geotechnologies on the phosphorus stocks determination in tropical soils: General impacts on society

Phosphorus (P) is a critical nutrient for primary production in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. As P mineral reserves are finite and non-renewable, there is an increasing discussion on its sustainable utilization to safeguard food security for future generations. Understanding the spatial distribution of soil P is central in advancing effective phosphorus management and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. This study aims to digitally map the stocks of available P (AP) and total P (TP) in Brazil at a fine resolution (30 m). Using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm and a database of topsoil (0-20 cm) with 28,572 samples for AP and 3154 for TP, we predicted P stocks based on environmental covariates related to soil formation processes. By dividing Brazil into two sub-regions, representing areas with native coverage and anthropogenic ones, we built independent predictive models for each sub-region. Our results show that Brazil has a TP stock of 531 Tg and an AP stock of 17.4 Tg. The largest soil TP stocks are in the Atlantic Forest biome (73.8 g.m2), likely due to higher organic carbon stocks in this biome. The largest AP stocks were in the Caatinga biome (2.51 g.m2) because of younger soils with low P adsorption capacity. We also found that fertilizer use significantly increased AP stocks in agricultural areas compared to native ones. Our results indicated that AP stocks strongly influenced Brazil's agricultural production, with a correlation coefficient ranging from 0.20 for coffee crops to 0.46 for soybean. The maps generated in this study are expected to contribute to the sustainable use of P in agriculture and environmental systems.

Influence of seasonality and habitat on chemical composition, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial properties of the Libidibia ferrea

Libidibia ferrea Mart, belonging to the Fabacee family, is a medicinal plant known for its biological properties and production of phenolic compounds. Previous studies reveal the biological activity of its phenolic constituents, making it very promising for the development of new medicines. Seasonality and geographic distribution of species can modify the production of secondary metabolites in Fabaceae species in terms of the preferentially activated metabolic pathways and, consequently, interfere with the medicinal properties of these species. Studying the influence of seasonality on the production of phenolic constituents is essential to establish conditions for “cultivation,” species collection, standardization, production, and safety in traditional medicine. This unprecedented study proposed to evaluate the influence of seasonal variations and habitat on the production of phenolic compounds and biological properties of the ethanolic extracts of the stem bark from L. ferrea, whose specimens were collected from the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest, biomes of Brazil. Antimicrobial activity was determined by broth microdilution. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through a colorimetric assay using MTT. ABTS and DPPH radical reduction methods estimated antioxidant capacities. Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 spectrophotometric methods quantified total phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. In turn, radial diffusion quantified tannin content. PCA score plot and HCA dendogram were obtained by multivariate analysis of 1H NMR data. The cytotoxicity against C6 glioma cells was observed only for Atlantic Forest extracts (EC50 = 0.13–0.5 mg mL−1). These extracts also showed selectivity against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) [MICs 500–2000 μg mL−1], B. cereus CCT 0096) [MIC = 250 μg mL−1], Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) [MICs = 250–500 μg mL−1], S. epidermidis (ATCC 12228) [62.5–1000 μg mL−1], mainly to Staphylococcus sp. Caatinga extracts showed higher production of flavonoids and antioxidants in the summer [7.36 ± 0.19 μg QE mg−1 extract; IC50ABTS = 4.86 ± 0.05 μg mL−1], spring [5.96 ± 0.10 μg QE mg−1 extract; IC50ABTS = 5.96 ± 0.08 μg mL−1 ], winter [4.89 ± 0.25 μg QE mg−1 extract; IC50ABTS = 6.72 ± 0.08 μg mL−1 ]. Regarding habitat, two discriminating compound patterns in the studied biomes were revealed by NMR. The results indicated that the Caatinga biome offers better conditions for activating the production of phenolics [336.34 ± 18.1 μgGAE mg−1 extract], tannins [328.38 ± 30.19 μgTAE mg−1 extract] in the summer and flavonoids in winter, spring, and summer. The extracts that showed the best antioxidant activities were also those from the Caatinga. In turn, extracts from the Atlantic Forest are more promising for discovering antibacterial compounds against Staphylococcus sp and cytotoxic for C6 glioma cells. These findings corroborated the traditional use of L. ferrea bark powder for treating skin wounds and suggest the cytotoxic potential of these extracts for glioblastoma cell lines.

Sustainability Best Practices in Small Construction Companies: Analysis Construction Companies from Ceará, Brazil

Purpose: This study aims to aimed to analyze sustainability practices in Micro and Small Companies from the construction sector. Method: A qualitative study was conducted with three Micro and Small Construction Companies. The study involved analyzing content from in-depth interviews and field observations. The observations were conducted using a checklist developed to evaluate sustainable practices and applied to construction sites, complementing the evidence from interviews. Results and conclusion: As results, the managers' perception of the meaning of sustainability and good practices, their benefits, barriers, and feasibility of adoption in the MSC context were highlighted. With the developed tool, it was possible to identify sustainable best practices on construction sites and evaluate their impact in terms of economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Evidence showed that companies are committed to implementing sustainable practices, and there was an underestimation of the practices carried out by managers, indicating a cognitive barrier regarding the topic. Originality/value: This research introduces innovation by conducting an analysis of the adoption of water reuse in buildings based on the multi-level perspective of socio-technical transitions towards sustainability. It focuses on a state in the Brazilian Northeast, whose territory is primarily situated in the Caatinga biome, characterized by a semi-arid climate and a history of severe drought cycles. Research implications: The developed checklist is a practical and easy-to-use tool for identifying and assessing sustainable best practices, aiding in the awareness, management, and improvement of sustainable performance in Micro and Small Companies within the construction sector.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschul in experimental elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMedicinal plants have shown promise in the search for new treatments of pulmonary emphysema. Anadenanthera colubrina, a species native to the Caatinga biome in northeastern Brazil, is widely recognized and traditionally employed in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. Many studies corroborate popular knowledge about the medicinal applications of A. colubrina, which has demonstrated a remarkable variety of pharmacological properties, however, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are highlighted. Aim of the studyThe objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory potential of the crude hydroethanolic extract of A. colubrina var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschul on pulmonary emphysema in rats as well as to determine its potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effects using the micronucleus assay. Materials and methodsThe stem bark of the plant was collected in Pimenteiras-PI and sample was extracted by maceration using 70% ethanol. A portion of the extract underwent phytochemical analyses using TLC and HPLC. In this study, 8-week-old, male Wistar rats weighing approximately ±200 g was utilized following approval by local ethics committee for animal experimentation (No. 718/2022). Pulmonary emphysema was induced through orotracheal instillation of elastase, and treatment with A. colubrina extract or dexamethasone (positive control) concomitantly during induction. Twenty-eight days after the initiation of the protocol, plasma was used for cytokine measurement. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was used for leukocyte count. After euthanasia, lung samples were processed for histological analysis and quantification of oxidative stress markers. The micronucleus test was performed by evaluating the number of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) with micronuclei (MNPCE) to verify potential genotoxic effects of A. colubrina. A differential count of PCE and normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE) was performed to verify the potential cytotoxicity of the extract. Parametric data were subjected to normality analysis and subsequently to analysis of variance and Tukey or Dunnett post-test, non-parametric data were treated using the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-test for unpaired samples. P value < 0.05 were considered significant. ResultsThe A. colubrina extract did not show a significant increase in the number of MNPCE (p > 0.05), demonstrating low genotoxicity. No changes were observed in the PCE/NCE ratio of treated animals, compared with the vehicle, suggesting low cytotoxic potential of the extract. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in neutrophilic inflammation was observed in the lungs of rats treated with the extract, evidenced by presence of these cells in both the tissue and BAL. The extract also demonstrated pulmonary antioxidant activity, with a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, and nitrite levels. TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, as well as alveolar damage, were significantly reduced in animals treated with A. colubrina extract. Phytochemical analyses identified the presence of phenolic compounds and hydrolysable tannins in the A. colubrina extract. ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlights the safety of the hydroethanolic extract of Anadenanthera colubrina, and demonstrates its potential as a therapeutic approach in the treatment of emphysema. The observed properties of this medicinal plant provide an optimistic outlook in the development of therapies for the treatment of pulmonary emphysema.

How much evaporation occurs in Brazilian reservoirs? A multi-model perspective

Estimating evaporative losses from reservoirs is essential for water resource management. While remote sensing provides great opportunities for better constrain this process, there are still large uncertainties related to the behavior of evaporative losses across large domains. Here, we present a multi-model approach combined with remote sensing data to estimate evaporation losses at a national scale for dozens of reservoirs in Brazil. Open water evaporation (Ew) rates were obtained using two surface energy balance (SEB) models (the Google Earth Engine implementation of the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (geeSEBAL) and the Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop)). Due to the lack of in situ evaporation data, the estimations were cross-validated with results from the validated product Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Water Reservoir Monthly Level 3 Global (MOD28C3) and the widely used open water evaporation equation described by Penman. Ew estimates were obtained for 74 large reservoirs, representing almost 70% of the area occupied by artificial water bodies in Brazil. Monthly estimates of Ew showed satisfactory agreement among the models, especially for geeSEBAL, SSEBop, and MOD28C3. Reservoirs with higher Ew were located in the semi-arid Caatinga Biome. The total annual evaporation and net evaporation (difference between lake Ew and surrounding evapotranspiration) for the assessed reservoirs were 46.6 ± 1.0 km³ and 16.4 ± 0.5 km³, respectively, for the period 2003–2021, based on an average of geeSEBAL and SSEBop. We also found that net evaporation is very high in dry climate zones and lower in tropical and humid subtropical climate zones. Our results show the advantage of integrating remote sensing datasets and evaporation models with cloud computing to obtain evaporation estimates in a tropical region and over a large domain. These multi-model evaporation estimates can improve our understanding of water resources in ungauged regions at a large spatial scale.

Ascomycota In the Shallow Ecoregion of Catarina, Caatinga, Brazil: Part 1

Objective: Inventories of fungi are essential, but they are rarely carried out, especially in areas of the Caatinga biome. It is therefore important to carry out surveys and mapping to make knowledge more accessible. In this context, the aim of this work was to organize and discuss the information and data related to the fungi of Raso da Catarina, cataloguing and presenting the first checklist of Ascomycota in an insufficiently researched locality, adding knowledge from scientific collections, publications, and field expeditions. Method: Literature searches were carried out on the Ascomycota of the Raso da Catarina Ecoregion; consultations of the Fungal Databases, U.S. National Fungus Collections, the EMBRAPA database (Fungi Reported on Plants in Brazil) and the Mycology Collections Portal; consultations of the speciesLink networks that integrate data from scientific collections; consultations of the Reflora Virtual Herbarium and the INCT-Herbário Virtual da Flora e dos Fungos. In addition to field expeditions in areas of the Raso da Catarina in the municipalities of Paulo Afonso, Jeremoabo and Glória. Results and conclusion: A total of 243 taxa comprising 75 asexual fungi, 85 lichenized sexual fungi and 73 non-lichenized sexual fungi, distributed in 148 genera, were catalogued. This work represents an initiative to systematize research carried out in Raso da Catarina, with the aim of adding knowledge to the estimate of Ascomycota species in the Caatinga. Originality/value: Work on fungi in areas of the Raso da Catarina is still incipient. Some data is scattered in a few publications and many taxa are in scientific collections without being published. This is therefore the first checklist of Ascomycota for the Ecoregion and provides relevant information.

Unraveling the genetic diversity of Ceiba pubiflora (Malvaceae) in isolated limestone outcrops: Conservation strategies.

Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs) located on limestone outcrops are vulnerable to degradation caused by timber logging and limestone extraction for cement production. Some of these forests represent the last remnants of native vegetation cover, functioning as isolated islands. Ceiba pubiflora (Malvaceae) is a tree frequently found on limestone outcrops in the central region of Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and identify suitable populations for the establishment of Management Units (MUs) for conservation. Inter-simple sequence repeat markers were employed to assess the genetic diversity in ten populations sampled from the Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest biomes. The species exhibited substantial genetic diversity (HT = 0.345; PLP = 97.89%). Populations SAH, JAN, and MON demonstrated elevated rates of polymorphic loci (> 84.2%) along with notable genetic diversity (He > 0.325). Additionally, these populations were the primary contributors to gene flow. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most genetic variation occurs within populations (91.5%) than between them. In the Bayesian analysis, the ten populations were clustered into five groups, revealing the presence of at least three barriers to gene flow in the landscape: 1) the Central Plateau or Paranã River valley; 2) near the Espinhaço mountains or the São Francisco River valley; and 3) around the Mantiqueira mountain range, Chapada dos Veadeiros plateau, and disturbed areas. A positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between genetic (θB) and geographic distances (r = 0.425, p = 0.008). Based on these findings, we propose the establishment of Management Units in Minas Gerais state, encompassing the (1) southern region (MIN population), (2) central region (SAH population), and (3) north region (MON population), as well as in Goiás state, covering the (4) Central Plateau region. These units can significantly contribute to preserving the genetic diversity of these trees and protecting their habitat against ongoing threats.

Umbu physicochemical quality, diversity in the Caatinga biome and promising genotypes for consumption

Umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arruda) is a wild fruit species distributed all over the Caatinga biome in the Northeast of Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyze the physicochemical quality variability of umbu genotypes in the Caatinga biome, and to identify the most promising ones for fresh fruit consumption, processing industry and breeding programs. The fruit of 69 umbu genotypes were harvested at the maturity stage known as swollen, presenting full size and beginning of softening. The plants were cultivated in the umbu germplasm bank (UGB) at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa, Petrolina, PE, Brazil. Each genotype was characterized by the global position system (GPS) coordinates to understand the distribution of fruit physicochemical quality in different regions in the Caatinga biome. According to the results, fruit physicochemical quality, such as mass, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), and SS/TA ratio are homogeneously distributed all over the Caatinga biome. However, there were three main genotype groups, one characterized by higher fruit mass (52, 55, 57, 60, 65, and 68), other by higher SS (08, 09, 11, 20, 38, 41, and 62), and another by lower AT (02, 03, 07, 08, 16, 24, 27, and 51). Umbu genotypes with the highest mass and SS content can be used for commercial production in order to obtain fruit with desirable trait for the market. In addition, genotypes from all three groups can be used in breeding programs to obtain new genotypes with all desirable traits for fresh fruit consumption and processing industry.

Geochemical background and geopedological interactions of selenium in soils from Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Although Selenium (Se) plays a role as a micronutrient for humans through vegetable consumption, it is also recognized as toxic when present in excessive quantities. Therefore, quantifying Se contents in soils can prevent diseases influenced by crop Se deficiency or excess. We aimed to measure background contents, establish quality reference values (QRV) for Se in soils from two Brazilian biomes (Cerrado and Caatinga), and assess how geopedological factors affect Se content and spatial variability. Two hundred and eight composite topsoil samples were analyzed for Se content, covering an area of about 251,578 km². Sampling sites were under the minimal anthropogenic influence to represent Se background contents. Selenium contents were determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy (HGAAS), ranging from 0.002 to 4.78 mg kg -1 . Most soils had contents below the world average of 0.44 mg kg -1 but still above the soil content that causes human Se deficiency (0.125 mg kg -1 ). Soils from Cerrado and Caatinga biomes showed similar average contents of Se, 0.41 and 0.47 mg kg -1 , respectively. Organic carbon content and soil particle size (clay fraction) were the main factors governing Se content in the soils. Our results contribute to understanding the Se content and spatial distribution in tropical soils and the factors governing them. They also provide a tool for agriculture and environmental decision-makers to plan public policies regarding the management of Se levels in these and similar tropical soils in the world.

Copulation record of Tropidurus imbituba (Squamata: Tropiduridae)

Tropidurus imbituba is a lizard with endemic distribution. Data on the species are scarce as it is a new species and has the only known habitat to date. Understanding reproductive aspects is important for their conservation. Thus, the present study presents the first records of the courtship and copulation behavior of T. imbituba. Sampling was carried out in spring 2022 and summer 2023, between September 24, 2022 and March 19, 2023. Monitoring was adapted from the Squamata Reptile Monitoring Protocol in Federal Conservation Units of the Caatinga Biome, following the active search method without time limitation (BANLT), in order to register T. imbituba individuals without any type of physical restraint. The individuals viewed had their coordinates taken with GPS, photographed with a DSLR camera – 65x zoom with a 21 mm ultra-wide angle lens. Viewing was done with the naked eye and with the aid of 8x40 binoculars. In areas with a concentration of lizards, the fixed point methodology was also used for five to 10 minutes, to observe the animals and other important data, where, at opportune moments, filming and photographs of courtship or copulation behavior were recorded.

First record of Peropteryx leucoptera (Chiroptera, Emballonuridae) for the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil and additional records for the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest

Abstract Peropteryx leucoptera is a widespread species in the Neotropics but with a disjunct distribution in Northern South America and a separated population in the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil. Here we present new records of this species for Northeastern Brazil, the first records for the Caatinga biome and for the states of Bahia and Rondônia. These new records represent a major range extension and establishes a new southern limit of occurrence for the species. We also examined and provide measurements of other specimens and present an updated map with the distribution of P. leucoptera in South America.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Amburana cearensis: A Scientometric Study on an Endangered Medicinal Tree

Amburana cearensis (Fabaceae) is a native tree of the Brazilian northeastern semiarid region, which has considerable economic, medicinal, and social importance, especially in the Caatinga biome. This study aims to identify the scientific knowledge generated about the pharmacological applicability of the species. We analyzed scientific works on the widespread pharmacological use of A. cearensis, adopting the scientometric research method. The medicinal properties were classified according to the uses mentioned in the manuscripts, considering body systems and treated symptoms. They were associated with the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health. We identified a total of 86 articles addressing the medicinal potential of the species, distributed in 57 journals published between 2005 and 2023. There was a significant increase in publications during the period evaluated. Also, the species has been widely used in traditional medicine, which has attracted new studies, especially experimental ones focusing on unraveling its pharmacological potential. One trend observed was a significant geographic bias, since most of the studies investigated were carried out by researchers linked to Brazilian institutions located mainly in the northeast. This region includes the largest number of species occurrence points, explaining the interest of these institutions in recognizing the biological potential of their local or regional flora. In-depth investigations into the medicinal properties and secondary metabolites produced by A. cearensis should continue so that its therapeutic benefits are fully understood. However, it is necessary to link research into chemical and pharmacological properties with consideration of the importance of sustainable management of the species, since it faces risks of extinction. We acknowledge that an earlier version of this manuscript was presented as a dissertation by Ayane Emília Dantas dos Santos to fulfil the academic requirements for the degree of Forest Science at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. The dissertation is available for reference at the following link: https://repositorio.ufrn.br/jspui/bitstream/123456789/46918/1/Cienciometriaetnobotanicamodelagem_Santos_2022.pdf.

Seed osmopriming with salicylic acid on induction of tolerance of Cenostigma pyramidale to water deficit

Cenostigma pyramidale is an endemic species of Brazil, widely spread in the Caatinga biome. The conditions in the semi-arid Northeastern region of Brazil can affect the development of plants due to the irregularity of rainfall, limiting the availability of water and reducing the germination and initial growth of native species. Therefore, seed priming with salicylic acid may mitigate the effects of water stress on plants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of seed osmopriming with salicylic acid as a water deficit attenuator on germination and initial growth of C. pyramidale seedlings. A completely randomized design in a 5 × 5 factorial scheme, corresponding to five osmotic potentials (Ψs – 0, -0.3, -0.6, -0.9 and -1.2 MPa) and five doses of salicylic acid (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mM), with four repetitions of 25 seeds, was used. Germination and initial growth of C. pyramidale were compromised by water deficit. Osmopriming of seeds with salicylic acid at a dose of 0.63 mM is an efficient strategy to reduce the effect of water deficit in the germination stage from the potential of -0.2 MPa. The vigor of C. pyramidale seeds increased under deficit conditions with the application of salicylic acid, with the concentration varying from 0.5 to 1.0 mM. Osmopriming seeds with 0.87 mM salicylic acid promotes the development of vigorous seedlings under water deficit conditions.

Impact of feeding native Caatinga pasture on the rumen histomorphometry of sheep raised in semi-extensive management.

In the northeastern region of Brazil, sheep and goat farming, encompassing around 20 million animals, is predominantly a subsistence activity. Forage quality plays a crucial role in animal productivity, posing a complex interplay between plant and animal aspects. The Caatinga biome, vital for livestock in the region, serves as a significant source for animal diet through pastures. This study aimed to conduct a histomorphometric evaluation of sheep rumens in a semi-extensive system, comparing those feeding on native Caatinga pastures to those on cultivated pastures. Histological processing followed standard protocols, with morphometry focusing on six viable rumen papillae and the submucosa and muscular layer thickness. Statistical correlation analysis revealed morphological differences in papillae across various rumen regions. Morphometric data indicated no significant difference in papillae area between the groups, with average values in Group A surpassing those in Group B, except for width. This study establishes a morphological and morphometric pattern for rumen regions linked to diet types-native or cultivated. The findings not only enhance understanding of the dietary foundation in the Caatinga's extensive system, but also contribute valuable insights for formulating nutritional strategies to enhance sheep production in the region. This research sheds light on the intricacies of forage-based animal nutrition, particularly in semi-extensive systems, offering a foundation for future studies and practices to optimise livestock management in the northeastern Brazilian context.

Development of a gastroprotector from Algrizea minor essential oil complexed with β-Cyclodextrin

Algrizea minor, a member of the Myrtaceae family, is found in the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes. Essential oils (EO) are highly volatile, prompting the need to minimize volatilization losses and enhance their therapeutic effects. Cyclodextrins, cyclic and inert oligosaccharides, have the capability to form inclusion complexes with various molecules. Gastritis, an inflammatory condition, manifests painful episodes that may involve gastric and duodenal peptic ulcers. This study aims to evaluate the pharmacological potential of Algrizea minor essential oil in both free and complexed forms with β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD). The inclusion complex was created by combining essential oil and β-CD in a 1:1 ratio based on the molecular weight of the major compound in the oil. Characterization was conducted using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetry (TG). Gastroprotective capacity, physical barrier, and pathways of gastroprotection were assessed. The essential oil distinguished itself with the presence of β-Pinene and α-Pinene. Characterization of the inclusion complex revealed features of both the EO and β-CD. Tests demonstrated the curative efficacy of both free and complexed oils, with effectiveness dependent on the dosage. Intense gastroprotective activity was observed, with 90.25% and 99% inhibition of gastric injury for the free and complexed oils, respectively. It was determined that the pharmacological mechanism of action involves the stimulation of sulfhydryl compound production, the expression of nitric oxide (NO) and ATP-dependent potassium channels. Cytokines and oxidative stress were measured, and their responses contradicted the gastroprotection analysis. The tests highlighted the curative efficiency of both free and complexed oils, showing intensified gastroprotective activity when Algrizea minor essential oil was complexed with β-Cyclodextrin.

Method for identification of hydrological seasons in the semi-arid Caatinga biome, Brazil

ABSTRACT Semi-arid regions are strongly dependent on the rainfall regime. Yet season identification is still ambiguous and clear definitions are lacking regarding which variables and criteria should be used. The objective of this work is to establish a method for hydrological season partitioning in the semi-arid Caatinga biome in northeastern Brazil considering precipitation, soil moisture and vegetation. The following four periods were employed for this purpose: (i) dry–rainy transition, (ii) rainy season, (iii) rainy–dry transition and (iv) dry season. The method was applied to the Aiuaba experimental basin (AEB) from 2003 to 2022. We observed a large inter-annual variability in the duration of seasons and a tendency for the rainy–dry transition season to increase, facts that may indicate changes in the hydrological regime of the region. This novel combination of precipitation, soil moisture, and vegetation data for identification of hydrological seasons within the Caatinga biome allows a detailed seasonal hydrological behaviour analysis.

Development and Rapid Sensory Descriptive Characterization of Cereal Bars Made with Brazilian Licuri Nut (Syagrus coronata)

Licuri (Syagrus coronata) is an oilseed fruit common in the Brazilian caatinga and cerrado biomes. This fruit has high socioeconomic importance in the regions where it grows, being incorporated into exported animal feed and also into gastronomic preparations. Cereal bars are ready-to-eat highly consumed products with increased demand, commonly made with cereals and oilseeds such as licuri. In this sense, the incorporation of licuri in cereal bars may increase its socioeconomic value and expand its potential use. Thus, the objective of the study was to analyze acceptance and describe the sensory characteristics of cereal bars incorporated with licuri nuts. This study was conducted in four stages: (1) development of samples; (2) chemical composition analysis; (3) sensory analysis; and (4) statistical analysis. Cereal bars with licuri presented proportionally lower carbohydrate and protein content as the incorporation of licuri nut increased. However, the dietary fiber content increased. Further, 122 untrained panelists participated in the analysis. The results showed that samples with all proportions of incorporation of licuri nuts were acceptable. Furthermore, the sensory descriptors related to the presence of licuri were positively associated with product acceptance. In this way, this study demonstrates yet another possibility for use of the fruit, increasing its socioeconomic potential.

Artificial light at night and the diet of a bird of prey in Caatinga

This study investigated the potential influence of artificial nocturnal lighting (ALAN) on the diet and behavior of the owl Tyto furcata in the Caatinga biome, northeastern Brazil, from 2016 to 2021. The diet of T. furcata was compared between two adjacent areas, the National Park (PARNA) Furna Feia and the urban area of the municipality of Mossoró, a semiarid region of the west of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, with different ALAN intensities. The analysis of the geographic information system (GIS), using night images from the SNPP and NOAA-20 satellites, identified that ALAN in PARNA Furna Feia was absence, while in the urban perimeter of Mossoró, ALAN was present. The diet of T. furcata owls at PARNA Furna Feia comprised mostly of bats and nocturnal rodents captured at night under rocks and caves. In the urban area of Mossoró, the diet consisted mainly of diurnal birds and rodents captured during the night, when they rested in roosts under ALAN. Thus, urbanization affects the foraging behavior and diet of this bird of prey in Caatinga. ALAN appears to be one of the environmental conditions that T. furcata favors in urban habitats in the Caatinga biome, as it allows nightly hunting under artificial lighting of birds aggregated in roosts.

Carpenter bees (Apidae: Xylocopini: Xylocopa) from Maranho, Northeast Brazil.

We present a list of Xylocopa Latreille species that occur in Maranho State, a region where several physiognomic formations characteristic of the Amazon, Cerrado, and Caatinga biomes overlap. The information was compiled through numerous surveys conducted in this territory, in addition to direct consultation in scientific collections, which have many unpublished records. Twelve species belonging to three subgenera were documented: Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) amazonica Enderlein, 1913, X. (N.) aurulenta (Fabricius, 1804), X. (N.) cearensis Ducke, 1910, X. (N.) frontalis (Olivier, 1789), X. (N.) grisescens Lepeletier, 1841, X. (N.) hirsutissima Maidl, 1912, X. (N.) nigrocincta Smith, 1854, X. (N.) transitoria Prez, 1901, X. (Schonnherria) macrops Lepeletier, 1841, X. (S.) muscaria (Fabricius, 1775), X. (S.) subcyanea Prez, 1901 and X. (Stenoxylocopa) sp. Of these, two species are reported as first records for Maranho (X. hirsutissima and X. subcyanea), one for Brazil (X. transitoria), and one for science (X. (Stenoxylocopa) sp.not yet published).