Northeastern Brazil Research Articles

Surveillance of Schmallenberg virus in cattle populations in Northeastern Brazil.

The objective of this study was to conduct a serological investigation of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) infection in cattle raised in the State of Alagoas. A total of 460 serum samples from the Agricultural Defense Agency of Alagoas (ADEAL) serum bank were analyzed. These samples were collected from unvaccinated cattle on 100 properties across 99 municipalities in Alagoas, representing the three mesoregions: Agreste, Leste, and Sertão. Serological diagnosis was performed using commercial indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. The results showed that 0.87% (4 out of 460) of the samples yielded questionable results in the indirect ELISA (with calculated percentages > 50.00% and ≤ 60.00%). Upon further testing with competitive ELISA, only one sample tested positive. These findings underscore the need to strengthen regional surveillance and control strategies for emerging pathogens. Additionally, further studies, including viral isolation from both ruminants and vectors, are crucial to confirm the circulation of this pathogen. Such comprehensive investigations are essential for improving our understanding of SBV dynamics and for developing effective control measures.

Structural validity of the Brazilian version of the quality care questionnaire-palliative care for use in individuals with diabetes mellitus eligible for palliative care

BackgroundThe Brazilian version of the Quality Care Questionnaire-Palliative Care (QCQ-PC) is an instrument designed to assess the quality of care provided in palliative care from the user’s perspective, featuring easy comprehension and applicability. It has demonstrated validity for use in individuals with cancer, but there is a need for validation in other populations due to the scarcity of instruments with this purpose.ObjectiveTo structurally validate the Brazilian version of the QCQ-PC for use in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) eligible for palliative care.MethodsThis is a structural validation study of a questionnaire according to the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). The study was conducted with 100 individuals with DM. Data collection occurred in differents care services in São Luís (northeast Brazil) by means of the application of the QCQ-PC and a form with sociodemographic, clinical, and daily habit data. Descriptive data analysis was performed using absolute values, relative frequencies, and measures of central tendency and dispersion. Structural validity was assessed by means of exploratory factor analysis (EFA).ResultsOf the 100 participants included in the study, 66% were female, 54% were single, with a median age of 64 years, 44% were overweight (44%), 77% were on polypharmacy, and 70% were physically inactive. We found that one domain is the most appropriate for use of the QCQ-PC in individuals with DM eligible for palliative care, according to the parallel analysis implemented in the EFA. This domain was named “quality of care”. The fit indices for this one-dimensional internal structure were adequate: Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test = 0.71, p value < 0.01 in Bartlett’s test, chi-square/degree of freedom = 1.07, comparative fit index = 0.993, Tucker-Lewis index. = 0.991, root mean square error of approximation = 0.028. The QCQ-PC presented factor loadings ranging from 0.480 to 0.883, maintaining a total of 12 items, which demonstrates the adequate relationship between the quality of care domain and its items.ConclusionTherefore, the internal structure with one domain (quality of care) is the most suitable for use in individuals with DM eligible for palliative care by means of the QCQ-PC.

Spatial analysis of daily rainfall concentration in Paraíba State, Brazil

Recent studies indicate a reduction of total rainfall and an increase of extreme rainfall events in the Brazilian Northeast region. It is crucial to understand the concentration of daily rainfall for environmental planning and land management. This study performs the analysis of the daily rainfall concentration for the Paraíba State in the period between 1970 and 2019, using data from 26 rainfall stations across the State. Additionally, to the total annual precipitation (PP), the following concentration indicators were applied: frequency of days with precipitation up to 20mm (R20MM), maximum daily rainfall (Rx1Day), maximum rainfall over 5 days (Rx5Day), frequency of days with precipitation in the 10th (P10), 90th (P90), 95th (P95), and 99th (P99) percentiles, number of rainy days (NRD), and the Concentration Index (CI), which estimates the contribution of daily rainfall to the annual total. The Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope were applied to identify possible trends in the time series and its magnitude. Spatially, the highest concentration values were observed in the Litoral and Brejo regions, decreasing towards the State hinterland. Temporally, most indicators displayed negative trends, suggesting reductions in both annual rainfall totals and rainfall on isolated days or groups of days. However, the CI showed predominantly an upward trend, indicating increased rainfall concentration. P10 values also exhibited an increase tendency, suggesting that days with the lowest rainfall amounts are becoming more frequent.

Evidences of radioresistance in Drosophila melanogaster from Northeastern Brazil

Background Ionizing radiation can inflict cellular damage, the severity of which is determined by the dose, exposure duration, and its capacity to penetrate cells. Some studies have demonstrated that genetic and epigenetic mechanisms have enabled organisms to develop adaptive traits and enhance their ability to repair DNA damage. Northeastern Brazil, a region containing rocky outcrops rich in uranium and thorium, is an ideal scenario to study natural radiation and its effects on natural populations. This study presents evidence of radioresistance in the offspring of a natural strain of Drosophila melanogaster resident in the municipality of Cerro Corá (CC-res), an environment with high levels of radon-222. Material and methods Genotoxicity was assessed using the comet assay in offspring of the CC-res and Oregon-R (OR), the control group, both reared under the same laboratory conditions for between 7 and 13 months. The adults and their offspring larvae were exposed to the Cerro Corá environment for 6 days during the dry and wet seasons. Low damage index and frequency were observed only in the CC-res. To confirm the radioresistance, the same strains were exposed after 16 months of cultivation to controlled doses of gamma radiation. Results and conclusions CC-res exhibited significantly lower levels of damage compared to the OR strain, with a clear dose–response effect to the irradiation observed exclusively in the OR group. The results support the occurrence of radioresistance in the CC-res strain and underscore the need for further in vivo studies investigations into the impact of Brazil’s natural environmental radiation.

Presence of Contracaecum sp. larvae in two characiform fish from northeastern Brazil.

Pygocentrus nattereri Kner, 1858 and Serrasalmus rhombeus (Linnaeus, 1766) are species of serrasalmids sold in open-air markets and market municipalities in Maranhão, Brazil. Fifty-two individuals of P. nattereri and 52 of S. rhombeus were acquired from a fish market in the Municipality of Pinheiro,Maranhão, Brazil, and transported to the laboratory of "Inmunohistoquímica" from "Universidade Estadual do Maranhão" (UEMA). The lateral musculature of the fish was analyzed by making fine cuts, internal organs were placed in Petri dishes with distilled water, and with the aid of tweezers and needles, the tissue was examined by making fine cuts that allowed observation inside them. The results of the study revealed the presence of nematode larvae L3 of Contracaecum sp. was found parasitizing the visceral cavity, intestines, pyloric cecum, and stomach of P. nattereri and S. rhombeus. This study alerts local authorities and the population to take the necessary measures to prevent the accidental ingestion of endoparasites with zoonotic potential.

Alternaria brown spot: An emerging problem on annonaceous orchards in northeast Brazil

AbstractAlternaria brown spot is a leaf disease of annonaceous plants recently assigned to Alternaria alternata, a species in section Alternaria. Given the diversity in Alternaria section Alternaria and the economic importance of annonaceous plants for Brazilian fruit producers, we sought to identify the aetiological agents of Alternaria brown spot in Brazil and evaluate their aggressiveness and host associations. In addition, we compared different methods of species delimitation within section Alternaria. According to several species delimitation methods, the causal agents of Alternaria brown spot in Brazil were assigned A. alternata (clades 2 and 5), A. longipes‐like (A. gossypina and Alternaria sp. [LM 353]), A. tomato‐like (Alternaria sp. [LM 281; LM 295; LM 267], Alternaria sp. [LM 269; LM 294; LM 306] and Alternaria sp. [LM 272]), A. jacinthicola and a new species, A. annonacearum. All lineages were pathogenic to sugar apple and soursop, though less aggressive on the latter, irrespective of the host from which they were isolated. This study brings information that may help both researchers and fruit producers to distinguish Alternaria brown spot from other fungal diseases on annonaceous plants and ultimately develop better management approaches.

The role of red rice in craft beer: A sensory and nutritional evaluation

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRed rice is widely cultivated in the semi‐arid regions of Northeastern Brazil and is notable for its rich phenolic content and nutritional value. The use of red rice as a nonconventional adjunct in brewing can enhance the sensory and nutritional qualities of craft beers, offering a unique product profile that appeals to the growing demand for differentiated and artisanal beverages. This study aimed to evaluate the sensory and nutritional impact of incorporating red rice from two distinct regions, Bahia and Paraíba, into the brewing process.FindingsThe study analyzed the effects of red rice from Bahia and Paraíba on the antioxidant capacity, phenolic content, and volatile composition of the resulting beers. Beers produced with Paraíba red rice exhibited a higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, while the Bahia variety contributed to a more complex aromatic profile. Sensory evaluations showed that the Bahia rice beer received higher ratings for aroma and overall acceptance, whereas the Paraíba rice beer stood out in antioxidant properties.ConclusionsThe inclusion of red rice as a brewing adjunct in craft beer formulations enhances both antioxidant capacity and sensory complexity, contributing positively to consumer acceptance. Utilizing regionally sourced red rice varieties adds distinct sensory attributes to the beers, increasing their appeal within the specialty beverage market.Significance and NoveltyThis research demonstrates the potential of red rice as an innovative and sustainable adjunct for the craft beer industry, offering a nutritionally enriched and sensory‐diverse product. The findings underscore the value of integrating locally grown ingredients to create high‐quality, artisanal beverages that support regional agriculture and promote sensory diversity in the beverage industry.

Quality Management: Incident Notification in the Patient Safety Center

Objective: To analyze the incident notifications of a Patient Safety Center, an instance of the health service created to promote and support actions aimed at patient safety. Theoretical Framework: National and international regulations were used to underpin this research. Method: A retrospective, descriptive, quantitative study conducted in a specialized health service located in northeastern Brazil. Data were collected in January 2023. The population consisted of notifications made in the first six months of the Patient Safety Center. The sample included 21 notifications. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. Results and Discussion: A total of seven reporting sectors were identified, with the quality management sector achieving the highest outcome for effective intervention (33.3%) and the warehouse having a prevalence (40%) of ineffective intervention outcomes. Nursing accounted for 55.6% of the notifications with effective outcomes. Approximately 76% of the reported cases were non-conformities, 25% were adverse events with mild harm, 75% of the causes were related to methods, and 38% of post-notification interventions consisted of guidance for the professional. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research lie in the importance of reporting incidents, resulting in situational indicators that will guide harm-free patient care. Originality/Value: This research contributes to strengthening quality management by highlighting the significance of the study evidenced by the global urgency to reduce harm in health care and by the innovation of the study when directed at a specialized service.

Evaluation of the influence of orange and lemon essential oil on the quality of type B coalho cheese

Coalho cheese is a typical product of Northeastern Brazil, a dairy concentrate rich in proteins, lipids, mineral salts mainly calcium, phosphorus and vitamins, with emphasis on types A and B. This product is classified in Type A (produced with pasteurized milk) and B (with fresh milk), the latter is susceptible to several contaminations of microbiological origin and physical - chemical changes that promote changes in sensory quality and mainly in flavor. Therefore, it is important to develop alternatives that allow improvements in the referred product, so the objective of this work was to evaluate the profile of the microbiological characteristics and sensory of type B coalho cheeses produced with the addition of the essential oil of Pineapple orange peel and of the Tahiti lemon. The results showed a reduction in the contents of the tested microorganisms and in some even elimination, as in the Staphylococcus aureus test. Orange oil showed better results.

The Mitochondrial Genome of Melipona fasciculata (Apidae, Meliponini): Genome Organization and Comparative Analyses, Phylogenetic Implications and Divergence Time Estimations.

The native stingless bee Melipona fasciculata is economically and ecologically important to the Brazilian Northeast, providing a sustainable source of income to family farmers and being considered an effective pollinator in most ecosystems and crops. This study describes, for the first time, the mitogenome of the species and its phylogenetic position. The mitochondrial genome was sequenced using a MiSeq Sequencer (Illumina Inc.) and compared with other GenBank bee mitogenomes. The length of the mitochondrial DNA, excluding most of the control region, is 14,753bp, and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 21 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs (16S and 12S), and 1 AT-rich region. The GC-content of the M. fasciculata mitogenome was 13.4%. Of the 36 coding regions, 12 tRNAs and 9 PCGs were encoded in the heavy strand, and 9 tRNAs, 4 PCGs and 2 rRNAs were encoded in the light strand. The relative orientation and gene order was the same as other stingless bee mitogenomes. Phylogenetic inference produced well-resolved relationships with high statistical support for concordant branch topologies, under different optimization schemes and model parameters, within and among Melipona, Bombus, Apis, and related clades of Hymenoptera. In general, our divergence time estimates, which were based on the concatenated gene sequences (PCGs + rRNAs) from various groups, overlapped estimations captured by Bayesian analysis from different studies. The divergence time among Melipona species was estimated to occur during the Oligocene, approximately 24 Mya (95% HPD 14-36 Mya). Our results represent a valuable addition to help understanding not only the taxonomy and evolution of Brazilian stingless bee species, but also to uncover historical dispersal and isolation patterns in Meliponinae.

University-SME cooperation in low technological regions in an emerging economy: Drivers, barriers and regional development

Cooperation between universities and firms in regions with low technological intensity has received little attention from academics in recent years. This study aims to understand university-firm (U-F) cooperation in a low-tech region in an emerging economy such as northeastern Brazil. To achieve this objective, a qualitative approach was adopted, with data being collected through semi-structured interviews with lecturers-researchers and owners-managers involved in a cooperation relation between a university and small and medium-sized enterprises (U-SMEs). From descending hierarchical classification (DHC), carried out using IRAMUTEQ software, four categories/topics were identified: (1) selecting partners, (2) barriers to cooperation, (3) institutional environment, and (4) effects of that cooperation on regional development. The results show that researchers look for these small firms based on their geographical, technological and institutional proximity. SMEs, in turn, seek cooperation from the university, from the close social relations they already have with researchers and/or other actors linked to the university who can help them to form these partnerships. The barriers to cooperation found are associated with the time taken and academic bureaucracy. The institutional environment is also a relevant factor both in forming cooperative relations and the obstacles underlying this type of process. Perception of the results of cooperation for regional development emphasizes the qualification of human resources and retaining them in the region, as well as access to new knowledge. The actions developed by the university involving local SMEs also increase the university’s insertion in the business environment.

Untangling the morphological and genetic variation of two endemic lizards from the coastal sand dunes of Northeastern Brazil

Abstract Studies in the Neotropical region consistently highlight high levels of endemism and biodiversity. However, challenges persist, particularly in uncovering the cryptic diversity among species. Various approaches are needed to address this, including morphological, genetic, and environmental data. This study focused on genetic and morphological variation in three endemic, sympatric lizard species: Tropidurus hygomi, Glaucomastix abaetensis, and Glaucomastix itabaianensis in the coastal sand dunes of Northeastern Brazil. These lizards are confined to sandy Pleistocene-formed environments with limited distribution. While earlier research revealed substantial genetic diversity, gaps remained in distribution sampling, morphological data, and understanding the correlation between this variation and environmental factors. We aimed to identify genetic clusters to assess the alignment of phenotypic differences with these clusters and explore potential relationships between climatic and geographical factors and morphometric variations. We utilized mtDNA data to assess population clusters. Geometric and linear morphometrics were employed to analyze morphological data, which was then correlated with climatic information. Results unveiled genetic and morphological variations signifying the presence of cryptic diversity. Our analyses also highlighted the influence of geography and climate on morphometric variations. These findings underscore hidden diversity and a complex evolutionary history within the confined Pleistocene sand dunes. Further genomic analyses could contribute to comprehending these patterns and enhancing the conservation strategies for these endangered species.

Chemical Composition and Toxicity of Water-Soluble Fractions of Oil Samples from the Extensive Spill in Northeast Brazil.

This study evaluated the effects of water-soluble fractions (WSF) of stranded oil sampled from the beaches of Trancoso and Massarandupió (Bahia, Brazil) following a mysterious oil spill along Brazil's northeast coast (2019-2020). The samples were characterized for aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and tested for chronic toxicity in the embryo-larval stages of the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter. The WSFs contained high levels of PAHs, some of which were above the acceptable levels for water in Brazil, and toxicity to sea urchin embryos tended to occur at higher concentrations.

Updated checklist of freshwater Decapoda (Brachyura and Caridea) from the Parna&amp;iacute;ba river basin, northeastern Brazil, with a new record for the watershed

Updated checklist of freshwater Decapoda (Brachyura and Caridea) from the Parna&amp;iacute;ba river basin, northeastern Brazil, with a new record for the watershed

Effect of Sexual Partnerships on Zika Virus Transmission in Virus-Endemic Region, Northeast Brazil.

The epidemiologic effects of Zika virus (ZIKV) sexual transmission in virus-endemic countries remain unclear. We conducted a 2-level, linear mixed-effects logistic regression analysis by using a recently acquired population-based ZIKV and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) serologic dataset obtained from persons residing in Northeast Brazil (n = 2,070 participants). We adjusted mathematical models for housing type and age of participants; the models indicated a significantly higher likelihood of ZIKV seropositivity among persons engaged in a sexual relationship within the same household (odds ratio 1.25 [95% CI 1.00-1.55]; p = 0.047), regardless of their partner's ZIKV serostatus, and among participants with a ZIKV-seropositive sex partner within the same household (odds ratio 1.54 [95% CI 1.18-2.01]; p = 0.002). CHIKV was also modeled as a control; no sex-associated effects were observed for CHIKV serology. Inclusion of ZIKV sexual transmission in prevention and control strategies is urgently needed, particularly in ZIKV-endemic regions.

Incidence of Neoplasms in Endemic Fight Agents: Results of a Retrospective Cohort.

The aim of the study is to measure cancer's incidence in endemic fight agents in a Brazil's Northeast state. This is a historical cohort with 1053 endemic fight agents. A survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method. The overall neoplasm incidence rate has been 5508 cases per 105, and 4843 cases per 105 when nonmelanoma skin tumors were excluded. The increase in incidence of neoplasms occurred in 2019 and has conferred a risk of neoplasms 20 times higher than the national and state incidence. We believe in an occupational factor for these results: the chronic exposure to insecticides used in public health campaigns. The peak incidence of neoplasms, in 2019, may corroborate with long induction period of these compounds, in addition to consistency with specialized literature.

Aerosol optical depth over Northeastern Brazil: A multi-platform intercomparison study

Aerosol optical depth over Northeastern Brazil: A multi-platform intercomparison study

Serotype-Specific Dengue Virus IgG Assay Using EDIII-Based Recombinant Proteins and Its Application in an Endemic Population in Northeast Brazil.

Dengue is the most prevalent arboviral disease globally, with Brazil currently experiencing a significant rise in cases. Dengue virus (DENV) typically co-circulates with other clinically and antigenically similar flaviviruses, such as Zika virus (ZIKV). The clinical diagnosis is difficult and accurate serological analysis represents an unmet challenge. Traditionally, serological analysis of DENV infection focuses on the acute phase via detection of NS1 or IgM. Developing IgG DENV-specific assays has been defiant due to the co-circulation of four antigenically distinct serotypes and a strong cross-reactivity with other arboviruses, particularly with ZIKV. The goal of this study was to produce recombinant domain III of the Envelope (EDIII) proteins of each DENV serotype and ZIKV and evaluate the ability to detect specific IgG antibodies. The antigens were tested on the ELISA platform to measure DENV-specific IgG in mice and patients infected with ZIKV and DENV. The assay differentiated serotype-specific IgG responses in susceptible mice (AG129) experimentally infected with DENV or ZIKV. In addition, the test demonstrated a robust performance achieving 87.8% sensitivity and 91.4% specificity when tested against 648 well-characterized sera collected from humans infected with DENV and/or ZIKV. The test was further applied to serum samples collected from 318 healthy individuals from an endemic region in Northwest/Central Brazil, without a previous diagnosis of DENV, and revealed that 65% of the samples reacted with at least one DENV serotype antigen, including 123 monotypic samples (88 for DENV-1) and 90 samples reacting with multiple antigens. Collectively, these results indicate that the IgG DENV-EDIII ELISA is a valuable tool for assessing the serological status of populations in endemic areas, particularly in regions where other flaviviruses, particularly ZIKV, co-circulate and offer support to establish public health policies against the disease.

Millennial- to centennial-scale Atlantic ITCZ swings during the penultimate deglaciation

Growing concerns surround the future of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and its impacts on tropical regions, particularly due to changes in the dynamics of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Northeastern Brazil, a tropical region strongly influenced by ITCZ dynamics, exhibits significant biological and social vulnerability to climate change, making it timely to understand how its hydroclimate could be impacted by AMOC changes in the face of anthropogenic global warming. The penultimate deglaciation was marked by a millennial-scale weak AMOC event called Heinrich stadial 11 (HS11; ∼136-129 ka), providing an instructive target interval for improving our understanding of Northeastern Brazil hydroclimate responses to climate change. Here, we reconstruct paleoclimate changes during HS11 based on a multi-proxy approach applied to a high-resolution marine core from the western equatorial Atlantic. Our results suggest that HS11 was marked by a southward shift of the ITCZ, evidenced by paleoprecipitation records showing increased precipitation over Northeastern Brazil. These changes were concurrent with increased sea surface temperatures and reduced bottom water ventilation in the western equatorial Atlantic, interpreted as consequences of a weak AMOC. Importantly, we identified centennial-scale events within HS11, which are similar in nature but smaller in magnitude than HS11. These events align with North Atlantic climate changes, highlighting the crucial role that not only millennial- but also centennial-scale AMOC variability may play in low latitudes. Our findings raise concerns about the potential future impacts that an AMOC weakening may have on the hydroclimate of Northeastern Brazil and other tropical regions.

Charting the future of Brazil’s electricity: a multicriteria analysis of northeastern power strategies amidst climate challenge

The article addresses the challenges faced by regions under water stress, such as conflicts over water use, environmental degradation, and water resource scarcity, intensified by climate change. In areas dependent on hydropower generation, these problems are exacerbated, highlighting the need to transition to more sustainable and resilient energy sources. The study emphasizes the importance of multifaceted criteria for an effective transition of the electricity matrix in semi-arid regions, taking into account economic, technical, environmental, and social aspects. Focusing on the São Francisco River basin in Northeastern Brazil, where the energy matrix is predominantly hydroelectric, the study uses the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to evaluate alternative scenarios, analyzing options for wind, solar, and thermoelectric energy. The methodology adopted included the close collaboration of experts in defining and weighting essential criteria, covering economic, technical, environmental, and social aspects. The results show that, within the same group, options that involve greater reductions in hydroelectric generation are more advantageous. Analyzing the ranking among all alternatives, the group that includes higher expansion of wind energy presents the most viable options, followed by the reference strategy (based on average annual generation) and the group with greater expansion of solar capacity. Increasing the share of gas-fired thermoelectric power is considered a less favorable solution according to the criteria used in the model.