Northeastern Brazil Research Articles

A revision of the endemic Brazilian Solanum hexandrum group (Leptostemonum, Solanum, Solanaceae)

The Leptostemonum Clade, or the ‘spiny solanums’, represents half of the species diversity of the large cosmopolitan genus Solanum (Solanaceae). Brazil is a centre of both species and lineage diversity in ‘spiny solanums’ with a number of lineages occurring mostly only there. Here, we treat the Solanum hexandrum group, a monophyletic species group that is part of the larger and unresolved Erythrotrichum clade sensu lato. The six species treated here are all robust very prickly shrubs with amongst the largest and showiest flowers in Solanum and accrescent calyces in fruit that often completely cover the mature berry. All six species are endemic to the coastal Atlantic forests of south-eastern and north-eastern Brazil. We describe one new species, S. phrixothrix Gouvêa & S.Knapp, sp. nov., known only from two collections made 200 years apart. Many of the species in the group occur in very small populations around isolated gneissic/granitic inselbergs, a highly threatened habitat in the region. We provide complete nomenclatural details for all recognised species and their synonyms, complete descriptions, distributions including maps, illustrations, common names and uses and preliminary conservation assessments.

Estudo taxonômico das tribos Adelieae, Caperonieae e Ditaxeae (Euphorbiaceae) no Nordeste do Brasil

The tribes Adelieae, Caperonieae and Ditaxeae are classified within the subfamily Acalyphoideae and comprise 170 spp. The tribe Adelieae comprises five genera and approximately 47 species, distributed in the New World. Caperonieae is represented exclusively by Caperonia, which includes around 35 species, distributed in the New World and Africa. Ditaxeae, on the other hand, consists of Argythamnia with 68 species, and Chiropetalum with 22 species, both of which are found in the New World. This study presents a floristic survey of species from the Adelieae, Caperonieae and Ditaxeae tribes for Northeast Brazil. Here we present the floristic study of species belonging to the tribes Adelieae, Caperonieae and Ditaxeae Northeast Brazil. A total of 12 species were recorded: two species from the tribe Adelieae, and five species each from the tribes Caperonieae and Ditaxeae. For each of the recorded taxa, we provide an identification key, description, photographic, comments and distribution maps.

Autosomal Recessive Ataxias in Northeast Brazil: A Regional Multicenter Case Series.

Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) was the most prevalent diagnosis, accounting for 12 cases (21%), followed by Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) with (N = 9; 15.8%) and Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC) (N = 9; 15.8%). Metabolic disorders, including Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis (N = 6;10.5%) were also common causes. The cohort demonstrated a broad age distribution, with childhood-onset conditions such as A-T predominantly affecting younger patients. In contrast, adult-onset conditions like FRDA and NPC were more common in those aged 18 years and older. This study highlights the heterogeneity of ARCAs in a region with high consanguinity, reflecting these disorders' diverse genetic and clinical spectrum. The clinical and genetic characterization of ARCAs presented in this case series emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, genetic confirmation, and targeted management strategies. Our findings highlight the need for continued research and expanded diagnostic programs, particularly in regions with high consanguinity, to improve patient outcomes and advance therapeutic development.

Network of interactions between bees and vegetable crops in Northeastern Brazil

Network of interactions between bees and vegetable crops in Northeastern Brazil

Naucoridae Leach, 1815 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Nepomorpha) of Maranhão, Brazil

Naucoridae is a family of aquatic bugs found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. There are records of five subfamilies, 11 genera, and 74 species from Brazil, with 11 species occurring in northeastern Brazil and seven in the state of Maranhão. Here, we aimed to study the naucorid fauna of Maranhão through extensive sampling. In total, 693 specimens were examined, belonging to three subfamilies, five genera, and 10 species: Australambrysus cf. acutangulus (Montandon, 1897), Carvalhoiella helenae Rodrigues & Sites, 2016, Limnocoris burmeisteri De Carlo, 1967, L. illiesi De Carlo, 1967, L. menkei La Rivers, 1962, L. minutus De Carlo, 1951, L. surinamensis Nieser, 1975, Maculambrysus sp., Maculambrysus transversus Rodrigues, Canejo & Sites, 2024, and Placomerus obscuratus Sites & Camacho, 2014. The subfamily Ilyocorinae, and the genera Carvalhoiella De Carlo, 1963 and Placomerus La Rivers, 1956, represent the first records for northeastern Brazil. Additionally, Placomerus obscuratus Sites & Camacho, 2014 is recorded for the first time in Brazil. Thus, our results increase the number of known species in this state from seven to sixteen, reducing the Wallacean and Linnean gaps in the knowledge of Naucoridae diversity.

Chikungunya fever in hospitalized children and adolescents: clinical and epidemiological aspects in a region of northeastern Brazil.

To describe the clinical spectrum of pediatric and adolescent patients infected with Chikungunya. Cross-sectional study with patients aged 0 to 17 years hospitalized with a Chikungunya Fever diagnosis in Ceará, in 2017. Data were collected on the clinical manifestations associated with the condition; significant differences were considered when p < 0.05. Fever (100%), erythrodermic rash (90.48%), and arthralgia (52.38%) were the most frequent symptoms. Arthralgia was more prevalent in children older than over five years (86.36%), and irritability and the bullous rash were predominant in children younger than five years (p < 0.05). The most predominant non-specific manifestations were: myalgia (28.57%), oral lesions (28.57%), and abdominal pain (26.19%). Neurological complications were observed in 14.29% of the patients, bacterial complications in 11.90%, Kawasaki disease in 4.76%, and one death (2.38% of the population). Chikungunya fever is a disease that can manifest differently according to age group. The diagnosis must be made early to mitigate possible injuries and complications.

Planning for coastal cities

This research aims to understand the urban dynamics of Cumbuco Village, located on the Western Coast of Ceará, using a collaborative methodology for evaluating urban spaces based on tactical urbanism and Cities for People principles. Coastal cities in the state have been going through political, social, and ecological transformations due to the development of hotels attractive to international tourists and the rising popularity of water sports. These changes require management approaches integrated local dwellers’ needs. This research aimed to investigate how the urban space of Cumbuco Village aligns with the “Cities for People’ principles and develop tactical planning proposals to guide future developments. Methods such as observation diaries, conversations, mapping, photography, and walking while practicing active listening were employed at three workshops held at the Winds For Future festival to understand how residents experience the impacts of increased tourism. The findings underscore the potential of this proactive diagnostic model to foster open dialogue and participatory engagement, ultimately contributing to the creation of healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable cities. The study offers a replicable methodology aligned with theoretical literature on 4th Generation Knowledge Districts, tactical urbanism and participatory planning to deal with the understudied context of small coastal towns in Northeast Brazil.

Phenotypical and molecular characterization of Rhodococcus equi isolated from foals in the Agreste region of Pernambuco - Brazil.

Phenotypical and molecular characterization of Rhodococcus equi isolated from foals in the Agreste region of Pernambuco - Brazil.

Comprehensive assessment of quality of life in PLHIV using WHOQOL-HIV-Bref: a study in northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Quality of life is evaluated through various factors and the individual's self-perception. In this context, considering the multifactorial nature of well-being in people living with HIV, the World Health Organization developed the WHOQOL-HIV-Bref questionnaire. This study aims to assess the quality of life of PLHIV using the WHOQOL-HIV-Bref questionnaire. A descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted in Olinda, Pernambuco, from October to December 2023, using the Portuguese version of the questionnaire. A total of 200 patients, aged 18 years and older, of both sexes, were analyzed. Data processing was performed using SPSS® software through univariate and bivariate analysis. The study demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.924). The majority of participants were men aged 30 to 49 years, single, satisfied with their health, and in an asymptomatic stage of HIV. Regarding the questionnaire, the psychological and social relationship domains showed the highest scores, while the environment and physical domains showed the lowest. The findings highlight critical domains for intervention, providing a framework for developing targeted public health policies to improve the quality of life in PLHIV.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Urinary Incontinence Among Physically Active Women.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent condition that can impact the quality of life of physically active women. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to UI among women who exercise in gyms. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out from March to July 2022, in gyms located in the city of Parnaíba, in northeastern Brazil with physically active women. For data collection, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the International Incontinence Consultation Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), a specific KAP-UI questionnaire and a standardized form for sociodemographic, gynecological and obstetric data were used. The Mann-Whitney test, Fisher's exact test and chi-square tests were performed to analyze differences between subgroups formed on the basis of the presence or absence of urinary incontinence. The research included 256 female participants with a median age of 33 (18-67) years, good education (≥ 12years of studies) (97%), majority single (60%), and monthly income greater than US$ 235.51 (68%). The prevalence of UI was 43% (n = 110) with a moderate impact on quality of life. Among the participants, 51.8% had adequate knowledge and 98.7% demonstrated positive attitudes toward UI. However, only 29.5% adopted treatment practices, while preventive practices were carried out by only 16.4%. Factors significantly associated with inadequate knowledge included lower levels of education (p = 0.030), single marital status (p = 0.031), monthly income below US$235.51 (p = 0.019), and bodybuilding as the main physical activity (p = 0.039). Conversely, women who were highly physically active were more likely to have adequate knowledge. Significant associations were found between adequate knowledge and preventive and therapeutic practices (p = 0.003), as well as between inadequate knowledge and inadequate practices. Although only half of the participants had adequate knowledge about UI, the majority demonstrated a positive attitude toward the health problem. However, preventive practices were low among women without UI, as was the search for treatment among those with UI. Factors such as age, education, marital status, income, type and level of physical activity were linked to knowledge and preventive and treatment practices. Adequate knowledge was associated with effective preventive and therapeutic practices for IU by physically active women.

Assistive technology in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: use or non-use? Understanding what happens post-discharge in tetraplegic individuals at a rehabilitation centre in Northeast Brazil

Introduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often an acute event with extreme consequences, resulting in significant restrictions in daily activities and social participation. Assistive technology (AT) plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, yet abandonment of these devices is common despite their potential benefits. There is a gap in the literature concerning specific experiences of individuals with tetraplegia regarding AT abandonment. Objective This study aims to analyse adherence, abandonment and discontinuation rates of AT devices among individuals with tetraplegia secondary to SCI at a Rehabilitation Hospital in Northeast Brazil. Additionally, it seeks to identify the reasons behind the abandonment of these devices. Method Participants were selected based on hospital records, and phone interviews were conducted to gather information on AT usage post-hospital discharge. Sociodemographic, clinical data and device details were analysed. Results The study revealed an abandonment rate of 18.4% among participants. Younger individuals (16–30 years) showed a lower abandonment rate. Devices categorised under “Postural Support” were the last frequently abandoned, contrasting with “Computer Accessibility” which recorded the highest abandonment rate. Conclusions The findings highlight a significant abandonment rate of assistive products, underscoring clinicians’ and researchers’ concerns about AT and emphasising the need for expanded studies. There is an urgent call to deepen understanding of the reasons behind abandonment. Future research using probabilistic samples is recommended to identify factors associated with abandonment, aiming to enhance AT services collaborating with the rehabilitation of individuals with tetraplegia.

Ascorbic acid on the induction of salt stress tolerance in guava in the seedling formation phase.

Ascorbic acid on the induction of salt stress tolerance in guava in the seedling formation phase.

The early Aptian marine stratigraphic record in the interior of Gondwana: new insights from the Araripe Basin, Northeastern Brazil

The early Aptian marine stratigraphic record in the interior of Gondwana: new insights from the Araripe Basin, Northeastern Brazil

Infection by Syngamidae in seabirds along the Brazilian Coast: new occurrences of Cyathostoma.

This study reports new occurrences of Syngamidae nematodes, specifically Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci, in seabirds stranded along the northeastern coast of Brazil. Through systematic monitoring efforts of seabird strandings along the coast of Sergipe (northeastern Brazil), deceased specimens were subjected to post-mortem analyses. During necropsies, nematodes were identified in the tracheae of three specimens (Calonectris borealis, Puffinus puffinus, and Ardenna gravis), indicating respiratory infections. The parasites were collected and identified as C. phenisci. This represents the first record of this species in birds of the order Procellariiformes in Brazil. This study expands the known host range for this parasite and suggests a potential underreporting of respiratory infections caused by Syngamidae in seabirds. The findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring of these populations and their implications for the health and conservation of migratory birds.

Analysis of the causal factors of the nursing diagnosis of ineffective breathing pattern in children with congenital heart disease.

Analysis of the causal factors of the nursing diagnosis of ineffective breathing pattern in children with congenital heart disease.

Untangling a web of spider fungi: Gibellula agroflorestalis (Hypocreales, Ascomycota), a new species of spider parasite from Brazil.

Untangling a web of spider fungi: Gibellula agroflorestalis (Hypocreales, Ascomycota), a new species of spider parasite from Brazil.

Syndemic Factors Associated with Zika Virus Infection Prevalence and Risk Factors in a Cohort of Women Living in Endemic Areas for Arboviruses in Northeast Brazil

Background: We sought to explain the seroprevalence of Zika Virus (ZIKV) as a syndemic of socioeconomic, environmental, and health factors in a cohort of women living in Brazil. Methods: This is a cohort study comprising 1498 women between 15 and 39 years of age followed up in two waves between February 2018 and August 2019. Two questionnaires addressed the arbovirus’s socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioral aspects and participants’ arbovirus infection history. Blood samples were collected to detect IgM and IgG for ZIKV, chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and dengue virus (DENV), and RT-PCR for ZIKV. Results: The baseline prevalence for ZIKV was 43% (95%CI: 40.5, 45.6), increasing to 44.7% in the following period (95%CI: 42, 47.1). We found a prevalence of 44.1% among women having one syndemic factor, 49.9% for those having two, and 58% for women having three or more factors. Women reporting a single syndemic factor resulted in higher odds of acquiring ZIKV (OR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.2–2.4). There were increased adjusted odds among women having two or three or more factors (OR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.6–3.1; OR = 2.9, 95%CI: 2.0–4.3, respectively). Conclusions: Tailored interventions targeting syndemic conditions, such as the co-circulation of urban arboviruses and poor living conditions, are crucial to improving the burden produced by ZIKV.

Assessing the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) to SARS-CoV-2 during three years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessing the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) to SARS-CoV-2 during three years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Possible Sleep Bruxism in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Association with Parental Stress and Sleep Disorders.

To investigate associations between possible sleep bruxism (PSB) and sleep disorders in children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as parental perceived stress. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving children/adolescents with ASD five to 19 years of age and their parents at a public institution that supports disabled people in the city of João Pessoa in Northeast Brazil. The parents answered a form addressing sociodemographic characteristics and medical data (schooling, income, age, sex, support level and use of medications). PSB was recorded based on the reports of the parents. Parental stress was investigated using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Sleep disorders in the children/adolescents were investigated using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC). Data analysis involved descriptive, bivariate and Poisson regression analyses (95% CI; p < 0.05). Fifty children/adolescents with ASD participated in the study. Boys accounted for 84.0% of the sample (n = 42). PSB in the children/adolescents was reported by 28.0% of the parents. The mean parental PSS-10 score was 20.3 ± 8.5 and the mean SDSC score was 48.8 ± 17.5. The adjusted Poisson model revealed associations between PSB and higher levels of perceived stress of the parents (PR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01-1.09), sleep breathing disorders (PR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.05-1.24) and sleep-wake transition disorders (PR = 1.16; 95%CI: 1.00-1.36; p = 0.044). The occurrence of PSB in children and adolescents with ASD was associated with higher levels of parental stress, higher scores for sleep breathing disorders and sleep-wake transition disorders.

Rainfall Variability, Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics, and Implications for Climate Risk through a Theoretical-Conceptual Model for the Eastern Northeast of Brazil

Rainfall Variability, Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics, and Implications for Climate Risk through a Theoretical-Conceptual Model for the Eastern Northeast of Brazil