Northeastern Minas Gerais Research Articles

Quilombola women from Jequitinhonha (Minas Gerais, Brazil) and access to water and sanitation in the context of COVID-19: a matter of human rights

IntroductionIn Brazil there are currently 3,475 certified quilombo communities, reminiscent of Black communities founded by African enslaved people. In the Jequitinhonha Valley, a semi-arid region located in northeastern Minas Gerais State, Brazil, there are approximately 80 established communities, mostly in hard-to-reach areas with lack of access to water and sanitation services.MethodsUsing the analytical framework of Human Rights to Water and Sanitation (HRWS) and with a gender perspective, this research aimed to analyze how access to water and sanitation occurs in two remaining communities of quilombos (Córrego do Narciso and Córrego do Rocha) located in the Jequitinhonha Valley and how lack of access to these services impacts the health and lifestyle of the population, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used qualitative methods. Data was collected using individual interviews and focus groups. The data was analyzed using content analyses technique.ResultsThe results showed that access to water and sanitation in both communities did not respect the HRWS normative content and the lack of access impacted the lifestyle—the economic, cultural and social traditional activities-and the health of the population, especially for women. During COVID-9 pandemic access to water became even more difficult because the supply by water truck was discontinued producing more insecurity as people in the communities, especially women, needed to go to the city to buy water and food and could not keep isolation.DiscussionPublic policies on access to water for rural populations, especially quilombolas, if guided by the HRWS framework and interwoven with the gender perspective, could ensure guaranteed quality of life for women and can strength their entitlements within their territories.

Merianthera calyptrata sp. nov. (Melastomataceae, Myrtales), a new candelabriform species from Minas Gerais, Brazil

Merianthera is a genus of flowering plants with up to now seven species occurring in eastern Brazil, in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Minas Gerais. It belongs to the tribe Pyramieae (Melastomataceae), and can be recognized by its shrubby or treelet habit with caducous leaves, 5-merous flowers with a strongly zygomorphic androecium, the latter with dimorphic stamens bearing complex dorsal connective appendages, as well as an inferior ovary and capsular fruits. We describe here a new species of Merianthera from two collections and a photographic record, all from the same locality, an inselberg in the Municipality of Jacinto, in northeastern Minas Gerais. Its candelabriform habit, with a fistulose stem, and solitary, axillary or cauliflorous flowers are only shared with M. burlemarxii. However, M. calyptrata R.Goldenb., Bochorny & Fraga sp. nov. has at least three characters that are absent in M. burlemarxii and all other species in the genus: the total absence of both a peduncle and bracteoles, the calyptrate calyx and the fruits developing from inferior ovaries and dehiscing through longitudinal slits. The first character appears to be unknown in other species in the family.

Análise espacial de casos de dengue em município no semiárido pernambucano

O semiárido brasileiro possui mais de 1.260 municípios, formado pelos Estados do nordeste e norte de Minas Gerais. Devido a período de estiagem prolongada, os moradores armazenam água indiscriminadamente, favorecendo a proliferação do Aedes aegypti, transmissor de arboviroses. Portanto, objetivou-se analisar a distribuição dos casos confirmados, bem como, número de ovos coletados por ovitrampas, correlacionado-os com variáveis meteorológicas, em um município de região semiárida. Coletou-se dados secundários a respeito do número de casos, número de ovos por ovitrampa (infestação), variáveis meteorológicas referentes ao período de 2010 a 2013. Em seguida, confeccionou-se um banco de dados espacial e subsequente análise de distribuição espacial com método do Inverso da Distância (IDW), além da análise estatística de correlação entre as variáveis meteorológicas, número de casos confirmados e infestação. Observou-se que a correlação entre temperatura e umidade, com casos confirmados, foi considerada fraca, enquanto a precipitação em 2012 apresentou uma correlação forte. Porém, estas mesmas variáveis foram consideradas fraca em 2013. Em relação a distribuição espacial dos casos confirmados, houve uma concentração nos bairros de maior densidade populacional. Assim, a geotecnologia possibilita a identificação de áreas de risco, auxiliando na construção de estratégias eficientes.

Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the headwaters of the preto river, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, through siliceous bioindicators

The Preto River, located in the municipality of São Gonçalo do Rio Preto (Minas Gerais, Brazil), is one of the few perennial watercourses in the semi-arid region of northeastern Minas Gerais and is essential for the socio-environmental dynamics of the region. Its headwaters are located in the Southern Espinhaço Mountain Range, which is characterized by predominantly quartzite lithologies that form a relief with dissected altimetric variations interspersed with planation surfaces, where the climate is high-altitude tropical. The soils are poorly developed and small fragments of forest, together with phytophysiognomies of the Cerrado Biome such as wet grasslands (Campo limpo úmido), colonize the peatland ecosystems. The aim of this study is to contribute to the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the headwaters of the River Preto, using sliliceous bioindicators associated with other indicators (multi-proxy analysis). It was possible to infer that there was no change in phytophysiognomies from around 23,330 cal years BP to the present. However, there were 4 periods with oscillations between a cooler, drier environment in the Late Pleistocene, which gradually became warmer and more humid in the Late Holocene. Period 1 (Late Pleistocene) corresponds to the interval from before 23,300 to 13,500 cal years BP, in which the low tree density index (D/P) indicates vegetation similar to the current. Period 2 (end of the Late Pleistocene) corresponds to the period between 13,500 and 11,700 cal years BP. The increase in the D/P index indicates a small expansion of tree vegetation, albeit with the continued predominance of open vegetation. The appearance of Arecaceae characteristic phytoliths, associated with the drop in the climate index (Ic%), indicates an increase in temperature in relation to the previous phase. Period 3 (Pleistocene to Holocene transition) corresponds to the period from 11,700 to 10,000 cal years BP. It is a little colder and drier than the previous period, as observed from the increase in the climate index (Ic%). This period includes the Younger Dryas event, which was colder and drier than currently and had a global influence. Period 4 (Holocene) corresponds to the last 10,000 cal years BP. During this period there was no change in vegetation cover, the D/P and Pa/P indexes remain low, and there is a tendency towards a gradual increase in temperature. The use of siliceous bioindicators associated with other proxies and the regional and global events that occurred during the Quaternary in the analyzed sediments enabled the observation that, at least in the last 23,300 cal years BP, there have been no changes in the local vegetation cover. However, there were small expansion episodes or decreases in the density of tree and Arecaceae cover, as well as a tendency towards increased temperature and humidity in the Upper Holocene. The results proved to be useful for paleoenvironmental research and highlighted how peatland ecosystems are fundamental for understanding the evolution of the landscape and for reconstructing the environmental history of the Cerrado biome.

Marcgrave's red-tailed monkey: the earliest European depiction of a titi monkey

Among the approximately 40 species of mammals described in Historia naturalis Brasiliae by Willem Piso and Georg Marcgrave, the identity of the monkey “cagui major” has been one of the most controversial. Authors have identified Marcgrave's “cagui major” as a tamarin, a saki monkey, a squirrel monkey, a titi monkey and even as an Old-World monkey. Based on a watercolour, probably related to the original illustration that served as basis for the “cagui major” woodcut, we confirm that it depicts a titi monkey ( Callicebus). By comparing the pelage characteristics shown in the drawing and some measurements and pelage characteristics described in Historia naturalis Brasiliae, we confirm that the species depicted was Callicebus melanochir that occurs today in southern Bahia and northeastern Minas Gerais states, outside the range of the Dutch possessions in Brazil.

A new species of the Scinax catharinae species group (Anura: Hylidae) from the Atlantic rainforest of northeastern Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil.

We describe a new species of the Scinax catharinae group from one of the last remaining fragments of Atlantic Forest in northeastern Minas Gerais. The new species is distinguished from most species of the group mainly by having the mucronate snout in dorsal view, the unique light-yellow coloration on the gular surface in life contrasting with its overall color pattern, and the m. depressor mandibulae with an origin on the dorsal fascia at the level of the m. dorsalis scapulae. These two latter features are novelties in the diagnosis of Scinax species. The new species is currently known only from municipality of Santa Maria do Salto, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This locality is a remaining fragment of Atlantic Forest and has a peculiar geomorphic feature that has been poorly sampled so far.

Genetic diversity of Anaplasma marginale in calves with anaplasmosis on farms in Minas Gerais, Brazil

The objective of this study was to identify Anaplasma marginale strains in dairy heifers from farms with a history of anaplasmosis in the northwest region of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Among the examined animals of the four farms, the overall prevalence total of A. marginale was 55.7 % for gene msp5 and 36.7 % for blood smear. Thirty DNA samples (from 24 asymptomatic and six symptomatic animals) positive for A. marginale msp1α were sequenced to study genotype and strain diversity. The majority (28/30) were the E genotype, followed by C (1/30) and G (1/30). Thirteen different strains were found: α-β-F-F-F (nine animals), 13−27-27 (three animals), τ-27−18 (three animals), α-β-β- BRA1−31 (three animals), α- 22–1318 (three animals), 80-F-F- F-F (three animals), and α -22−13-13, α-β-β-Г, M-φ-φ-φ-φ-F, 42−25- 25–31, Q-Q-Q-M, B-Q-B-Q-B-M, and 16−17-F-F (one animal each). A new structure repeated in tandem was described and named BRA 1 (TDSSSASGVLSQSGQASTSSQLG). The α-β-F-F-F strain was present in all animals with acute anaplasmosis and in three animals asymptomatic. Thus, although 13 strains were observed in the animals evaluated, only the α-β-F-F-F strain was identified during occurrence of acute disease and mortality, we suggest that this strain has important pathogenicity for calves in northeastern Minas Gerais.

Social wasps (Hymenoptera, Polistinae) from the Brazilian savanna

The present study was developed aiming to evaluate the richness and biogeography of social wasp species in the Brazilian savanna, Cerrado. In order to do so, we gathered data from specialized literature and field samplings performed at Sempre-Vivas National Park, northeastern Minas Gerais state. 18 genera and 137 species were recorded, with 4 endemic species of the Mischocytiarus genus. The results showed that Cerrado houses 40% of Brazilian Polistinae fauna and that Sempre-Vivas National Park is responsible for around 29% of this value, which makes it an important refuge for conservation of social wasps from Cerrado, as well as Mato Grosso state, due to its large number of restricted occurrence and endemic species. Nonetheless, there are Brazilian states and conservation units still lacking information for the taxon, making a bigger sampling effort in the Cerrado biome necessary, as it has been rapidly deteriorating due to human action.

Structural and mineralochemical characterization of a pegmatite deposit in the Santa Rosa Pegmatite Field, Minas Gerais Brazil

Abstract The Santa Rosa Pegmatite Field (SRPF), in northeastern Minas Gerais State, is one of the most important gemstone sources in Brazil. The economy of several neighboring cities greatly relies on the trade of its gemstones. However, efforts to improve gemstone mining with practical, scientific methods are scarce, making it a yet inexpensive, marginally profitable practice. In this scenario, it is opportune to encourage new approaches to optimize mining in pegmatitic deposits. This study looked into the case of a tourmaline dig in the city of Franciscopolis, near Teofilo Otoni. The pegmatite has a weakly zoned structure, and was formed during the final stages of the Neoproterozoic Aracuai Orogeny, associated with the intrusion and crystallization of the Santa Rosa Granite. GPR profiles were executed to locate structural anomalies inside the rock and its contacts with the host rock, and mineral samples were characterized based on compositional data obtained from ICP-MS and microprobe analyses. The results provided useful information that enabled the creation of a tridimensional digital model of the dig and the pegmatite dike, and may guide future operations in the dig. In the future, the proposed methodology may be applied to more cases to generate a database of geological information that, in addition to the economic scope, could lead to a better understanding of the local granite-pegmatite systems.

Development and characterization of novel microsatellite loci for the Blue-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva, Psittaciformes, Aves) and cross-species amplification for other two threatened Amazona species.

Parrots are among the most threatened avian groups of the world, with illegal pet trade being a major threat to some Amazon (Amazona genus) and macaw (Ara and Anodorhynchus genera) species. Population genetic studies and effective control of commercial breeders are important actions for the conservation of these parrot species; however, few microsatellite loci are available for most Amazona species to date. In this study, 25 polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified in silico and characterized for the Blue-fronted Amazon [Amazona aestiva (Aa)]. Loci were tested in 24 Blue-fronted Amazons from wild population from central Brazil with cross-species amplified in two individuals of Amazona vinacea (Av) and Amazona pretrei (Ap) from northeastern Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, in southeastern and south of Brazil, respectively. The number of alleles per locus for Aa ranged from 5 to 24 with an average of 13.1. Twenty-four and 25 loci were successfully amplified for Av and Ap, respectively. The observed and expected heterozygosities for Aa ranged from 0.27 to 1.00 and from 0.35 to 0.94, with averages of 0.75 and 0.85, respectively. Nine loci significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction (likely due to null alleles) and no significant linkage disequilibrium between loci pairs was detected. The combined paternity exclusion probability was very high, and the probability of identity was extremely low. This new set of microsatellite loci will be useful for analyzing population genetic structure and making conservation and management decisions, as well as for parentage analysis and the control of commercial breeding of Aa and potentially other Amazona species.

A sticky and heavily armed new species of Solanum (Solanumsubg.Leptostemonum, Solanaceae) from eastern Brazil.

We describe a new species of spiny Solanum (Solanumsubg.Leptostemonum), endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and associated with granitic outcrops (inselbergs or sugar loaf mountains). Solanumkollastrum Gouvêa & Giacomin, sp. nov. is morphologically similar to the poorly known S.sublentum Hiern, but is a heavily armed, much more robust plant with stellate-glandular indumentum. Together with S.sublentum, it is morphologically related to some species of Solanum such as S.hexandrum Vell., S.robustum H.Wendl., and S.stagnale Moric. that share strongly accrescent calyces, large leaves with the bases decurrent on to the petiole, pendent simple inflorescences and large, robust flowers. The new species is restricted to a few known populations in southern Bahia and north-eastern Minas Gerais states and conservation efforts are needed.

Profile of dairy cattle farmers in the Northwest of Minas Gerais and the perception about the use of artificial insemination

This study aimed to characterize the profile of milk cattle farmers of the Northwest region of Minas Gerais State regarding the use of artificial insemination (AI) and see the most relevant factors in the perception of farmers for the adoption process of AI. From January to April 2014, 97 milk cattle farmers associated to milk cooperatives of the municipalities of northeastern Minas Gerais were interviewed. Of those interviewed farmers, 61.3% did not use artificial insemination. The majority (92.48%) of respondents were male and 48.88% were over 53 years of age, with low schooling, incomplete primary education (28.57%), or complete primary education (25.97%). Among the respondents, 66.67% had over 20 years experience in dairy farming. The average breeders by property were 99, and the average size of properties was 73 hectares (ha). In general, it was found that personal motivation is the main driver for the adoption of AI, and it is more linked to positive expectations generated by the phenotype of the animals than to economic factors. The prerequisites for adoption of AI are in the background and, among them, manpower, infrastructure, and animal handling are prominent, followed by social influence, evidenced by entities and persons involved in AI and in the daily life of farmers. Little emphasis on human resource management and use of scientific knowledge may have affected the adoption of biotechnology, resulting in low utilization. It is also possible to associate the advanced age of farmers to the resistance to the use of reproductive biotechnologies.

Synonymy and notes on a rare species of Vriesea (Bromeliaceae) from the Atlantic forest hotspot of Bahia and Minas Gerais, Brazil

During the preparation of the Flora of Bahia we studied the sympatry of Vriesea noblickii Martinelli & Leme (1987: 346) and V. sandrae Leme (1995: 147) along the same mountain range in Santa Teresinha municipality. Fieldwork was conducted in similar vegetation along Bahia and Minas Gerais states and herbaria collections were revised aiming to comprehend their morphological variation. Here, we present an updated distribution and conservational comments about V. noblickii, including V. sandrae as a synonym. Although proposed earlier (Luther 2001), this synonymy has been ignored by most databases and the name V. sandrae is currently used for identifications of specimens from Bahia causing confusion. We also indicate a new record for northeastern Minas Gerais expanding the area occupied by V. noblickii.

Schistosoma mansoni reinfection: Analysis of risk factors by classification and regression tree (CART) modeling.

Praziquantel (PZQ) is an effective chemotherapy for schistosomiasis mansoni and a mainstay for its control and potential elimination. However, it does not prevent against reinfection, which can occur rapidly in areas with active transmission. A guide to ranking the risk factors for Schistosoma mansoni reinfection would greatly contribute to prioritizing resources and focusing prevention and control measures to prevent rapid reinfection. The objective of the current study was to explore the relationship among the socioeconomic, demographic, and epidemiological factors that can influence reinfection by S. mansoni one year after successful treatment with PZQ in school-aged children in Northeastern Minas Gerais state Brazil. Parasitological, socioeconomic, demographic, and water contact information were surveyed in 506 S. mansoni-infected individuals, aged 6 to 15 years, resident in these endemic areas. Eligible individuals were treated with PZQ until they were determined to be negative by the absence of S. mansoni eggs in the feces on two consecutive days of Kato-Katz fecal thick smear. These individuals were surveyed again 12 months from the date of successful treatment with PZQ. A classification and regression tree modeling (CART) was then used to explore the relationship between socioeconomic, demographic, and epidemiological variables and their reinfection status. The most important risk factor identified for S. mansoni reinfection was their “heavy” infection at baseline. Additional analyses, excluding heavy infection status, showed that lower socioeconomic status and a lower level of education of the household head were also most important risk factors for S. mansoni reinfection. Our results provide an important contribution toward the control and possible elimination of schistosomiasis by identifying three major risk factors that can be used for targeted treatment and monitoring of reinfection. We suggest that control measures that target heavily infected children in the most economically disadvantaged households would be most beneficial to maintain the success of mass chemotherapy campaigns.

A Taxonomic Revision of the genus Dialium (Leguminosae: Dialiinae) in the Netotropics

Dialium (Leguminosae, Dialiinae) is pantropical and comprises about 40 species. Presently, only one species occurs in the Neotropics, Dialium guianense, which is found from eastern Mexico to northeastern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The objective of this study was to carry out a thorough taxonomic revision of Dialium in the Neotropics, to determine if species diversity of the genus in this region is underestimated. The study analyzed 765 collections, from 18 herbaria throughout the world, which revealed three groups of specimens that clearly differ from each other and from D. guianense. Morphology and biogeography support their recognition as new species. Dialium hexaestaminatum occurs in northern Colombia and western Venezuela, and is characterized by generally having six stamens, while the other neotropical species have only two. Dialium congestum occurs in Ecuador and southern Colombia and is mainly characterized by the presence of congested inflorescences, unlike the lax inflorescences found in the other neotropical species. Dialium rondoniense occurs in the state of Rondônia and the most southern part of the state of Amazonas, Brazil. It is characterized by the dense coverage of trichomes on the abaxial surface of the leaflets, as well as the petiolules, petioles, leaf rachis and branches, while the other neotropical species are generally glabrous or covered with sparse trichomes that are imperceptible to the bare eye. The results show that the diversity of Dialium in the Neotropics was underestimated and that the genus has four species in the region. An identification key, illustrations and descriptions of the species are provided.

Recent mineral discoveries in the Coronel Murta, Taquaral, and Medina pegmatite fields, northeastern Minas Gerais, Brazil

The occurrence of five rare minerals in the Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province, northeastern Minas Gerais, is described and discussed: bergslagite [CaBe(AsO4)(OH)] from the Manoel Fonseca mine, Coronel Murta county; herderite [CaBe(PO4)F] from the Funil mine, Medina county; lithiophosphate [Li3PO4] from the Cachoeira mine, Aracuai/Itinga counties; lithiotantite [Li(Ta,Nb)3O8] from the Murundu mine, Itinga county; and kosnarite [KZr2(PO4)3] from Mario Pinto mine, Itinga county. The host pegmatites of these minerals, with their respective main chemical and/or mineralogical features are also presented. As a consequence of such discoveries, Raman spectra for lithiotantite and lithiophosphate were made available, and crystal structure refinement for lithiotantite was performed.

Hydrology and carbon dynamics of tropical peatlands from Southeast Brazil

Peatlands are important natural carbon reservoirs and regulators of water flow and of its dynamic in many natural areas. The structural integrity of these systems has been recognizably threatened by anthropic interventions but has also been significantly influenced by the global climate changes. This study aimed to characterize the water and carbon dynamics in watersheds of two peats independently supplying the Araçuaí River basin in the northeastern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The peats, which were found to be in different states of natural conservation, were investigated for their physical and chemical characteristics, both of the peats and of their stored water. The 14C isotopic analyses of the peat and measurements of the water and organic carbon storage capacity of these peats were performed. The geneses of the corresponding profiles were found to have initiated between the early Holocene (7664years BP) and the late Pleistocene (11,129years BP) periods with a vertical growing rate between 0.10 and 0.61mmy−1. The difference in the degree of natural conservation on the dynamic of water and carbon between these peats was checked by the water and soil attributes. Large quantities of water (mean value for these two peats, approximately 10,108m3ha−1) and organic carbon (200tonCha−1) were presumably stored during its pedogenetic history. The more anthropically altered peat presented a negative carbon balance and lower water flow in the dry season. The influence of human activities on their carbon and water dynamics reinforces the importance of protecting and conserving these native areas.

Uncommon Nb-tantalate from the Cachoeira mine, Araçuaí pegmatite district (Minas Gerais)

Important spodumene-rich pegmatites have been mined by CBL (Companhia Brasileira de Litio, Brazilian Lithium Co.) at the Cachoeira mine (northeastern Minas Gerais state) since the 1990's. In this deposit, black platy crystals resembling columbitetantalite are also found; they were analyzed by electronic microprobe as part of the first author's master's degree dissertation. The Cachoeira pegmatite group comprises several spodumene-rich bodies that consist of pertitic microcline, spodumene (on average 23vol%), albite, quartz and muscovite, totalizing more than 95% of the bodies' volume. Analyses on 27 samples of supposedly Nb-tantalates showed a high variation of Ta, Nb and Sn contents, which has been observed inclusive in individual crystals, causing color variation on backscattered electrons images. Surprisingly, analyses on some grains also revealed the presence of ixiolite, a mineral species that has never been described in that region; it is characterized by high SnO2 contents (up to ~16wt%). Columbite-(Fe) phase represents 42% of total Nb-tantalates analyzed samples, tantalite-( Fe) 19%, columbite-(Mn) 3% and ixiolite, 36%. Cassiterite, also observed, shows significant Ta2O5 contents, probably indicating general exsolution processes.

Mediation through Militarization: Indigenous Soldiers and Transcultural Middlemen of the Rio Doce Divisions, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 1808-1850

In 1825, a Maxakali Indian and soldier named Inocencio walked several hundred miles from northeastern Minas Gerais to the royal court in Rio de Janeiro, seeking an audience with Emperor Dom Pedro I. Accompanying him were 14 Indians from the vicinity of Belmonte, a town located on the border of Bahia and Minas Gerais. The journey, requiring several weeks, took Inocencio through thickly forested hilly terrain with few established roads.

Two new species of marsupial tree-frogs genus Gastrotheca Fitzinger, 1843 (Anura, Hemiphractidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Two new species of Gastrotheca are described from northeastern Minas Gerais and southern Bahia, in the Atlantic Forestof Brazil. Data on morphology, calls, mitochondrial, and nuclear DNA are provided. Allied to G. fissipes and G.megacephala, the new taxa provide evidence for a higher diversity of species of Gastrotheca than previously thought atthe Atlantic Forest. The data also suggest that G. pulchra, another Atlantic Forest taxon, is more closely related to non-Atlantic Forest species than to the remaining analyzed Brazilian Gastrotheca species. This implies that the Gastrotheca at the Brazilian coastal forests have at least two independent origins.