Paraiba States Research Articles

Infection rate by TOXOPLASMA GONDII in free-range and broiler chickens in the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba, Brazil

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan that has a cosmopolitan geographic distribution and low specificity for intermediate hosts. Domestic chickens are among the most important hosts in toxoplasmosis epidemiology, since they are potential sources of infection for humans, in addition to indicating environmental contamination by protozoa. In this work, we studied the prevalence of T. gondii infection in chickens in different breeding systems from distinct mesoregions of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraiba States: broiler chickens from commercial farms and free-range chickens from small farms. Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and ELISA techniques were used for detecting specific antibodies in blood samples from the birds. There were no seropositive samples among the broilers tested, indicating that intensive management limited the chances of infection for these animals. Amongthe free-range chickens, the frequency of IgG anti-T. gondii detected by IFAT and ELISA were 37.9% and 40.4% respectively. Among the seropositive samples by IFAT, 33 (27.1%) were positive at a dilution of 1:16; in 1:32, 31 (25.4%); in 1:64, 24 (19.7%); 15 (12.3%) in 1:128, and 19 presented titers greater than or equal to 1:256 (15.6%). The substantial concordance observed between IFAT and ELISA signifies these methods are effective methodologies for the diagnosis of avian toxoplasmosis. The high prevalence of specific antibodies among poultry in the studied region highlights the potential risk of T. gondii transmission to humans through consumption of infected meat.KEY WORDS: Toxoplasma gondii; chicken infection; toxoplasmosis transmission; seroprevalence.

The genetic variability using sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region in cultivars of the cowpea [Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp).

Cowpea is a predominant crop in the small farms of the Brazilian semi-arid region, where several varieties of cowpea with high genetic variability are planted. Due to their genetic diversity, good adaptation to marginal environments and growth in low-input systems, these varieties, often called landraces, are of great interest for use in breeding and biodiversity conservation programs. The present study describes twelve varieties and three cultivars of cowpea, chosen on the basis of their high frequency of planting by farmers in the Paraiba and Pernambuco States. Total DNA was extracted from the plant seeds. In order to observe the variability of the studied material, four Intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers, the amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) technique using various endonucleases (AluI, HinfI, HpaII, RsaI and NruI), and amplification and sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) and ITS2 regions were employed. The results show that two assays, the fingerprinting and the sequencing of the ribosomal ITS1 and ITS2 regions, were sufficient to detect the variability of the cowpea germplasm used by small farmers in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Although the varieties often received the same designation, high diversity may have occurred within a variety, according to the origin of the cowpea seed. This work represents efforts to guide preservation of cowpea biodiversity in semi-arid regions. Key words: Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp.), coat seeds, intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR), amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA), diversity.

Fatores associados ao aleitamento materno em dois municípios com baixo índice de desenvolvimento humano no Nordeste do Brasil

To determine the duration of breastfeeding and to identify factors associated with exclusive / predominant breastfeeding in children under two years old. This is a cross-sectional study conducted from March to June 2005 in the municipalities of Gameleira and São João do Tigre, located in the interior of Pernambuco and Paraiba States. The sample comprised 504 children under two years (280 residents in Gameleira and 224 in São João do Tigre). Survival analysis was used to estimate the median duration of survival time of breastfeeding and the associations with socioeconomic conditions, factors related to mothers and children and health care. The duration of exclusive and exclusive/predominant breastfeeding and breastfeeding were of 19, 79 and 179 days in Gameleira and 23, 91 and 169 days in São João do Tigre, respectively. Mothers with better socioeconomic conditions, as represented by education, sanitation, and possession of consumer goods, had a higher median duration of exclusive/ predominant breastfeeding in both towns. Prenatal care represented by higher number of attendance, earlier onset and feeding and breastfeeding advice had a positive influence on breastfeeding duration. Breastfeeding duration was lower than the recommendation. Despite the families precarious living conditions, a better socioeconomic status and prenatal care were protective factors for exclusive/ predominant breastfeeding duration in these areas.

Contaminant concentrations, biochemical and hematological biomarkers in blood of West Indian manatees Trichechus manatus from Brazil

The West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus is threatened with extinction in Brazil, and this study focused on nondestructive blood samples analyzed for metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), as well as biochemical and hematological biomarkers. Studied manatees were kept at Projeto Peixe-Boi headquarters in Pernambuco State, and at two natural areas in estuaries where they are released to the wild. Manatees kept at the natural estuary in Paraiba State have blood concentrations of Al, Pb, Cd, Sn that are 11, 7, 8 and 23 times greater, respectively, than the concentrations found in blood of animals from the same species in Florida, USA. An inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase in manatees kept at the two reintroduction sites in Alagoas and Paraiba States indicated possible exposure of the animals to cholinesterase inhibitor insecticides. PCBs and OCPs were not detected. Results from this study will help delineate conservation efforts in the region.

SHORT COMMUNICATION: Normal aerobic bacterial conjunctival flora in the Crab‐eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) and Coati (Nasua nasua) housed in captivity in pernambuco and paraiba (Northeast, Brazil)

AbstractObjective To determine the normal aerobic bacterial conjunctival population of the Coatis and the Crab‐eating raccoons housed in captivity in the Pernambuco and Paraiba states of Brazil.Animals studied Ten healthy Coatis and 10 healthy Crab‐eating raccoons were selected for this study. Animals are from three zoos situated at the Pernambuco and Paraiba States in the north‐east of Brazil.Procedures After ophthalmologic examination, swabs from healthy animals were carefully collected in order to avoid contamination. Samples were identified and submitted to the laboratory. Swabs were plated for culture on ovine blood agar (8%) and agar Levine and incubated at 37 °C and observed 24 and 48 h.Results Staphylococcus spp. was the most common microorganism isolated from conjunctival sac. Shigella spp. comprised the Gram‐negative genera isolated. Escherichia coli were isolated from the right eye of one Coati that had no growth at contralateral eye. Nine eyes from coatis and 10 from Crab‐eating raccoons had no microorganisms isolated.Conclusion Our results were in accordance with previous studies indicating Staphylococcus sp., followed by Corynebacterium spp. as the most common inhabitant of the eyes of most mammalian species.

Uso de rejeitos de granitos como matérias-primas cerâmicas

A indústria do beneficiamento de granito gera uma enorme quantidade de rejeitos, que poluem e degradam o meio ambiente. Assim este trabalho tem por objetivo caracterizar e avaliar as possibilidades de utilização dos rejeitos da serragem de granitos gerados pelas indústrias de beneficiamento da Região Nordeste, como matéria-prima cerâmica alternativa na produção de blocos e revestimentos cerâmicos. Foram coletadas amostras de resíduos da serragem de granito em empresas da Paraíba, Ceará e Pernambuco, em seguida foi realizada sua caracterização através da determinação da distribuição granulométrica, massa específica real e área específica (BET) e de análise química, ATD, ATG, DRX, MEV. Após caracterização foram conduzidos ensaios tecnológicos com composições cerâmicas a fim de avaliar a possibilidade de adição dos resíduos em massas cerâmicas para confecção de blocos e revestimentos cerâmicos. Com base nos resultados verificou-se que os resíduos apresentam características físicas e mineralógicas semelhantes as das matérias-primas cerâmicas convencionais e que corpos cerâmicos formulados com resíduos apresentam características dentro das especificações da normalização brasileira tanto para blocos como para revestimentos cerâmicos.

Biologia da polinização e da reprodução de três espécies de Combretum Loefl. (Combretaceae)

The reproductive biology and pollination of three species of the genus Combretum were studied in natural populations, in areas of Caatinga (C. leprosum Mart. and C. pisonioides Taub.) and Atlantic forest (C. fruticosum (Loefl.) Stuntz) in Pernambuco and Paraiba states, northeastern Brazil. All the species presented continuous flowering after the rainy season. The colors of the flowers change during the anthesis period. Sugar concentration in the nectar is about 20.9% (sd = 2.08) in C. pisonioides, 21.3% (sd = 2.97) in C. leprosum and 9.6% (sd = 0.86) in C. fruticosum. The three species are self-incompatible. Pollen viability is higher than 95%. The flowers of C. pisonioides and C. leprosum have mellittophilous attributes. C. pisonioides is pollinated by wasps of the genus Polybia. C. leprosum is pollinated by ca. 20 species of Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. Apis mellifera (Apidae) was the most frequent visitor to the flowers of this species. C. fruticosum is ornithophilous, pollinated by passerine birds (Coerebidae) and hummingbirds (Chlorostilbon aureoventris).

Avaliação de parâmetros de qualidade físico-químicos de polpas congeladas de acerola, cajá e caju

This work was conducted to study the quality of frozen fruit pulps of cashew apple, yellow mombin and acerola produced by enterprises from Paraiba and Pernambuco States (Brazilian northeastern region), in order to verify if they are according to Brazilian regulatory laws. The mean values for pulps from both states were: a) cashew apple: pH 4.11; soluble solids = 9.8°Brix; acidity in citric acid = 0,39%; reducing sugars = 5.74%; ascorbic acid = 162.89mg/100g. b) yellow mombin: pH = 2.50; soluble solids = 7.5°Brix; acidity in citric acid = 1.09%; reducing sugars = 2.70%; ascorbic acid = 8.87mg/100g. c) acerola: pH = 3.05; soluble solids = 6.50°Brix; acidity in citric acid = 1.04%; reducing sugars = 3.20%; ascorbic acid = 989.51mg/100g. The result revealed that 68.2% of yellow mombin pulp samples and 59.1% of cashew apple pulp samples were found in disagreement with the QIS juice of these fruits. Concerning to acerola pulp, 40,7% of samples were also in disagreement with the required standard, according to Brazilian legislation. Such findings indicate the necessity to set up QIS for yellow mombin and cashew apple pulps in order to offer good quality products to consumers.

Caracterização da arquitetura interna das bacias do Vale do Cariri (NE do Brasil) com base em modelagem gravimétrica 3-D

An inversion method for three-dimensional modeling of gravity anomalies has been applied in the main intracratonic basins of Northeastern Brazil. These NE trending sedimentary basins of Cretaceous age are located in the Cariri Valley, in Ceara, Paraiba, and Pernambuco states, NE Brazil. The gravity stations database was obtained by several geophysical surveys carried out by Brazilian universities and geological government agencies. A complementary gravity survey was conducted by the Laboratorio de Geofisica de Prospeccao e Sensoriamento Remoto (LGPSR) of Ceara State University and Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica (IBGE) to improve the distribution of gravity stations in the study area. The iterative interpretation technique was applied to the gravity anomalies of the Cariri Valley, which resulted in reliable estimates of the internal geometry of the rift basins. The gravity models indicate a strong structural control of pre-existing upper crustal weakness zones in the development of the graben architecture of the basins. This provides additional arguments to the hypothesis of extensive Neoproterozoic shear zone reactivation during the Mesozoic rifting process, whose evolution resulted in the South America - Africa separation and the opening of the Atlantic Ocean.

THE PERALKALlC MAGMATISM IN THE PRECAMBRIAN CACHOEIRINHA-SALGUEIRO FOLDBELT, NORTHEAST BRAZIL: GEOCHEMICAL ASPECTS

Peralkalic rocks of probable Brasiliano age intruded metasediments of the Precambrian Cachoeirinha and Salgueiro Groups and their basement, between the geographic coordinates 37oW and 40oW longitude and 7oS and 8°1S'S latitude, Pernambuco and Paraiba states. They enclose two groups of aegirine and/or riebeckite-arfvedsonite-bearing rocks: (i) silica-saturated quartz-alkali-feldspar grayish-green trachytes and alkali-feldspar syenite, and (ii) silica-oversaturated quartz-alkali-feldspar syenite to alkali-feldspar granite (fluorite and cassiterite-bearing). The first group forms a dike swarm at Manaira, Paraiba, and Terra Nova, Pernambuco, batholiths and dikes adjacent to the southern border of the Cachoeirinha-Salgueiro foldbelt, constituting a syenitoid line, besides small stocks piercing Cachoeirinha metasediments and the second one, dike swarms stocks and ring-dikes. The first group is characterized by normative nepheline and K 2 0 (from 9.7 to 12.8%) greater than Na 2 O. Agpaitic index varies from 1.156 to 1.280 and in the second group ranges from 0.840 to 1.339. The Σ REE are usualy low and patterns for the two groups are very fractionated, LREE-enriched, HREE-deplete and Eu anomaly is rather missing. A very duscrete negative Eu anomaly is seen in some of the saturated rocks, while the oversatured rocks exhibit, sometimes, a discrete positive Eu anomaly. Whole δ 18 O values are usually below 10 permilSMOW, except for the oversaturated subvolcanic dikes which intruded Cachoeirinha metasediments. Intense, early pyroxene fractionation from an alkali basic parental magma has been perhaps responsible for the generation of the Triunfo-syenite batholith, Pernambuco, and other syenites in the peralkalic syenitcid line. The peralkalinity of the Macacos hill oversaturated ring-dike next to Serrita, Pernambuco, may have resulted from Bowen's plagioclase effect in the crystalizaticn of a magma with trondhjemitic affinity.

GRANITE-TYPES IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL: CURRENT KNOWLEDGE

Several granitoids in Northeast Brazil, including the main granite-tytes, mostly located within the Cachoeirinha-Salgueiro foldbelt (CSF), Pernambuco and Paraiba States, have been studied. Four groups of granitoids have been identified in this foldbelt with syn- to post-orogenic emplacement: a) calc-alkalic, b) potassie-calcalkalic, c) peralkalic, and d) of trondhjemitic affnities. Rock compositions vary from tonalites, granodiorites, quartz-syenites, syenites to minor granites. The calc-alkalic plutons (Conceicao-type), ilmenite-bearing, are strictly found piercing the Cachoeirinha low-grade metamorphics; the potassic-calc-alkalic granitoids (Itaporanga-type) intruded the gneissmigmatite basement, adjacent to the northern boundary of the CSF while the peralkalic rocks (Triunfo-type) form a magnetite-bearing syenitoid line, roughly following the southern boundary of the CSF. or found as small stocks and dike swarms (e.g. Catingueira-type) intruding Cachoeirinha metasediments. Rocks with trondhjemitic affinities (Serrita-type) form the core of the two ring-complexes, next to Serrita, Pernambuco, intruding Salgueiro metasediments. whole-rock δ 18 O values most clearly correlate with types of host rocks. Granitoids in high-grade terranes show normal δ 18 O values (<+ 10 permilSMOW), as in Itaporanga, Serra da Lagoinha, Monte das Gameleiras (Paraiba), and Bodoco (Pernambuco). Conceicâo-type granitoids dysplay high δ 18 O (+10 to +13 permilSMOW), while those which intruded the Salgueiro metasediments (Serrita-type) show δ 18 O values between 8 and 10 permilSMOW, same happening with most peralkalic bodies, REE patterns for the calc-alkalic plutons are very LREE-enriched relative to HREE, with discrete, but significative, negative Eu anomaly, compatible with combined fractionation of plagioclase and hornblend. The parental magma probably derived from an amphibiolitc source from depht not greather than 45 km.. The potassic-calc-alkalic bodies exhibit LREE-enriched signatures relative to HREE, lacking Eu anomaly. Slight differences between oxygen fugacity, crystallization order, type, and amount of each fractionated phase during magma ascent have been responsible for the differences among these patterns. The peralkalic bodies (silica over to satureted) exhibit very fractionated REE signatures, with Eu anomaly usually abjent. Over satured bodies show discret, positive Eu anomaly sometimes, while the satureted ones behave the opposite way. The major geochemistry and REE are in agreement in the four groups and are consistent with the behaviour of the oxygen isotopes, which vary sympathetically with ΣREE and Si0 2 . Magmatic epidote, a high-pressure phase, in three of the groups of granitoids, suggests that these rocks crystallized at relatively great depth what demands further structural and petrological support.

Morbidity of Chagas' disease. II - Sectional studies in 4 field areas in Brazil

Foi realizado um estudo seccional de campo do tipo "caso controle" sobre a morbilidade da doença de Chagas em quatro áreas endêmicas no Brasil, duas no Estado de Minas Gerais, uma no Estado do Piauí e outra no Estado da Paraíba, incluindo 716 pares de indivíduos da mesma idade e sexo, cada par constando de um indivíduo com sorologia positiva e outro com sorologia negativa para a infecção chagásica. Com esse tipo de estudo procurou-se determinar o componente exclusivamente chagásico na morbidade da doença em diferentes áreas do país. O gradiente de manifestações clínicas e alterações eletrocardiográficas entre o grupo com sorologia positiva e outro com sorologia negativa, estudado em 264 pares na área de Iguatama-Paris e 274 em Virgem da Lapa, ambas em Minas Gerais, e em 109 pares estudados nas localidades de Colônia e Oitis, em Oeiras, Piauí e em 69 nos municípios de Aguiar e Boqueirão dos Cochos na Paraíba, mostra nitidas diferenças regionais na morbilidade da doença. Nas áreas de Minas Gerais, embora a transmissão natural da infecção estivesse interrompida há 15 e 5 anos, respectivamente, o grau de morbilidade cardiológica pelo componente chagásico, considerando apenas as alterações eletrocardiográficas mais expressivas e específicas, no momento do estudo, foi de aproximadamente 30%, enquanto em Oeiras, no Piauí e em Aguiar e Boqueirão dos Cochos, na Paraíba, mesmo com transmissão ativa da infecção, a morbidade cardiológica pelo componente chagásico foi inferior a 15 e 10%, respectivamente

O batólito quartzo-sienitico da Serra da Baixa Verde, Pernambuco

On the limits of the Pernambuco and Paraiba States, Brazil, occurs a quartz syenitic body with an outcrop area of about 400 km². At its East side lies a probably relative granite and both are apparently intruded in schists of the Cachoeirinha and Uaua Groups. The area, localized in the Caririan transversal Zone wich is situated between the large Pernambuco and Patos lineaments, was cut by several secondary transcurrent faults and associated shear and tension fractures. The author supposes that the massif belongs to an assemblage of similar rock types intruded in and on the proximities of the transversal zone.

ON THE LENGTH ANO WEIGHT OFTHUNNUS ATLANTICUS (LESSON) FROM NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

During 1965- 1966 (October-January) fishing season of the Atlantic blackfin tuna, Thunnus atlanticus (Lesson), 611 specimens caught with trolling line thrown from sailing boats near the waters bordering Rio Grande do Norte and Paraiba States (Brazil), were measured and weighted at the fishing center of Baia Formosa (Rio Grande do Norte).