Semiarid Region Of Northeastern Brazil Research Articles

Effects of the latest drought on the alluvial aquifer of a semiarid region in northeastern Brazil

Effects of the latest drought on the alluvial aquifer of a semiarid region in northeastern Brazil

Exposure of small ruminants and humans to Coxiella burnetii in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil.

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular pathogen Coxiella burnetii, for which domestic ruminants are the primary source of infection in humans. Herein, we investigated the presence of C. burnetii in humans, sheep, and goats in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. The presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies was surveyed using indirect immunofluorescence assay, and detection of C. burnetii DNA was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Anti-C. burnetii antibodies were detected in 60% of farms, 4.8% of goats, 1.5% of sheep, and 4.5% of human samples. PCR was positive in 18.9% of blood samples, 7.7% of milk samples, and 7.7% of vaginal mucus samples. A DNA sequence of a C. burnetii DNA sample extracted from the goat vaginal mucus showed 99.2-99.4% nucleotide identity with other strains previously reported in Brazil. These results indicate that C. burnetii is present in the surveyed area, where it poses a risk to both public and animal health. These findings indicate an urgent need for educative actions to protect population, as well as better training of veterinarians to detect and report Q fever.

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

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

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

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

Assessment of Soil Quality of Smallholder Agroecosystems in the Semiarid Region of Northeastern Brazil

The assessment of soil quality is crucial for the sustainable development of agriculture in semiarid regions. Due to their sensitivity to management practices, soil chemical and physical quality indicators are used for investigating soil quality. This study aimed to assess the soil quality of smallholder agroecosystems from the Brazilian semiarid region. Soil physical and chemical attributes were screened using principal component analysis (PCA) and integrated into a weighted additive soil quality index (SQI). Soil quality was obtained using linear and non-linear scoring methods, a total data set (TDS), and a minimum data set (MDS). The soil quality of the agroecosystems was designated as being of moderate grade. The MDS for soil quality assessment includes cation exchange capacity, C stock, exchangeable sodium percentage, flocculation degree, pH, electrical conductivity, available P, and K+ from twenty-five indicators of the TDS. This MDS mainly reflects the input of manure and crop residues associated with moderate weathering of easily weatherable minerals given the semiarid conditions. The SQI obtained can be used to synthesize the information of the TDS and is a valuable tool to indicate the soil quality of agroecosystems; thereby, it can be used with indicators of sustainable management for application at a regional scale.

Cutting of dry forests in a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil

Cutting of dry forests in a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil

Woody Species Richness and Precipitation as drivers of Primary Productivity in Dry Forests of Northeastern Brazil

Although it is common sense in the scientific community that there is a correlation between species richness and primary productivity, empirically this is poorly addressed for semiarid ecosystems. In the present study (1) we correlate woody species richnesswith a vegetation index from satellite data (as a proxy for primary productivity); we also determined (2) the effect of rainfall on productivity, and (3) rainfall and productivity anomaly indices for 49 sites in Dry Forests of Northeastern semiarid region of Brazil. We show that both species richness and rainfall are positively correlated with productivity (r² = 0,33 and p < 0,05;r² = 0,11, n = 49 and p < 0,05, n = 49; respectively). Productivity has a significant one month lag in response to rainfall (r2 = 0.39 ± 0.16; p < 0.001; n = 49). We also found that rainfall shows an anomaly 3 times more intense than the productivity anomaly (p < 0.001, r2 = 0.5). We conclude that at the regional level, woody species richness has a stronger effect than rainfall on productivity of Dry Forests of semiarid Brazil. In addition, the anomaly results showed the vegetation´s resistance to the semiarid harsh climate, an important result for conservation and policy under a climate change scenario.

Potassium fertigation and organic fertilisation in ‘Syrah’ grape in Northeastern Brazil: yield, must characteristics and phenolic compounds

The effect of both potassium and organic fertilisation on grape yield and must composition originating from wine grapevines cultivated in the São Francisco river basin, in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil, is not well known. Since soils from that region usually have low organic matter content, we hypothesise that soil application of organic fertiliser and potassium application through drip irrigation enhances the availability of this nutrient in the soil, and it influences grape yield and quality. Hence, five doses of potassium (0, 20, 40, 80 and 160 kg ha-1) applied through a drip irrigation system and two doses of goat manure as organic fertiliser applied into the soil (0 and 7.5 m3 ha-1) after pruning were evaluated concerning yield and berry quality of grapevine ‘Syrah’ over four growing seasons (April 2013 to July 2015) in Petrolina, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The experimental design was randomised blocks with 5 replications. We evaluated yield (t ha-1), weight of 100 berries (g), must volume (mL), total soluble solids (°Brix), pH and total titratable acidity (‰), K, Mg and Ca contents and phenolic compounds (total polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids). The increasing application of potassium at the different doses of organic fertiliser did not alter the crop yield, except in the second season. Nonetheless, K concentration in grape must was influenced in the four growing seasons, with higher values at fitted K2O doses by polynomial regression of 83.62 kg ha-1 (first season), 101.25 kg ha-1 (second season), 120.00 kg ha-1 (third season) and 77.99 kg ha-1 (0 m3 ha-1 organic fertiliser) and 96.07 kg ha-1 (7.5 m3 ha-1 organic fertiliser) in the fourth season. The addition of increasing doses of potassium interfered with the wine grape quality, which is an important factor to be considered in relation to its acidity. Organic fertilisation did not affect the most quality characteristics of the grapes.

From molecules to ecosystems: Insights into a network of interactions for a Chagas disease outbreak using Triatoma brasiliensis as natural samplers

Exploring the dynamics of disease transmission involves an understanding of complex interactions within the eco-epidemiologic framework. In the context of Chagas disease (CD), elements are mainly represented by the interactions among the pathogen, insect vector, host, humans and the environment. We performed quantitative and qualitative analyses on a dataset derived from 98 Triatoma brasiliensis infected by trypanosomatids, which were linked to a CD outbreak in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. We extracted invertebrate-derived DNA (iDNA) from these insects, comprising 18 populations around the outbreak area, each indicative of various strata of anthropogenic influence. Food source (FS) diversity, representing potential parasite reservoirs, was determined through mitochondrial gene (cyt b) sequencing of vertebrates, and parasite genotyping was accessed using fluorescent amplified fragment barcodes (FFLB) of trypanosomatids. We also assessed the residents' awareness of breeding sites for CD vectors in the inspected houses. The quantification of Trypanosoma cruzi was estimated via real-time PCR and is denominated here as the average parasite load (PL) per insect (T. cruzi/intestinal unit). We aimed to address vector-parasite-host-environment interactions that were discussed based on their significance among the components. Notably, among the significant interactions, we observed that the PL in the insects was significantly influenced by FS. Infected insects that fed on the classic reservoir, Didelphis albiventris, and Galea spixii exhibited higher PLs, compared to those that fed on Kerodon rupestris (p < 0.04)—a primary host. While D. albiventris is already recognized as a synanthropic species, we propose that G. spixii may also be undergoing a synanthropic process. Conversely, domestic cats are frequently identified as FS in infected insects from the sylvatic environment, suggesting a possible change in their behavior towards a wild state. Therefore, we propose that neglected anthropogenic actions have facilitated the reciprocal (sylvatic-peridomestic) circulation of T. cruzi—especially noted for TcI because it was predominant in insects found in peridomestic environments. Residents are often unaware of the existence of insect breeding grounds near their homes, particularly when it involves the storage of materials without planning for use, such as piles of tiles, bricks and wood. Although indirect inferences about the interaction among vector-parasite-host-environment are still incipient, we highlight the potential use of vectors as natural samplers of biological and ecological components in transmitting the disease.

Parasitism on domestic cats by Amblyomma auricularium and serological evidence of exposure to Rickettsia amblyommatis.

The domestic cat is not considered a primary host for any specific tick species; however, it can be affected by some Ixodidae species, such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Amblyomma spp. The study reports parasitism by Amblyomma auricularium and the detection of anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies in domestic cats from a rural property in the Afrânio municipality, Pernambuco, Brazil. Amblyomma auricularium (24 nymphs, six females, and four males) and Amblyomma sp. (42 larvae) parasitized three cats, and 73 free-living ticks were captured in armadillo burrows: A. auricularium (36 nymphs, six females, five males) and Amblyomma sp. (26 larvae). Blood samples from cats were collected and the obtained plasma were subjected to indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detect antibodies against Rickettsia antigens. Thus, anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies were determined (titers ranging from 128 to 512) and showed a predominant antibody response to Rickettsia amblyommatis or a very closely related genotype. This study reports the first infestation of nymphs and adults of A. auricularium on cats in a new area of occurrence in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil and reports for the first time the presence of anti-Ricketsia antibodies in cats in the region, with R. amblyommatis as the probable infectious agent.

Anticorpos anti-Brucella spp. em equídeos de tração em uma região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: The present study described the prevalence and factors associated with the seropositivity for anti-Brucella spp. antibodies in working equids in the semiarid regionofnortheastern Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 322 equids (76 horses, 155 mules and 91 donkeys). The Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) was used as a screening method. Samples that were reactive in the RBPT were tested for confirmation using 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) and the standard tube agglutination test (STAT). Overall, 7.1% (23/322) of the samples were positive according to the RBPT. After confirmatory tests, the prevalence of brucellosis was found to be 6.5% (21/322). Among these cases, 33.3% (7/21) were horses, 42.8% (9/21) were mules and 23.9% (5/21) were donkeys. In the multivariate analysis, age over 10 years was considered to be a factor associated with the seropositivity (OR: 17.17; 95% CI: 2.582-164.7, P = 0.006) for anti-Brucella spp. antibodies. The significant prevalence of anti-Brucella spp. antibodies found in working equids and the wide distribution of positive animals demonstrates a worrying epidemiological situation regarding brucellosis in the study region. Age over 10 years was a risk factor associated with the seropositivity for anti-Brucella spp. antibodies in animals.

Factors shaping a lizard community structure in a semiarid region of north-eastern Brazil

We assessed the roles of historical and recent factors on the structure of a Neotropical lizard community from Serra da Capivara, in the semiarid Caatinga of north-eastern Brazil. We found no phylogenetic structure in community composition. Spatial niche overlap was high for most species pairwise comparisons. Null model analyses indicated that mean spatial and trophic niche overlaps did not differ, while mean morphological niche overlap was significantly lower than expected by chance, indicating a community structured along the morphological niche axis but not along the trophic nor spatial niche axes. We suggest that the lack of spatial niche segregation and species association may be related to current environmental conditions, such as habitat homogeneity and climatic variables. Morphological and dietary niches were influenced by historical factors, with phylogeny accounting for most of the variation in our data. Most of the variation is accounted for by the divergence of basal lineages (Gekkota/Scincomorpha/Iguania). These segregations influence behaviour and foraging modes of the given clades. Finally, these results are quite like those found for lizard communities in Seasonal Tropical Dry Forests (STDFs) and Cerrado savannahs, which can be a starting point to discuss the relationship between these formations to Caatinga domain.

High prevalence of pathogenic Eimeria spp. and the main risk factors associated with infection in goats from a semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil.

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology of infections caused by Eimeria spp. in goats bred in an extensive production system in Northeast Brazil. To this end, an epidemiological survey was performed, wherein 350 fecal samples were collected from goats ranging from 3months to 8years old across 30 farms. The number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was counted using the Mini-FLOTAC method. Species were identified based on their morphological and morphometric characteristics. Frequencies between animal categories were assessed using the chi-square test and known risk factors after multivariate analysis. Eimeria oocysts were found in 99.4% (346/348) of samples and 100% (30/30) of the farms. The OPG was influenced by the age of the animals; therefore, young goats (up to 6months old) eliminated more oocysts (2302.6 + 5454.8) than adult goats (881.7 + 1551.5). Three pathogenic species were identified, with two demonstrating a high prevalence: Eimeria arloingi (88.83%) and Eimeria christenseni (44.7%), in addition to Eimeria caprina (3.72%). In the study, the habit of ground feeding and the use of cisterns as water sources were identified as risk factors, with odds ratios of 4.04 and 9.82, respectively. However, cleaning facilities at shorter intervals was a protective factor (OR = 0.19). We concluded that there was a high prevalence of Eimeria infection in goats bred in extensive production systems, even those in semiarid regions. This high prevalence can be attributed to the congregation of animals in shaded areas and the substantial accumulation of fecal matter at night.

Unravelling the genetic diversity and population dynamics of three Tacinga species (Cactaceae: Opuntioideae) in the Caatinga

Abstract The Caatinga biogeographical region, located in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil, is characterized by high levels of cactus diversity and endemism. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity, differentiation, and phylogeography of three Tacinga species (Tacinga inamoena, Tacinga subcylindrica, and Tacinga palmadora), which are endemic and widely distributed in the Caatinga. We collected 222 samples from 108 locations and used plastid (3ʹrps16-5ʹtrnK, PsbE-PetL) and nuclear (PhyC) molecular markers for a multilocus approach. Our results suggest that diversification of the three Tacinga species occurred during the middle Pleistocene, with the Southern Sertaneja Depression ecoregion of the Caatinga being identified as the ancestral area. Interestingly, analyses of genetic structure did not show any evidence that the major river in the region (the Sao Francisco River) and the Caatinga ecoregions acted as biogeographical barriers for gene flow in these species. This suggests that the three Tacinga species exhibited different responses to widely accepted geographical and geomorphological barriers known to affect other taxonomic groups in the Caatinga. Overall, our findings provide new insights into the biogeographical history of the Caatinga and the factors that have shaped diversification and genetic structure of species in this region. Our study underlines the importance of considering the unique natural history and biological characteristics of individual taxonomic groups when investigating the biogeography of the Caatinga.

Soil Attributes and Their Interrelationships with Resistance to Root Penetration and Water Infiltration in Areas with Different Land Uses in the Apodi Plateau, Semiarid Region of Brazil

Studies on soils and their interrelationships with land use in the context of the semi-arid region of Brazil are still scarce, even though they have the potential to assist in understanding the use and management of soil and agricultural crops. From this perspective, this study investigated four land uses in different locations of the Apodi Plateau, an elevated area in semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. The different soils were analyzed for their resistance to root penetration, water infiltration, inorganic fractions, soil density, total porosity, potential of hydrogen, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, potential acidity, and sum of bases. The soil resistance to root penetration and water infiltration were determined in the field. The results obtained were interpreted using multivariate and geostatistical analysis. The resistance data were subjected to the Shapiro–Wilk test at 5% of probability and expressed in maps, whereas infiltration data curves were constructed to estimate the amount of infiltrated water at the different time intervals. The textural classification was an important factor for the analysis of soil resistance to root penetration (Q) and the infiltration rate, being evidenced in the cluster analysis and allowing the formation of two groups, one for the surface layers of the areas and another for the subsurface layers, with the inorganic sand and clay fractions standing out with the greatest dissimilarity. The establishment of conservation practices for soil management is suggested to correct the pore space problems and the degradation of agroecosystems in areas with soils whose conditions are similar to the ones of this study.

Agricultural land suitability for rainfed and irrigated crop cultivation in a semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil

Adequate territorial management of irrigation water is essential to ensure water security, especially in semi-arid areas. This paper presents a spatial diagnostic of the most suitable areas for crops cultivation (individual or intercropped), under rainfed and irrigated, considering specific conditions to promote agricultural sustainable production in the Agreste of Pernambuco (Brazil). The procedure combines geospatial information about edaphoclimatic requirements and legal and biophysical restrictions on land use. If there is water availability for irrigation, the areas eligible for the cultivation of cowpea and maize can increase by up to 50% and 120%, respectively, compared to the area available for rainfed planting for these crops in the study region. In general, the conditions of annual precipitation are not suitable for the rainfed production of sugarcane and banana in regular years. The method, widely applicable to other regions, allows the assessment of the suitability of each site for the cultivation of more than one crop and can support the definition and evaluation of public water policies for sustainable economic development. Its results can convert the perceptions of those involved in technical and reasoned analysis in the face of critical issues to achieving water sustainability and sustainable economic development.

Combined fertilization with nitrogen-potassium to mitigate salt stress in okra

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is sensitive to the salinity of water and soil, a common abiotic stress in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil; however, such sensitivity is variable with water management in the soil-plant-atmosphere system. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the fertilization with nitrogen-potassium combinations in okra cultivated under salt stress. Photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, growth and fruit quality were evaluated. Fertilization with N1:K1 (40% N + 40% K2O) reduced the damage caused by salt stress and increased the chlorophyll contents, while the application of N4:K4 (130% N + 100% K2O) decreased the damage caused by salt stress and increased the carotenoid contents. The combination of N:K fertilization did not affect gas exchange, however, salt stress decreased these variables. Fertilization with N2:K2 (70% N + 60% K2O) reduced the damage caused by salt stress and increased the leaf area of okra. In addition, salt stress decreased the number of fruits and increased the fresh mass of okra fruits. The N:K fertilization also reduced the damage caused by salt stress and in the soluble solids content, titratable acidity, SS/TA ratio, and ascorbic acid content. Thus, N:K fertilization can be seen as an important agronomic strategy to improve the performance of okra quality subjected to saline conditions.

Trocas gasosas, pigmentos fotossintéticos e crescimento de quiabeiro hidropônico sob estresse salino e ácido salicílico

ABSTRACT The high concentrations of salts present in the water sources of the Brazilian Northeastern semi-arid region stand out as one of the limiting factors for agricultural production, contributing to soil salinization and/or sodification. Thus, it is extremely important to identify strategies to mitigate the effects of salt stress on plants, such as the foliar application of salicylic acid. In this context, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid as an attenuator of salt stress on leaf gas exchange, water relations, photosynthetic pigments, and growth of okra cv. Canindé grown in a hydroponic system. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in Pombal, PB, Brazil. The treatments consisted of four levels of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution - ECns (3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0 dS m-1) and four concentrations of salicylic acid - SA (0, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 mM) distributed in a completely randomized design in a split-plot scheme, considering the ECns levels as the plots and SA concentrations as the subplots, with four replicates and two plants per plot. ECns from 3.0 dS m-1 inhibited the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, leaf gas exchange, and growth of okra cv. Canindé. Foliar application of salicylic acid at concentrations of up to 3.6 mM does not alleviate the effects of salt stress on water relations, gas exchange and growth of okra. Salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.8 mM stimulates chlorophyll a and b biosynthesis in okra under ECns of 3.0 and 4.0 dS m-1, respectively.

The influence of urban planning parameters on the climatic performance of urban fabrics: A predictive investigation in Arapiraca-AL, Brazil

Research Purpose: High urban density, often considered as harmful for the urban climate, may correspond to different morphologies of urban structures. The objective of this study is a predictive evaluation of the climatic performance of urban fabrics, presenting different densities and morphological patterns, based on the correlation of traditional and advanced urban planning parameters. Methodology: The methodological procedures were: a) computer simulation for predictive analysis of climate performance of hypothetical scenarios using ENVI-met model; b) statistical analysis to verify the degree of correlation between environmental and urban morphology variables. Air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed of the hypothetical scenarios and of spatial typologies were analysed in the urban site of Arapiraca-AL located in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Findings: A negative correlation was observed between the behavior of the maximum air temperature (dependent variable) and the advanced urban planning parameters of the mesh porosity and the arboreal density index (independent variables), through correlation coefficient with absolute values above 0,7. Originality/Value: Correlation analysis indicated the influence of morphological patterns on the climatic performance of urban fabrics. The results demonstrate that advanced urban parameters can be investigated to optimize the use of bioclimatic strategies in the urban environment.

State-space prior distribution for parameter of nonhomogeneous Poisson spatiotemporal models.

This article proposes a new class of nonhomogeneous Poisson spatiotemporal model. In this approach, we use a state-space model-based prior distribution to handle the scale and shape parameters of the Weibull intensity function. The proposed prior distribution enables the inclusion of changes in the behavior of the intensity function over time. In defining the spatial correlation function of the model, we include anisotropy via spatial deformation. We estimate the model parameters from a Bayesian perspective, employ the Markov chain Monte Carlo approach, and validate this estimation procedure through a simulation exercise. Finally, the extreme rainfall in the southern semiarid region in northeastern Brazil is analyzed using the R10mm index. The proposed model showed better fit and prediction ability than did other nonhomogeneous Poisson spatiotemporal models available in the literature. This improvement in performance is mainly due to the flexibility of the intensity function that is achieved by allowing the incorporation, in time, of the climatic characteristics of thisregion.