Semi-arid Region Of Bahia Research Articles

In silico screening of compounds from the Bahia semiarid region for identification of potential inhibitors of the p38 MAPK protein

The P38 MAPK protein is mainly involved in the synthesis of the proinflammatory cytokines IL1 and TNF-alpha and is important in the maintenance and amplification of the inflammatory process. Therefore, this protein presents high potential as a pharmacological target in the search for new treatments for inflammatory diseases. In silico approach has been of great importance to develop quick and inexpensive target identification and way to discover new bioactive molecules. This study used a computer ligand-docking method to screen the compounds from the Bahia semiarid region in silico for their ability to inhibit p38 MAPK activity. The protein crystallographic structure of the p38 MAPK was obtained from the Macromolecular Protein Data Bank. Northeast semiarid molecules were obtained from the ZINC database. The database was screened and a set of 233 molecules were selected as candidates using filtering based on parameters of the rule of Lipinski and Verber. The docking was carried out using the program Autodock Vina in its default configuration. The compound with ZINC databank code: 91596862 was found the most promising compound acoording to their binding free energy value obtained in the docking experiments (11,1 Kcal.mol-1) Intermolecular interactions analysis suggested that Van der Waals interactions are crucial to the ZINC molecule 69481892 in the active site of the p38 MAPK protein. Data resulting from all dockings are significant, although it has low accuracy. Thus, the hypothetical results of these in silico studies should be confirmed by in vitro and/or in vivo tests.

Antioxidants activity and physicochemical properties of honey from social bees of the Brazilian semiarid region

This study compared the nutraceutical potential of Apis mellifera and Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides honeys from the semiarid region of Bahia, Brazil, using microbiological, melissopalynological, and physicochemical techniques. Total phenols and flavonoids and the antioxidant activity were also determined. All samples had good microbiological quality and safety with an absence of coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus coagulase positive and Clostridium sulphite reducing spores. Were identified 41 pollen types belonging to 23 botanical families. Myrtaceae, Anacardiaceae, and Sapindaceae were the predominant pollen types in A. mellifera honey, while honey Malvaceae was the most representative in the M. q. anthidioides. Regarding the physicochemical parameters evaluated, 75% complied with the standards established by the Brazilian and European quality legislation. The honey samples of A. mellifera had higher values of phenolic compounds and flavonoids (260.0 to 341.51 mgGAE.kg−1 and from 114.44 to 216.29 mgQE.kg−1, respectively). The samples from M. q. anthidioides presented higher antioxidant activity. The honeys of A. mellifera and M. q. anthidioides from the semiarid regions presented distinct botanical compositions, suggesting that both species use different plant sources, which possibly influenced the parameters related to honey quality as well as the content of phenolic compounds.

STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS AND YIELD OF 'GIGANTE' CACTUS PEAR IN AGROECOSYTEMS IN THE SEMI-ARID REGION OF BAHIA, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT The adaptation capacity of forage cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) plants to edaphoclimatic conditions and plant responses to changes in management systems contribute to increase the use of this species in agriculture and the exploration of its productive potential in semi-arid regions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the structural characteristics and cladode yield of forage cactus plants grown under different agroecosystems in the semi-arid region of Bahia, Brazil. Structural characteristics of plants and soils attributes were analyzed. The traditional information on the crop management and its correlations with cladode yield were used to identify the best yield indexes, considering the peculiarities of each agroecosystem. Plant height, cladode thickness, and number of cladodes of the forage cactus plants evaluated were less affected by the agroecosystem than by the production systems. Cladode width, length, and area were more affected by the agroecosystems. The forage cactus crop yields, expressed by the annual cladode fresh matter yield, were positively correlated with the plant structural characteristics: plant height and thickness, and cladode width and length. The cladode weight per plant and fresh matter yield per area were the yield components most affected by the management system adopted by traditional producers.

Multivariate statistical analysis applied to assess the dispersion of contaminants in a mining tailings basin in the semiarid region of Bahia – Brazil

This study employed multivariate analysis techniques to identify and evaluate the chemical variables responsible for the contamination of the urban area of Boquira, Bahia, due to the abandonment of the tailings basin of Pb-Zn mining, in order to assist in the environmental management of the area. Factor analysis was performed on main and grouping components. The factor analysis allowed grouping the variables into two main factors for street sediment samples, adding up to 72% of the total accumulated variance, and three factors for house dust samples, which explained 77% of the total variance. The variables have a strong correlation with the composition of the tailings basin. Cluster analysis classified the samples according to the concentration of metals in the area, where the influence of the tailings basin and the natural background of the region's rocks in the contamination distribution can be identified.

Photochemical efficiency in pineapple plants under saline water irrigation

Studies determining physiological characteristics of field-grown pineapples irrigated with low-quality water are lacking. This work evaluated the photochemical efficiency of ‘Pérola’ pineapple irrigated with saline water in the semiarid region of Bahia, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in randomized blocks with five treatments consisting of the following irrigation depths: 100% of ETc using water with electrical conductivity (ECw) of 0.75 dS m-1; and 50, 75, 100 and 125% of ETc using water with ECw of 3.6 dS m-1. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements were made over the course of 13 months using a pulse-modulated fluorometer, in all treatments. Quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) fluctuated throughout the cycle of the pineapple with values below the ideal, especially at the end of the crop cycle. Quantum yield of photosystem II (Yield), photochemical quenching (qP), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and chlorophyll fluorescence decrease ratio (RFd) were not influenced by irrigation depths. Therefore, energy used for photosynthetic processes in pineapple plants is not affected by irrigation using saline water with electrical conductivity of 3.6 dS m-1.

Mortalidade infantil no estado da Bahia: condicionantes e análise espacial

A mortalidade infantil ainda é um problema que aflige, sobretudo, as populações mais negligenciadas no Brasil. Apesar de esforços para sua diminuição os estados do norte e nordeste apresentam as maiores taxas no cenário nacional. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar as taxas de incidência de mortalidade infantil no estado da Bahia no contexto espacial e seus determinantes. A metodologia utilizada para o desenvolvimento deste estudo incorporou análises espaciais e econométricas, com a utilização de dados secundários do Censo Demográfico Brasileiro de 2010, do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística. A partir de então, foram elaborados mapas temáticos, utilizando ferramentas de geoprocessamento. Seguiu-se com a identificação e representação da distribuição espacial da mortalidade infantil, assim como sua correspondência com outros indicadores socioeconômicos, a exemplo de taxa de analfabetismo, taxa de crianças vulneráveis à pobreza, esgotamento sanitário inadequado e coleta de lixo inadequada. Analisou-se ainda, as disparidades dos dados entre municípios pertencentes à região semiárida da Bahia e as demais regiões. Os resultados permitiram identificar que a região semiárida do Estado é que a apresenta os piores resultados para todas as variáveis estudadas, o que permite afirmar que é a região mais carente de políticas públicas.

Pollen spectrum of honey of Apis mellifera L. and stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from the semi-arid region of Bahia State, Brazil

Pollen in honey reflects its botanical origin and melissopalynology is used to identify origin, type, and quantities of pollen grains of the botanical species visited by bees. This study aimed to identify the pollen spectrum of honeys from Apis mellifera and stingless bees produced in the semi-arid region of Bahia, Brazil. We analysed 78 honey samples, which were submitted to the acetolysis process for identification and quantification of pollen types. Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae were the most predominant families in pollen types. For Fabaceae, the most representative pollen types were Chamaecrista 1, Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, Mimosa pudica, Mimosa tenuiflora, Prosopis and Senna. The results indicate that the flora explored by the bees to collect nectar is diverse in the semi-arid region of Bahia and the honeys analysed were classified as multifloral.

Notas etnográficas sobre o surgimento dos cursos de formação de professores de ciências no semiárido baiano

Este trabalho apresenta apontamentos acerca dos percursos de instituições e sujeitos relacionados ao surgimento e desenvolvimento dos Cursos de Ciências no semiárido baiano, produzidos a partir de uma etnografia desenvolvida entre os anos 2011 e 2016 na esteira de contribuições de Clifford Geertz, James Clifford, Marilyn Strathern, Mariza Peirano e Olívia Cunha. Objetiva-se aqui problematizar enunciados que relacionam a gênese do ensino superior na Bahia à demanda de formação de professores em uma investigação que considera os arquivos como campos etnográficos. Argumenta-se que as Faculdades de Formação de Professores marcaram a formação de professores de Ciências no semiárido baiano e matizaram o surgimento do ensino superior relacionado à formação de professores na década de 1970. As reformas curriculares que ofereceram os contornos dos Cursos de Ciências e das instituições às quais estavam vinculados foram estabilizadas pelo Governo Estadual sem deixar de serem disputadas por professores, estudantes e outros sujeitos da sociedade local.

Irrigation of papaya in a sandy loam soil in the semiarid of Bahia, Brazil

Irrigated farming enables producing papaya in Iacu, located in the semiarid region of Bahia. However, water must be used efficiently, as the local availability of irrigation water resources is restricted. This study was conducted with the objective of defining the irrigation depth that provides the best agronomic performance of the Tainung No. 1 papaya cultivar, in a sandy loam soil of Iacu, in the semiarid of Bahia, under the irrigation management conditions adopted by the producer. The experimental design used was of randomized blocks with four replicates. The experimental plot consisted of a row of plants, containing two border plants and twelve useful plants. Treatments corresponded to the total water depth of 1.103; 1.702; 2226; 2.751; 3.349 mm. Studied variables were height, leaf area, fruit number and yield, water use efficiency, fruit weight, fruit diameter and length, pulp width, pulp water content, pH, soluble solids and titratable acidity. Growth and production of the papaya tree responded positively to the applied water depths, but there was no interference in fruit quality. The yield showed linear adjustment, with a calculated maximum at 123.845 t ha-1 obtained for 3.349 mm. With the increasing water depth applied, there was a reduction in water use efficiency due to percolation water loss.

Postharvest losses of vegetables in fruit markets: a case study in the semi-arid region of Bahia, Brazil

Postharvest losses of vegetables in fruit markets: a case study in the semi-arid region of Bahia, Brazil

Quality of Top, Middle and Bottom Buffelgrass Seeds From Different Collecting Sites

This work aimed to characterize physically and physiologically buffelgrass seeds collected in different municipalities located in the semiarid region of Bahia and at different positions in the panicle. At each site, two hundred mature, whole panicles were collected when seeds were naturally falling. A 5 × 3 factorial in a completely randomized design was used. Factors were five municipalities where seeds were collected and three positions within the panicle (bottom, middle and top portions), with four replicates of 50 seeds for each treatment. Moisture content, dry seed weight, electrical conductivity, germination percentage, germination speed index and emergence speed index were assessed. Data were tested by analysis of variance and Tukey test at 5% of significance level. Soil and climate conditions of each region affect the physiological quality of buffelgrass seeds. Seeds located in bottom and middle portions of the panicle are more vigorous than seeds located in the top portion. The municipality of Poções has better conditions for yielding buffelgrass seeds of better quality than the remaining municipalities.

Chemical, physical and mineralogical attributes of the soils of the Sertanejo pediplain in the sisal-growing areas of the semiarid Bahia

Information and available knowledge of the soils of the Sertanejo pediplain are relatively scarce and restricted to survey data. Researches about soil characterization and classification contributes to the knowledge of different soil orders within a region and allows information to be obtained systemically based on the physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of the soil. This study aimed to evaluate the genesis of the Sertanejo pediplain soils, through the characterization of the chemical and mineralogical properties and classification of the soils of the sisal-growing region. Five soil profiles located in Araci, Retirolândia, St. Dominic, and Valente, cities located in the sisal-growing areas of the Bahia semiarid region, were studied, described morphologically, and analyzed for chemical (pH H2O and KCl, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, Al3+, H+ + Al3+, P, and TOC) and mineralogical attributes. Most evaluated soil classes were formed by lithological discontinuity of material. The main processes involved in the formation of such soil classes were: cumulization, accretion, and lessivage. The mineralogy of the clay fraction observed was complex and included a variety of minerals, with a predominance of kaolinite and bayerite. In addition, we also found goethite and illite in most of the studied profiles, both in the sediment, horizons P1 C2, and in the crystalline horizon P1 Cr, P2 Bi, P3 2Cr, and P5 Bi. The soils were classified up to the fourth category level, as Entisol Eutrophic Inceptisol (RRE), Alfisols Haplic typical Eutrophic (SXE), and Inceptisols Ta Eutrophic vertissólico (CXve).

In silico identification and evaluation of new Trypanosoma cruzi trypanothione reductase (TcTR) inhibitors obtained from natural products database of the Bahia semi-arid region (NatProDB)

Trypanosoma cruzi Trypanothione Reductase (TcTR) is one of the therapeutic targets studied in the development of new drugs against Chagas' disease. Due to its biodiversity, Brazil has several compounds of natural origin that were not yet properly explored in drug discovery. Therefore, we employed the Virtual Screening against TcTR aiming to discover new inhibitors from the Natural Products Database of the Bahia Semi-Arid region (NatProDB). This database has a wide chemical diversity favoring the discovery of new chemical entities. Subsequently, we analyzed the best docking conformations using self-organizing maps (AuPosSOM) aiming to verify their interaction sites at TcTR. Finally, the Pred-hERG, the Aggregator Advisor, the FAF-DRUGS and the pkCSM results allowed us to evaluate, respectively, the cardiotoxicity, aggregation capacity, presence of false positives (PAINS) and its toxicity. Thus, we selected three molecules that could be tested in in vitro assays in the hope that the computational results reported here would favor the development of new anti-chagasic drugs.

Evaluation of gas exchanges and production of genotypes of maçã banana type cultivated in the semi-arid region of Bahia

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate gas exchange and production of Maçã bananas type, at different times of the year and the day in semi-arid environment. Seven genotypes genotypes were used: Maçã, Caipira, BRS Tropical, BRS Princesa, YB42-03, YB42-17 and YB42-47, arranged in a completely randomized experimental design with five replicates and four useful plants per plot. For the physiological characteristics, a factorial arrangement 7x7x2 was considered (seven genotypes, seven evaluation periods, two reading times, 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.). Photosynthetic rates, carboxylation efficiency, and instantaneous water use efficiency are higher at 8:00 a.m., due to meteorological conditions, while foliar temperature and transpiration are higher at 2:00 p.m., due to the elevation of air temperature and low humidity. Months with higher radiation and intermediate temperature provided higher rates of photosynthesis, higher efficiency of carboxylation and photochemistry of photosynthesis. In general, genotype YB42-47 was the most productive, with higher water use efficiency and photosynthesis rates.

Production of lettuce with brackish water in NFT hydroponic system

Groundwater reserves in the semi-arid regions, which are mostly brackish, could be used to meet local water demands. Hydroponic cultivation is an alternative of rational use of water. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the technical feasibility of using brackish groundwater in the semi-arid region of Bahia and Recôncavo of Bahia for hydroponic production of curly lettuce cv. ‘Verônica’ and purple lettuce cv. ‘Quatro Estações’. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in the city of Cruz das Almas, Bahia State, in a randomized block experimental design, composed of seven treatments [T1- public-supply water; T2- water from the well of UFRB; T3- reject water from the well of Cruz das Almas; T4- water from the well of Sapeaçu; T5- reject water from the well of Sapeaçu; T6- reject water from the well of Conceição do Coité and T7- artificially salinated water (NaCl)] and six replicates in an experimental hydroponic structure using the nutrient film technique (NFT). The following variables were analyzed: number of leaves, shoot fresh matter, shoot length, root length, shoot dry matter, and root dry matter. Relative shoot dry matter production in curly lettuce increased by 1, 5, and 2% in the treatments T2, T3, and T4, respectively, whereas in purple lettuce, the increments were 10, 1, and 20%, respectively, for the same treatments. The use of brackish groundwater from the deep tubular wells of the Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia and Sapeaçu and desalination reject water from the tubular well of Cruz das Almas proved to be technically feasible for hydroponic lettuce production.

Qualidade físico-química da água para abastecimento humano em municípios do sertão da Bahia: um estudo considerando diversas fontes de suprimento

O abastecimento de água nas áreas rurais do sertão brasileiro é dificultado devido à escassez de água e adoção de políticas e tecnologias inapropriadas que envolvem desde a captação até a distribuição ao consumidor. Atualmente, diversas são as fontes utilizadas para o suprimento de água, tais como: águas subterrâneas (poços), água de chuva (cisterna), e águas superficiais, o que inclui água do carro-pipa. Diante da necessidade de se garantir o acesso à água em face da sua importância para a promoção da saúde, o presente estudo visou analisar a qualidade das águas disponíveis para consumo humano, quanto aos parâmetros físico-químicos, provenientes das fontes citadas em cinco municípios do semiárido baiano. Os resultados evidenciaram que as condições áridas do solo influenciam na qualidade da água dos poços da região estudada tornando-as mais salobras. Por outro lado, as águas provenientes de carro-pipa que abastecem as cisternas do P1MC em face da seca prolongada estavam vulneráveis devido ao uso do cloro sem o devido controle podendo estar acima do permitido. As águas de chuva apresentaram condições adequadas quanto às características físico-químicas. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de políticas públicas que garantam o acesso à água de qualidade na região estudada.

Physiological characteristics and yield of ‘Pérola’ pineapple in the semi-arid region

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological characteristics and yield of ‘Pérola’ pineapple subjected to irrigation with saline water in the semi-arid region of Bahia. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks with five treatments, represented by irrigation depths: 100% ETc, using water with electrical conductivity (ECw) of 0.75 dS m-1, and 50, 75, 100 and 125% ETc, using water with ECw of 3.6 dS m-1. The experiment used a drip irrigation system and pressure-compensating emitters with a discharge of 8 L h-1. In the physiographic conditions of Guanambi-BA, pineapple has limitations of the physiological characteristics of chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll index, under irrigation with both saline water and better-quality water. The irrigation depth corresponding to 100% ETc using water with ECw levels of 0.75 and 3.6 dS m-1 led to the best yields.

AGRONOMIC AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF LIPPIA (VERBENACEAE) SPECIES NATIVE FROM BRAZILIAN SEMIARID REGION

The genus Lippia L. is represented by several aromatic species, producing essential oils with biological activity, especially antimicrobial. The semiarid region of Bahia contains several Lippia species that could be economically exploited. This study aimed to characterize morphological and agronomic traits of four species of Lippia native of the semiarid region. The species were collected in a number of cities of the state of Bahia. The experimental design was performed in randomized blocks with four repetitions and four plants per repetition for each species. We conducted quantitative and qualitative morphological characterizations, and evaluated the characters of stem, leaf and inflorescence; in addition to the agronomic characterization, with the fresh and dry matter of inflorescences, we evaluated leaves and stem and essential oil content and yield. The results showed morphological differences between the species for all traits evaluated, except for the number of flowers per inflorescence. The agronomical characterization showed differences for all measured characters, and the species Lippia lasiocalycina was distinguished by the essential oil yield.

Sickle Cell Anemia in the Boqueirão Kilombo Community, Bahia, Brazil

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most common monogenic hereditary disease in Brazil. The North and Northeastern regions of Brazil concentrate a large number of outstanding African ancestry communities, denominated kilombo. The aim of this study was to make a survey of SCA cases in the Boqueirao Kilombo community, situated in Bahia semi-arid region. Individuals from the 467 who replied positively for the occurrence of jaundice, and family history of sickle cell anemia were pre-selected to undergo the diagnostic exam for sickle cell anemia and included in the Group 1. The others individuals were included in the Group 2. Blood samples evaluation of Group 1 showed the following hemoglobin genotypes: HbAA in 65 individuals, HbSS in 3 individuals and HbAS in 29 individuals, HbAF in 1 individual and HbAC in 2 individuals. One of the individuals with SCA and all the heterozygots for the mutated allele S did not know that they had the mutation. The survey data demonstrate the need for health assistance directed towards these special communities.

Synergies and trade-offs between climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies: lessons from social technologies in the semiarid region of Bahia, Brazil, Latin America

Historically, global efforts at dealing with climate change have narrowly focused on mitigation. However, recent studies suggest that mitigation and adaptation efforts need to be combined. This article aims to present evidence from local strategies to address climate change that can be eventually 'upscaled' and that can permeate the international climate change agenda. This research is focused on the Bahian semiarid region, characterised by severe and frequent droughts. The local populations, using their local knowledge systems, of which social technologies are a clear manifestation, have experienced new ways of dealing with their reality. This empirical analysis provides basic understanding of possible trade-offs and synergies between local mitigation and adaptation strategies at the community level. Results suggest that trade-offs can be avoided and synergies exploited, at least in the near-term and over limited spatial scale. Some of the identified local strategies could be replicable in other semiarid regions in Latin America and all around the world.