ABSTRACT Leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis are zoonoses of occupational character that are spread worldwide, mainly in tropical and socioeconomically vulnerable areas. Both diseases have vertebrate hosts, which spread the infectious agent to the environment and are potentially infectious to humans and can progress to fatal cases. The present study reinforces the importance of One Health for the control and prophylaxis of leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis using sentinel animals in areas of socioeconomic vulnerability based on a serological study. A total of 336 blood samples were obtained from the canine population of the urban district, which has high rates of poverty and sanitation. The results were analyzed based on seroreactivity animals and georeferencing by kernel spatial mapping. A total of 43.3% (52/120) of the animals were seroreagents for anti-Leptospira spp., with a predominance of Canicola (35/52 = 67.3%) and Pyrogenes (5/52 = 9.6%), while 52.97% (178/336) of the dogs were seroreactive for anti-Toxoplasma gondii. The presence of seroreagent dogs for both zoonosis alert to the inadequate hygienic-sanitary conditions of the studied region, and highlight the importance of a survey of the social, economic and environmental structure to identify factors related to the links in the epidemiological chain of pathogen transmission and necessary corrective actions.

RESUMO Leptospirose e toxoplasmose são zoonoses de caráter ocupacional disseminadas mundialmente, principalmente em áreas tropicais e socioeconomicamente vulneráveis. Ambas as doenças têm hospedeiros vertebrados, que espalham o agente infeccioso para o meio ambiente e são potencialmente infecciosos para o homem, as quais podem evoluir para casos fatais. O presente estudo reforça a importância da saúde única para o controle e a profilaxia da leptospirose e da toxoplasmose, mediante a utilização de animais sentinela em áreas de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, com base em estudo sorológico. Um total de 336 amostras de sangue foi obtido da população canina de um distrito urbano que apresenta altos índices de pobreza e ausência de saneamento básico. Os resultados foram analisados com base em animais sororreagentes e georreferenciados por mapeamento espacial de Kernel. Um total de 43,3% (52/120) dos animais foi sororreagente para anti-Leptospira spp., com predominância de Canicola (35/52 = 67,3%) e Pirogenes (5/52 = 9,6%), enquanto 52,97% (178/336) dos cães foram sororreagentes para anti-Toxoplasma gondii. A presença de cães sororreagentes para ambas as doenças alerta para as condições higiênico-sanitárias inadequadas da região estudada e evidencia a importância de um levantamento da estrutura social, econômica e ambiental para identificar fatores relacionados aos elos da cadeia epidemiológica de transmissão do patógeno e ações corretivas necessárias.

Abstract Mucus, produced by Palythoa caribaeorum has been popularly reported due to healing, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. However, biochemical and pharmacological properties of this mucus remains unexplored. Therefore, the present study aimed to study its proteome profile by 2DE electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF. Furthermore, it was evaluated the cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of the mucus and from its protein extract (PE). Proteomics study identified14 proteins including proteins involved in the process of tissue regeneration and death of tumor cells. The PE exhibited cell viability below 50% in the MCF-7 and S-180 strains. It showed IC50 of 6.9 μg/mL for the J774 lineage, and also, favored the cellular growth of fibroblasts. Furthermore, PE revealed activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis (MIC of 250 μg/mL). These findings revealed the mucus produced by Palythoa caribaeorum with biological activities, offering alternative therapies for the treatment of cancer and as a potential antibacterial agent.

RESUMO A eficácia do tratamento da deficiência de cobre, por via parenteral, em bezerros bubalinos criados na Ilha de Marajó (PA), foi investigada em 14 animais, distribuídos em dois grupos. O grupo 1 recebeu três doses de 120mg de glicinato de cobre (20mgCu/mL), por via intramuscular, nos dias um, 45 e 90, e o grupo 2 (controle) foi formado por animais que não receberam o cobre, seja suplementado por via oral ou por via parenteral. Em ambos os grupos, foram realizadas biópsias hepáticas nos dias um e 135. O diagnóstico da deficiência de cobre foi estabelecido pelo histórico, pelos sinais clínicos e também pelos teores de cobre hepático. No grupo 1, a média do teor de cobre hepático aumentou de 17,4±5,84mg/kgMS (antes da administração) para 311,2±133,5mg/kgMS (após 135 dias) (P<0,05). Ao final do experimento (135 dias), nos animais do grupo controle, as médias dos teores de cobre diminuíram de 17,1±3,4 para 9,11±1,1mg/kgMS, (P<0,05). Diante dos dados, ficou demonstrado que a administração de cobre, por via parenteral, foi eficiente no tratamento da deficiência de cobre nos bezerros búfalos e pode se tornar uma opção muito promissora para a realidade dos criadores de búfalos da Ilha de Marajó.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the treatment of copper deficiency, by parenteral route, in buffalo calves raised on the Marajó Island (PA). Fourteen animals were divided into two groups. Group 1 received three doses of 120 mg of copper glycinate (20mgCu/mL), intramuscularly, on days 1, 45 and 90; in the group 2 (control) the animals were Not supplemented with copper. In both groups liver biopsies were performed on days 1 and 135. The diagnosis of copper deficiency was established through history, clinical signs, and by the analysis of hepatic copper content. In group 1, the mean hepatic copper content increased from 17.4±5.84mg/kgDM (before administration) to 311.2±133.5mg/kgDM (after 135 days) (P<0.05). In the control group, the mean of hepatic copper contents decreased from 17.1±3.4 to 9.11±1.1mg/kgDM at the end of the experiment (P<0.05). Based on the results, it was demonstrated that the administration of copper, by parenteral route, was efficient in the treatment of copper deficiency in buffalo calves and could become a very promising option for the reality of buffalo producers on the Island of Marajó.

Effects of protected sodium butyrate (PSB) in broiler diets with reduced metabolizable energy (ME) content on production performance, intestinal histomorphometry and nutrient metabolizability were evaluated in two experiments. In one experiment, 384 one-day-old male chicks with an average weight of 44 ± 0.2 g were distributed into four treatment groups in a completely randomized design with six replications of 16 birds. The treatments consisted of i) a basal diet without reduced ME or PSB (BD); ii) BD with a 100 kcal/kg reduction in ME, without PSB; iii) BD with a 100 kcal/kg reduction in ME + 105 g/t PSB; and iv) BD with a 100 kcal/kg reduction in ME + 225 g/t PSB. Performance and carcass yield were evaluated. In the second experiment, 280 one-day-old male chicks were also distributed into four treatment groups in a completely randomized design with seven replications of 10 birds to evaluate metabolizability coefficients and intestinal development. The birds that received diet 3 had the best feed conversion ratio (FCR), final weight (FW) and weight gain (WG). Inclusion of PSB (105 and 225 g/t) in reduced-ME diets increased the metabolizability of crude protein coefficient at 35 days old. Birds that received diet 3 also had greater jejunal villus height at 21 and 35 days old. It is recommended to feed 105 g/t of PSB with a 100 kcal/kg reduction in ME until broilers were 35 days old.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de diferentes temperaturas de incubação sobre as variáveis de incubação, desempenho e morfometria da mucosa duodenal de codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) submetidas ao estresse térmico crônico por calor após eclosão. Foram distribuídos 540 ovos em três incubadoras, com temperatura de 37,8°C e umidade 60%. A partir do sexto dia de incubação até a eclosão, as temperaturas foram ajustadas para 37,8°C, 38,5°C e 39,5°C. Após a eclosão, as codornas foram avaliadas quanto ao escore de qualidade, pesadas e distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três temperaturas de incubação (37,8ºC, 38,5ºC e 39,5°C) e duas temperaturas ambientes (estresse e termoneutro). Aos 10, 20, 30 e 40 dias, foram pesadas para determinar o peso vivo (g) e o ganho de peso(g). Quatro codornas de cada tratamento foram eutanasiadas para coleta do duodeno, para determinar os parâmetros morfométricos. Os dados foram analisados e as diferenças entre as médias foram determinadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5%. A temperatura de incubação de 39,5°C proporcionou menor taxa de eclosão e menor peso vivo ao nascer, entretanto, a partir do 10° dia de idade, essa temperatura aumentou o peso vivo, o ganho de peso e influenciou positivamente os parâmetros morfológicos da mucosa duodenal em situações de estresse crônico.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different temperatures on incubation variables, performance, and morphometry of the duodenal mucosa of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) submitted to chronic heat stress after hatching. We distributed 540 eggs in three incubators with a temperature of 37.8°C and 60% of humidity. From the 6th day of incubation until hatching, the temperatures were adjusted to (37.8°C, 38.5°C and 39.5°C). After hatching, quails were evaluated for the quality score, weighed, and distributed in a completely randomized design with three incubation temperatures (37.8, 38.5, and 39.5°C) and two ambient temperatures (stress and thermoneutral). At 10, 20, 30, and 40 days they were weighed to determine the live weight (g) and weight gain(g). To collect the duodenum and determine morphometric parameters, we euthanized four quails of each treatment. The data were analyzed, and the differences between the means determined by the Tukey test at 5%. The incubation temperature of 39.5°C provided lower hatching rate and the live weight at birth; however, from the 10th day of age, increased live weight, weight gain, and positively influenced the morphological parameters of the duodenal mucosa in situations of chronic stress.

Tacrolimus (TAC), a calcineurin inhibitor, and everolimus (EVL), an mTOR inhibitor, have been used as immunosuppressive (ISS) drugs in post-kidney transplantation therapy. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of EVL vs TAC in the ISS maintenance triple therapy. Ninety-seven kidney transplant patients, who received triple maintenance therapy with TAC, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and methyl prednisone (PRED), were evaluated. After four months of post-kidney transplant therapy, 30 patients enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial, in which 16 patients received TAC+MMF+PRED (cohort 1), and 14 patients switched to EVL+MMF+PRED (cohort 2). The patients were followed-up for 36 months. Two patients from cohort 1 lost their grafts after one year due to non-adherence. Two patients from cohort 2 had intolerance to mTOR inhibitors and were switched back to TAC from EVL. One case (6.25%) in cohort 1 and three cases (21.43%) in cohort 2 of acute T-cell-mediated rejection was observed. Antibody-mediated acute rejection (ABMAR) was observed in four patients (25.0%) in cohort 1, and antibody-mediated chronic rejection (ABMCR) was observed in two patients (12.50%). One patient from cohort 2 lost the graft after 15 months due to polyomavirus infection. The graft survival rate was 87.50% in cohort 1 and 92.86% in cohort 2. This clinical trial showed that the EVL+MMF+PRED triple maintenance therapy was efficacious compared with TAC during 32 months of follow-up. However, further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of this regimen for long-term graft survival.

RESUMO: Anfisbenas são répteis desprovidos de membros que pertencem a ordem Squamata. Devido a seus hábitos fossoriais e reclusos, pouco se conhece sobre sua morfologia, ecologia e condições patológicas que possam afetá-las. Neste artigo, um guia sucinto para a necropsia, identificação de tecidos e órgãos e lesões encontradas em Amphisbaena alba, é apresentado. Durante março e dezembro de 2019, três casos de A. alba com suspeita de trauma foram encaminhados ao Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Na avaliação clínica foram observadas lesões traumáticas e instituído um suporte terapêutico, porém não resistiram e morreram em seguida. Foram realizadas projeções radiográficas onde identificaram fraturas e ruptura de órgãos, além de identificar estruturas específicas dessa espécie. Uma avaliação completa de estruturas externas e internas foi conduzida para investigar aspectos morfológicos dos anfisbenídeos. Macroscopicamente foram confirmadas múltiplas fraturas e rupturas de órgãos observadas anteriormente nas radiografias, além disso evidenciou no intestino grosso presença de parasitos anoplocéfalos denominados Semenoviella amphisbaenae. Na histologia foi possível identificar características normais e lesões microscópicas nos tecidos. Esse é o primeiro estudo a incorporar aspectos morfológicos, clínicos e patológicos de A. alba. Esse manuscrito traz informações essenciais para clínicos e patologistas de animais selvagens que podem se deparar com casos clínicos ou de necropsia de Amphisbaena alba.

ABSTRACT: Amphisbenians are limbless reptiles that belong to the order Squamata. Due to their fossorial and secrevie habits, little is known about their morphology, ecology and pathological conditions that may affect them. In this manuscript, we present a brief guide for identification of normal structures as well as traumatic injuries on radiography and necropsy of Amphisbaena alba. From April to September 2019, three cases of A. alba with suspected trauma were referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB). In the clinical evaluation, traumatic injuries were observed, and support therapy was instituted, but they did not resist and died shortly after. Bone fractures and organ ruptures, in addition to specific structures of this species were identified on radiography. A systematic necropsy was performed of all amphisbaenians in order to evaluate external and internal structures, not only to identify lesions but also to investigate the morphological aspects of amphisbenids. Macroscopically, multiple organ fractures and ruptures observed in radiographs were confirmed, in addition to the presence of the cestodes Semenoviella amphisbaenae in the large intestine. Histologically, it was possible to identify normal characteristics and microscopic lesions in the tissues. This is the first study to incorporate morphological, clinical, and pathological aspects of A. alba. This manuscript brings essential information for wildlife veterinarians and pathologists who may have to treat or perform a necropsy on these unique reptiles.

Introduction: Although behavioral therapies can effectively treat skin picking disorder (SPD), there is no standardized treatment for improving SPD and its comorbidities and there is no group intervention option. This trial aimed to adapt the Rothbaum trichotillomania protocol to SPD (Study 1) and test its efficacy for treating SPD and comorbidities in individual and group formats (Study 2). Methods: The adapted protocol was applied to 16 SPD patients, who were allocated to group or individual treatment (Study 1). Afterwards, 54 patients were randomly allocated to treatment in an individual (n=27) or group format (n=27) (Study 2). In both studies, assessments of SPD severity, anxiety, depression, clinical status and skin lesion severity were performed at baseline and the endpoint. Results: The adapted protocol was feasible in both treatment modalities (Study 1) and led to high SPD remission rates (individual 63%; group 52%), with no significant difference between intervention types (p = 0.4) (Study 2). SPD, anxiety, and depression symptoms and objective patient lesion measures improved after treatment. There was large effect size for SPD symptom improvement in both treatment types (Cohen’s d: group = 0.88; individual = 1.15) (Study 2). Conclusion: The adapted Rothbaum protocol was effective for SPD remission, comorbidities, and skin lesions, both in individual and group formats. Clinical trial registration: NCT03182478

RESUMO A fim de avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses da rbST sobre a dinâmica folicular, a produção e a maturação in vitro de oócitos, 20 vacas Sindi, divididas em três grupos, receberam um dispositivo de progesterona intravaginal, estradiol e PGF2α, além de 2mL de solução salina (grupo controle), 250 (grupo rbST 250) ou 500mg de rbST (grupo rbST 500). Cinco dias depois, realizou-se a ovum pick up, e os complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) recuperados foram selecionados, classificados e maturados in vitro. Os dados de contagem foram comparados pelo procedimento glht (General Linear Hypothesis Test), e os dados em porcentagem foram submetidos ao qui-quadrado, no programa estatístico R, onde as diferenças foram consideradas significativas quando P<0,05. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os grupos quanto à quantidade de folículos e à taxa de maturação. Os grupos rbST 250 e rbST 500 foram significativamente superiores (P<0,05) ao grupo controle em relação ao número de folículos grandes (0,42±0,20 vs. 0). O grupo rbST 500 apresentou maior (P<0,05) porcentagem de oócitos viáveis (91,52%) do que os grupos controle (67,85%) e rbST 250 (53,33%). A rbST aumenta o número de folículos grandes, e 500mg de rbST aumentam a porcentagem de oócitos viáveis em vacas Sindi.

ABSTRACT In order to evaluate the effect of different doses of rbST on the follicular dynamics, production, and in vitro maturation of oocytes, 20 Sindhi cows were divided into three groups, receiving an intravaginal progesterone device, estradiol and PGF2α, and 2mL of solution saline (Control Group), 250 (rbST 250 Group) or 500mg rbST (rbST 500 Group). Five days later, the ovum pick up was performed, and the cumulus-oocyte (CCO) complexes recovered were selected, classified, and matured in vitro. The counting data were compared by the glht (General Linear Hypothesis Test) procedure, and the percentage data were submitted to Qui- square, in the statistical program R, where differences were considered significant when P< 0.05. There was no difference (P> 0.05) between the groups regarding follicle quantity and maturation rate. The rbST 250 and rbST 500 groups were significantly higher (P< 0.05) than the Control group in relation to the number of large follicles (0.42±0.20 versus 0). The rbST 500 group presented higher (P< 0.05) percentage of viable oocytes (91.52%) than the Control (67.85%) and rbST 250 (53.33%) groups. rbST increases the number of large follicles and 500mg rbST increases the percentage of viable oocytes in Sindhi cows.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of including protected sodium butyrate (PSB) in the diets of laying hens of advanced age on productive performance and egg quality. In experiment 1, a total of 320 Dekalb White 61-week-old laying hens were distributed in a randomized block design to four treatments (0, 105, 210, and 300 g/ton of PSB) with eight replicates of 10 birds. The experiment was conducted over 112 days, divided into four periods of 28 days each. Productive performance and egg quality were evaluated. In experiment 2, a total of 58 000 Dekalb White 70-week-old laying hens were assigned to diets containing either 0 or 105 g/ton of PSB with two replicates of 14 500 birds. The experiment was conducted on a commercial poultry farm. Egg production and the percentages of broken eggs and dirty eggs were evaluated. The PSB levels did not influence the productive performance of laying hens. A quadratic effect was observed for eggshell thickness, percentage of eggshell and eggshell strength, reaching maxima at 193, 136 and 198 g/ton of PSB, respectively. A quadratic effect on yolk index reached a minimum at 181 g/ton of PSB. The percentages of dirty eggs and broken eggs were lower in laying hens fed 105 g/ton of PSB. In conclusion, the addition of PSB to the diets of old laying hens improved the eggshell quality and decreased the percentage of broken and dirty eggs.

The addition of protease to broiler diets may complement the action of endogenous enzymes and improve protein digestibility. Here, the authors evaluated the effect of adding protease to broiler diets that contained animal-based meal on bird performance, digestibility, and biometry of digestive tract organs. Four treatments, which contained animal- or plant-based meals with or without supplementary protease were compared, namely basal vegetable feed (BVF), BVF + protease (BFP), basal vegetable feed + animal byproduct meal (BFA), and BFA + protease. In the first experiment, 320 one-day-old Cobb 500® chicks were allocated to eight replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The experimental period was seven days, and nutrient metabolizability was evaluated. In the second experiment, 720 one-day-old Cobb 500® chicks were assigned to treatments in a similar manner, with six replicates and 30 birds per replicate, but the experimental period was 42 days. Significant differences (P <0.05) were observed between treatments for nutrient digestibility, weight gain, feed consumption, average final weight, food conversion, viability, and biometry of the pancreas. Treatments with animal-based meals had the highest digestibility. Birds fed these meals grew faster in the pre-starter phase and consumed less feed between 1 and 21 days. However, between 1 and 42 days old, broilers fed plant-based diets had better feed conversion, and the group that did not receive protease supplementation had a better liveability rate.

Abstract Biflorin (6,9-dimethyl-3-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl) benzo[de]chromene-7,8-dione) is a promising substance that has been increasingly studied in the past decades due to its diverse pharmacological properties (i.e. antitumor, antioxidant, antiinflamatory, antimicrobial activity etc.). Aiming the comprehension of its antitumoral activity we investigated the cell proliferation and cytotoxicity habilities of biflorin against mice splenocytes Balb/c. Biflorin was able to stimulate mice splenocytes Balb/c in 48 h of incubation at a concentration of 20.2 µM. Its immunostimulation promoted the production of cytokines such as: TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-17, inducing the immune profile toward a Th1 response. Moreover, an original method which led to an excellent yield with less processing time compared to the methods described in the literature was developed to obtain biflorin, from sawdust of Capraria biflora L., Scrophulariaceae. This method shows a great potential of increasing the production of this pharmacological active compound.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de forragem e o potencial de utilização do capim faixa-branca submetido a frequências de desfolhação. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de quatro frequências de desfolhação: muito alta (25cm), alta (35cm), média (45cm) e baixa (55cm), avaliados em duas épocas do ano (maior e menor insolação), entre 2015 e 2016. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e medidas repetidas no tempo. A produção diária de folhas foi menor na frequência muito alta em relação às outras frequências. A redução das frequências de desfolhação aumentou a produção diária de colmo, senescência diária de folhas, produção total diária e acúmulo líquido diário de forragem e diminuiu o potencial de utilização da forragem. No período de maior insolação, a produção diária de colmos, o acúmulo líquido diário de forragem e o potencial de utilização de forragem foram maiores e a senescência diária de folhas foi menor. A frequência de desfolhação muito alta não proporcionou um bom desenvolvimento da planta, enquanto a frequência baixa apresentou elevada produção de colmos. As frequências de desfolhação alta e média são mais indicadas para a desfolhação do capim faixa-branca, promovendo uma melhor proporção de folhas em relação a colmos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of forage and the potential of utilization of digit grass subjected to four defoliation frequencies: very high (25cm), high (35cm), medium (45cm), and low (55cm), evaluated at two times of the year (higher and lower insolation), from January 2015 to January 2016. A randomized-block design with four replicates was adopted and measures repeated over time. The daily production of leaves was lower at the very high frequency in relation to the other frequencies. The reduction in defoliation frequency increased the daily production of stems, the daily leaf senescence, the total daily forage production, and the daily forage accumulation, and decreased the potential of forage utilization. At the time of higher insolation, the daily production of stems, the daily forage accumulation, the potential of utilization of forage were higher, and the daily leaf senescence was lower. The very high frequency of defoliation did not provide a good development of the plan, while the lower frequency displayed a high production of stems. The high and medium frequencies of defoliation are more indicated to the defoliation of digit grass, enabling a better proportion of leaves in relation to stems.

Abstract: The production of textiles generates a large amount of liquid residues considered to be environmentally problematic and which, if discarded without due treatment, may cause eutrophication of water sources, the intoxication of living beings, and the blocking of light penetration. Some methods have been applied for the treatment of this type of waste, with the prominence of biological and physicochemical techniques. The combination of two or more techniques enhances the treatment’s efficiency. This work investigated the use of bacteria derived from the leachate produced by the textile industry itself, fed with vinasse, a by-product of the alcohol industry, with subsequent application of Fenton’s reaction. The biological method, optimized in terms of aeration and quantity of nutrients for the bacteria, combined with the physicochemical method optimized in terms of the amount of reagents, was efficient for the discoloration of the effluent in approximately 100 %, for toxicity reduction, for the degradation of organic matter in 80 %, and with acceptable acidity for disposal after only eight days of treatment. The method was considered of great efficiency and low application cost, without the production of hazardous waste.

Abstract We present two pollen diagrams from the semi-arid Caatinga of the Catimbau National Park, in Pernambuco and from a Mauritia palm forest in the Caatinga/Cerrado ecotone of southern Piauí, NE Brazil, spanning the last 10,000 cal. yrs BP and the last 1,750 cal yrs BP, respectively. These two records contain a signature of the local vegetation and permit the correlation of the pollen signal with regional climatic changes. The Catimbau record shows Zizyphus sp., a typical Caatinga taxon, in all three pollen zones indicating regional Caatinga vegetation and the predominance of local arboreal taxa adapted to high humidity from 10,000 to ca. 6,000 cal. yrs BP with a gradual tendency towards drier conditions revealed by a deposition hiatus between 6,000 to ca. 2,000 cal. yrs BP. This abrupt loss of sediments in both localities is interpreted as a consequence of the establishment of modern semi-arid climates. The subsequent return of humidity is signaled by increased sedimentation rates and 14C date inversions in agreement with high precipitation, revealed by σ18O ratios in speleothems from NE Brazil. Modern sediments deposited in the last 500 years reflect local conditions with the maintenance of humidity by geological faulting and surfacing water tables.