Influence of land use changes on water chemistry in streams in the State of Sao Paulo, southeast Brazil

Streamwater is affected by several processes in the watershed including anthropogenic activities that result in changes in water quality as well as in the functioning of these stream ecosystems. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the concentration of major ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, NH4+, NO3-, NO2-, Cl-, SO42-, PO43-, HCO3-) in streams in the state of Sao Paulo (southeast Brazil). The sampling sites are located at undisturbed (ombrophilus dense forest, semideciduous forest and savanna - cerrado) and disturbed areas (pasture, urbanization and sugar cane crops). Streamwater chemistry varied according to land use change and, in general, was higher in disturbed sites. Streams located in undisturbed sites at Ribeira de Iguape/Alto Paranapanema watershed (streams 1, 2 and 3) seem to be regulated by soil characteristics, as the disturbed streams located at the same watershed covered by pasture (stream 7) showed high concentration for the most of the variables. Exception to streams located at Pontal do Paranapanema watershed where both disturbed (stream 8) and undisturbed streams (stream 4 and 5) presented similar patterns for almost all variables measured.

Association between particulate matter air pollution and monthly inhalation and nebulization procedures in Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo State, Brazil

The study was designed to investigate the impact of air pollution on monthly inhalation/nebulization procedures in Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, from 2004 to 2010. To assess the relationship between the procedures and particulate matter (PM10) a Bayesian Poisson regression model was used, including a random factor that captured extra-Poisson variability between counts. Particulate matter was associated with the monthly number of inhalation/nebulization procedures, but the inclusion of covariates (temperature, precipitation, and season of the year) suggests a possible confounding effect. Although other studies have linked particulate matter to an increasing number of visits due to respiratory morbidity, the results of this study suggest that such associations should be interpreted with caution.

Oral health and access to dental care services in relation to the Health Necessities Index. Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2008

The Health Department of Sao Paulo, Brazil, has developed a Health Necessities Index (HNI) to identify priority areas for providing health assistance. In 2008, a survey of the status of oral health was conducted. The objective of this ecological study was to analyze the status of oral health in relation to the HNI. The variables, stratified by the age of 5, 12 and 15 years old were: percentage of individuals with difficulty of access to dental care services; DMFT and DMFS; prevalence of the need for tooth extraction and treatment of dental caries. Data were analyzed for the 25 Health Technical Supervision Units (HTS). The Statistical Covariance Test was used as well as the Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression model. A positive correlation was observed between high scores of the HNI and difficulty of access to services. In the HTS with high scores of HNI a higher incidence of dental caries was observed, a greater need for tooth extractions and low caries-free incidence. In order to improve health conditions of the population it is mandatory to prioritize actions in areas of social deprivation.

Space-time cluster analysis of American visceral leishmaniasis in Bauru, Sao Paulo State, Brazil

A space-time analysis of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) in humans in the city of Bauru, Sao Paulo State, Brazil was carried out based on 239 cases diagnosed between June 2003 and October 2008. Spatial analysis of the disease showed that cases occurred especially in the city's urban areas. AVL annual incidence rates were calculated, demonstrating that the highest rate occurred in 2006 (19.55/100,000 inhabitants). This finding was confirmed by the time series analysis, which also showed a positive tendency over the period analyzed. The present study allows us to conclude that the disease was clustered in the Southwest side of the city in 2006, suggesting that this area may require special attention with regard to control and prevention measures.

Integrated biomarker responses as environmental status descriptors of a coastal zone (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Sao Paulo state (Brazil) has one of the most overpopulated coastal zones in South America, where previous studies have already detected sediment and water contamination. However, biological-based monitoring considering signals of xenobiotic exposure and effects are scarce. The present study employed a battery of biomarkers under field conditions to assess the environmental quality of this coastal zone. For this purpose, the activity of CYP 450, antioxidant enzymes, DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and lysosomal membrane were analysed in caged mussels and integrated using Factorial Analysis. A representation of estimated factor scores was performed in order to confirm the factor descriptions characterizing the studied areas. Biomarker responses indicated signals of mussels` impaired health during the monitoring, which pointed to the impact of different sources of contaminants in the water quality and identified critical areas. This integrated approach produced a rapid, sensitive and cost-effective assessment, which could be incorporated as a descriptor of environmental status in future coastal zones biomonitoring. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mangrove Forests and Sedimentary Processes on the South of Coast of Sao Paulo State (Brazil)

Mangrove structure and distribution is conditioned by geomorphic processes. This paper describes the response of mangroves to sedimentary processes at the Cananeia-Iguape Coastal System on the south coast of Sao Paulo State (Brazil), between latitudes 24 degrees 40`S and 25 degrees 20`S. Within six study areas 41 plots were established along 14 transects. Plot size varied according to stem density from 2mx2m to 20mx20m. Here mangroves are strongly coupled to sedimentary processes, forming discrete architectural elements within particular depositional environments or topographic settings. These sedimentary structures and progradation environments are colonized by Laguncularia racemosa, associated with the smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora. Rhizophora mangle occurs typically near creeklets where tidal flooding is more frequent. Where tidal influence is restricted Avicennia schaueriana becomes dominant. Erosive margins are dominated by A. schaueriana or R. mangle. Single linkage cluster analysis yields three groups (A, B and C), with high levels of similarity, providing support to the classification of the data into two broad landform categories: depositional and erosive. Group A includes plots with the least structural development (nominal stem diameter d(n) between 1.05 and 4.61cm). Group B is composed of stems of intermediate diameter (4.99 cm <= d(n) <= 5.63cm). Group C plots have the largest structural development (5.50 cm <= d(n) <= 11.10cm). The structure of mangroves (dominance and structural development) reflects responses to geomorphology and habitat change.

Levels of persistent organic pollutants and residual pattern of DDTs in small cetaceans from the coast of Sao Paulo, Brazil

The State of Sao Paulo is the most developed area in Brazil and was impacted by persistent organic pollutants for several decades. This study investigated organochlorines in five species of small cetaceans (Pontoporia blainvillei, Stenella frontalis, Sotalia guianensis, Tursiops truncatus and Steno bredanensis) found dead along the coast of Sao Paulo between 1997 and 2003. DDTs (15.9 mu g g(-1) lipid: mean for all pooled individuals) and PCBs (8.08 mu g g(-1)) exhibited the highest concentrations in the animals, reflecting large amounts formerly used in Brazil. Lower levels of mirex (0.149 mu g g(-1)), HCB (0.051 mu g g(-1)), CHLs (0.008 mu g g(-1)) and HCHs (0.007 mu g g(-1)) were detected in all species. Residual pattern of DDTs in dolphins suggests that o,p`-DDT is more recalcitrant than p,p`-DDT in the body of the animals and/or the environment. In contrast to p,p`-DDT, residues of o,p`-DDT seem to be preferentially converted into o,p`-DDD rather than op-DDE. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The response of the Sao Paulo Continental Shelf, Brazil, to synoptic winds

The response of the Sao Paulo Continental Shelf (SPCS) to synoptic wind forcing has been analyzed. Two different methods are used for this purpose, one based on hydrographic data, bottom topography, and geographical characteristics, and a second on analyzing currentmeter data directly and using empirical orthogonal functions. Both methods show similar results for an essentially barotropic shelf. The SPCS response in the subinertial frequency band appears to be trapped on the continental shelf. Numerical experiments have also been carried out showing results that qualitatively agree with the observations, including the velocity component parallel to the coastline.

ANALYSIS OF MANGROVE FOREST SUCCESSION, USING SEDIMENT CORES: A CASE STUDY IN THE CANANEIA-IGUAPE COASTAL SYSTEM, SAO PAULO-BRAZIL

Sediment cores are an essential tool for the analysis of the dynamics of mangrove succession. Coring was used to correlate changes in depositional environments and lateral sedimentary facies with discrete stages of forest succession at the Cananeia-Iguape Coastal System in southeastern Brazil. A local level successional pattern was examined based on four core series T1) a sediment bank; T2) a smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora bank; T3) an active mangrove progradation fringe dominated by Laguncularia racemosa, and; T4) a mature mangrove forest dominated by Avicennia schaueriana. Cores were macroscopically described in terms of color, texture, sedimentary structure and organic components. The base of all cores exhibited a similar pattern suggesting common vertical progressive changes in depositional conditions and subsequent successional colonization pattern throughout the forest. The progradation zone is an exposed bank, colonized by S. alterniflora. L. racemosa, replaces S. alterniflora as progradation takes place. As the substrate consolidates A. schaueriana replaces L. racemosa and attains the greatest structural development in the mature forest. Cores collected within the A. schaueriana dominated stand contained S. alterniflora fragments near the base, confirming that a smooth cordgrass habitat characterized the establishment and early seral stages. Cores provide a reliable approach to describe local-level successional sequences in dynamic settings subject to drivers operating on multiple temporal and spatial scales where spatial heterogeneity can lead to multiple equilibria and where similar successional end-points may be reached through convergent paths.

HEMATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF Micropogonias furnieri, DESMAREST, 1823, SCIANIDAE, FROM TWO ESTUARIES OF BAIXADA SANTISTA, SAO PAULO, BRAZIL

Hematological alterations in fish are considered a useful tool to evaluate pathological processes resulting from the exposure to environmental pollutants. The whitemouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri is a common species in estuarine areas and potentially exposed to many contaminants. In the present study, the hematological characteristics of fish collected at two sites in Baixada Santista (Santos Estuarine System - SES, a polluted site; and the Estuary of Itanhaem River - EIR, unpolluted site) del was analysed. The following blood descriptors were analyzed: number of Erythrocytes (Er), Hematocrit (Ht), Hemoglobin (Hb), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Fish from SES exhibited significant lower levels of Ht and increase on MCHC and Hb. Such differences are likely related to the different contamination levels found in these estuaries.

Sexual abuse victimisation and perpetration in a cohort of men living with HIV/AIDS who have sex with women from Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sexual abuse leads to physical harm and devastating psychosocial consequences. It increases risk of HIV transmission and is associated with risky behaviour. Little is known about sexual abuse victimisation (SAV) and perpetration (SAP) among HIV-positive men who have sex with women (MSW). We investigated self-reported SAV and SAP among 242 Brazilian MSW selected at HIV care centres. Patients were questioned about sociodemographic data, mode of HIV acquisition, sexual practices, drug use and history of SAV or SAP. Prevalence of outcomes was estimated and risk factors for SAP investigated by logistic regression. Fifty-eight (24.1%) interviewees reported SAV. Of patients abused before 15 years of age, 64.3% reported events before the age of ten. Aggressors included relatives, friends and teachers. Among those victimised after 15 years old, 57.7% described events before 17 and 38.5% had acquainted aggressors. Fourteen (5.8%) interviewees reported SAP and most knew their victims. Sexual abuse perpetration was associated with lower schooling, marital status, illicit drug use and self-reported SAV. Sexual abuse was frequently reported by MSW from this cohort. Identifying predictors of violence and addressing SAV and SAP in comprehensive HIV care may help reduce violent behaviour, psychological distress and contribute to maximise benefits of preventive and care interventions.

A catalogue of the types of Asiloidea (Diptera) in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil (Part 1: Bombyliidae and Mydidae)

A catalogue of the type-specimens of Bombyliidae and Mydidae (Diptera) held in the collection of the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo (MZUSP) is provided, with information on 109 type specimens of 34 Neotropical (mostly Brazilian) species of the families Bombyliidae and Mydidae.

A New Species of Fissurella from Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo Archipelago, Brazil (Vetigastropoda, Fissurellidae)

Fissurella mesoatlantica n. sp. is endemic to the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, Brazil, located approximately in the middle Atlantic (00 degrees 55N. 29 degrees 20W). The species is very similar to F. clenchi from the mainland Brazilian coast, differing in having a taller. more richly sculptured shell and by anatomical details. such its the papillae of mantle border and epipodial tentacles. A complete anatomical description is included.

A new species of Leptodactylus (Anura : Leptodactylidae) from the Atlantic forest of Sao Paulo State, Brazil

A new species of Leptodactylus from Bertioga municipality, Sao Paulo State, Brazil is described. Leptodactylus ajurauna sp. nov. differs from others species in the L. marmoratus group by its dark brown throat and the advertisement call. The taxonomy of other species in the group and the status of the population of Leptodactylus marmoratus sympatric with the new species are discussed. The advertisement call is also described.

A 30-year quantitative comparison of the bird community of a semideciduous forest remnant in the state of Sao Paulo

A 30-year quantitative comparison of the bird community of a semideciduous forest remnant in the state of Sao Paulo. Few studies have evaluated long-term changes in avian abundance in forest remnants. To compare both species richness and abundance of the bird community in a forest fragment located in the municipality of Galia, state of Sao Paulo, southeastern Brazil, we surveyed forest birds using transect counts. We compared our results with a survey conducted 30 years earlier at the same locality and further classified bird species according to their food habits to eventually predict fluctuations of specific abundance. Although species with population declines predominated in the community, all trophic categories had species which increased their abundances. Most species prone to move around remnants decreased in abundance. We suggest that, regarding specific abundances, trophic categories may be equally affected as a result of fragmentation processes and that the forest regeneration of this remnant may have led to the loss of edge species. Species that suffered from abundance loss during this time period may become locally extinct in the near future.