Cristiane F. Costa

Annual cycle of symbiotic dinoflagellates from three species of scleractinian corals from coastal reefs of northeastern Brazil

Predictable seasonal variation in densities of symbiotic dinoflagellates residing in scleractinian corals appears to be a characteristic of reef corals worldwide (Stimson 1997; Brown et al. 1999; Fagoonee et al. 1999; Fitt et al. 2000). Available light and temperature are thought to have a major influence on this variation (Brown et al. 2000; Warner et al. 2002), although the availability of dissolved nutrients in ocean waters may also play a role (Stimson 1997; Fagoonee et al. 1999). Despite their importance to the economy and health of reef ecosystems (Muller-Parker et al. 1988), few studies have focused on the association between symbiotic dinoflagellates and corals in Brazil, where almost half of the scleractinian species are endemic. Brazilian studies have reported on the utility of zooxanthellae for aiding coral taxonomy (Costa and Amaral 2002) and their possible role in coral bleaching (Costa et al. 2001). Nevertheless, the data obtained in Brazil are still insufficient to allow conclusions to be made on possible seasonal variations in the abundance of zooxanthellae and their photosynthetic pigment concentrations in the tissues of particular coral species. In this paper, we address this lack of data by documenting seasonal variation in the densities of zooxanthellae and their photosynthetic pigments from three species of corals endemic to Brazil: Mussismilia hartti, M. hispida, and Siderastrea stellata. Of these species, Mussismilia plays an important role in the construction of Brazilian reefs and in some areas, such as in Abrolhos region (Bahia State), it is the main constituent of reef foundations (Leão et al. 1988). Siderastrea is represented in Brazil solely by S. stellata and while it is one of the most conspicuous species, it is not prominent in the formation of Brazilian reefs.

Injuries caused by venomous animals and folk medicine in farmers from Cuité, State of Paraiba, Northeast of Brazil

Injuries caused by venomous animals reported by the agricultural workers from the municipality of Cuité, Curimataú region of Paraiba State, Northeast of Brazil, and the practices of folk medicine which they use to treat these cases were studied in this work from June to August 2010. The farmers studied aged from 11 to 90 years. The number of people who reported cases of injury by these animals in their families was high (89.3%). Scorpions, wasps, bees and snakes were the most cited and the extremities of the body (hands, feet, legs and head) were the most affected. The practice of folk medicine to treat these injuries includes various procedures ranging from ritualistic treatments, use of animals or parts of them, and some herbal preparations. The folk treatment was reported as effective by most of the workers injured (63.9%). Body parts of dead snakes are used in various zootherapic treatments. In the imaginary of the agricultural workers the venomous animals are considered hazardous (48.7%) or disgusting (11.3%), and several parts of such animals as the rattle, bee sting or snake leather are used as amulet. Several legends have also been reported about snakes, scorpions and bees. The need for educational activities that aim to clarify these workers about the dangers of such practices is urgent.