Participatory ethnobotany: comparison between two quilombos in the Atlantic Forest, Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil

Ethnobotanical studies that use the participatory research approach seek to involve the residents of a community in different stages of the study, promoting the registration, dissemination and strengthening of local knowledge, as well as the empowerment of decisions related to the sustainable use and management of resources. Using the participatory methodology, this study recorded and made a comparative analysis on the use of plants in two quilombola communities (Quilombo do Cambury-QC and Quilombo da Fazenda-QF) in the State of São Paulo. After a training on anthropological and botanical methods, local researchers selected and interviewed the local experts, recording their knowledge on plant uses and collecting the indicated plants, to be identified and deposited in herbariums. In addition, participant observation and field diaries were used by the academic researchers, helping to analyze the data. To test the differences in the composition of species known to local community, a Jaccard dissimilarity matrix was created, and a Permanova test was employed. During the 178 days of fieldwork, three local researchers from the QC and two from the QF, selected nine and eight experts on the uses of the plants in each quilombo, respectively, corresponding to 214 plant species, indicated for eight ethnobotanical categories. Our hypothesis has been confirmed, since the traditional knowledge found in both quilombos, regarding plant uses and the number of plant species by category, are distinct, since each community occupies particular plant areas and different phytophysiognomies. Most of the indicated species are native to the Atlantic forest, and no significant differences were observed in the proportion of native species vs. introduced among quilombos for any of the categories of use studied. Furthermore, the innovative methodology used, participatory ethnobotany, contributed to the empowerment of community members with regard to the use of their available resources in the environment in which they live, while retaining the intellectual property rights over their own knowledge.

Isotopic composition (δ13C and δ15N) in the soil-plant system of subtropical urban forests

This study brings information on the dynamics of C and N in urban forests in a subtropical region. We tested the hypothesis that C and N isotopic sign of leaves and soil and physiological traits of trees would vary from center to periphery in a megacity, considering land uses, intensity of automotive fleet and microclimatic conditions. 800 trees from four fragments were randomly chosen. Soil samples were collected at every 10 cm in trenches up to 1 m depth to analyze C and N contents. Both, plants and soil were assessed for δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, %C and %N. Physiological traits [carbon assimilation (A)], CO₂ internal and external pressure ratio (Pi/Pa) and intrinsic water use efficiency iWUE were estimated from δ¹³C and Δ δ¹³C in leaves and soil ranged from -27.42 ‰ to -35.39 ‰ and from -21.22 ‰ to -28.18 ‰, respectively, and did not vary along the areas. Center-periphery gradient was not evidenced by C. Emissions derived from fossil fuel and distinct land uses interfered at different levels in δ¹³C signature. δ¹⁵N in the canopy and soil varied clearly among urban forests, following center-periphery gradient. Leaf δ¹⁵N decreased from the nearest forest to the city center to the farthest, ranging from <3 ‰ to <-3 ‰. δ¹⁵N was a good indicator of atmospheric contamination by NO_x emitted by vehicular fleet and a reliable predictor of land use change. %N followed the same trend of δ¹⁵N either for soils or leaves. Forest fragments located at the edges of the center-periphery gradient presented significantly lower A and Pi/Pa ratio and higher iWUE. These distinct physiological traits were attributed to successional stage and microclimatic conditions. Results suggest that ecosystem processes related to C and N and ecophysiological responses of urban forests vary according to land use and vehicular fleet.

Evaluation of conservation status of plants in Brazil's Atlantic forest: An ethnoecological approach with Quilombola communities in Serra do Mar State Park

The Atlantic Forest is considered the fourth most important biodiversity hotspot. Although almost 96% of its original area has been devastated, a large part of its remaining conserved area is inhabited by traditional communities. This research focused on two Quilombola communities who reside within the Núcleo Picinguaba of the Serra do Mar State Park, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The objective was to use a combination of ethnoecological and ecological approaches to select priority species for which to develop participatory conservation and sustainable management plans in protected areas in Brazil. We collaborated with community members to collect ethnobotanical and ethnoecological data and then measured the abundance of native species in local forests through phytosociological sampling. We used this information to assess the degree of threat to useful species using the Conservation Priority Index, adding an additional layer of analysis based on habitat successional categories. We then overlayed those useful species identified as highest risk locally with those federally listed as threatened or endangered. Based on this, we identified three species as priority for the development of sustainable management plans: Virola bicuhyba, Cedrella fissilis and Plinia edulis.

Participatory ethnobotany and conservation: a methodological case study conducted with quilombola communities in Brazil's Atlantic Forest

BACKGROUND

Although multiple studies advocate the advantages of participatory research approaches for ethnoscience, few provide solid contributions from case studies that involve residents in all of the project phases. We present a case study of a participatory approach whose aim is to register ethnobotanical knowledge on the use of plants in two quilombola communities (maroon communities), an important biodiversity hotspot in the Atlantic Forest, Southeast Brazil. Our aim is to provide tools that will empower decision-making related to sustainable use and management among residents.

METHODS

In phase I, the objectives and activities were defined in meetings with residents to carry out ethnobotanical surveys between two quilombola communities-the Quilombo da Fazenda (QF) and Quilombo do Cambury (QC). In phase II, we offered community partners training courses on how to collect plants and ethnobotanical data. In coordination with the university team and using ethnobotanical methods, community partners interviewed specialists on plants and their uses. In phase III, using the participatory mapping method, residents indicated plot locations and collected plants to calculate the Conservation Priority Index for native species recorded in phase II.

RESULTS

In 178 days of fieldwork, two community partners from the QF and three from the QC selected 8 and 11 respondents who reported 175 and 195 plant species, respectively, corresponding to 9 ethnobotanical categories. Based on requests from the local community, booklets and videos with these data were collaboratively produced. A large percentage of species were found to be of great conservation priority-82.1% in the QC and 62.5% in the QF. Virola bicuhyba, Cedrela fissilis, Plinia edulis, and Tabebuia cassinoides are the species most at risk and will be the focus of phase IV, when a participatory management plan will be carried out. Additionally, we present both challenges and opportunities with the hope that others can learn from our successes and failures.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience shows that it is possible to train community members who wish to document their knowledge to support the process of ensuring that local knowledge is highly regarded, further ensuring its perpetuation. In this context, the project may be of great interest to development programs in promoting community-based management strategies for useful plants.

Checklist das Spermatophyta do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

O projeto Flora Fanerogâmica do Estado de São Paulo tem se dedicado a inventariar a flora paulistana há quase 20 anos. Conta com a atuação de mais de 200 colaboradores, a maioria do próprio estado, além de pesquisadores de outros estados e do exterior. Desde 2001, foram publicados sete volumes com as monografias de 151 famílias, contendo 3.237 espécies em 722 gêneros. Este projeto foi o ponto de partida para o conhecimento da diversidade das espécies de espermatófitas do estado de São Paulo. A apresentação do checklist neste momento é oportuna por constituir a produção de uma listagem das espécies com identificações certificadas pelos especialistas, além de conter a referência de uma coleção de herbário para a maior parte dos táxons (material-testemunho) ou referência à bibliografia em que a espécie é citada como ocorrente, de forma nativa ou subespontânea, no estado. Dessa forma, é aqui apresentada a listagem das espermatófitas do estado de São Paulo, com 7.305 espécies, distribuídas em 1.776 gêneros e em 197 famílias (segundo Cronquist 1981) ou então 195 (segundo o APG III). Em relação à flora do Brasil, com 31.728 espécies de espermatófitas, o estado São Paulo compartilha de 23% dessas espécies. As famílias mais representativas são Orchidaceae (797 espécies), Asteraceae (676 espécies), Fabaceae (513 espécies), Poaceae (500 espécies), Myrtaceae (304), Rubiaceae (265 espécies) e Melastomataceae (253 espécies) que, juntas, somam 3.308 espécies e constituem mais de 45% do total de espécies de espermatófitas do estado. Considerando a grande diversidade vegetal brasileira, parcialmente expressa em um estado, depreende-se a grande importância da continuidade dos estudos florísticos no Brasil, país provavelmente detentor da maior diversidade vegetal do planeta.

Effects of early introduction of intensive insulin therapy on the clinical course in non-obese NIDDM patients

In order to reconsider the extent of indication of insulin therapy in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), we performed the following trial in a prospective fashion. At the beginning phase of treatment for diabetes, we introduced intensive insulin therapy in 22 non-obese (Body mass index approximately 24 kg/m2) NIDDM patients without proliferative retinopathy, who were selected in a standardized fashion, avoiding any arbitrary choice. None had received oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) or insulin yet. By administering insulin 3 or 4 times a day, strict glycemic control was attained and maintained, and then the insulin dose was gradually lowered while keeping good glycemic control. In patients whose glycemic control was maintained at an excellent level for more than 7 days under an insulin dosage lower than 8 u/day, insulin therapy was discontinued. As a result, 15 patients (68%) attained good glycemic control both without insulin and OHA almost within a month and 6 patients (27%) shifted to OHA. It is recommended to introduce intensive insulin therapy in non-obese NIDDM patients without proliferative retinopathy and to aim at attaining good glycemic control both without insulin and OHA.

Leukemoid reaction associated with diabetic ketoacidosis--with measurement of plasma levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

A 40-year-old man with diabetic ketoacidosis showed marked leukocytosis reaching 60,970/mm3 which subsided within 5 days to a level of 4,140/mm3. He had no evidence of infection. During the entire clinical course, no elevation of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was observed. No case of leukemoid reaction associated with diabetic ketoacidosis has been reported with the determination of plasma G-CSF levels.

The relationship between serum lipoprotein(a) and restenosis after initial elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the possible link between lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and the occurrence of restenosis after initial elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Serum lipids, including Lp(a), total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I), and apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and the Apo B/Apo A-I ratio were examined in 63 consecutive patients (41 men and 22 women, average age 63 +/- 8 years) who underwent initial elective PTCA in our department. Forty two target lesions were in left anterior descending, 10 were in left circumflex and 11 were in right coronary branches. Restenosis was observed in 22 patients (35%) 6.4 +/- 2.6 months after PTCA. The serum Lp(a) level was significantly higher in the restenosis group than in the non-restenosis group (38.0 vs 19.9 mg/dl, p < 0.05). A significant correlation was observed between serum Lp(a) levels and the degree of % restenosis after PTCA (r = 0.557, p < 0.001). However, other lipids showed no significant relationship to restenosis. In addition, the % stenosis before PTCA was found to be related to the occurrence of restenosis after successful PTCA. We conclude that the serum Lp(a) level has a close correlation with the degree of % restenosis after PTCA, and may be a useful index for predicting the possibility of restenosis after PTCA, especially in patients with an Lp(a) level above 30 mg/dl.