Assessing over decadal biomass burning influence on particulate matter composition in subequatorial Amazon: literature review, remote sensing, chemical speciation and machine learning application.

A study on aerosols in the Brazilian subequatorial Amazon region, Tangará da Serra (TS) and Alta Floresta (AF) was conducted and compared to findings in an additional site with background characteristics (Manaus, AM). TS and AF counties suffer from intense biomass burning periods in the dry season, and it accounts for high levels of particles in the atmosphere. Chemical characterization of fine and coarse particulate matter (PM) was performed to quantify water-soluble ions (WSI) and black carbon (BC). The importance of explanatory variables was assessed using three machine learning techniques. Average concentrations of PM in AF and TS were similar (PM2.0, 17±10 µg m-3 (AF) and 16±11 µg m-3 (TS) and PM10-2.0, 13±5 µg m-3 (AF) and 11±7 µg m-3 (TS)), but higher than the background site. BC and SO4 2- were the prevalent components as they represented 27%-68% of particulates chemical composition. The combination of the machine learning techniques provided a further understanding of the pathways for PM concentration variability, and the results highlighted the influence of biomass burning for key sample groups and periods. PM2.0, BC, and most WSI presented higher concentrations in the dry season, providing further support for the influence of biomass burning.

Oxidative Stress Levels Induced by Mercury Exposure in Amazon Juvenile Populations in Brazil.

Oxidative stress can be induced by mercury (Hg) exposure, including through fish consumption (diet), leading to health risks. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between oxidative stress biomarkers and dietary Hg exposure levels in riverine children and adoluiaescents at Madeira River (RO/Brazil). Population from three riverine local communities presenting different fish consumption frequencies was sampled. Hg was determined in blood (ICP-MS) and glutathione (GSH); glutathione S-transferases (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in serum (spectrophotometry). Statistical analyses were performed using parametric and non-parametric tests. Multiple linear regression models and generalized additives models were also used to estimate the relationships between oxidative stress biomarkers and blood Hg. The juvenile riverine population from Cuniã RESEX presented the highest levels of oxidative stress and Hg levels in blood (GST = 27.2 (4.93) U/L, MDA = 1.69 (0.27) µmol/L, Hg = 20.6 (18.0) µg/L). This population also presented the highest frequency of fish consumption. The positive relation between Hg and GST and MDA, adjusted for individual characteristics, suggests an oxidative effect. This study shows the importance of oxidative stress biomarkers in the evaluation of dietary Hg exposure since initial and reversible metabolic changes were observed, enriching health risk assessments.

Human Mercury Exposure in Yanomami Indigenous Villages from the Brazilian Amazon.

In the Brazilian Amazon, where the majority of Yanomami villages are settled, mercury (Hg) exposure due to artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has been reported since the 1980s. This study assessed mercury exposure in the Yanomami reserve and whether the level of contamination was related to the ASGM geographical location. It was conducted using a cross-sectional study of 19 villages. Direct interviews were performed and hair samples were used as a bioindicator of Hg exposure. The Prevalence-Ratio (PR) was estimated as an indicator of association between ASGM geographical locations and human exposure to mercury. Mercury levels (239 hair samples) ranged between 0.4 and 22.1 µg·g-1 and presented substantial differences amongst the villages. In the Waikas-Aracaça region, where current ASGM was reported, we observed the highest Hg concentrations (median = 15.5 µg·g-1). Almost all participants presented with hair-Hg levels >6 µg·g-1 (prevalence = 92.3%). In the Paapiu region, we observed the lowest concentrations (median = 3.2 µg·g-1; prevalence = 6.7%). Our findings showed that the Waikas Ye'kuana and Waikas Aracaca villages presented with 4.4 (PR = 4.4; Confidence Interval (CI) 95% = 2.2⁻9.0) and 14.0 (PR = 14.0; CI 95% = 7.9⁻24.9) times higher prevalence of hair-Hg concentration, respectively, compared with Paapiu. Considering seasonal variation of Hg-exposure, the lowest concentrations were observed during the wet season (June⁻September) and the highest in the dry season (December⁻April). Our study suggests that there is an association between mercury exposure and ASGM geographical locations.

Association between weather seasonality and blood parameters in riverine populations of the Brazilian Amazon / Relação da sazonalidade climática com parâmetros sanguíneos de ribeirinhos residentes na Amazônia brasileira

Abstract Objective: To analyze the seasonality of blood parameters related to iron homeostasis, inflammation, and allergy in two riverine populations from the Brazilian Amazon. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 120 children and adolescents of school age, living in riverine communities of Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil, describing the hematocrit, hemoglobin, ferritin, serum iron, total white blood cell count, lymphocytes, eosinophils, C-reactive protein, and immunoglobulin E levels in the dry and rainy seasons. The chi-squared test and the prevalence ratio were used for the comparison of proportions and mean analysis using paired Student's t-test. Results: Hemoglobin (13.3 g/dL) and hematocrit (40.9%) showed higher average values in the dry season. Anemia prevalence was approximately 4% and 12% in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Serum iron was lower in the dry season, with a mean of 68.7 mcg/dL. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 25.8% in the dry season and 9.2% in the rainy season. Serum ferritin did not show abnormal values in both seasons; however, the mean values were higher in the dry season (48.5 ng/mL). The parameters of eosinophils, lymphocytes, global leukocyte count, C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin E showed no seasonal differences. C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin E showed abnormal values in approximately 7% and 60% of the examinations, respectively. Conclusion: Hematological parameters of the red cell series and blood iron homeostasis had seasonal variation, which coincided with the dry season in the region, in which an increase in atmospheric pollutants derived from fires is observed.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a sazonalidade climática de parâmetros sanguíneos relacionados à homeostase do ferro, inflamação e alergia em duas populações ribeirinhas da Amazônia brasileira. Método: Fez-se um estudo transversal em 120 crianças e adolescentes em idade escolar, residentes em comunidades ribeirinhas de Porto Velho, Rondônia. Foram analisados hematócrito, hemoglobina, ferritina, ferro sérico, leucometria global, linfócitos, eosinófilos, proteína C-reativa e imunoglobulina E nas estações seca e chuvosa. Usaram-se o teste do qui-quadrado e a razão de prevalência para a comparação das proporções, além do teste t de Student pareado para a análise de médias. Resultados: Hemoglobina (13,3 g/dL) e hematócrito (40,9%) apresentaram maiores valores médios no período de seca. A prevalência de anemia foi de 4% e 12% na seca e na chuva, respectivamente. O ferro sérico foi menor no período de seca com média de 68,7 mcg/dL. A prevalência de deficiência de ferro foi em média 25,8% na seca e 9,2% na chuva. A concentração sérica de ferritina não apresentou valores alterados em ambos os períodos, no entanto os valores médios apresentaram-se mais elevados na seca (48,5 ng/mL). Os parâmetros dos eosinófilos, linfócitos, leucometria global, proteína C-reativa e imunoglobulina E não apresentaram diferenças sazonais. A proteína C-reativa e a imunoglobulina E apresentaram valores alterados em 7% e 60% dos exames feitos, respectivamente. Conclusão: Os parâmetros hematológicos da série vermelha e a homeostasia ferro sanguíneo apresentaram variação sazonal, que coincide com o período de seca na região, no qual se observa aumento dos poluentes atmosféricos derivados das queimadas.

Association between weather seasonality and blood parameters in riverine populations of the Brazilian Amazon.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the seasonality of blood parameters related to iron homeostasis, inflammation, and allergy in two riverine populations from the Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 120 children and adolescents of school age, living in riverine communities of Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil, describing the hematocrit, hemoglobin, ferritin, serum iron, total white blood cell count, lymphocytes, eosinophils, C-reactive protein, and immunoglobulin E levels in the dry and rainy seasons. The chi-squared test and the prevalence ratio were used for the comparison of proportions and mean analysis using paired Student's t-test. RESULTS: Hemoglobin (13.3g/dL) and hematocrit (40.9%) showed higher average values in the dry season. Anemia prevalence was approximately 4% and 12% in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Serum iron was lower in the dry season, with a mean of 68.7 mcg/dL. The prevalence of iron deficiency was 25.8% in the dry season and 9.2% in the rainy season. Serum ferritin did not show abnormal values in both seasons; however, the mean values were higher in the dry season (48.5ng/mL). The parameters of eosinophils, lymphocytes, global leukocyte count, C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin E showed no seasonal differences. C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin E showed abnormal values in approximately 7% and 60% of the examinations, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hematological parameters of the red cell series and blood iron homeostasis had seasonal variation, which coincided with the dry season in the region, in which an increase in atmospheric pollutants derived from fires is observed.

Selenium Levels in the Whole Blood of Children and Teenagers from Two Riparian Communities at the Madeira River Basin in the Western Brazilian Amazon.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient that exerts multiple functions in the organism, and both its deficiency and excess can cause health impairments. Thus, it is important to monitor its levels in the population, especially in vulnerable groups, such as children from the Brazilian Amazon region, where there is a lack of information in this regard. The aim of this research was to study Se levels in the whole blood of children and teenagers (5-16 years old) from two riparian communities at the Madeira River (Cuniã RESEX and Belmont). Se level variations related to the communities' location, seasonality, diet, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed. Blood samples were collected in both communities for Se determinations, using ICP-MS and hemogram analyses, during May and September of 2011. Food frequency questionnaires were applied to assess consumption rates of specific food items. Non-parametric tests and linear multiple regressions were applied in the data analyses. Median Se levels were significantly higher during May (Cuniã RESEX 149 µg L-1; Belmont 85 µg L-1) compared to September (Cuniã RESEX 79 µg L-1; Belmont 53 µg L-1). No significant differences were found between the communities regarding BMI measurements and anemia prevalence. However, Se blood levels were significantly higher at the Cuniã RESEX compared to Belmont. In addition, the former showed higher fish and Brazil nut intakes, which may be the main Se sources for this community. These results contribute to a better understanding of Se reference levels for children and teenagers of Western Amazon riparian communities.

Space-Time Analysis to Identify Areas at Risk of Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease.

This study aimed at identifying areas that were at risk of mortality due to cardiovascular disease in residents aged 45 years or older of the cities of Cuiabá and Várzea Grande between 2009 and 2011. We conducted an ecological study of mortality rates related to cardiovascular disease. Mortality rates were calculated for each census tract by the Local Empirical Bayes estimator. High- and low-risk clusters were identified by retrospective space-time scans for each year using the Poisson probability model. We defined the year and month as the temporal analysis unit and the census tracts as the spatial analysis units adjusted by age and sex. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the socioeconomic and environmental variables by risk classification. High-risk clusters showed higher income ratios than low-risk clusters, as did temperature range and atmospheric particulate matter. Low-risk clusters showed higher humidity than high-risk clusters. The Eastern region of Várzea Grande and the central region of Cuiabá were identified as areas at risk of mortality due to cardiovascular disease in individuals aged 45 years or older. High mortality risk was associated with socioeconomic and environmental factors. More high-risk clusters were observed at the end of the dry season.

The influence of changes in lifestyle and mercury exposure in riverine populations of the Madeira River (Amazon Basin) near a hydroelectric project.

In the Amazon Basin, naturally occurring methylmercury bioaccumulates in fish, which is a key source of protein consumed by riverine populations. The hydroelectric power-plant project at Santo Antônio Falls allows us to compare the Hg exposure of riverine populations sparsely distributed on both sides of the Madeira river before the area is to be flooded. From 2009 to 2011, we concluded a population survey of the area (N = 2,008; representing circa 80% of community residents) that estimated fish consumption and mercury exposure of riverine populations with different degrees of lifestyle related to fish consumption. Fish samples from the Madeira river (N = 1,615) and 110 species were analyzed for Hg. Hair-Hg was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in less isolated communities near to the capital of Porto Velho (median 2.32 ppm) than in subsistence communities in the Cuniã Lake, 180 km from Porto Velho city (median 6.3 ppm). Fish Hg concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 6.06 µg/g, depending on fish size and feeding behavior. Currently available fish in the Madeira river show a wide variability in Hg concentrations. Despite cultural similarities, riparians showed hair-Hg distribution patterns that reflect changes in fish-eating habits driven by subsistence characteristics.

[Prevalence of arterial hypertension in communities along the Madeira River, Western Brazilian Amazon]. / Prevalência de hipertensão arterial em comunidades ribeirinhas do Rio Madeira, Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension among adults (n = 841) in communities along the Madeira River in the Brazilian Amazon, prior to startup of the Santo Antônio Hydroelectric Plant. The study gathered information on sociodemographic conditions, history of diseases, habits, fish consumption, and anthropometric parameters. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and the respective confidence intervals. Among the riverine communities, 26% (95%CI: 23%-29%) of adults presented hypertension (29% in men [95%CI: 24%-33%] and 23% in women [95%CI: 19%-27%]). Factors associated with hypertension were age, BMI, and place of residence in men and age, triglycerides, and blood glucose in women. The findings can contribute to strategies for state and municipal health services to monitor and prevent cardiovascular events.

Prevalência de hipertensão arterial em comunidades ribeirinhas do Rio Madeira, Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira / Prevalence of arterial hypertension in communities along the Madeira River, Western Brazilian Amazon / La prevalencia de la hipertensión en las comunidades que bordean el río Madeira, occidente de la Amazonia brasileña

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de hipertensão em adultos residentes nas comunidades ribeirinhas do rio Madeira, previamente à operação da Usina Hidrelétrica Santo Antônio. Estudo transversal da prevalência de hipertensão arterial realizado com 841 adultos. Informações sobre condições sociodemográficas, morbidade referida, hábitos de vida, consumo de peixe e dados antropométricos foram avaliados. O método de regressão logística foi utilizado para estimar a odds ratio e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança. Entre os ribeirinhos, 26% (IC95%: 23%29%) dos adultos apresentaram hipertensão: 29% entre os homens (IC95%: 24%-33%) e 23% entre as mulheres (IC95%: 19%-27%). Nos homens, os fatores associados à hipertensão foram idade, IMC, glicemia e local de residência. Entre as mulheres, os fatores preditivos foram idade, triglicerídeos e glicemia. Os resultados deste estudo podem contribuir com a formulação de estratégias de monitoramento para prevenção de eventos cardiovasculares por parte dos órgãos de saúde estadual e municipal.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension among adults (n = 841) in communities along the Madeira River in the Brazilian Amazon, prior to startup of the Santo Antônio Hydroelectric Plant. The study gathered information on sociodemographic conditions, history of diseases, habits, fish consumption, and anthropometric parameters. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and the respective confidence intervals. Among the riverine communities, 26% (95%CI: 23%-29%) of adults presented hypertension (29% in men [95%CI: 24%-33%] and 23% in women [95%CI: 19%-27%]). Factors associated with hypertension were age, BMI, and place of residence in men and age, triglycerides, and blood glucose in women. The findings can contribute to strategies for state and municipal health services to monitor and prevent cardiovascular events.

Estimar la prevalencia de hipertensión entre los adultos que viven en las comunidades que bordean el río Madeira, antes de la puesta en marcha de la central hidroeléctrica de Santo Antônio. Estudio transversal sobre la prevalencia de la hipertensión llevado a cabo con 841 adultos. Se evaluó la información sobre las condiciones sociodemográficas, morbilidad, estilo de vida, consumo de pescado y los datos antropométricos. El método de regresión logística para estimar el odds ratio y sus intervalos de confianza. Entre los habitantes locales, el 26% (95%CI: 23-29%) de los adultos tenían hipertensión: 29% entre los hombres (95%CI: 24-33%) y el 23% en las mujeres (95%CI: 19-27% ). En los hombres, los factores asociados con la hipertensión fueron: edad, índice de masa corporal, glucosa en sangre, y el lugar de residencia. Entre las mujeres, los factores de riesgo son la edad, triglicéridos y glucosa. Los resultados de este estudio pueden contribuir al desarrollo de estrategias de supervisión para la prevención de eventos cardiovasculares por los órganos de salud.

Mercury in tropical and subtropical coastal environments.

Anthropogenic activities influence the biogeochemical cycles of mercury, both qualitatively and quantitatively, on a global scale from sources to sinks. Anthropogenic processes that alter the temporal and spatial patterns of sources and cycling processes are changing the impacts of mercury contamination on aquatic biota and humans. Human exposure to mercury is dominated by the consumption of fish and products from aquaculture operations. The risk to society and to ecosystems from mercury contamination is growing, and it is important to monitor these expanding risks. However, the extent and manner to which anthropogenic activities will alter mercury sources and biogeochemical cycling in tropical and sub-tropical coastal environments is poorly understood. Factors as (1) lack of reliable local/regional data; (2) rapidly changing environmental conditions; (3) governmental priorities and; (4) technical actions from supra-national institutions, are some of the obstacles to overcome in mercury cycling research and policy formulation. In the tropics and sub-tropics, research on mercury in the environment is moving from an exploratory "inventory" phase towards more process-oriented studies. Addressing biodiversity conservation and human health issues related to mercury contamination of river basins and tropical coastal environments are an integral part of paragraph 221 of the United Nations document "The Future We Want" issued in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012.

Naturally occurring radionuclides in food and drinking water from a thorium-rich area.

This paper focuses on a survey of uranium and thorium decay chain radionuclides in food and drinking water from the thorium-rich (monazite-bearing) region of Buena, which is located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The radionuclide concentration values in the food and drinking water from Buena reached values higher than 100-fold the international reference values. The daily intake of radionuclides by the local population is similar to that of another high background radiation area in Brazil, but the intake is higher than that of residents from a normal background radiation area. Approximately 58 % of the food consumed by Buena inhabitants is produced locally. Based on that figure, locally produced food and the dilution of total radionuclides in the diet of residents caused by food importation are both highly relevant to a population's intake of radionuclides. The concentration values for (210)Pb and the radium isotopes in drinking water from Buena are among the highest values to be reported in the literature. (228)Ra is the most important radionuclide ingested with both food and water among the inhabitants of Buena.

Mercury status of the Amazon Continental Shelf: Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis, Van Benédén 1864) as a bioindicator.

Total mercury (Hg) was analyzed in muscle tissue of 27 accidentally captured Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in order to evaluate Hg contamination levels present in the Amazon Continental Shelf, in Amapá state, North Brazil. The samples showed a mean concentration of 0.4 ± 0.16 µg/g wet weight (ww), ranging from 0.07 to 0.79 µg/g ww. As observed in several other cetacean species, Hg concentrations presented positive correlations to body length, related to the capacity to bioaccumulate this element throughout life. Hg concentrations were not significantly different between males (mean = 0.38 µg/g ww; n = 15) and females (mean = 0.42 µg/g ww; n = 12). Concentrations were low when compared to results of studies carried out with small cetaceans in the Northern Hemisphere, and with some previous studies in the south-eastern region of Brazil. In contrast with high Hg concentrations normally detected in river dolphin samples from Amazon River tributaries, our results suggest that the Amazon coast contains low levels of Hg in bioavailable form.

A systematic review of the physical and chemical characteristics of pollutants from biomass burning and combustion of fossil fuels and health effects in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to carry out a review of scientific literature published in Brazil between 2000 and 2009 on the characteristics of air pollutants from different emission sources, especially particulate matter (PM) and its effects on respiratory health. Using electronic databases, a systematic literature review was performed of all research related to air pollutant emissions. Publications were analyzed to identify the physical and chemical characteristics of pollutants from different emission sources and their related effects on the respiratory system. The PM2.5 is composed predominantly of organic compounds with 20% of inorganic elements. Higher concentrations of metals were detected in metropolitan areas than in biomass burning regions. The relative risk of hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases in children was higher than in the elderly population. The results of studies of health effects of air pollution are specific to the region where the emissions occurred and should not be used to depict the situation in other areas with different emission sources.

A systematic review of the physical and chemical characteristics of pollutants from biomass burning and combustion of fossil fuels and health effects in Brazil / Revisão sistemática das características físico-químicas dos poluentes atmosféricos provenientes das queimadas e combustíveis fósseis e efeitos na saúde no Brasil

The aim of this study was to carry out a review of scientific literature published in Brazil between 2000 and 2009 on the characteristics of air pollutants from different emission sources, especially particulate matter (PM) and its effects on respiratory health. Using electronic databases, a systematic literature review was performed of all research related to air pollutant emissions. Publications were analyzed to identify the physical and chemical characteristics of pollutants from different emission sources and their related effects on the respiratory system. The PM2.5 is composed predominantly of organic compounds with 20 percent of inorganic elements. Higher concentrations of metals were detected in metropolitan areas than in biomass burning regions. The relative risk of hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases in children was higher than in the elderly population. The results of studies of health effects of air pollution are specific to the region where the emissions occurred and should not be used to depict the situation in other areas with different emission sources.

O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar as publicações científicas em relação às características dos poluentes atmosféricos, especialmente material particulado (PM), e os efeitos respiratórios na saúde, segundo diferentes fontes de emissões, no período de 2000 a 2009, no Brasil. Revisão sistemática da literatura realizada em bases de dados eletrônicas. Foram analisadas publicações relacionadas às características físico-químicas dos poluentes, segundo diferentes fontes de emissões e estudos relativos aos efeitos no sistema respiratório. O PM é composto predominantemente de compostos orgânicos e 20 por cento de elementos inorgânicos. Altas concentrações de metais foram identificadas em áreas metropolitanas quando comparadas às regiões de queimadas. O risco relativo de internações hospitalares por doenças respiratórias em crianças foi superior àqueles encontrados em idosos. Os resultados dos estudos sobre os efeitos da poluição do ar na saúde não devem ser transferidos para áreas com diferentes fontes de emissão.

Genotoxic potential generated by biomass burning in the Brazilian Legal Amazon by Tradescantia micronucleus bioassay: a toxicity assessment study.

BACKGROUND: The Brazilian Amazon has suffered impacts from non-sustainable economic development, especially owing to the expansion of agricultural commodities into forest areas. The Tangará da Serra region, located in the southern of the Legal Amazon, is characterized by non-mechanized sugar cane production. In addition, it lies on the dispersion path of the pollution plume generated by biomass burning. The aim of this study was to assess the genotoxic potential of the atmosphere in the Tangará da Serra region, using Tradescantia pallida as in situ bioindicator. METHODS: The study was conducted during the dry and rainy seasons, where the plants were exposed to two types of exposure, active and passive. RESULTS: The results showed that in all the sampling seasons, irrespective of exposure type, there was an increase in micronucleus frequency, compared to control and that it was statistically significant in the dry season. A strong and significant relationship was also observed between the increase in micronucleus incidence and the rise in fine particulate matter, and hospital morbidity from respiratory diseases in children. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, we demonstrated that pollutants generated by biomass burning in the Brazilian Amazon can induce genetic damage in test plants that was more prominent during dry season, and correlated with the level of particulates and elevated respiratory morbidity.

Material particulado (PM2.5) de queima de biomassa e doenças respiratórias no sul da Amazônia brasileira / Particulate matter (PM2.5) of biomass burning emissions and respiratory diseases in the south of the Brazilian Amazon

OBJETIVOS: Analisar espacialmente o efeito da exposição ao material particulado (PM2.5) na ocorrência de doenças do aparelho respiratório de crianças de um a quatro anos e de idosos com sessenta e cinco anos ou mais nos municípios do Estado de Mato Grosso em 2004. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico em duas etapas. A primeira foi uma investigação da autocorrelação espacial global da prevalência de internações por doenças respiratórias e do percentual de horas críticas de concentração do material particulado nos municípios do estado de Mato Grosso, empregando-se o método bayesiano empírico para minimização das flutuações aleatórias dos indicadores e a estatística Moran "global". A segunda, uma regressão múltipla espacial, teve como variáveis resposta a prevalência de internações por doenças respiratórias, e como variável de exposição o percentual de horas críticas anuais. Para ajuste, foram utilizadas variáveis proxies de poluição do ar, variáveis de atenção à saúde e de condições de vida da população. RESULTADOS: Não foram observados padrões espaciais globais de prevalência de doenças respiratórias em grupos sensíveis nos municípios, mas evidenciou-se elevada dependência espacial do percentual de horas críticas anuais de concentração do material particulado. Na regressão múltipla, foram observadas associações estatisticamente significativas entre a prevalência de internações por doenças respiratórias e o percentual de horas críticas anuais de material particulado. CONCLUSÕES: As emissões de material particulado originadas de queimadas na Amazônia Legal estão relacionadas à prevalência de internações por doenças respiratórias em grupos populacionais sensíveis nos municípios do Estado de Mato Grosso.

Levels of cadmium, mercury, and lead in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) stranded on the Brazilian coast.

Cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were determined in samples of liver and breast muscles of first-year Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus), from two different areas on the Brazilian coast, 35 on the Rio de Janeiro coast and 12 on the Rio Grande do Sul coast. In both areas, Cd concentrations in muscle samples were <0.025 microg/g. However, the Cd and Hg concentrations found in liver and Hg concentrations found in muscle showed a significant difference between the two regions. The geometric mean of the concentrations was higher in the specimens from Rio de Janeiro (Cd--6.8 microg/g; Hg--liver, 1.6 microg/g, and muscle, 0.4 microg/g wet weight) than in those from Rio Grande do Sul (Cd--2.3 microg/g; Hg--liver, 0.9 microg/g, and muscle, 0.1 microg/g wet weight). The site differences could be related to differences in diet influenced by geographic factors. Brazil's southeastern coast is highly urbanized, and its coastal waters are contaminated by the waste of agricultural and industrial activities. There is a lack of information on the levels of heavy metals in S. magellanicus, however, their wide distribution and top position in the trophic chain make the use of stranded specimens an attractive source of information for monitoring heavy metals in the South Atlantic coast.

Hospitalization of children for asthma in the Brazilian Amazon: trend and spatial distribution.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the distribution of hospitalizations of children for asthma in the states comprising the Brazilian Amazon, as well as the variations of hospitalization according to climatic seasonality. METHODS: A descriptive study of the distribution of hospitalizations for asthma of individuals aged 0 to 14 years living in the Brazilian Amazon, according to trend, spatial distribution, and climatic seasonality over the period from 2001 to 2007. We used the database of authorizations for hospitalizations (AIH) of the Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. RESULTS: The spatial distribution of hospitalizations for asthma resembles the configuration of the "arc of deforestation," mainly in the states of Rondônia and Maranhão. The distribution of annual hospitalizations for asthma decreased from 8.1 to 2.6 hospitalizations/1,000 inhabitants during the period. There was a peak of hospitalizations in March and May in all states. The seasonal differences were on average 10%, with the highest rates during the rainy season. CONCLUSION: We concluded that hospitalizations for asthma are more frequent in the months of more intense rainfall, with greater magnitude in the states comprising the "arc of deforestation" in the Brazilian Amazon, especially Rondônia and Maranhão.

Hospitalização de crianças por asma na Amazônia brasileira: tendência e distribuição espacial / Hospitalization of children for asthma in the Brazilian Amazon: trend and spatial distribution

OBJETIVO: Analisar a distribuição das internações hospitalares por asma em crianças nos estados que compõem a Amazônia brasileira e as variações das internações segundo a sazonalidade climática. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo de distribuição das hospitalizações por asma em indivíduos de 0 a 14 anos de idade residentes na Amazônia brasileira segundo tendência, distribuição espacial e sazonalidade climática no período de 2001 a 2007. Utilizou-se a base de dados das autorizações de internações hospitalares do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Ministério da Saúde. RESULTADOS: A distribuição espacial das hospitalizações por asma assemelha-se à configuração do arco do desmatamento, com destaque para os estados de Maranhão e Rondônia. As hospitalizações anuais por asma decresceram de 8,1 para 2,6 internações por mil habitantes no decorrer do período estudado. Verifica-se um pico de internações nos meses de março e maio em todos os estados. As diferenças sazonais alcançaram em média 10 por cento do conjunto das unidades da federação, com as maiores taxas no período chuvoso. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que as hospitalizações por asma em crianças são mais frequentes nos meses chuvosos, com maior magnitude nos estados que compõem o arco do desmatamento da Amazônia brasileira, especialmente Rondônia e Maranhão.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the distribution of hospitalizations of children for asthma in the states comprising the Brazilian Amazon, as well as the variations of hospitalization according to climatic seasonality. METHODS: A descriptive study of the distribution of hospitalizations for asthma of individuals aged 0 to 14 years living in the Brazilian Amazon, according to trend, spatial distribution, and climatic seasonality over the period from 2001 to 2007. We used the database of authorizations for hospitalizations (AIH) of the Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. RESULTS: The spatial distribution of hospitalizations for asthma resembles the configuration of the "arc of deforestation," mainly in the states of Rondônia and Maranhão. The distribution of annual hospitalizations for asthma decreased from 8.1 to 2.6 hospitalizations/1,000 inhabitants during the period. There was a peak of hospitalizations in March and May in all states. The seasonal differences were on average 10 percent, with the highest rates during the rainy season. CONCLUSION: We concluded that hospitalizations for asthma are more frequent in the months of more intense rainfall, with greater magnitude in the states comprising the "arc of deforestation" in the Brazilian Amazon, especially Rondônia and Maranhão.