Resumo Os metais e agroquímicos estão entre os principais contaminantes aquáticos, podendo desencadear estresse oxidativo em organismos expostos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar uma possível correlação entre o nível de biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo em Aegla (Crustacea, Anomura) com (i) o conjunto de metais presentes no sedimento e (ii) com os usos da terra, em três bacias hidrográficas distintas. O estudo foi realizado em riachos (≤ 2ª ordem) de bacias hidrográficas do Sul do Brasil (Bacias do Rio Suzana, do Rio Ligeirinho-Leãozinho e do Rio Dourado), as quais foram caracterizadas em função do percentual de usos da terra e do nível de Cu, Cr, Cd, Fe, Mn e Zn no sedimento. As enzimas Catalase (CAT) e Glutationa Redutase (GR), bem como o nível de peroxidação lipídica das membranas (TBARS), foram analisadas em fêmeas adultas. Uma análise de PCA mostrou que a distribuição de metais foi distinta entre as bacias. Cd, Cr e Fe no sedimento correlacionaram positivamente com a CAT e negativamente com TBARS e GR. Entretanto, a bacia do Dourado apresentou os menores níveis destes três metais e os maiores níveis de TBARS, o que pode ser justificado pelo predomínio da agricultura nesta bacia, já que o TBARS correlacionou positivamente com o percentual de uso agrícola. Nesta bacia, a atividade da GR foi mais alta do que nas outras, indicando uma resposta compensatória em relação a inibição da CAT. As bacias do rio Suzana e rio Ligeirinho-Leãozinho apresentaram valores menores de TBARS, o que pode decorrer da indução da CAT em função dos metais acumulados no sedimento. Em síntese, este trabalho indica que nas bacias com maior concentração de metais tóxicos ocorre uma resposta adaptativa de indução da CAT, o que reduz os níveis de TBARS em Aegla. Por outro lado, na bacia com menor contaminação metálica os níveis de TBARS foram primariamente influenciados pelo uso agrícola.

Abstract Metals and agrochemicals are among the main aquatic contaminants, being able to trigger oxidative stress in exposed organisms. The objective of this work was to evaluate the correlation between the level of oxidative stress biomarkers in Aegla crabs (Crustacea, Anomura) with (i) the set of metals present in the streams sediment and (ii) with land uses of three hydrographic basins. The study was carried out in streams (≤ 2nd order) of hydrographic basins in southern Brazil (Basins of Rio Suzana, Rio Ligeirinho-Leãozinho and Rio Dourado). In these streams were quantified the land uses and Cu, Cr, Cd, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations in the sediment. The enzymes Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione Reductase (GR), as well as the level of membrane lipid peroxidation (TBARS), were analyzed in adult females. The PCA analysis showed that the distribution of metals was different between the basins. Cd, Cr and Fe were correlated positively with CAT and negatively with TBARS and GR. The Dourado basin had the lowest concentrations of these three metals and the highest levels of TBARS. However, in Dourado basin there is predominance of agriculture land use, and TBARS was positively correlated with agricultural land use. Besides in Dourado basin, GR activity was higher than in the others basins, indicating a compensatory response in relation to CAT inhibition. The basins of Suzana and Ligeirinho-Leãozinho rivers had lower TBARS values, which may be due to the induction of CAT in response to metals accumulated in sediment. In summary, this work indicates that in the basins with a higher concentration of toxic metals there is an adaptive response of CAT induction, which reduces TBARS in Aegla. On the other hand, in the basin with lower metallic contamination, TBARS occurrence was primarily influenced by agricultural land use.

Resumo Tomando Desmedida como bússola e o percurso do lusoangolano Ruy Duarte de Carvalho como rota, o presente artigo discute e problematiza a busca de uma origem e de um sentido para o sertão na produção simbólica nacional. Desde os relatos dos primeiros viajantes que chegaram ao país, passando por textos de pesquisadores, historiadores ou escritores, o sertão é descrito como uma imensidão vazia a ser desbravada e contornada por palavras - palco para múltiplas figurações, transgressões e subversões da linguagem. Desmedida funciona como disparador de sentido e fio condutor para o percurso empreendido neste trabalho: aquele que aponta para o sertão como um excesso de vazio - ou falta de medida, de limite e de fronteira - já na estrutura dos significantes selecionados para nomeá-lo. Ao atravessar as obras de Euclides da Cunha e de Guimarães Rosa, Ruy Duarte de Carvalho apresenta dois modos distintos de lidar com o real do sertão e com a impossibilidade de o narrar. A torção de textos, tempos e existências empreendida por Carvalho é lida a partir da virada dos modos de subjetivação do sujeito e da linguagem e seus efeitos sobre os conceitos de ficção e representação na chegada à modernidade, tais quais identificados pelo filósofo Jacques Rancière. Para investigar os conceitos de real e de vazio, foram utilizados como referenciais teóricos artigos de Raul Antelo e de Jacques Lacan.

Abstract Taking Desmedida as a compass and the route of the Portuguese-Angolan Ruy Duarte de Carvalho as a route, this article discusses and problematizes the search for an origin and a meaning for the sertão in the Brazilian symbolic production. From the accounts of the first travelers who arrived in the country, through texts by researchers, historians, or writers, the sertão is described as an empty immensity to be explored and circumvented by words - a stage for multiple figurations, transgressions, and subversions of language. Desmedida works as a trigger of meaning and a guiding for the path undertaken in this work: one that points to the sertão as an excess of emptiness - or lack of measure, limit, and frontier - already in the structure of the signifiers selected to name it. When crossing the sertão of Euclides da Cunha and Guimarães Rosa, Ruy Duarte de Carvalho presents two different ways of dealing with the real of the sertão and with the impossibility of narrating it. The twisting of texts, times and existences undertaken by Carvalho is read as a turning point in the subjectivation modes of the subject and language and its effects on the concepts of fiction and representation in the arrival of modernity, as identified by the philosopher Jacques Rancière. To investigate the concepts of real and emptiness, articles by Raul Antelo and Jacques Lacan were used as theoretical references.

Resumen Tomando como brújula a Desmedida y como ruta la ruta luso-angolana Ruy Duarte de Carvalho, este artículo discute y problematiza la búsqueda de un origen y un sentido para el sertão en la producción simbólica brasileña. A partir de los relatos de los primeros viajeros que llegaron al país, a través de textos de investigadores, historiadores o escritores, el sertão se describe como una inmensidad vacía para ser explorada y sorteada por las palabras, escenario de múltiples figuraciones, transgresiones y subversiones del lenguaje. Desmedida funciona como un disparador de sentido y un hilo conductor del camino emprendido en este trabajo: uno que apunta al sertão como un exceso de vacío - o falta de medida, límite y frontera- ya en la estructura de los significantes seleccionados para nombrar eso. Al cruzar las obras de Euclides da Cunha y Guimarães Rosa, Ruy Duarte de Carvalho presenta dos formas diferentes de tratar con lo real del sertão y con la imposibilidad de narrarlo. La torsión de textos, tiempos y existencias emprendida por Carvalho se lee desde el punto de inflexión en los modos de subjetivación del sujeto y del lenguaje y sus efectos sobre los conceptos de ficción y representación en la llegada de la modernidad, identificados por el filósofo Jacques Rancière. Para investigar los conceptos de real y vacío se utilizaron como referentes teóricos artículos de Raúl Antelo y Jacques Lacan.

Resumen: La geoestadística puede ser utilizada como una herramienta para el manejo de plagas mediante el análisis de la distribución espacial de una plaga tanto a nivel local como regional. Por lo tanto, el control de plagas en un sitio específico se puede lograr en base a información espacio temporal. Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), la plaga de manzanas y peras más importante, requiere de varias aplicaciones de insecticidas para reducir los daños a niveles aceptables. El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar la variación temporal y espacial de la distribución y abundancia de C. pomonella en la principal área frutícola de Uruguay. Desde 2007 a 2009, se instalaron y georeferenciaron aproximadamente 120 trampas de feromonas por año en montes de manzanos y perales distribuidos en más de 50.000 ha. Las capturas de adultos machos se registraron semanalmente de octubre a marzo. Se realizó un análisis espacial de las capturas, obteniéndose semivariogramas para las capturas acumuladas analizadas por generación y por temporada. Los mapas se construyeron sobre la base de los modelos significativos obtenidos, donde el nivel de población de la plaga se estimó utilizando un kriging ordinario. El rango de correlación estimado fue de 1720 a 2690 m. Las zonas de mayores densidades poblacionales y algunas áreas con poblaciones comparativamente bajas fueron constantes durante el período de dos años de estudio.

Summary: Geostatistics can support pest management by analyzing the spatial distribution of a pest at a local or regional level. Therefore, specific site pest control can be performed based on accurate spatio-temporal information. Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), the most serious apple and pear pest, requires several insecticide applications to reduce injury to acceptable levels. The aim of this research was to study the temporal and spatial variation in distribution and abundance of C. pomonella in the main fruit-growing area of Uruguay. From 2007 to 2009, approximately 120 pheromone traps per year were installed in apple and pear orchards distributed over 50,000 ha, and georeferenced. Male adult captures were registered weekly from October to March. Spatial analysis of the captures was done, obtaining semivariograms for the accumulated captures analyzed by generation and by growing season. Maps were constructed based on significant models obtained, where the population level of the pest was estimated using ordinary kriging. The correlation range estimated was from 1720 to 2690 m. Hot spots of high population level and some areas with comparatively low populations were constant over the 2-year period.

Resumo Em geral, as respostas ambientais ao nível de populações ou comunidades são precedidas pelas alterações nos níveis biológicos inferiores que podem ser eficientemente detectados pela análise de biomarcadores. Neste trabalho, foram analisados os biomarcadores oxidativos TBARS e Catalase em Aegla singularis, um crustáceo de água doce altamente sensível às mudanças ambientais. O objetivo foi investigar se há diferenças nestes biomarcadores relacionados com o gênero, bem como se eles são influenciados por parâmetros sazonais ou físico-químicos. Os resultados mostraram diferenças no perfil de biomarcadores relacionados com o gênero. Caranguejos fêmeas não foram sensíveis a variações sazonais ao longo do período de estudo. Nos machos, os biomarcadores avaliadas apresentaram níveis mais altos no inverno, em comparação com as demais estações e mostraram uma tendência de correlação negativa com a temperatura e pH da água. Este estudo destaca que o sexo, variações sazonais e variáveis físico-químicas podem influenciar os biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo em A. singularis. As fêmeas de A. singularis provavelmente são mais adequadas como um modelo para aplicação destes biomarcadores em estudos ambientais, uma vez que sua insensibilidade às variações sazonais podem facilitar as observações das respostas relacionadas especificamente com perturbações ambientais.

Abstract In general, environmental responses at level of populations or communities are preceded by alterations at lower biological levels which can be efficiently detected by the analysis of biomarkers. We analyzed the oxidative biomarkers TBARS and Catalase in Aegla singularis, a freshwater crustacean highly sensitive to environmental changes. The objective was to address if are differences in these biomarkers related to the gender as well if they are influenced by seasonal or water physicochemical variables. The results showed differences in biomarkers profile related to the gender. In female crabs were not sensitive to seasonal variations throughout the study period. However, in males the biomarkers evaluated were higher in the winter as compared to remaining seasons and showed tendency of negative correlation with water temperature and pH. This study highlights that gender, seasonal variations and physicochemical variables can influence oxidative stress biomarkers in A. singularis. Female crabs probably are better suited as a model for biomarker application in environmental studies, because their insensibility to seasonal variations can facilitate the observations of responses related specifically to environmental disturbances.

Abstract This paper proposes to study the sedimentation characteristics of anaerobic sludge, by determining the settling velocity of sludge granules with the Griffith Tube. This is a simple, low-cost method, suitable for use in full-scale treatment plants. The settling characteristics of sludge from two laboratory-scale UASB reactors fed with saccharose and different concentrations of sodium oleate and sodium stereate were evaluated. Addition of fatty acids caused a gradual destabilization of the system, affecting overall performance. The sedimentation profile changed after addition of fatty acids to the synthetic substrate, decreased sedimentation velocity and increased granule diameter. This behaviour was attributed to the adsorption of fatty acids onto the granules, modifying the diameter, shape and density of these bioparticles.

Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and the main cause of death produced by skin diseases. In Uruguay, the incidence rate is 3.8/100,000, one of the highest in Latin America. We analyzed the contribution of ancestry and MC1R as a candidate gene for sporadic melanoma in Uruguay. Our objective wasto investigate the possible associations between ancestry and the MC1R gene with sporadic melanoma in the Uruguayan population. To that end, one hundred patients with sporadic MM and 107 controls were recruited. Phenotypic factors and lifestyle were evaluated as risk factors. At the same time, we analyzed fiveancestry informative markers, the MC1R variants (R151, R160 and D294H) and five tag-SNPs. Phototype, atypical nevi, sunburns and recreational exposure were the main risk factors for MM in the Uruguayan population. We confirmed 16q as a candidate region for MM. R151C, and R160W showed an important association with risk of melanoma (OR= 3.85, P= 1 x 10-2; OR= 10.15, P= 7 x 10-3, respectively). Furthermore, three novel MC1R haplotypes from the promoter region were detected, and the two most common haplotypes for the coding region were different to the ones found in Europeans through HapMap. However, MC1R coding region haplotypes revealed a highly similar frequency to that of the Spanish population. Our results showed that the chromosomal 16q region confers susceptibility to MM risk in the Uruguayan population. In addition, the admixed genome structure of the MC1R region could be part of the explanation of melanoma etiology.

El melanoma maligno (MM) es uno de los mas peligrosos, y la principal causa de muerte producida por tumores de piel. En el Uruguay, la tasa de incidencia es de 3,8/100.000, una de las mas altas de America Latina. En este trabajo analizamos la ancestria y el gen candidato MC1R entre los pacientes con MM del Uruguay. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar la posible asociacion entre ancestria y el gen MC1R en pacientes con melanoma esporadico en la poblacion uruguaya. Con tal finalidad, se reclutaron 100 pacientes con MM esporadico y 107 controles. Se evaluo el riesgo de factores fenotipicos y de estilo de vida. Ademas se analizaron cinco marcadores informativos de ancesdencia, variantes del gen MC1R (R151, R160 y D294H) y cinco tagSNPs. El fototipo, los nevos atipicos, quemaduras solares y la exposicion recreativa fueron los principales factores de riesgo para MM en la poblacion uruguaya. La region cromosomica 16q es candidata para MM, mientras que R151C y R160W mostraron una importante asociacion con el riesgo para MM (OR= 3,85, P= 1 x 10-2; OR= 10,15, P= 7 x 10-3, respectivamente). Por otra parte, se detectaron tres nuevos haplotipos en la region promotora y los dos haplotipos mas frecuentes en la region codificante son diferentes a los encontrados en la poblacion europea. Sin embargo, los haplotipos de la region codificante presentan una frecuencia muy similar a las encontradas en la poblacion espanola. Los resultados muestran que la region cromosomica 16q confiere susceptibilidad al riesgo de MM en la poblacion uruguaya. Por otra parte, la estructura genomica mestizada de la region del MC1R podria explicar la etiologia del melanoma.

Resumo A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) é consumida principalmente como “chimarrão”, uma bebida quente muito apreciada no Brasil, Argentina, Paraguai e Uruguai. Este estudo avaliou o potencial antioxidante de extratos aquosos de I. paraguariensis precipitado com etanol. Folhas de erva-mate foram processados de maneira semelhante ao processamento do chá-preto (OX) e na forma de mate (TM). O potencial antioxidante foi avaliado sobre células de Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficientes para genes de defesa antioxidante. Três linhagens celulares foram estudadas: uma selvagem (EG) e duas mutantes (ctt1Δ e ctt1Δsod1Δ). As linhagens foram pré-tratadas com os extratos de erva-mate (TM e OX) e submetidos ao estresse oxidativo induzido por peróxido de hidrogênio. Nenhum dos extratos produziu perda de viabilidade celular. Os extratos exerceram atividade antioxidante, protegendo as linhagens (exceto a sod1Δctt1Δ). O extrato TM foi mais eficaz em relação ao OX. Extratos de I. paraguariensis apresentaram potencial para ser explorado no desenvolvimento de novas formulações.

Abstract Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) is mainly consumed as “chimarrão”, a hot drink highly appreciated in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. This study evaluated the antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts of I. paraguariensis precipitated with ethanol. The leaves were processed as for tea product (TM) and oxidized (OX). The antioxidant potential was evaluated in cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficient in antioxidant defense genes. Three strains evaluated were: a wild (EG) and two mutants (ctt1Δ e ctt1Δsod1Δ). These strains were pre-treated with the yerba-mate extracts (TM e OX) and submitted to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. None of the extracts produced loss of cell viability. The extracts exerted antioxidant activity, protecting the strains (except sod1∆ctt1∆). The TM extract was more effective than OX. I. paraguariensis extracts showed a potential to be explored in the development of new products.

Historiography is increasingly studying orphans and craft activities issues (separately though) during the colonial period in Peru, but so far it has not given importance to many of the craftsmen and apprentices appearing in documents files as orphans. The Spanish Crown tried to take care of European, mestizos and Indian orphans, making sure they had a job so in the future they could fend for themselves. Various types of documents allowed us to study the situation of orphanhood and helplessness, although its content has not always been clear about the individual's real situation, which has forced us to be very cautious about the information obtained. This research is a first step towards the study of Peru's orphan artisans at the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

En los últimos años, la historiografía ha venido dando mayor importancia al tema de las actividades artesanales durante el periodo virreinal en el Perú, y también ha hecho referencia al tema de los huérfanos. Sin embargo, hasta el momento no se ha dado importancia a que muchos de los artesanos y aprendices que aparecen en los documentos de los archivos eran huérfanos. La Corona española intentó ocuparse de los huérfanos europeos y también veló por aquellos que eran mestizos e indios, procurando que tuvieran un oficio para que en un futuro pudieran valerse por ellos mismos. Son diversos los tipos de documentos que nos han permitido estudiar esta situación de la orfandad y desamparo, aunque su contenido no siempre ha sido claro en cuanto a la situación real del individuo, lo que nos ha obligado a ser muy cautas con la información obtenida. Esta investigación es un primer paso en el estudio de los artesanos huérfanos y desamparados en el Perú de los siglos XVI y XVII.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs based on the temporal variability of insect pests have been successfully implemented worldwide. These programs have been carried out by applying control strategies based on the existing knowledge about pest biology and population dynamics. However, systems based on temporal variability are insufficient to optimize plant protection and especially to reduce the environmental impact of area-wide control measures. This situation drove to the new concept of "site-specific IPM". Currently, there are tools to implement large-scale studies (at a zonal and a regional level), allowing to describe and analyze the spatial distribution of insect populations via the management and analysis of large data sets (GIS, GPS, and geostatistics). Geostatistics measures the spatial fluctuations of the variables under study based on rigorous sampling, afterwards adjusting a semivariogram, interpolating and building maps of iso-lines with different levels of population densities. This has allowed to simplify forecasting and monitoring systems, determining both the location and the optimum number of samples to be taken on sites showed by iso-lines. In order to decide where control measurements should be applied, maps with geographical coordinates showing the spatial location of spots with high population density are used (regardless of the control strategy applied). Furthermore, these methods can be used to identify areas where, considering their special characteristics, selective large-scale control tactics, as mating disruption or the release of natural enemies could be applied.

A nivel mundial se han implementado programas de Manejo Integrado de Plagas (MIP) exitosos, basados en la variabilidad temporal de insectos plaga. Esto se ha llevado a cabo aplicando estrategias de control basadas en el conocimiento de la biología de la plaga y de su dinámica poblacional. Los sistemas basados en la variabilidad temporal son limitados para optimizar la protección fitosanitaria y sobre todo para disminuir el impacto ambiental de las medidas de control en áreas extensas, lo cual ha dado sustento a un concepto nuevo "el MIP en el Sitio Específico". Actualmente existen herramientas disponibles para implementar estudios a gran escala (zonas o regiones), ya que permiten el manejo y análisis de grandes series de datos para describir y analizar la distribución espacial de las poblaciones de insectos (SIG, GPS y Geoestadística). La Geoestadística mide la variabilidad espacial de las variables en estudio a partir de muestreos rigurosos, para luego ajustar un semivariograma, interpolar y construir mapas de isolíneas con sus diferentes densidades poblacionales. Lo anterior ha permitido la simplificación de los sistemas de pronóstico, determinando tanto la localización como el número óptimo de muestras a tomar en los sitios que indican las isolíneas. Los mapas sirven para tomar decisiones de manejo en los cultivos, señalando la ubicación (según coordenadas geográficas) de focos de altas densidades poblacionales, de amplia utilidad independientemente de la medida de control a seleccionar. Pero además permiten identificar zonas, en las que por sus características particulares se pueden aplicar a gran escala tácticas de control, tan selectivas como la confusión sexual o la liberación de enemigos naturales.

RESUMO A atividade antimicobacteriana de diidrocubebina (1), uma lignana dibenzilbutanodioica obtida a partir de extrato etanólico de sementes da Piper cubeba, e seus derivados foram avaliados in vitro contra três diferentes cepas de Mycobacterium utilizando o método de microdiluição. Dentre as lignanas avaliadas 3 e 4 foram as mais ativas, exibindo valores de CIM de 62,5 µg/mL contra M. avium e M. tuberculosis, respectivamente. Os derivados 2-6 obtidos por síntese parcial possuem diferentes substituintes nos carbonos 9 e 9 ‘, que alteram polaridade, solubilidade e limitam as rotações livres entre C8-C8’ em relação de material (1) de partida. As diferenças estruturais entre estes compostos podem fornecer informações importantes sobre a relação estrutura-atividade antimicobacteriana do esqueleto dibenzilbutanodioico, obtido a partir de fonte natural, como um possível alvo para o desenvolvimento de drogas mais potentes contra a tuberculose.

ABSTRACT The antimycobacterial activity of the dihydrocubebin (1), a dibenzylbutanedioiclignan obtained from ethanolic extract of Piper cubeba seeds, and its derivatives were examined in vitro against three different strains of Mycobacterium using amicrodilution method. Among the lignans evaluated, the 3 and 4 samples were the most active ones, displaying MIC values of 62.5 μg/mL against M. avium and M. tuberculosis, respectively. The derivatives 2-6, obtained for partial synthesis, had different substituents in the carbons 9 and 9’, fact thatalters the polarity, solubility and restricts the free rotations between the bonds C8-C8’ in relation to the starting material (1). The structural differences among these compounds provide important information about the antimycobacterial structure-activity relationship of the dibenzylbutanodioic skeleton, obtained from natural source, such as a possible target for the development of more powerful drugs against tuberculosis.

Optically transparent membranes from bacterial cellulose (BC)/polycaprolactone (PCL) have been prepared by impregnation of PCL acetone solution into dried BC membranes. UV-Vis measurements showed an increase on transparency in BC/PCL membrane when compared with pristine BC. The good transparency of the BC/PCL can be related to the presence of BC nanofibers associated with deposit of PCL nano-sized spherulites which are smaller than the wavelength of visible light and practically free of light scattering. XRD results show that cellulose type I structure is preserved inside the BC/PCL membrane, while the mechanical properties suggested indicated that PCL acts as a plasticizer for the BC membrane. The novel BC/PCL membrane could be used for preparation of fully biocompatible flexible display and biodegradable food packaging.

Scorpionism in the Americas occurs mainly in Mexico, northern South America and southeast Brazil. This article reviews the local scorpion fauna, available health statistics, and the literature to assess scorpionism in Central America. Notwithstanding its high toxicity in Mexico, most scorpion sting cases in Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica are produced by species in the genus Centruroides that are only mildly toxic to humans despite the existence of ion channel-active toxins in their venoms. Regional morbidity is low with the exception of Panama, where an incidence of 52 cases per 100,000 inhabitants was recorded for 2007, with 28 deaths from 1998 to 2006. Taxa belonging to the genus Tityus (also present in the Atlantic coast of Costa Rica) are responsible for fatalities in Panama, with Tityus pachyurus being the most important species medically. Most Tityus species inhabiting Panama are also found in northern South America from which they probably migrated upon closure of the Panamanian isthmus in the Miocene era. Incorporation of Panama as part of the northern South American endemic area of scorpionism is thereby suggested based on the incidence of these accidents and the geographical distribution of Panamanian Tityus species.

It has been proposed that the subgenus Archaeotityus comprises the most ancient species group within the medically important scorpion genus Tityus. cDNA encoding sodium-channel active toxins from the type species of this subgenus, Tityus clathratus (central Venezuela), have been isolated and sequenced. Two cDNAs were retrieved that encoded 61 amino acid-long putative neurotoxins named Tcl1 and Tcl2. Sequence identity was highest (87%) when both were compared with β-toxin Ts1 from the Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus and its homologs from T. bahiensis, T. stigmurus, and T. costatus. A Bayesian analysis indicated statistical support for the grouping of T. clathratus Tcl1 and Tcl2 with Brazilian gamma-like β-toxins, reinforcing previous phylogenetic studies which suggested an evolutionary relationship between the subgenus Archaeotityus and scorpion species inhabiting southeast South America belonging to the subgenus Tityus.

O teste de Identificação de Sentenças Sintéticas (SSI) avalia as vias centrais da audição utilizando a sensibilidade auditiva e visual e testando a atenção seletiva. A ativação do cerebelo na atenção auditiva, assim como na modulação da atividade sensorial, já é descrita. Avaliar pacientes com lesão exclusiva do cerebelo por meio do teste SSI pode confirmar ou refutar a hipótese da participação do cerebelo no processamento auditivo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar pelo teste SSI a participação do cerebelo no processamento auditivo, em indivíduos com lesão crônica do cerebelo e audição normal. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Estudo coorte contemporânea com corte transversal. Grupo controle de 20 indivíduos sadios, grupo de estudo de 18 indivíduos com lesão crônica do cerebelo. Aplicado o teste SSI nas modalidades ICM (mensagem competitiva ipsilateral) e CCM (mensagem competitiva contralateral). Na comparação dos resultados entre os grupos, utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado para as variáveis qualitativas. RESULTADO: Identificada diferença estatística significante entre os grupos controle e estudo na modalidade ICM do teste SSI (p = 0,035), mas não na modalidade CCM (p = 0,083). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos pelo teste SSI identificam a participação do cerebelo no processamento auditivo nos indivíduos com lesão crônica do cerebelo e audição normal avaliados neste estudo.

The Synthetic Sentence Identification (SSI) test assesses central auditory pathways by measuring auditory and visual sensitivity and testing selective attention. Cerebellum activation in auditory attention and sensorial activity modulation have already been described. Assessing patients with cerebellar lesions alone using the SSI test can confirm the role of the cerebellum in auditory processing. AIM: To evaluate the role of the cerebellum in auditory processing in individuals with normal hearing and in those with chronic cerebellum lesions, using the SSI test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional cohort study. A study group comprising 18 patients with chronic cerebellar lesion and a control group of 20 healthy individuals were assessed. The SSI test was applied in an Ipsilateral Competitive Message (ICM) and Contralateral Competitive Message (CCM) modes. To compare the results between groups, we used the chi-square test for qualitative variables. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the study and control groups using the ICM mode of the SSI test (p=0.035), but not in the CCM mode (p=0.083). CONCLUSION: The results on the SSI confirmed cerebellar participation in auditory processing in individuals with chronic cerebellar lesions and in those with normal hearing assessed in this study.

Resumen Se estudió el efecto de factores de estrés ambiental y la polinización, en el cuajado final de frutos del tangor ‘Ortanique’, variedad autoincompatible. Se evaluó el sombreado de los árboles (M: mallas 35 % sombra y SM: sin malla) y del riego (SR: secano y R: riego localizado en la fila) en condiciones de campo. Desde floración hasta fin de caída fisiológica, se cuantificó el cuajado de frutos. Adicionalmente, en cada una de las cuatro situaciones, se marcaron 120 brotes terminales y se aplicaron tres tratamientos: a) control, b) emasculado y embolsado de flores y c) emasculado de flores y polinización con polen de mandarina ‘Nova‘. Se registró periódicamente el potencial hídrico foliar y xilemático ( yF y yX) y en dos fechas la conductancia estomática (g s) y temperatura de hoja (TH). Los árboles bajo malla presentaron mayor cuajado de frutos (0,52 % M vs. 0,21 % SM), mientras que los niveles de riego no tuvieron efecto significativo. La proporción de frutos cuajados mostró una correlación significitava y negativa con la TH y positiva con el yF y la g s. En condiciones de sombreado la polinización artificial incrementó en forma significativa el porcentaje de cuajado. Las flores ‘control’ presentaron mayor porcentaje de cuajado que las flores emasculadas, lo que sugiere que esta variedad presenta partenocarpia de tipo estimulativa. Se discuten estos resultados y su implicancia sobre la productividad de este cultivar.

Summary Environmental stress factors and pollination effects on final fruit set of self-incompatible ‘Ortanique’ tangor were studied. Two factors were evaluated: ‘shadding’ (‘M’: 35 % flat shade nets and ‘SM’: without shadding) and ‘irrigation’(‘SR’: no irrigation and ‘R’: drip irrigation) under field conditions. From full bloom to the end of physiological drop, fruit set was evaluated. Additionally, in each situation, 120 leafy single flowered shoots were tagged, and three treatments were applied: a) control; b) emasculated and bagged flowers; and c) emasculated and hand pollinated flowers with ‘Nova’ mandarin. Leaf and stem water potential (yF and yX) were measured periodically and stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf temperature (TH) in two dates. Shadded trees registered significantly higher final fruit set (0.52 % M vs. 0.21 % SM), while irrigation treatments had no significant effect. Fruit set proportion showed a significant and negative correlation with TH and positive with yF and yX and gs. Under shadded conditions, hand pollination significantly increased fruit set percentage. Control had higher final fruit set than emasculated treatment, suggesting that this cultivar presents stimulative parthenocarpy. Results and their implications over productivity of this cultivar are discussed