Objective: Gallstone disease is a common condition in Chile and worldwide, often manifesting as cholecystocholedocholithiasis. One of the treatment options is laparoendoscopic rendezvous (RVLE), involving laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This study aims to assess the effectiveness of this technique in managing cholecystocholedocholithiasis at a university hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study spanning four years was conducted on patients diagnosed with cholecystocholedocholithiasis who underwent RVLE. Results: The study included 296 patients, with an average age of 52 years. One-fifth of them were over 70 years old, and 29.3% had significant comorbidities. Of these cases, 65.2% were classified as emergencies, and 12.2% presented with acute cholangitis. The overall success rate of the RVLE procedure was 82.8%. Notably, the presence of gallstones larger than 5 mm was associated with a higher likelihood of procedure failure. The primary reason for failure was the inability of the guidewire to advance into the duodenum (13.5%). Clinically significant morbidity occurred in 9.5% of cases, and the overall mortality rate at 90 days was 0.68%. Discussion: RVLE is an effective treatment for cholecystocholedocholithiasis within a single surgical intervention, even in patients over 70-years-old with comorbidities. However, it is important to note that the procedure is associated with increased morbidity when performed in cases of acute cholangitis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography serves as a valuable diagnostic tool, providing insights into stone size. The most common cause of procedure failure is the inability of the guidewire to pass through, although this issue can often be resolved with a traditional ERCP.

Resumen Objetivo: La litiasis biliar es una patología frecuente en Chile y el mundo, que suele presentarse como colecistocoledocolitiasis. Dentro de las alternativas para su manejo está el rendez-vous laparoendoscópico (RVLE), que consiste en una colecistectomía laparoscópica asociada a colangiopancreatografía endoscó-pica retrograda (ERCP). Este trabajo tiene como objetivo evaluar la implementación de esta técnica para el tratamiento de la colecistocoledocolitiasis en un hospital universitario. Materiales y Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva de 4 años de pacientes con colecistocoledocolitiasis en quienes se realizó un RVLE. Resultados: Se incluyeron 296 pacientes, de edad promedio de 52 años, siendo un quinto mayor de 70 años, y presentando un 29,3% comorbilidades significativas. Un 65,2% fueron urgencias y un 12,2% presentó colangitis aguda. El éxito de la técnica fue de un 82,8%. Los cálculos mayores de 5 mm se asociaron al fracaso de ésta. La principal causa de fracaso fue el no paso de la guía hacia el duodeno (13,5%). La morbilidad, clínicamente significativa, fue de 9,5% y la mortalidad global a los 90 días fue de 0,68%. Discusión: El RVLE es un tratamiento eficaz para la colecistocoledocolitiasis en un tiempo quirúrgico, incluso en pacientes mayores de 70 años con comorbilidades, aunque con mayor morbilidad en colangitis aguda. La colangioresonancia magnética es útil en el diagnóstico y aporta información como el tamaño de los cálculos. El no paso de la guía es la principal causa de fracaso, pero se resuelve en la mayoría de los casos con una ERCP tradicional.

Abstract Paclitaxel (PTX) is a potent anticancer drug. In the present study, PTX was loaded in poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalarate (PHBV) to fabricate the PTX/PHBV (drug-loaded) nanoparticles via the nanoprecipitation method. Blank PHBV nanoparticles were also prepared. The drug-encapsulation efficiency of PTX/PHBV nanoparticles was 45±0.4%. The PTX/PHBV nanoparticles exhibited a pH-sensitive release profile and followed a quasi-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Cytotoxic properties of PHBV and PTX/PHBV nanoparticles were checked against the MCF-7 and Caco-2 cell lines. The PHBV nanoparticle did not inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 and Caco-2 cell lines, thus depicting their non-toxic and biocompatible nature. On the other hand, the PTX/PHBV nanoparticles demonstrated 1.03-fold higher cytotoxicity and 1.61-fold enhanced apoptosis after treatment with the PTX/PHBV nanoparticles versus free PTX. In summary, the PHBV nanoparticles could be a potential candidate for the delivery of PTX for cancer treatment. (PTX drug study poly3hydroxybutyrateco3hydroxyvalarate polyhydroxybutyratecohydroxyvalarate poly 3 hydroxybutyrate co hydroxyvalarate (PHBV PTXPHBV drugloaded (drug-loaded method prepared drugencapsulation encapsulation 4504 45 0 4 45±0.4% pHsensitive pH sensitive quasiFickian quasi Fickian mechanism MCF7 MCF 7 MCF- Caco2 Caco 2 Caco- lines nontoxic non toxic nature hand 1.03fold 103fold fold 1.03 1 03 1.61fold 161fold 1.61 61 summary hydroxybutyrateco 450 45±0.4 03fold 103 1.0 61fold 161 1.6 6 45±0. 10 1. 16 45±0 45±

Resumo Paclitaxel (PTX) é um potente medicamento anticancerígeno. No presente estudo, o PTX foi carregado em poli-3-hidroxibutirato-co-3-hidroxivalarato (PHBV) para fabricar as nanopartículas de PTX / PHBV (carregadas com drogas) através do método de nanoprecipitação. Nanopartículas de PHBV em branco também foram preparadas. A eficiência de encapsulamento do fármaco das nanopartículas de PTX/PHBV foi de 45±0,4%. As nanopartículas de PTX/PHBV exibiram um perfil de liberação sensível ao pH e seguiram um mecanismo de difusão quase Fickiano. As propriedades citotóxicas das nanopartículas de PHBV e PTX/PHBV foram verificadas em relação às linhagens celulares MCF-7 e Caco-2. A nanopartícula de PHBV não inibiu a proliferação das linhagens celulares MCF-7 e Caco-2, retratando assim sua natureza atóxica e biocompatível. Por outro lado, as nanopartículas de PTX/PHBV demonstraram citotoxicidade 1,03 vezes maior e apoptose 1,61 vezes maior após tratamento com as nanopartículas de PTX/PHBV versus PTX livre. Em resumo, as nanopartículas de PHBV podem ser candidatas potenciais para a entrega de PTX no tratamento do câncer. (PTX anticancerígeno estudo poli3hidroxibutiratoco3hidroxivalarato polihidroxibutiratocohidroxivalarato poli 3 hidroxibutirato co hidroxivalarato (PHBV carregadas drogas nanoprecipitação preparadas PTXPHBV 4504 45 0 4 45±0,4% Fickiano MCF7 MCF 7 MCF- Caco2. Caco2 Caco 2. 2 Caco-2 Caco2, 2, biocompatível lado 103 1 03 1,0 161 61 1,6 livre resumo câncer hidroxibutiratoco 450 45±0,4 Caco- 10 1, 16 6 45±0, 45±0 45±

Resumen: El esquema actual de fertilización con nitrógeno (N) para el trigo de primavera se desarrolló bajo una rotación dominante de cultivo-pastura. Después de 2002, este sistema se convirtió en un sistema de cultivo anual continuo con labranza cero, reduciendo progresivamente la capacidad de suministro de N del suelo. Además, el mayor rendimiento en grano de las nuevas variedades aumentó la demanda de N. El fertilizante nitrogenado adicional requerido se puede ajustar monitoreando el estado nutricional del cultivo. Nuestros objetivos fueron: i) determinar el estado óptimo de N en diferentes etapas fenológicas; ii) cuantificar la brecha de rendimiento del trigo explicada por el déficit de suministro de N, y iii) evaluar el valor crítico del índice de nutrición nitrogenada (INN) como predictor de respuesta al agregado de fertilizante nitrogenado en GS 3.3. Ajustamos la curva de dilución de nitrógeno (Nc=4,17MS-0,31), derivando un INN crítico en GS 3.3 (INN=1,24). Según la capacidad de suministro de N del suelo y el INN en GS 3.3, la brecha de rendimiento del trigo atribuida al déficit de suministro de N varió de 0 a 2,74 Mg ha-1, con un promedio de 0,76 Mg ha-1. El INN crítico propuesto en GS 3.3 fue efectivo para diagnosticar la demanda de N del cultivo y lograr el rendimiento alcanzable en diferentes escenarios.

Abstract: Current nitrogen (N) fertilization schedule for spring wheat was developed under a dominant crop-pasture rotation. After the year 2002, this cropping system was converted to continuous annual cropping systems under no-till, reducing soil N supply capacity progressively. Additionally, highest grain yield of new varieties increased N demand. The required additional N fertilizer can be adjusted by monitoring nutritional status of the crop. Our objectives were: i) to determine optimal N status at different phenological stages; ii) to quantify the wheat yield gap explained by N supply deficit, and iii) to assess the critical nitrogen nutrition index (NNI) value as a predictor of response to N fertilizer applied at GS 3.3. We adjusted the nitrogen dilution curve (Nc=4.17DM-0.31), deriving a critical NNI at GS 3.3 (NNI=1.24). Depending on soil N supply capacity and NNI at GS 3.3, wheat yield gap attributed to N supply deficit varied from 0 to 2.74 Mg ha-1, averaging 0.76 Mg ha-1. The critical NNI proposed at GS 3.3 was effective to diagnose the N crop demand to reach the attainable yield under different scenarios.

Resumo: O esquema atual de fertilização com nitrogênio (N) para o trigo de primavera foi desenvolvido sob uma rotação dominante de cultivo e pastagem. A partir de 2002, esse sistema passou a ser um sistema de cultivo anual contínuo com plantio direto, reduzindo progressivamente a capacidade de suprimento de N do solo. Além disso, o maior rendimento de grãos das novas variedades aumentou a demanda por N. O fertilizante de nitrogênio adicional necessário pode ser ajustado monitorando o estado nutricional da cultura. Nossos objetivos foram: i) determinar o estado ótimo do N em diferentes estágios fonológicos; ii) quantificar a lacuna de produtividade do trigo explicada pelo déficit de oferta de N e iii) avaliar o valor crítico do índice de nutrição de nitrogênio (INN) como preditor de resposta à adição de fertilizante nitrogenado no GS 3.3. Ajustamos a curva de diluição de nitrogênio (Nc=4,17MS-0,31), derivando um INN crítico em GS 3,3 (INN=1,24). De acordo com a capacidade de suprimento de N do solo e do INN no GS 3.3, a diferença de produtividade do trigo atribuída ao déficit de suprimento de N variou de 0 a 2,74 Mg ha-1, com média de 0,76 Mg ha-1. O INN crítico proposto em GS 3.3 foi eficaz para diagnosticar a demanda de N da cultura para atingir o rendimento alcançável em diferentes cenários.

Resumen: La evapotranspiración (ET) es un proceso clave en los sistemas hidrológicos y consecuentemente en los agroecosistemas. Puede ser medida o simulada con una gran variedad de modelos implementados a diferentes escalas que abarcan desde pequeñas escalas a nivel de la hoja de una planta, hasta escalas más grandes en una cuenca hidrográfica. El MODIS16A2 es un producto satelital que estima la ET. Tiene una resolución espaciotemporal de 500 metros y 8 días en todo el mundo. Se basa en la ecuación de Penman-Monteith y considera el efecto de la dinámica de la vegetación, el albedo y la cobertura del suelo. Esta nota técnica compara la estimación de la ET del MODIS16A2 con la ET estimada a diferentes escalas con tres métodos de referencia: (1) el Balance Hídrico INIA-GRAS a escala país; (2) el modelo SWAT de la cuenca Santa Lucía en la escala de cuenca, y (3) la Torre Eddy Covariance ubicada en Colonia a escala de chacra. La comparación muestra que la similitud del MODIS16A2 con estos métodos de referencia depende de la estacionalidad, la geolocalización de la estimación de ET, así como de la escala. Los supuestos sobre la cobertura vegetal, la dinámica de la vegetación, el forzamiento meteorológico y las características del suelo de los métodos de referencia en relación con los de MODIS16A2 podrían explicar algunas de las desviaciones en las estimaciones de ET. Los resultados de este trabajo contribuyen con una primera aproximación a la cuantificación de la incertidumbre de MODIS16A2 en Uruguay.

Abstract: Evapotranspiration (ET) is a key process in hydrological systems and, consequently, in agroecosystems. It can be measured or derived with a large variety of models at scales ranging from leaf to catchment. MODIS16A2 is a satellite ET product with 500 meters / 8-day spatio-temporal resolution worldwide. It is based on the Penman-Monteith equation and considers the effect of vegetation dynamics, albedo and land cover. This technical paper compares the ET estimated from MODIS16A2 against the ET estimated at different scales from three reference methods: (1) the INIA-GRAS Water Balance on a country-scale, (2) the SWAT model of the Santa Lucia basin on the catchment scale, and (3) the Eddy Covariance Flux located in Colonia on a farmer scale. The analysis shows similarities between MODIS16A2 and the reference methods depending on seasonality, geographic location and scale of ET estimation. The assumptions about vegetation cover, vegetation dynamics, meteorological forcing and soil characteristics of the reference methods compared with MODIS16A2 ones could explain some deviations in the ET estimations. The results of this work contribute with a first approximation towards the quantification of the uncertainty of MODIS16A2 in Uruguay.

Resumo: Evotranspiração (ET) é um processo chave nos sistemas hidrológicos. A mesma pode ser estimada utilizando medições indiretas ou simulada com uma grande variedade de modelos, que representam escala finas desde a folha de uma planta até escalas amplas em uma bacia hidrográfica. O MODIS16A2 é um produto de satélite que estima a ET. Apresenta uma resolução espaço-temporal de 500 metros e 8 dias no mundo inteiro. Está baseado na equação de Penman-Monteith e contempla o efeito da dinâmica da vegetação, o albedo e a cobertura do solo. Este documento técnico compara o modelo MODIS16A2 com três métodos de referência: (1) o balanço hídrico INIA-GRAS na escala país, (2) o modelo SWAT da bacia do Rio Santa Lucia na escala da bacia e (3) a Torre Eddy Covariance localizada em Colonia na escala de chacara. A comparação mostra que a similitude do modelo MODIS16A2 com os métodos de referência depende da estacionalidade e localização espacial da estimação de ET. O MODIS16A2 emprega diferentes suposições dos métodos de referência. Os pressupostos sobre cobertura vegetal, dinâmica da vegetação, variáveis meteorológicas e características do solo dos métodos de referência em relação aos do MODIS16A2, poderia explicar alguns dos desvios nas estimativas de ET. Os resultados deste trabalho contribuem com uma primeira aproximação na quantificação da incerteza do modelo MODIS16A2 no Uruguai.

Abstract Background: Helicobacter pylori is detected by pathogen recognition receptors including toll–like receptors (TLR) and nucleotide–binding oligomerization domain (NOD)–like receptors, eliciting an innate immune response against this bacteria. The aim of this study was to assess if polymorphisms of TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, NOD1 and NOD2 genes are associated with gastric cancer, in particular in individuals infected with H. pylori. Results: A case–control study of 297 gastric cancer patients and 300 controls was performed to assess the association of 17 polymorphisms. Analyses performed under the allele model did not find association with gastric cancer. However, NOD1 rs2075820 (p.E266K) showed association with intestinal–type gastric cancer among H. pylori infected subjects (OR = 2.69, 95% CI 1.41–5.13, p = 0.0026). The association was not statistically significant in diffuse–type gastric cancer cases (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.63–2.52, p = 0.51). When the analyses were performed in patients carrying H. pylori strains harboring the cag pathogenicity island (cagPAI), we noticed significant association with NOD1 rs2075820 (OR = 4.90, 95% CI 1.80–3.36, p = 0.0019), in particular for intestinal–type gastric cancer cases (OR = 7.16, 95% CI 2.40–21.33, p = 4.1 × 10−4) but not among diffuse–type gastric cancer cases (OR = 3.39, 95% CI 1.13–0.10, p = 0.03). Conclusions: NOD1 rs2075820 increases the risk of intestinal–type gastric cancer among individuals infected with H. pylori, particularly in those harboring the cagPAI.

Although psychological treatments for depressive disorders are available, they are often expensive or inaccessible for many. Web-based interventions that require minimal or no contact with therapists have been shown effective. To the best of our knowledge, no study using this treatment format has been conducted in Brazil. The Deprexis program was designed using empirically established principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce depressive symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Deprexis in Brazil. This randomized controlled trial will include 128 Brazilians with clinically significant depression symptoms or who have been diagnosed with depressive disorder (major depressive disorder or dysthymia), recruited over the internet (Brazilian forums, social networks, or e-mail lists). Individuals with other psychiatric diagnoses that require significant attention (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychosis) will not be included in the trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to 1) treatment as usual plus immediate access to Deprexis or 2) treatment as usual plus delayed access to Deprexis (after 8 weeks). Participants will be able to obtain other treatment types in addition to the online intervention. If found effective, this web-based intervention would increase the evidence-based care options for depression treatment in Brazil. Clinical trial registration: RBR-6kk3bx, UTN U1111-1212-8998

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do silicato de Ca e Mg e do B sobre as trocas gasosas, potencial hídrico foliar e parâmetros da fluorescência da clorofila na variedade de girassol Embrapa 122-V2000, em condições de deficiência hídrica. O ensaio foi realizado em Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo de textura muito argilosa, com níveis contrastantes de Si e B, e submetido à deficiência hídrica. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, num arranjo fatorial 24, com cinco repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos da combinação de dois materiais corretivos de acidez (silicato de cálcio e magnésio e calcário dolomítico), dois níveis de saturação por bases (30 e 70%), dois níveis de B (0,18 mg dm-3 valor disponível no solo e 1,20 mg dm-3) e dois regimes hídricos (sem e com deficiência hídrica a partir do início do florescimento). O suprimento de Si e B podem reduzir os danos causados ao girassol pela deficiência hídrica.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ca and Mg silicate and B on the gas exchange, leaf water potential and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in the sunflower variety Embrapa 122 -V2000 under water stress conditions. The trial was conducted in Red Yellow Latosol with very clayey texture, with contrasting levels of Si and B and subjected to water deficit. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 24 factorial arrangement, with five replicates. Treatments consisted of the combination of two acidity corrective agents (calcium magnesium silicate and dolomitic limestone), two levels of base saturation (30 and 70%), two levels of B (0.18 mg dm-3 - value available in the soil and 1.20 mg dm-3) and two water regimes (with and without water stress from the beginning of flowering). It can be concluded that the supply of Si and B can reduce the damage to sunflower caused by water stress.

Este estudo comparou a reprodução de detalhes da superficie e estabilidade dimensional de moldes obtidos após desinfecção utilizando hipoclorito de sódio 2%, digluconato de clorexidina 2%, ou ácido peracético 0,2% a moldes que não foram desinfetados com quatro elastomeros: polissulfeto (Light Bodied Permlastic), polieter (Impregum Soft), silicona reação por condensação (Oranwash L) e silicona reação por adição (Aquasil Ultra LV). Os moldes foram preparados sobre matriz contendo linhas de 20, 50 e 75 μm realizado sob pressão com moldeira de metal perfurada. Os moldes foram removidos após a polimerização e desinfetados (utilizando uma das soluções por imersão, armazenados em frascos fechados durante 15 minutos) ou não desinfetados. Assim, as amostras foram divididas em 16 grupos (n=5). A reprodução detalhes da superficie e a precisão dimensional foram avaliadas usando microscopia óptica na linha 20 μm com 25 mm de comprimento, de acordo com a norma ISO 4823. Os resultados de precisão dimensional (%) foram submetidos a análise de variancia (ANOVA) e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey com 5% de nivel de significancia. A linha de 20 μm foi completamente reproduzida por todos os elastomeros, independentemente do processo de desinfecção. Nao houve diferenga estatisticamente significativa entre o grupo controle e moldes desinfetados com acido peracético para os elastomeros Impregum Soft (polieter) e Aquasil Ultra LV (silicona reação por adição). O desinfetante de alto nivel ácido peracético seria o material de escolha para a desinfecção.

This study compared the surface detail reproduction and dimensional accuracy of molds after disinfection using 2% sodium hypochlorite, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate or 0.2% peracetic acid to those of molds that were not disinfected, for four elastomeric impression materials: polysulfide (Light Bodied Permlastic), polyether (Impregum Soft), polydimethylsiloxane (Oranwash L) andpolyvinylsiloxane (Aquasil Ultra LV). The molds were prepared on a matrix by applying pressure, using a perforated metal tray. The molds were removed following polymerization and either disinfected (by soaking in one of the solutions for 15 minutes) or not disinfected. The samples were thus divided into 16 groups (n=5). Surface detail reproduction and dimensional accuracy were evaluated using optical microscopy to assess the 20-μm line over its entire 25 mm length. The dimensional accuracy results (%) were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were compared by Tukey's test (a=5%). The 20-μm line was completely reproduced by all elastomeric impression materials, regardless of disinfection procedure. There was no significant difference between the control group and molds disinfected with peracetic acid for the elastomeric materials Impregum Soft (polyether) and Aquasil Ultra LV (polyvinylsiloxane). The high-level disinfectant peracetic acid would be the choice material for disinfection.

First ribs - the first or most superior ribs in the thorax - are rare in the hominin fossil record, and when found, have the potential to provide information regarding the upper thorax shape of extinct hominins. Here, we describe a partial first rib from Member 4 of the Sterkfontein Caves, South Africa. The rib shaft is broken away, so only the head and neck are preserved. The rib is small, falling closest to small-bodied Australopithecus first ribs (AL 288-1 and MH1). Given that it was recovered near the StW 318 femur excavation, which also represents a small individual, we suggest that the two may be associated. Three-dimensional geometric morphometric analyses were used to quantify the rib fragment morphology and compare it to extant hominoid and other fossil hominin ribs. While only the proximal end is preserved, our analyses show that South African Australopithecus share derived features of the proximal first rib more closely resembling A. afarensis and later hominins than great apes.

We describe the earliest evidence for neoplastic disease in the hominin lineage. This is reported from the type specimen of the extinct hominin Australopithecus sediba from Malapa, South Africa, dated to 1.98 million years ago. The affected individual was male and developmentally equivalent to a human child of 12 to 13 years of age. A penetrating lytic lesion affected the sixth thoracic vertebra. The lesion was macroscopically evaluated and internally imaged through phase-contrast X-ray synchrotron microtomography. A comprehensive differential diagnosis was undertaken based on gross- and micro-morphology of the lesion, leading to a probable diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. These neoplasms are solitary, benign, osteoid and bone-forming tumours, formed from well-vascularised connective tissue within which there is active production of osteoid and woven bone. Tumours of any kind are rare in archaeological populations, and are all but unknown in the hominin record, highlighting the importance of this discovery. The presence of this disease at Malapa predates the earliest evidence of malignant neoplasia in the hominin fossil record by perhaps 200 000 years.

The type specimen of Australopithecus sediba (MH1) is a late juvenile, prompting some commentators to suggest that had it lived to adulthood its morphology would have changed sufficiently so as to render hypotheses regarding its phylogenetic relations suspect. Considering the potentially critical position of this species with regard to the origins of the genus Homo, a deeper understanding of this change is especially vital. As an empirical response to this critique, a developmental simulation of the MH1 cranium was carried out using geometric morphometric techniques to extrapolate adult morphology using extant male and female chimpanzees, gorillas and humans by modelling remaining development. Multivariate comparisons of the simulated adult A. sediba crania with other early hominin taxa indicate that subsequent cranial development primarily reflects development of secondary sexual characteristics and would not likely be substantial enough to alter suggested morphological affinities of A. sediba. This study also illustrates the importance of separating developmental vectors by sex when estimating ontogenetic change. Results of the ontogenetic projections concur with those from mandible morphology, and jointly affirm the taxonomic validity of A. sediba.

We report δ13C and δ18O results from carbonate-cemented cave sediments at Malapa in South Africa. The sediments were deposited during a short-period magnetic reversal at 1.977±0.003 Ma, immediately preceding deposition of Facies D sediments that contain the type fossils of Australopithecus sediba. Values of δ13C range between -5.65 and -2.09 with an average of -4.58±0.54°‰(Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite, VPDB) and values of δ18O range between -6.14 and -3.84 with an average of -4.93±0.44°‰(VPDB). Despite signs of diagenetic alteration from metastable aragonite to calcite, the Malapa isotope values are similar to those obtained in two previous studies in South Africa for the same relative time period. Broadly, the Malapa δ13C values provide constraints on the palaeovegetation at Malapa. Because of the complex nature of the carbonate cements and mixed mineralogy in the samples, our estimates of vegetation type (C4-dominant) must be regarded as preliminary only. However, the indication of a mainly C4 landscape is in contrast to the reported diet of A. sediba, and suggests a diverse environment involving both grassland and riparian woodland.

RESUMO A grande diversidade na morfologia dos diásporos da família Anacardiaceae repercute nos processos de germinação e emergência e gera comportamento diferenciado entre as espécies. Dentro dessa família há algumas espécies que apresentam dormência física, outra mecânica, algumas que não exibem dormência e há também espécies cuja informação não está explícita na literatura disponível. Lithraea molleoides (Vell.) Eng. é uma das espécies que hoje se encontra em posição duvidosa quanto à dormência. Em razão disso, objetivou-se avaliar o processo de germinação e emergência de plântulas provenientes de diásporos da espécie, coletados no Vale do Rio Araguari, MG, bem como quantificar a variabilidade na intensidade da dormência existente entre diferentes indivíduos da população. Os diásporos foram coletados em outubro e novembro de 2004 e 2005, a partir de seis matrizes, sendo instalados dois experimentos, o de germinação, montado sob condições controladas, e outro de emergência, em estufa semiaberta. A coleta dos dados foi realizada a cada 24 horas, observando-se a protrusão do embrião no experimento montado em laboratório e a emergência do hipocótilo da plântula acima do substrato no experimento mantido em estufa. Em ambos os experimentos, os diásporos oriundos da matriz de número dois se destacaram em alguma medida, tendo qualidade fisiológica superior em relação aos demais (tempo médio entre 4 e 22 dias; velocidade média entre 0,042 e 0,0217 dias-1; incerteza entre 1,62 e 3,5 bits e sincronia entre 0,04 e 0,381). Os altos valores de incerteza e os baixos valores de sincronia indicam que os processos de germinação e emergência de plântulas de L. molleoides são espalhados no tempo, o que permite caracterizá-los como portadores de dormência relativa, embora sua intensidade seja variável entre indivíduos de uma mesma população. Probabilidades baixas, porém, não nulas para germinar ou emergir, mesmo aos 150 e 60 dias após a semeadura, respectivamente, revelam a capacidade de sobrevivência temporal dos diásporos da espécie e reforçam a presença de dormência relativa.

ABSTRACT The large diversity of Anacardiaceae diaspores morphology has a notable repercussion in the processes of germination and emergence besides generating a differentiated behavior among the species. In this family, there are some species that present physical dormancy, some others present mechanical dormancy, others present no dormancy at all and some of them have no information detailed in the available literature. Lithraea molleoides (Vell.) Eng. is one of the species which little is known regarding to dormancy. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the germination and the emergence processes of seedlings from diaspores of this species collected in Araguari river valley, in the state of Minas Gerais, as well as to quantify the variability of dormancy intensity present among different individuals of the population. The diaspores were collected in October and November of 2004 and 2005, from six matrixes. Two experiments were set up. The germination experiment was conducted under controlled conditions and the emergence experiment was conducted in a semi-open greenhouse. Data was collected every 24 hours, up serving the protrusion of the embryo in the experiment setup in the laboratory, and the emergence of the hypocotyl of the seedling above the substrate in the experiment kept in the greenhouse. In both experiments, the diaspores originated from plant number two were more notable to some extent, having superior physiological quality compared to the others (average time between 4 and 22 days; average speeds between 0.042 and 0.0217 days-1; uncertainty between 1.62 and 3.5 bits and synchrony between 0.04 and 0.381). The high uncertainty values and the low synchrony values indicate that the germination and emergence processes of the Lithraea molleoides seedlings are spread in time, which allows us to characterize them as bearers of relative dormancy, although its intensity is variable among individuals of the same population. Low probabilities, however not null, to germinate or emerge even after 150 and 60 days after sowing, respectively, showing the temporal survival capacity of the diaspores of the species and reinforce the presence of relative dormancy.

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar o estado nutricional, caracteres agronômicos e a produtividade de cultivares de girassol sob irrigação. Os cultivares Embrapa 122 V-2000, Hélio 250, Hélio 251, Hélio 253, Hélio 358, Hélio 360, IAC Iarama, Dow Agroscience M 734 e MG 02, foram semeados em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. O número de folhas por planta no florescimento foi maior nos híbridos Hélio 250, Hélio 251, Hélio 253, Hélio 358, Hélio 360, Dow Agroscience M 734 e MG 02, em relação aos cultivares de polinização aberta Embrapa 122 V-2000 e IAC Iarama. Os teores foliares de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S foram 40,91; 3,51; 35,91; 33,91; 6,23 e 7,88 g kg-1, respectivamente. Os cultivares Embrapa 122 V-2000 e IAC-Iarama apresentaram teor de P na folha índice menor que os demais cultivares. Os teores foliares de Zn, Cu, Fe e o Mn foram 75,15; 24,11; 98,39 e 348,10 mg kg-1, respectivamente. O teor médio de B na folha índice nos híbridos e nas variedades de polinização aberta foi de 119,25 e 140,35 mg kg-1, respectivamente. Os cultivares Hélio 250, Hélio 251, Hélio 253, Hélio 358, Hélio 360, Dow Agroscience M 734 e MG 02 apresentaram maior produtividade que o Embrapa 122 V-2000 e o IAC Iarama.

This work aimed to assess nutritional status, agronomic characteristics, and productivity of sunflower cultivars under irrigation. Embrapa 122 V-2000, Hélio 250, Hélio 251, Hélio 253, Hélio 358, Hélio 360, IAC Iarama, and Dow Agroscience M 734 and MG 02 cultivars were sown in randomized block design with four replications. The number of leaves per plant in full bloom was higher in hybrid Hélio 250, Hélio 251, Hélio 253, Hélio 358, Hélio 360 and Dow Agroscience MG 734 and M 02 related to open-pollinated cultivars Embrapa 122 V-2000 and IAC Iarama. Foliar contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S were 40.91, 3.51, 35.91, 33.91, 6.23, and 7.88 g kg-1, respectively. Embrapa 122 V-2000 and IAC-Iarama cultivars showed an average content of P in the index leaf lower than the other cultivars. Foliar contents of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn were 75.15, 24.11, 98.39, and 348.10 mg kg-1, respectively. Mean content of B in index leaf of hybrid and open-pollinated varieties was 119.25 and 140.35 mg kg-1, respectively. Hélio 250, Hélio 251, Hélio 253, Hélio 358, Hélio 360, and Dow Agroscience M 734 and MG 02 cultivars had higher productivity than Embrapa 122 V-2000 and IAC Iarama.