Burial or cremation? Factors associated with preferences among patients with cancer in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: People living with life-limiting illnesses and their family caregivers consistently emphasize the importance of preparing for imminent death, with planned funerals being a common aspect of this preparation. Few studies have described the funeral rituals or post-mortem preferences of patients with cancer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the percentage of patients with cancer who wish to be cremated and to identify the factors associated with this preference. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at Barretos Cancer Hospital. METHODS: A total of 220 patients with cancer completed a Sociodemographic and Clinical Questionnaire, the Duke University Religiosity Index, and burial or cremation preferences. Binary Logistic Regression was performed to identify independent variables associated with cremation. RESULTS: Of the 220 patients, 25.0% preferred cremation and 71.4% preferred burial. Talks about death with family or close friends in their daily life (odds ratio, OR = 2.89; P = 0.021), patients that answered "other" (unsure, tends not be true and not true) for religious beliefs are what really lie behind my whole approach to life (OR = 20.34; P = 0.005), and education 9 to 11 years (OR = 3.15; P = 0.019) or ≥ 12 years (OR = 3.18; P = 0.024) were associated with cremation preference. CONCLUSION: Most patients with Cancer in Brazil prefer burial after death. Discussions about death, religious beliefs and involvement, and educational level seem to influence the preference for cremation. A deeper understanding of ritual funeral preferences and their associated factors may guide policies, services, and health teams in promoting the quality of dying and death.

Quaternary knot technique: suture knot burial without scleral flap or incision for trans-scleral fixation

Despite the introduction of novel sutureless posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) fixation techniques, some conditions still require suture-assisted scleral fixation. If the scleral fixation suture knot is left directly under the conjunctiva, it may become exposed, resulting in an increased risk of endophthalmitis. To avoid this problem, we offer a new alternative, simple, and safe way for burying the end of the suture using knots in this report.

Plano estadual de manejo de óbitos para enfrentamento da Covid-19: a experiência da Bahia / State Darth management plan for combating Covid-19: the Bahia experience / Plan estadual de manejo de muertes para enfrentar el Covid-19: la experiencia de Bahia

Os desafios impostos pela pandemia da Covid-19, relacionados a uma alta de letalidade e mortalidade pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2, alertou os gestores sobre a possibilidade de colapso da rede de serviços de manejo de óbitos no estado da Bahia. Este trabalho tem como objetivo descrever a experiência da equipe da vigilância em saúde da Bahia na formulação do Plano de Manejo do Óbito, direcionado a orientar as gestões estadual e municipais e serviços de saúde, públicos e privados, para a implementação de ações adequadas e oportunas frente à ocorrência de óbitos durante a pandemia. Para tanto, utilizou-se de revisão de literatura (em bases de dados internacionais), análise documental, questionários aplicados à gestão municipal e escuta de gestores e trabalhadores de serviços de saúde e afins por meio de webreuniões. O processo de formulação do plano partiu da classificação adotada pela Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde do Ministério da Saúde para definir as fases da pandemia e estabelecer as ações e responsabilidades compartilhadas pelos entes federados. O documento foi aprovado pela Comissão Intergestores Bipartite (CIB) e publicado no site da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado da Bahia (Sesab), com vistas a atender os 417 municípios que compõem o território estadual.

The challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic related to increased lethality and mortality from the SARS-CoV-2 virus alerted managers to the possibility of the collapse of the death management service network in the state of Bahia. Our study aims at describing the experience of the health surveillance team in Bahia in the formulation of the Death Management Plan, aimed at guiding state and municipal management, public and private health services for the implementation of appropriate and timely actions in the face of the occurrence deaths during the pandemic. For such purpose, we used literature review (in international databases), document analysis, questionnaires applied to municipal management and listening to managers and health service workers via web meetings. The process of formulating the Plan started from the classification adopted by the Health Surveillance Department of the Ministry of Health to define the phases of the pandemic and to establish the actions and responsibilities shared by the federated entities. The document was approved by the Bipartite Intergovernmental Commission (CIB) and published on the website of the Department of Health of the State of Bahia (Sesab), to serve the 417 municipalities that make up the state territory.

Los desafíos planteados por la pandemia del covid-19 relacionados con un aumento de la letalidad y mortalidad por el virus SARS-CoV-2 alertaron a los gerentes sobre la posibilidad del colapso de la red de servicios de gestión de muertes en el estado de Bahía. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo describir la experiencia del equipo de vigilancia en salud en Bahía en la formulación del Plan de Manejo de Muertes, destinado a orientar la gestión estadual y municipal, y los servicios de salud públicos y privados para la implementación de acciones adecuadas y oportunas ante las muertes ocurridas durante la pandemia. Para ello, se utilizaron revisión de la literatura (en bases de datos internacionales), análisis de documentos, cuestionarios aplicados a la gestión municipal y escucha a gerentes y trabajadores de servicios de salud y afines por medio de reuniones en línea. El proceso de formulación del Plan partió de la clasificación adoptada por la Secretaría de Vigilancia en Salud del Ministerio de Salud para definir las fases de la pandemia y establecer las acciones y responsabilidades compartidas por las entidades federativas. El documento fue aprobado por la Comisión Intergubernamental Bipartita (CIB) y publicado en el sitio web de la Secretaría de Salud del Estado de Bahía (Sesab), con el objetivo de atender a los 417 municipios que integran el territorio estadual.

Impasses entre dignidade e saúde no manejo de cadáveres da COVID-19: identificar ou reconhecer? / Stalemates between dignity and health in the handling of COVID-19 corpses: identify or recognize?

Com o aumento de mortos pela pandemia de COVID-19, surge o desafio relacionado aos serviços funerários, além da identificação de corpos. Municípios têm editado normas, limitando funerais e propondo sepultamentos coletivos. Quanto aos não identificados, procedimentos excepcionais foram estabelecidos pelo Conselho Nacional de Justiça e Ministério da Saúde. Por meio de pesquisa exploratória, este estudo analisou o dilema entre garantir a sanidade pública e a dignidade da pessoa humana. Propõe-se o uso de métodos primários de identificação e sepultamentos que permitam a individualização dos corpos.(AU)

With the increase in deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the challengearises related to funeral services, in addition to the identification of bodies. Municipalities have been issuing regulations, limiting funerals and proposing collective burials. Brazilian National Council of Justice and the Ministry of Health establishedexceptional procedures for the unidentified patients. Through exploratory research, this article analyzed the dilemma between guaranteeing public health and the dignity of the human person. This study proposes to use primary methods of identification and burials that allow the individualization of bodies.(AU)

Assessing the Parasitic Burden in a Late Antique Florentine Emergency Burial Site

Excavation (2008–2014) carried out under the Uffizi Gallery (Florence, Italy) led to the discovery of 75 individuals, mostly buried in multiple graves. Based on Roman minted coins, the graves were preliminarily dated between the second half of the 4th and the beginning of the 5th centuries CE. Taphonomy showed that this was an emergency burial site associated with a catastrophic event, possibly an epidemic of unknown etiology with high mortality rates. In this perspective, paleoparasitological investigations were performed on 18 individuals exhumed from 9 multiple graves to assess the burden of gastrointestinal parasitism. Five out of eighteen individuals (27.7%) tested positive for ascarid-type remains; these are considered as “decorticated” Ascaris eggs, which have lost their outer mammillated coat. Roundworms (genus Ascaris) commonly infest human populations under dire sanitary conditions. Archaeological and historical evidence indicates that Florentia suffered a period of economic crisis between the end of 4th and the beginning of the 5th centuries CE, and that the aqueduct was severely damaged at the beginning of the 4th century CE, possibly during the siege of the Goths (406 CE). It is more than plausible that the epidemic, possibly coupled with the disruption of the aqueduct, deeply affected the living conditions of these individuals. A 27.7% frequency suggests that ascariasis was widespread in this population. This investigation exemplifies how paleoparasitological information can be retrieved from the analysis of sediments sampled in cemeteries, thus allowing a better assessment of the varying frequency of parasitic infections among ancient populations.

Comparison of Helminth Infection among the Native Populations of the Arctic and Subarctic Areas in Western Siberia Throughout History: Parasitological Researches on Contemporary and the Archaeological Resources

The aim of this parasitological study is examining contemporary (the late 20th century) specimens of the arctic or subarctic areas in Western Siberia and comparing them with the information acquired from archaeological samples from the same area. In the contemporary specimens, we observed the parasite eggs of 3 different species: Opisthochis felineus, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Enterobius vermicularis. Meanwhile, in archaeoparasitological results of Vesakoyakha, Kikki-Akki, and Nyamboyto I burial grounds, the eggs of Diphyllobothrium and Taenia spp. were found while no nematode (soil-transmitted) eggs were observed in the same samples. In this study, we concluded helminth infection pattern among the arctic and subarctic peoples of Western Siberia throughout history as follows: the raw fish-eating tradition did not undergo radical change in the area at least since the 18th century; and A. lumbricoides or E. vermicularis did not infect the inhabitants of this area before 20th century. With respect to the Western Siberia, we caught glimpse of the parasite infection pattern prevalent therein via investigations on contemporary and archaeoparasitological specimens.

Treatment of livestock carcasses in soil using Corynebacterium glutamicum and lysosomal application to livestock burial

A method of rapidly decaying livestock carcasses is sought through Corine glutamicum, and furthermore, lysosomes are used to remove toxic microorganisms from livestock carcasses. The landfill was constructed on a laboratory scale. Optimized growth conditions of C. glutamicum that could quickly decay livestock carcasses were determined. Lysosomes were extracted from egg whites and used to treat contaminated soil to confirm their antimicrobial activities. Condition of C. glutamicum was activated, regardless both anaerobic and aerobic conditions, soil exists and, to be close to the optimum conditions as possible temperatures, moisture content was about 1/10 of the culture. Lysosomes were found to be effective in clearing soil contamination. C. glutamicum can accelerate the decay of livestock carcasses. A combination of C. glutamicum and lysomes could be used to treat soil contamination caused by decomposition of livestock.

Treatment of livestock carcasses in soil using Corynebacterium glutamicum and lysosomal application to livestock burial

A method of rapidly decaying livestock carcasses is sought through Corine glutamicum, and furthermore, lysosomes are used to remove toxic microorganisms from livestock carcasses. The landfill was constructed on a laboratory scale. Optimized growth conditions of C. glutamicum that could quickly decay livestock carcasses were determined. Lysosomes were extracted from egg whites and used to treat contaminated soil to confirm their antimicrobial activities. Condition of C. glutamicum was activated, regardless both anaerobic and aerobic conditions, soil exists and, to be close to the optimum conditions as possible temperatures, moisture content was about 1/10 of the culture. Lysosomes were found to be effective in clearing soil contamination. C. glutamicum can accelerate the decay of livestock carcasses. A combination of C. glutamicum and lysomes could be used to treat soil contamination caused by decomposition of livestock.

A young couple's grave found in the Rakhigarhi cemetery of the Harappan Civilization / 대한해부학회지

The Harappan Civilization, one of the earliest complex societies in the world, flourished on the Indian subcontinent. Although many additional Harappan settlements and cemeteries have been discovered and investigated, no coupled burials at Harappan cemeteries have been reported to date. In 2013–2016, we excavated the cemetery of the Rakhigarhi site (Haryana), the largest city of the Harappan Civilization. At the site, we found a grave that turned out to be a coupled (joint) burial of the primary type. This report is the first anthropologically confirmed case of coupled burial from a Harappan cemetery.

Human Skeletal Remains from Ancient Burial Sites in India: With Special Reference to Harappan Civilization / 체질인류학회지

Harappan Civilization is well known for highly sophisticated urban society, having been flourished in extensive regions of northwestern part of Pakistan and northeastern part of Afghanistan as its heyday around 4500 years ago. Most archaeologists agree on the periodization of this civilization as three different phases (Early, Mature and Late), which represent its cultural process of origin, development and decline. From the Harappan sites, one can note that there were about more than fifty burial sites discovered so far related with the civilization. In this article, we are trying to introduce the brief picture of the Harappan burials from the archaeological as well as anthropological perspectives.

Dental pulp fibroblast and sex determination in controlled burial conditions / Fibroblastos de la pulpa dental y la determinación del sexo en condiciones controladas de enterramiento

The need to identify bodies that are found as a result of disappearances with a diversity of causes, illegal burials and massive disasters, represent a wide percentage of dentistry practice on forensic research. The following study determined the performance of Barr Body Test, in fibroblasts of healthy teeth, under different conditions of burial (in vitro) with variations in pH, humidity and salinity in terms of general accuracy and sensitivity for men and women. Analyzed sample considered 47 dental pulps, taken from teeth under burial conditions during a period of a month. From dental pulps samples, 265 histological cuts valid for this study, were obtained, which were observed with an optical microscope under conventional H/E staining. Results showed a 98.9% of well-diagnosed cases, which correspond to the overall accuracy of the method. Sensitivity for men was 97.5% and 100% for women, over the analyzed sample. In low humidity conditions, 3 samples of badly diagnosed cases in men were observed, with a group accuracy of a 90%, with a sensitivity of 25% for men and 100% for women. The present study establishes that based on these results, the performance of Barr Body Test in fibroblasts, proposed for healthy pulp teeth, is not affected by burial conditions in terms of pH (acid-alkaline), salinity (high-low) and high humidity.

La necesidad de identificar cuerpos que resultan como consecuencia de desapariciones de causas variadas, inhumaciones ilegales y desastres masivos representa un porcentaje amplio en el quehacer odontológico en un escenario de investigación forense. El presente estudio determinó el rendimiento de la prueba diagnóstica de observación del cuerpo de Barr en células de la pulpa de dientes sanos, sometidos a distintas condiciones de enterramiento (in vitro) con variación de pH, humedad y salinidad en términos de exactitud general y sensibilidad para hombres y mujeres. La muestra analizada consideró 47 pulpas dentales, extraídas de dientes sometidos a condiciones de enterramiento durante un mes. De las pulpas dentarias se obtuvieron 265 cortes histológicos válidos para el estudio, los cuales mediante la tinción convencional H/E, fueron observados al microscopio óptico. Los resultados arrojaron un 98,9% de casos bien diagnosticados, que correspondió a la exactitud general del método. La sensibilidad para hombres fue de 97,5% y para mujeres de 100% sobre el total de la muestra analizada. Las condiciones de pH (ácido y alcalino), salinidad (alta y baja) y alta humedad presentaron una exactitud de grupo de 100%, con una sensibilidad para hombres y mujeres de 100%. En la condición de baja humedad se observaron 3 muestras de hombres mal diagnosticadas con una exactitud de grupo de 90% y sensibilidad para hombres de 25% y para mujeres de 100%. A la luz de los resultados, el presente estudio establece que el rendimiento de la prueba diagnóstica de observación del cuerpo de Barr en fibroblastos, propuesto para pulpas de dientes sanos, no se afecta con las condiciones de enterramiento propuestas bajo pH ácido ­ alcalino, salinidad alta ­ baja y humedad alta.

Awn length variation and its effect on dispersal unit burial of Trachypogon spicatus (Poaceae) / Efecto de la variación en longitud de la arista de la unidad dispersante de Trachypogon spicatus (Poaceae) en la profundidad de su entierro

Trachypogon spicatus, formerly known as Trachypogon plumosus, is a dominant grass in some savannas of Northern South America. Its dispersal unit, like many other species of the Andropogoneae tribe, bears a hygroscopic awn which facilitates its establishment in favorable microsites. Some authors have previously proposed that there is a positive correlation between awn length and dispersal unit burial, and that this relationship increases the probability of seed survival in the event of a fire, since soil acts as insulator. In this study we experimentally tested this relationship for T. spicatus. A total of 192 diaspores were placed in randomized blocks, in aluminum trays filled with soil under greenhouse conditions. Diaspores were sprayed with water daily for a month to guarantee awn movement; on the last day of the experiment, they were sprayed with red aerosol paint to determine burial depth. The effects of awn length, presence of caryopses, and presence of a pivot for the passive segment of the awn on diaspore burial were evaluated. Germination viability was tested using a tetrazolium salt test for 35 caryopses. No significant differences in diaspore burial were observed between diaspores with and without caryopses (F(2,126)= 0.034, p=0.853). A positive correlation between awn length and diaspore burial was observed only if the passive awn lacked a pivot (r(66)=0.394, p<0.05). Diaspores whose awns had a pivot point achieved significantly deeper burial distances than their counterparts (F(2,126)=7.063, p=0.005). Viability test found that 0% of caryopses tested were able to germinate; this is possibly due to the time difference between sampling and testing. We considered the presence or absence of caryopsis as an important factor, since previous studies have not yet considered it and the high production of sterile diaspores in grasses. These results suggest that the physical mechanism behind T. spicatus diaspore burial is awn torque. This would explain why our results partially support the hypothesis previously proposed by other authors regarding the effect of awn length upon dispersal unit burial, but would also account for the differences observed in burial depth between diaspores with an available pivot point for the passive awn and diaspores lacking thereof. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (1): 321-326. Epub 2014 March 01.

Trachypogon spicatus es una gramínea dominante de algunas sabanas del norte de Suramérica. Su unidad dispersante presenta una arista higroscópica la cual facilita su inserción en irregularidades del suelo, facilitando su ubicación en microhábitats favorables para su establecimiento. Igualmente, se ha sugerido que existe una relación positiva entre la longitud de la arista y la capacidad de entierro de la unidad dispersante. Esta relación incrementa la probabilidad de supervivencia de la semilla ante el fuego al ser el suelo aislante de las altas temperaturas. Se colocaron 192 diásporas de T. spicatus, en bloques aleatorios, en bandejas de sustrato bajo condiciones de invernadero. Luego, se sometieron a cambios de humedad para garantizar el movimiento de la arista y pintaron con aerosol rojo el último día del experimento para determinar la profundidad de entierro. Se evaluó el efecto de la presencia de cariópsis, la longitud de la arista y la presencia de un punto de apoyo para la arista sobre la profundidad de entierro de la diáspora. Se realizó una prueba de sal de Tetrazolio para probar la viabilidad de germinación de 35 cariópsis. No se observaron diferencias significativas en la profundidad de entierro entre diásporas provistas y desprovistas de cariópsis (F(2,126)=0.034, p=0.853). La longitud de la arista parece guardar una relación positiva con la profundidad de entierro únicamente para aquellas unidades dispersantes cuyas aristas no cuentan con un punto de apoyo (r(66)=0.394, p<0.05). Por otro lado, aquellas diásporas cuyas aristas contaban con un punto de apoyo lograron profundidades de entierro significativamente mayores (F(2,126)=7.063, p=0.005). La prueba de viabilidad determinó que 0% de las cariópsis analizadas eran capaces de germinar, esto posiblemente sea debido a la diferencia entre el tiempo de recolección y de prueba. Consideramos que el factor presencia/ausencia de cariópsis era importante ya que había sido ignorado en estudios previos y por la alta producción de diásporas estériles en las gramíneas. Los resultados sugieren que el mecanismo físico que opera sobre la capacidad de entierro de la unidad dispersante de T. spicatus es el torque. Esto explica por qué solo se apoyaron parcialmente las hipótesis propuestas previamente por otros autores, y justifica las diferencias observadas en cuanto a la profundidad de entierro entre unidades dispersantes cuyas aristas contaban o carecían de un punto de apoyo.

Post mortem changes in relation to different types of clothing

Post mortem changes are important in estimating post mortem interval (PMI). This project’s aim was to study the effect of burial and type of clothing on rate of decomposition, which can contribute to estimating PMI for victims. 12 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) carcasses were separated into 3 groups: no clothing, light clothing and heavy clothing. Control subjects were placed on the ground surface while test subjects were buried at 30 cm depth graves. Soil samples prior and after decomposition were collected for soil pH and moisture analysis. Post mortem change was assessed using a Total Body Score system. The head, neck and limb regions were found to decay faster than the body trunk region. Mummifi cation occurred on body parts that were exposed directly to the atmosphere while adipocere formed on some buried subjects. Burial delayed decomposition due to lower insect activity and lower soil temperature. The soil layer also blocked the accessibility of majority of the arthropods, causing further delay in decomposition. Clothing enhanced decay for bodies on ground surface because it provided protection for maggots and retained moisture on tissues. However, clothing delayed decomposition in buried bodies because it physically separated the bodies from soil and arthropods. Higher sun exposure and repetitive exhumation showed acceleration of decomposition. The decomposition process increased soil pH and moisture percentage values. Soil pH initially increased until pH 8.0-8.4 followed by a slight decrease while soil moisture percentage changed inconsistently. Burial was signifi cant in affecting post mortem change, F(1,11)=12.991, p<0.05 while type of clothing was not signifi cant, F(2,9)=0.022, p=0.978 and combination of both type of clothing and burial factors were also not signifi cant, F(2,3)=0.429, p=0.686. For validation, an accuracy of 83.33% was achieved based on soil pH and soil moisture percentage analysis.

Patterns of Linear Enamel Hypoplasias among Korean Skeletal Samples from the Joseon Dynasty Period / 체질인류학회지

Dental linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) is probably one of the most widely used developmental stress indicators among all known skeletal stress indicators. This research examined LEH on the permanent anterior teeth of 160 human skeletal remains from the Joseon Dynasty period. The purpose of this investigation is to understand the characteristics of the developmental stresses experienced by the people of the Joseon period by analyzing the patterns of LEH incidences. The skeletal remains analyzed for this research were excavated during an archaeological investigation at a construction site in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Eunpyeong site is estimated to date from the late 15th century to the late 19th century based on the burial type and goods discovered within the graves. Of all the skeletal remains found at this site, 160 individual specimens with at least one of the permanent anterior teeth constituted the sample of the study. Information regarding each individual specimen's sex, age at death, and burial type was collected by the standardized methods. The prevalence and number of LEH by tooth type, and the number of LEH by sex, by burial type, and by age at death were analyzed. Mandibular canines were the most frequently affected teeth, maxillary canines coming next in the occurrence of LEH, and the third turned out to be the maxillary incisors. This result generally agrees with the findings from previous studies. When number of LEH by sex was compared, there was no consistent difference by sex which also agrees with the findings of previous studies. Although specimens from lime-mortar burials tended to have less number of LEH then those from earth-pit burials, a probable indication of the socioeconomic status effect on the formation of LEH, the result was not very pronounced. No obvious association between the number of LEH and age at death was found, either. Finally the results from this study were compared with those reported by other researches on LEH worldwide. Although preliminary in its level of analysis, this study is the first report of the patterns of LEH of a skeletal population of Korea. With more studies of human skeletal remains from the past, it is hoped, physical anthropology can contribute to the understanding of the past life of the Korean people.

SEM Observation on the Weathering Human Hair after Burial / 체질인류학회지

This study was undertaken to investigate the morphological changes of hair according to weathering after burial and to offer basic data for forensic science. To examine the effect of weathering degree, the 45 hairs buried for 5~50 years were taken from deceased individuals in tombs in Korea. The morphological changes in weathering hair shafts of the scalp were investigated using the scanning electron microscopes. There were little morphological differences of weathering depending on the regions of burial. The weathering changes includes exclusion of cuticle, separation of hair cortex and hollow formation in the medulla according to the burial period. These results could provide basic data to the field of forensic medicine.

Psychotria hoffmansegiana (Willd ex Roem. & Schult.) Mull. Arg. and Palicourea marcagravii st. Hil. (Rubiaceae): potential for forming soil seed banks in a brazilian Cerrado

The germinability of artificially buried Psychotria hoffmansegiana and Palicourea marcagravii seeds in Cerrado soil was tested, with the aim of evaluating whether dispersed seeds may be able to form a soil seed bank. The assays were carried out at a Cerrado Reserve in São Paulo State, Brazil. Seed samples were placed in nylon bags and buried at two different depths and in two different sites. Samples were periodically exhumed and germination tests were performed with both exhumed and dry stored seeds. In general, soil storage favoured seed survival and germination when compared to dry stored seeds. The seed germination was little affected by soil depth and by burial environment. Seeds of both species remained viable for at least 13 months, considering the time lapse between the collection and the end of the germination tests. It was suggested that both species can potentially form a persistent soil seed bank in Cerrado.

Observou-se a germinabilidade de sementes de Psychotria hoffmansegiana e Palicourea marcagravii enterradas em solo de Cerrado, buscando-se avaliar o potencial de formação de banco de sementes no solo. Ensaios foram realizados em uma Reserva de Cerrado, São Paulo, Brasil. Amostras de sementes foram colocadas em sacos de tela de nylon e enterradas em duas profundidades, e em dois ambientes. Amostras eram periodicamente desenterradas e submetidas a teste de germinação, juntamente com sementes armazenadas em laboratório. Em geral, o armazenamento no solo favoreceu a sobrevivência e a capacidade de germinação das sementes, em comparação com sementes armazenadas em laboratório. A germinação foi pouco afetada pela profundidade de enterramento e pelo ambiente. Sementes de ambas as espécies conservaram a viabilidade por 13 meses, considerando-se o período entre a coleta e o final dos testes de germinação. É sugerido que ambas as espécies são potencialmente capazes de formar banco de sementes persistente no solo do Cerrado.

Psychotria hoffmansegiana (Willd ex Roem. & Schult.) Mull. Arg. and Palicourea marcagravii st. Hil. (Rubiaceae): potential for forming soil seed banks in a brazilian Cerrado

The germinability of artificially buried Psychotria hoffmansegiana and Palicourea marcagravii seeds in Cerrado soil was tested, with the aim of evaluating whether dispersed seeds may be able to form a soil seed bank. The assays were carried out at a Cerrado Reserve in São Paulo State, Brazil. Seed samples were placed in nylon bags and buried at two different depths and in two different sites. Samples were periodically exhumed and germination tests were performed with both exhumed and dry stored seeds. In general, soil storage favoured seed survival and germination when compared to dry stored seeds. The seed germination was little affected by soil depth and by burial environment. Seeds of both species remained viable for at least 13 months, considering the time lapse between the collection and the end of the germination tests. It was suggested that both species can potentially form a persistent soil seed bank in Cerrado.

Observou-se a germinabilidade de sementes de Psychotria hoffmansegiana e Palicourea marcagravii enterradas em solo de Cerrado, buscando-se avaliar o potencial de formação de banco de sementes no solo. Ensaios foram realizados em uma Reserva de Cerrado, São Paulo, Brasil. Amostras de sementes foram colocadas em sacos de tela de nylon e enterradas em duas profundidades, e em dois ambientes. Amostras eram periodicamente desenterradas e submetidas a teste de germinação, juntamente com sementes armazenadas em laboratório. Em geral, o armazenamento no solo favoreceu a sobrevivência e a capacidade de germinação das sementes, em comparação com sementes armazenadas em laboratório. A germinação foi pouco afetada pela profundidade de enterramento e pelo ambiente. Sementes de ambas as espécies conservaram a viabilidade por 13 meses, considerando-se o período entre a coleta e o final dos testes de germinação. É sugerido que ambas as espécies são potencialmente capazes de formar banco de sementes persistente no solo do Cerrado.