ABSTRACT The green algal genus Bryopsis has simple morphology and high phenotypic plasticity, making it difficult to identify its species based on morphological characteristics alone. This study evaluated the diversity of Bryopsis in northeastern Brazil (the State of Pernambuco), based on morphological and molecular data using the markers tufA and rbcL. Molecular analyses were incongruent with morphology, demonstrating the existence of cryptic and polymorphic species in the genus. Of the four taxa cited for the area based only on morphological data (Bryopsis corymbosa, B. pennata, B. plumosa, Bryopsis sp.), only B. pennata was recorded. Typical specimens of B. pennata and B. plumosa were grouped with low genetic divergence, 0-0.21 % for tufA and no divergence for rbcL, indicating that B. pennata is an extremely plastic species that includes specimens with morphotype B. “plumosa”. Bryopsis pennata var. secunda is cited for the first time for northeastern Brazil, with divergence from the typical variety of 0.96-1.57 % for tufA and 0.4 % for rbcL. This study showed that broader sampling of Bryopsis is necessary in order to confirm the taxonomic status of the species referenced for Brazil, whose phenotypic plasticity may cause overestimation of diversity or reveal cryptic species.

BACKGROUND: DNA methylation is commonly linked with the silencing of the gene expression for many tumor suppressor genes. As such, determining DNA methylation patterns should aid, in times to come, in the diagnosis and personal treatment for various types of cancers. Here, we analyzed the methylation pattern from five colorectal cancer patients from the Amazon state in Brazil for four tumor suppressor genes, viz.: DAPK, CDH1, CDKN2A, and TIMP2 by employing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specific to methylation. Efforts in the study of colorectal cancer are fundamental as it is the third most of highest incidence in the world. RESULTS: Tumor biopsies were methylated in 1/5 (20 %), 2/5 (40 %), 4/5 (80 %), and 4/5 (80 %) for CDH1, CDKN2A, DAPK, and TIMP2 genes, respectively. The margin biopsies were methylated in 3/7 (43 %), 2/7 (28 %), 7/7 (100 %), and 6/7 (86 %) for CDH1, CDKN2A, DAPK, and TIMP2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed DAPK and TIMP2 to be methylated in most samples from both tumor tissues and adjacent non-neoplastic margins; thus presenting distinct methylation patterns. This emphasizes the importance of better understanding of the relation of these patterns with cancer in the context of different populations.

Visando o controle da podridão mole causada por Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) em pimentão, foram avaliados 10 tratamentos: Bacillus spp.: isolado C116 (B. pumilus); Leveduras: isolados Lma (Rhodotorula aurantiaca) e Lms (R. glutinis); Fosfito de potássio e cálcio; Fontes de cálcio: CaCl2, Ca(CO3)2 e Ca(SO4)2; fungicida/bactericida orgânico Antica®; antibiótico Kasumin®. Após a determinação da concentração dos antagonistas e produtos alternativos pelo teste do antibiograma, foi realizado o teste in vivo, pela inoculação do patógeno, seis horas após os tratamentos com os antagonistas e produtos alternativos. Foram determinados o Período de Incubação (PI), Severidade da doença (SEV), Redução da severidade da doença (RSD%) e Área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença (AACPD). Todos os tratamentos testados apresentaram maiores valores de PI e RSD% e menores valores de SEV e AACPD quando comparados à testemunha. Fosfito de cálcio, C116, Lms, Lma e fosfito de potássio foram significativamente superiores quando comparados como demais tratamentos. Pcc foi resistente ao Kasumin®, possuindo SEV e AACPD que não diferiram significativamente da testemunha.

For the control of soft rot caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) in chili, 10 treatments were evaluated: Bacillus spp.: isolated C116 (B. pumilus); Yeasts: isolated Lma (Rhodotorula aurantiaca) and Lms (R. glutinis); Potassium phosphite and calcium, calcium sources: CaCl2, Ca (CO3) 2 and Ca (SO4) 2; fungicidal/bactericidal organic Antica ®; Kasumin ® antibiotic. After determining the concentration of the antagonist and alternative products by antibiogram testing, testing was performed in vivo by pathogen inoculation, six hours after treatment with antagonists and alternative products. We determined the Incubation Period (PI), severity of illness (SEV), reduction of disease severity (RSD%) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). All treatments showed higher PI and RSD% and lower values of SEV and AUDPC compared to the control. Calcium phosphite, C116, Lms, Lma and potassium phosphite were significantly higher when compared to other treatments. Pcc was resistant Kasumin ®, possessing SEV and AUDPC did not differ significantly from control.

O paradigma da inclusão demanda mudanças nas posturas sociais, tendo em vista a inclusão de minorias, tais como as pessoas com deficiência. A efetivação desse paradigma perpassa pela Responsabilidade Social Empresarial (RSE). O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a existência de empresas que atuavam em conformidade com a RSE em uma cidade do interior do Estado de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista estruturada dirigida a cinco gestores do universo de 39 empresas preceituadas pela Lei de Cotas. Os dados foram analisados qualitativamente segundo o método de Análise de Conteúdo. Três eixos temáticos foram identificados: a) contribuições fornecidas pelo funcionário com deficiência; b) dificuldades para contratação e manutenção das pessoas com deficiência; c) treinamentos e qualificações fornecidos pela empresa. Em cada eixo, os dados foram ainda estratificados em subcategorias, viabilizando a realização de uma discussão mais aprofundada. Conclui-se que, mesmo não tendo conhecimento a respeito do referido modelo de gestão, as empresas geridas pelos entrevistados são adeptas de algumas das práticas relacionadas à inclusão.

The inclusion paradigm demands changes in social attitudes, in order to include minorities, such as people with disabilities. The effectiveness of this paradigm is related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The goal of the study was to investigate the existence of companies that operate in accordance with the CSR, in a city in the interior of the state of Minas Gerais. The collection of data was carried out using a structured interview applied to five managers of 39 companies prescribing to the "Quota Law". The data was analyzed qualitatively using the Contents Analysis method. Three thematic axes were identified: a) contributions made by employees with disabilities; b) difficulties in hiring and retaining people with disabilities; c) training and qualification provided by the company. On each subject, the data was stratified into subcategories, enabling further discussions to be carried out. We conclude that even without knowledge of this management model, the companies managed by the interviewees have adhered to some practices related to inclusion.

Amostras de couve-flor (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) foram armazenadas à temperatura ambiente, a 5°C (geladeira) e a - 20°C (congelador) e foram feitas as análises para ácido ascórbico. O teor de ácido ascórbico não variou durante o período de resfriamento e as amostras de couve-flor congelada mostrou uma redução de 50% durante 12 dias de armazenamento. Amostras colocadas à temperatura ambiente apresentaram um pequeno aumento até os 3 dias. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os tipos de embalagens usadas (garrafa de vidro, sacos plásticos e folhas de alumínio) quanto ao teor de ácido ascórbico.

Samples of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea cv. botrytis) were stored at ambient temperature, 5°C and frozen (-20°C) and analysed for ascorbic acid content. During the freezing period the ascorbic acid content did not varied and frozen samples showed a reduction of 50% during 12 days of storage. Samples placed on ambient conditions presented a little increase until 3 days. Significative differences were not observed between 3 types packaging material (glass battle, poliethyleue bags and aluminium sheath) on ascorbic acid content.