ABSTRACT Ferruginous Rocky Outcrops have high levels of species richness and endemism, but have been threatened by several anthropic actions, especially mining. Eragrostis polytricha, a common grass species in the vegetation of these outcrops, has shown promising features for use in the recovery of mining areas. However, in order to fully understand the species’ potential for such use, its requirements for germination, seed dormancy break and seedling development must be determined. Thus, we aimed to: (1) assess the temperature conditions needed for seeds of E. polytricha to germinate; (2) evaluate the effects of KNO₃ in breaking seed dormancy; and (3) analyze the germination efficiency of seeds that are still in spikelets. The experiment included seven treatments: 15-35 ºC with KNO₃, 20-30 ºC with KNO₃, 15 ºC with KNO₃, 25 ºC with KNO₃, 35 ºC with KNO₃, 20-30 ºC with water, and 20-30 ºC with KNO₃ using spikelets. The treatments with alternating temperatures associated with KNO3 yielded the highest germination rates, suggesting that these two factors combined can break seed dormancy. Seeds inside spikelets exhibited a high germination percentage, and thus represent an interesting alternative for seedling production.

ABSTRACT Marine sponges has been a large reservoir of microbial diversity, with the presence of many species specific populations as well as producing biologically active compounds, which has attracted great biotechnological interest. In order to verify the influence of the environment in the composition of the bacterial community present in marine sponges and biotechnological potential of bacteria isolated from these organisms, three species of sponges and the waters surrounding them were collected in different beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The profile of the bacterial community present in sponges and water was obtained by PCR-DGGE technique and the biotechnological potential of the strains isolated by producing amylase, cellulase, protease and biosurfactants. The results showed that despite the influence of the environment in the composition of the microbial community, studied marine sponges shown to have specific bacterial populations, with some, showing potential in the production of substances of biotechnological applications.

SUMMARY Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder frequently characterized by obesity, growth hormone deficiency, genital abnormalities, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Incomplete or delayed pubertal development as well as premature adrenarche are usually found in PWS, whereas central precocious puberty (CPP) is very rare. This study aimed to report the clinical and biochemical follow-up of a PWS boy with CPP and to discuss the management of pubertal growth. By the age of 6, he had obesity, short stature, and many clinical criteria of PWS diagnosis, which was confirmed by DNA methylation test. Therapy with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement (0.15 IU/kg/day) was started. Later, he presented psychomotor agitation, aggressive behavior, and increased testicular volume. Laboratory analyses were consistent with the diagnosis of CPP (gonadorelin-stimulated LH peak 15.8 IU/L, testosterone 54.7 ng/dL). The patient was then treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa). Hypothalamic dysfunctions have been implicated in hormonal disturbances related to pubertal development, but no morphologic abnormalities were detected in the present case. Additional methylation analysis (MS-MLPA) of the chromosome 15q11 locus confirmed PWS diagnosis. We presented the fifth case of CPP in a genetically-confirmed PWS male. Combined therapy with GnRHa and rhGH may be beneficial in this rare condition of precocious pubertal development in PWS.