Self-compatibility and dependence on biotic pollination were characteristic of Campo Rupestre and narrowly distributed New World Melastomataceae species, whilst apomictics are widely distributed. This is, to a certain extent, similar to the geographical parthenogenesis pattern of temperate apomictics.

− (Reproductive biology of Miconia angelana (Melastomataceae), endemic from Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais). The reproductive biology of M. angelana R. Romero & R. Goldenberg was studied by controlled hand pollinations, pollen viability, pollen tube growth and seed germination. Miconia angelana fl owered in late October and early November, presented self-compatibity and was independent of buzz pollination. The autogamy, facilitated by the two large pores of the anthers and stamens symmetrically disposed around the style, was responsible for the high fruit-set (91.5%) and high seed germination (92%). Miconia angelana is one of the fi ve species of Melastomataceae reported for autogamy and one of the fi ve of the Miconia genus with nectar production that, together with the awkward odor exhaled by the fl owers, makes possible a higher variety of fl oral visitors as moths, wasps, fl ies, ants, beetles and bees with vibratory behavior or not.Key words -endemism, Melastomataceae, Miconia angelana, nectar RESUMO − (Biologia reprodutiva de Miconia angelana (Melastomataceae), endêmica da Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais). A biologia reprodutiva de M. angelana R. Romero & R. Goldenberg foi estudada por meio de polinizações controladas, viabilidade polínica, crescimento do tubo polínico e germinação de sementes. Miconia angelana fl oresce entre o fi nal de outubro e o início de novembro, é autocompatível e independente de polinização vibrátil. A autogamia, facilitada pela presença de anteras com dois poros que facilitam a saída do pólen sem que haja vibração e estames dispostos simetricamente ao redor do estilete, foi responsável pelas maiores porcentagens de frutifi cação (91,5%) e germinação das sementes (92%). Miconia angelana é uma das cinco espécies de Melastomataceae conhecidas até o momento que apresenta frutifi cação a partir de autopolinização espontânea e uma das cinco espécies do gênero Miconia com produção de néctar, que juntamente com o odor desagradável das fl ores, possibilita uma maior variedade de visitantes fl orais como mariposas, vespas, moscas, formigas, besouros e abelhas com comportamento vibratório ou não.Palavras-chave -endemismo, Melastomataceae, Miconia angelana, néctar 1.Parte da dissertação de mestrado da primeira autora, Programa de

This study aimed to verify the capacity of Tradescantia pallida in the biomonitoring of air pollution in urban areas with different traffic intensities and under varying environmental conditions. Experiments were carried out in Ribeirão Preto, in the Southeastern Brazil, with more than 660,000 inhabitants and a fleet of more than 485,000 motor vehicles. Ten seedlings of T. pallida were exposed in three areas in the city, differing in traffic vehicle flow, in two seasons (wet and dry). At the end of each sampling period, which lasted 4 months, samples of leaves were collected, and the content of As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, P, Pb, S, and Zn was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The same elements were determined in soil samples for a seasonal characterization in conjunction with secondary data of environmental parameters. Additionally, micronucleus assay with early pollen tetrad cells of Tradescantia (Trad-MN) was conducted by collecting flower buds and analyzing the micronuclei frequencies in pollen mother cells. Although pollutant levels in air were below the Brazilian legal limits, plants exposed in the high-traffic flow area presented higher concentrations of elements related to vehicle emissions, especially under dry conditions, and higher micronuclei frequency in pollen mother cells. These results show the sensitivity of T. pallida to low-level urban air pollution and its suitability as bioindicator for trace elements. This alternative tool for biomonitoring can serve as a support methodology for the adoption of more restrictive public environmental policies in Brazil and extendible to other developing countries.

Study on the prevalence of allergic respiratory diseases in schoolchildren between six and seven years old, associated with indicators of air pollution. A questionnaire based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood was administered to parents of students from public schools, located in urban areas with differing vehicle flows. There was a positive correlation between monthly frequency of rhinitis and concentration of pollutants, and negative with relative air humidity. Even with levels of air pollutants below that allowed by law, the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and associated symptoms tended to be higher in the central region school, where there is heavy vehicular traffic.

Aggressive behaviour is a highly prevalent and devastating condition in autism spectrum disorder resulting in impoverished quality of life. Gold-standard therapies are ineffective in about 30% of patients leading to greater suffering. We investigated cortical thickness in individuals with autism spectrum disorder with pharmacological-treatment-refractory aggressive behaviour compared with those with non-refractory aggressive behaviour and observed a brain-wide pattern of local increased thickness in key areas related to emotional control and overall decreased cortical thickness in those with refractory aggressive behaviour, suggesting refractoriness could be related to specific morphological patterns. Elucidating the neurobiology of refractory aggressive behaviour is crucial to provide insights and potential avenues for new interventions.