The study of the spectrum of light has increased its range of action in the field of chemistry, with the help of several advanced equipment and innovative techniques that have become a strong ally of analytical chemistry. However, the simplicity of obtaining results integrated with mobile devices appears as an interesting path to be taken in the field of chemical analysis. This work addresses the dissemination of an application called REDGIM for smartphones on the Android platform capable of working with multivariate image analysis using chemometric methods through the luminous intensities of photos and R (red), G (green) and B (blue) channels. In order to show the potential of REDGIM, we propose two applications using the partial least squares (PLS) regression method: 1) quantification of free chlorine in tap water; and 2) quantification of cannabinol, (CBN, a type of cannabinoid) in marijuana and hashish samples. The free chlorine concentration obtained for two investigated samples was 0.73 and 0.74 mg L-1 and 0.74 and 0.76 mg L-1 by the spectrophotometer and by the application (container: cuvette), respectively. For the quantification of CBN in marijuana and hashish samples, the mean concentration ranged from 6.137 to 8.823 mg mL-1. The results obtained by the application are compatible with results from traditional techniques, such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry, for example. Therefore, REDGIM was proved to be a simple and accessible technological tool for the scientific community, being viable for chemical tests of a multivariate nature.

Abstract The main factors governing Hevea brasiliensis germination and seedling establishment remains unclear. We examined the effect of growth regulators Indole 3-Acetic Acid (IAA) and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), and their interactions on germination and the development of mature zygotic embryos (MZE) and protein profile of Hevea brasiliensis seedlings from wild and cultivated (clone PB 250) genotypes. Embryonic axes excised from seeds (wild and clone PB 250) were inoculated in Murashige and Skoog medium (control) and supplemented with IAA (3 µM) and BAP (6 µM) individually and their combination (3 µM IAA + 6 µM BAP). For both genotypes, the mature embryos displayed a high percentage of germination and establishment, and the seedlings were characterized by protein bands ranging from 7 to 30 kDa. Notably, the wild genotype showed proteins in the 14 kDa range, which may be associated with one of the major rubber elongation factors (REF). The wild and clone genotypes presented different behavior and strategies in relation to the protein profile in the presence of different growth regulators. Although the latex biosynthetic pathway and its mechanisms of regulation still remain largely unknown, our results aid in our understanding of the dynamics of proteins in different rubber tree clones in vitro.

The properties of lanthanides allow them to be used as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, thereby helping to differentiate between tissues, organs, and pathologies more efficiently. Lanthanides contain thermosensitive energy levels that aid identification of cancer and healthy cells. This work investigates the GdVO4 matrix obtained by the non-hydrolytic sol-gel methodology and doped with the lanthanide ions Er3+ and Yb3+ at a 1:1 molar ratio. The efficiency of the optical parameters was analyzed on the basis of the Er3+ green emission after excitation in the infrared region, namely 980 nm. The temperature-dependent fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) between the thermally coupled Er3+ levels (2H11/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2) was evaluated. The Er3+ emission depended on the laser power. The calculated number of photons was 2 in this case. Temperatures ranging from 298.3 to 374.5 K were assessed, and the sensitivity varied from 1.2 to 1.9% K-1, respectively. The initial temperature was estimated.

Sedentary time is associated with increased obesity in police officers. Caffeine intake may reduce sedentary time but it has not been extensively investigated. In the present study, the effect of caffeine ingestion on sedentary time was investigated in obese police officers. Fourteen obese police officers ingested either 5 mg/kg of caffeine or cellulose (placebo) for six days. Information on inactivity time, time spent with physical activities, self-reported perception of tiredness, and physical activity disposition was obtained daily during the intervention period. Sedentary and physical activity times were divided into two intraday periods (T1: 08:00 am-02:00 pm and T2: 02:00 pm-08:00 pm). Caffeine intake decreased the sedentary time in both T1 (79.2±2.2%) and T2 (79.1±2.5%), when compared with T2 of the placebo condition (81.1±3.6%, P<0.05). Caffeine intake also increased the time spent on light physical activities in T1 and T2 (17±2 and 18±2%), when compared with T2 of the placebo condition (16±3%, P<0.05). In addition, sedentary time increased and light physical activity time decreased from T1 to T2 in the placebo (P<0.001) but not in the caffeine condition (P=0.81). Caffeine intake had no effect on tiredness (P>0.05), but it increased the self-reported physical activity disposition compared to the placebo condition (4.5±2.7 vs 3.2±2.3 units, P<0.05). Caffeine intake reduced the sedentary time and increased the time spent on light physical activities of obese police officers, which seems to be related to a higher disposition for the practice of physical activity.

A series of α-acetyloxy-N-cyclohexylamides was efficiently obtained via Passerini reaction of cyclohexyl isocyanide, acetic acid, and different aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes using refluxing dichloromethane or dimethylcarbonate (DMC). Reactions performed with DMC led to desired products in moderate to good yields, corroborating this solvent as a eco-friendly alternative to the chlorinated solvents commonly used in this transformation. The α-acetyloxy-N-cyclohexylamides thus obtained were tested against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as promastigote forms of L.(L.) amazonensis. The α-(Acetyloxy)-N-cyclohexyl-pentanamide showed low antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (S. aureus and B. cereus) and Gram negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) bacteria (MIC = 8,3-16,5 mmol L-1), while α-(acetyloxy)-N-cyclohexyl-4-bromo-benzeneacetamide showed leishmanicidal activitity (IC50 = 0,099 mmol L-1).

RESUMO O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento do tomateiro cultivar Upiã nos sistemas de cultivo Vertical, Cerca Cruzada e Viçosa, visando obter esclarecimento para os ganhos produtivos alcançados no sistema Viçosa. O experimento foi conduzido em Viçosa-MG, no período de 21 de agosto a 05 de dezembro de 2012, no esquema de parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas representadas pelos sistemas de cultivo: Vertical, tutorado com fitilho em espaçamento 1,0 x 0,5 m; Cerca Cruzada, tutorado com bambu em espaçamento de 1,0 x 0,5 m; e Viçosa, tutorado com fitilho em espaçamento 2,0 x 0,2 m. As subparcelas foram compostas pelas épocas de amostragem das plantas: 15, 30, 45, 60 e 75 dias após o transplantio. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Cada parcela foi constituída por três linhas de 10 plantas, perfazendo um total de 30 plantas por parcela, sendo avaliadas as quatro plantas centrais de cada parcela. Avaliou-se matéria seca de folhas (MSF), caule (MSC), inflorescências (MSI), frutos (MSFr) e total (MST). Utilizando-se a área foliar, medida em escâner digital, e as massas secas previamente obtidas, foram determinados os seguintes índices fisiológicos de crescimento: índice de área foliar (IAF), área foliar específica (AFE), taxa de crescimento relativo (TCR) e taxa assimilatória líquida (TAL). O sistema Viçosa alterou o padrão de crescimento do tomateiro, quantificado pela análise de crescimento, em relação ao Cerca Cruzada e Vertical. O prolongamento da segunda fase de crescimento para a matéria seca de frutos, possivelmente, explicaria os ganhos produtivos obtidos no Sistema Viçosa. Estudos adicionais são necessários para esclarecer a relação entre a duração da 2a fase de crescimento da matéria seca de frutos, os índices fisiológicos AFE, IAF e TAL com o tamanho e produção de frutos do tomateiro.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to analyze the growth of the Upiã tomato cultivar in the Vertical, Crossed Fence and Viçosa cultivation systems, in order to obtain explanations for the productive gains achieved in the Viçosa system. The experiment was conducted in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from August 21st to December 5th, 2012, in the scheme of subdivided plots, being the plots represented by the cultivation systems: Vertical, using tape, 1.0×0.5 m spacing; Crossed Fence, staked with bamboo, 1.0x0.5 m spacing; and Viçosa, using tape, 2.0x0.2 m spacing. The subplots were composed by the sampling times of the plants: 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after transplanting. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four replications. Each plot was composed by three lines of 10 plants, making a total of 30 plants per plot, being evaluated the four central plants of each plot. We evaluated the dry matter of leaves (MSF), stem (MSC), inflorescences (MSI), fruits (MSFr) and total (MST). Using the foliar area index, measured by digital scanners and the previously obtained dry masses, we determined the physiological growth indices: foliar area index (IAF), specific foliar area (AFE), relative growth rate (TCR), and net assimilation rate (TAL). The Viçosa system altered the growth pattern of the tomato, quantified by the growth analysis, in comparison to Crossed and Vertical Fences. The prolongation of the second growth phase for the dry matter of fruits could possibly explain the productive gains obtained in the Viçosa system. Additional studies are required in order to clarify the relationship between the duration of the second phase of fruit dry matter growth, the physiological indexes AFE, IAF and TAL with the size and fruit yield of the tomato.

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos do tratamento multidisciplinar com e sem aconselhamento psicológico voltado para a qualidade de vida de adolescentes obesos. Métodos: Foram alocados 76 adolescentes obesos (15,87 ± 1,53 ano) em um grupo de aconselhamento psicológico (GAP; n = 36) e um grupo de controle (GC; n = 40) por 12 semanas. Todos receberam o mesmo treinamento físico supervisionado e aconselhamento nutricional e clínico. Os participantes no GAP também receberam aconselhamento psicológico. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada antes e depois das 12 semanas de intervenção por meio do Questionário Genérico de Avaliação da Qualidade de Vida (SF-36). Resultados: O abandono do tratamento foi maior no GC (22,5%) em comparação com o GAP (0,0%) (p < 0,001). Após 12 semanas, os participantes do GAP apresentam menor peso corporal, massa gorda relativa e maior massa livre de gordura (p < 0,001 para todos) em comparação com o GC. A qualidade de vida melhorou entre os adolescentes de ambos os grupos (p < 0,05); contudo, uma melhor qualidade de vida foi relatada pelos adolescentes incluídos no GAP. Conclusão: A inclusão de aconselhamento psicológico no tratamento multidisciplinar dos adolescentes obesos parece proporcionar benefícios observados na melhoria da qualidade de vida, em comparação com o tratamento sem aconselhamento psicológico.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of multidisciplinary treatment with and without psychological counseling on obese adolescents' self-reported quality of life. Methods: Seventy-six obese adolescents (15.87 ± 1.53 y) were allocated into psychological counseling group (PCG; n = 36) or control group (CG; n = 40) for 12 weeks. All participants received the same supervised exercise training, nutritional and clinical counseling. Participants in PCG also received psychological counseling. QOL was measured before and after 12 weeks of intervention by Generic Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Quality of Life (SF-36). Results: The dropout rate was higher in GC (22.5%) when compared with PCG (0.0%) (p < 0.001). After 12 weeks, participants from PCG presents lower body weight, relative fat mass and higher free fat mass (p < 0.001 for all) compared to GC. QOL improved among adolescents from both groups (p < 0.05), however, a better QOL was reported from those adolescents enrolled in PCG. Conclusion: The inclusion of a psychological counseling component in multidisciplinary treatment for adolescent obesity appears to provide benefits observed for improved QOL as compared with treatment without psychological counseling.

Abstract Cyanobacteria is a remarkable group of prokaryotic photosynthetic microorganisms, with several genera capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen (N2) and presenting a wide range of morphologies. Although the nitrogenase complex is not present in all cyanobacterial taxa, it is spread across several cyanobacterial strains. The nitrogenase complex has also a high theoretical potential for biofuel production, since H2 is a by-product produced during N2 fixation. In this review we discuss the significance of a relatively wide variety of cell morphologies and metabolic strategies that allow spatial and temporal separation of N2 fixation from photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on 16S rRNA and nifD gene sequences shed light on the evolutionary history of the two genes. Our results demonstrated that (i) sequences of genes involved in nitrogen fixation (nifD) from several morphologically distinct strains of cyanobacteria are grouped in similarity with their morphology classification and phylogeny, and (ii) nifD genes from heterocytous strains share a common ancestor. By using this data we also discuss the evolutionary importance of processes such as horizontal gene transfer and genetic duplication for nitrogenase evolution and diversification. Finally, we discuss the importance of H2 synthesis in cyanobacteria, as well as strategies and challenges to improve cyanobacterial H2 production.

Resumo A determinação de impurezas do café torrado e moído faz parte das análises que contribuem para assegurar o controle da qualidade do produto. O objetivo deste trabalho foi validar o procedimento metodológico de microscopia para detecção e quantificação das impurezas cascas e paus em café torrado e moído. O método baseou-se no princípio da extração de gordura do café com solvente orgânico, eliminação do pó fino por peneiração e determinação por catação pelo uso de microscópio estereoscópico. Setenta amostras de café torrado e moído coletadas em estabelecimentos comerciais de Belo Horizonte, MG, tiveram as análises duplicadas por três analistas, totalizando 420 determinações, com os resultados expressos em porcentagens das impurezas cascas e paus. Os coeficientes de variação em condições de repetibilidade variaram de 7,0% a 27,9%, sendo considerados satisfatórios para microscopia. O fator analista tem forte influência nos parâmetros de precisão e exatidão do método. O método mostrou-se preciso a partir da concentração de 0,2% de impurezas. A exatidão do método foi satisfatória com a recuperação estando numa faixa aceitável. As incertezas variaram com a faixa de concentração de impurezas e tenderam a ser inversamente proporcionais. O método foi considerado adequado para análise destas impurezas do café torrado e moído e tem potencial para ser indicado nos procedimentos de fiscalização.

Summary The determination of impurities in roast ground coffee is part of the analyses that contribute to ensuring the control of product quality. The aim of this study was to validate the methodological procedure of microscopy to detect and quantify the impurities husks and straw in roast ground coffee. The method is based on the principle of organic solvent extraction of the coffee fat, elimination of the fine powder by screening and sorting of the impurities husks and straw by stereoscopic microscopy. Seventy samples of roast ground coffee were collected in commercial establishments in Belo Horizonte – MG – Brazil and analysed in duplicate by three analysts, totalling 420 determinations, with the results expressed in percentages of the impurities husks and straw. The coefficients of variation under conditions of repeatability ranged from 7.0 to 27.9%, being considered satisfactory for microscopy. The analyst factor had a strong influence on the precision and accuracy of the method. The method was shown to be accurate at concentrations above 0.2% impurities. The accuracy of the method was satisfactory and the recovery in an acceptable range. The uncertainties varied with the impurity concentration range and tended to be inversely proportional. The method was considered suitable for the analysis of these impurities in roast ground coffee, and has the potential to be indicated for use in inspection procedures.

O crescente uso das nanotecnologias nas terapias avançadas tem permitido a observação de reações adversas específicas relacionadas às nanoestruturas. A toxicidade de uma nova formulação lipossomal de antimoniato de meglumina após dose única foi avaliada em cães com leishmaniose visceral. Grupos de 12 animais receberam por via intravenosa uma dose única de antimoniato de meglumina lipossomal (grupo I [GI], 6,5 mg Sb/kg), lipossomas vazios (GII) ou solução salina isotônica (GIII). A avaliação de parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos não revelou alterações significativas quatro dias após a administração. Nenhum efeito indesejável foi registrado no GIII. No entanto, reações adversas foram observadas em 67,7% dos cães de ambos os grupos que receberam formulações lipossomais. Os efeitos colaterais iniciaram momentos após a administração em "bolus" e desapareceram no decurso dos primeiros 15 minutos após o tratamento. Prostração, sialorréia e defecação foram os sinais clínicos mais frequentes, registrados em 33,3% e 41,6% dos animais dos grupos GI e GII, respectivamente. Taquipnéia, midríase, miose, vômitos e cianose também foram registrados em ambos os grupos. As reações adversas observadas neste trabalho foram atribuídas à ativação do sistema complemento pelas vesículas lipídicas em fenômeno conhecido como Pseudoalergia Relacionada à Ativação do Complemento (PARAC). A influência das características físico-químicas da formulação lipossomal no desencadeamento de PARAC é abordada.

The increasing use of nanotechnologies in advanced therapies has allowed the observation of specific adverse reactions related to nanostructures. The toxicity of a novel liposome formulation of meglumine antimoniate in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis after single dose has been investigated. Groups of 12 animals received by the intravenous route a single dose of liposomal meglumine antimoniate (group I [GI], 6.5 mg Sb/kg), empty liposomes (GII) or isotonic saline (GIII). Evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters showed no significant changes 4 days after administration. No undesired effects were registered in the GIII. However, adverse reactions were observed in 67.7% of dogs from both groups that received liposomal formulations. The side effects began moments after bolus administration and disappeared during the first 15 minutes after treatment. Prostation, sialorrhea and defecation were the most frequent clinical signs, registered in 33.3% and 41.6 % of animals from the groups GI and GII, respectively. Tachypnea, mydriasis, miosis, vomiting and cyanosis were also registered in both groups. The adverse reactions observed in this study were attributed to the activation of the complement system by lipid vesicles in a phenomenon known as Complement Activation-Related Pseudoallergy (CARPA). The influence of the physical-chemical characteristics of liposomal formulation in the triggering of CARPA is discussed.

Neste trabalho foram sintetizados nanocompósitos à base de poliuretanos em dispersão aquosa (NWPUs) e argilas brasileiras hidrofílicas (Brasgel PA e Brasgel NT) do tipo montmorilonita (MMT), de natureza sódica e cálcica, respectivamente, tendo a primeira maior hidrofilicidade. Os monômeros empregados na síntese das dispersões foram: poli(glicol propilênico) (PPG); ácido dimetilolpropiônico (DMPA), diisocianato de isoforona (IPDI) e hidrazina, como extensor de cadeia. Foram variados a proporção de segmentos rígidos e flexíveis e o teor das argilas adicionadas (na faixa de 0,5 a 2,5% em massa). As argilas foram caracterizadas por espectrometria na região do infravermelho (FTIR) e difração de raio X (XRD) e tiveram seu grau de inchamento determinado. Os NWPUs foram avaliados em termos de teor de sólidos totais, FTIR, XRD e propriedades mecânicas. A ausência dos picos de cristalinidade, característicos das argilas puras, e resistência mecânica superior frente às dispersões sem argila, confirmaram a formação de nanocompósitos.

In this work nanocomposites based on polyurethane aqueous dispersion (NWPUs) were synthesized employing montmorillonite (MMT) hydrophilic brazilian clays (Brasgel PA and Brasgel NT), containing sodium and calcium, respectively, being the former more hydrophilic. The monomers used in the synthesis of the dispersions were: poly (propylene glycol) (PPG); dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and hydrazine, as chain extender. It was varied the proportion between hard and soft segments and clay content (added in the range from 0.5 to 2.5% per mass). The clays were previously delaminated in water and incorporated in the moment of prepolymer dispersion. The clays were characterized by infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and X ray diffraction (XRD) and their degree of swelling were determined. Solid content of the formulations were calculated. The films, cast from aqueous dispersions, were characterized by FTIR, XRD and their mechanical properties were evaluated. The formation of nanocomposites was confirmed by XRD, by observing the absence of peaks indicating cristallinity, characteristic of the pure clays. Mechanical resistance was improved for the nanocomposite films when compared to materials with no clay addition.

A anemia falciforme (AF) é a doença mais comum entre as hemoglobinopatias, caracterizada por uma mutação genética que compromete as funções das hemácias, desencadeando crises de vaso-oclusão e predisposições às infecções. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o cotidiano das famílias com filho portador de AF. Foi feito estudo descritivo, exploratório e qualitativo. O método utilizado foi a gravação de dez entrevistas semiestruturadas com os familiares de menores de 18 anos portadores de AF, atendidos em outubro de 2007 no Hemope. A seleção dos sujeitos foi residir e ter parentesco em primeiro grau do paciente. O critério de exclusão foi a criança apresentar risco de morte. O tamanho da amostra seguiu os critérios de saturação dos discursos de Mynaio.12 Na avaliação empregou-se a técnica de "Análise de Conteúdo" de Bardin.13 As falas obtidas foram transcritas integralmente e agrupadas de acordo com a semelhança, buscando os sentimentos relevantes que originaram códigos e temas: 1. Tema: Envolvimento da família (subtema: exclusividade da atenção; códigos: superproteção, abrindo mão de outros papéis, sobrecarga materna, aprendendo com a doença); 2. Tema: Impacto da doença (subtema: doença crônica afetando a família; códigos: não aceitação, temor da morte); 3. Tema: Enfrentando desafios (subtemas: redes de apoio, serviço de saúde; códigos: apoio espiritual, profissional e familiar; estrutura hospitalar). Verificamos dificuldades na aceitação da doença pela família e uma sobrecarga materna na realização dos cuidados. Os modelos assistenciais devem permitir que a família atue como coparticipante nos cuidados de forma a facilitar a adaptação do paciente à doença.

Sickle cell anemic is a common disorder among hemoglobinopatias, characterized by a genetic mutation which affects the function of the red blood cells, causing episodes of vaso-occlusion and predisposing sufferers to infections. This study aims at describing the day-to-day life of families with children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia. This was a descriptive, exploratory, qualitative investigation. Data collection was achieved by recording semi-structured interviews with relatives of ten under 18-year-old patients with sickle cell anemia attended in the Hemope Clinic in October 2006. The selection criteria of interviewees were that they lived with and were first degree relatives of the patient. The exclusion criterion was that the patient was at risk of death. The sample size followed the criteria of saturation discussed by Mynaio. The technique of "Analysis of Content" described by Bardin was used in the evaluation. The interviews were completely transcribed and grouped according to their similarities, searching for relevant feelings originating from codes and themes: 1. Theme: Involvement of the family (Exclusiveness of attention; codes: overprotection, relinquishing other roles, overload of mother, learning with the illness); 2: Theme: Impact of the illness (chronic illness affecting family; codes: non-acceptance, fear of death); 3. Theme: Facing challenges (Support networks, Healthcare services; codes: spiritual, professional, and family support; hospital structure). We verified difficulties in the acceptance of the illness by the family and the burden of the mother with necessary patient care. In conclusion, healthcare assistance models should allow the family to act as a co-participant in the care of the patient in order to facilitate the patient's adaptation to the disease.

OBJETIVOS: Analisar a influência de obesidade na contagem de células imunológicas e na concentração dos hormônios cortisol e leptina, a fim de estabelecer uma relação entre as variáveis analisadas. MÉTODOS: Foram recrutados 27 adolescentes obesos [índice de massa corporal (IMC) ≥ percentil 95[ e 21 não-obesos (IMC ≤ percentil 75), de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 15 e 19 anos, na fase pós-púbere. O IMC foi calculado através da divisão do peso pela altura ao quadrado e a composição corporal foi estimada por pletismografia no sistema Bod PodTM. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas para análise de leucócitos, neutrófilos, linfócitos, monócitos, plaquetas, cortisol e leptina. O teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov foi utilizado, seguido pelo teste t de Student independente supondo distribuição normal. O nível de significância estabelecido foi p < 0,05 e expresso como média ± desvio padrão. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o programa SPSS para Windows versão 12.0. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença entre o grupo obeso e o não-obeso na concentração sérica de leucócitos, neutrófilos, linfócitos, monócitos e cortisol. O grupo de adolescentes obesos apresentou maiores concentrações de plaquetas e leptina (p < 0,01). A prevalência de hiperleptinemia foi de 25,92% nos adolescentes obesos (15,38%, sexo masculino e 35,7%, feminino). CONCLUSÕES: Os adolescentes obesos apresentaram maiores concentrações de plaquetas e leptina em comparação aos não-obesos. Observou-se que as adolescentes obesas apresentaram maior prevalência de hiperleptinemia do que os adolescentes obesos.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of obesity status on immune cell count and concentration of the hormones cortisol and leptin, in order to establish a relationship among the variables analyzed. METHODS: We recruited 27 obese [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 95th percentile[ and 21 non-obese (BMI ≤ 75th percentile) adolescent boys and girls, aged 15-19 years at the post-pubertal stage. BMI was calculated as body weight divided by height squared, and body composition was estimated by plethysmography in the Bod PodTM system. Blood samples were collected to analyze leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, cortisol, and leptin. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed, followed by the independent Student t test in case of normal distribution. Significance values were set at p < 0.05 and expressed as means ± standard deviation. The statistical package SPSS for Windows version 12.0 was used. RESULTS: There was no difference between obese and non-obese adolescents in terms of leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and cortisol serum concentrations. The group of obese adolescents presented higher platelet and leptin concentrations (p < 0.01). The prevalence of hyperleptinemia was 25.92% in the obese adolescents (15.38% in boys and 35.7% in girls). CONCLUSIONS: Obese adolescents have higher platelet and leptin concentrations in comparison with non-obese adolescents. It was also found that obese girls presented a higher prevalence of hyperleptinemia than obese boys.

A região costeira de Itaipu, Rio de Janeiro é guarnecida por três ilhas, formando uma enseada semi-abrigada porém com ampla comunicação com o mar. Esta enseada recebe o aporte de águas do complexo lagunar Itaipu-Piratininga, além da influência de massas d'água oceânicas, constituindo uma área de intensa atividade pesqueira artesanal. Utilizando-se dados provenientes do monitoramento mensal da pesca artesanal (arrastos-de-praia, redes de emalhe e linha de mão), de arrastos experimentais em zona de arrebentação, censos visuais sub-aquáticos (ilhas da Menina, Mãe e Pai) e um experimento multiamostral na lagoa de Itaipu, elaborou-se uma lista de espécies de peixes que ocorrem na região, observando-se as suas conectividades e afinidades aos diversos habitats locais, incluindo a enseada, os recifes rochosos, a zona de arrebentação e a lagoa de Itaipu. Foram identificadas 183 espécies, sendo 26 Elasmobranchii, agrupados em 13 famílias e 157 espécies de Actinopterygii (63 famílias). A pesca de arrasto-de-praia capturou o maior número de espécies (112), seguida das redes de emalhe (94) e da linha de mão (35). Os arrastos na zona de arrebentação (picaré), capturaram apenas 49 espécies (oito exclusivas), principalmente juvenis e sem importância comercial. Os censos visuais identificaram um total de 41 espécies, sendo 21 exclusivas e de caráter críptico. No interior da lagoa de Itaipu foram registradas 46 espécies, 18 exclusivas de caráter ocasional. A análise de agrupamento, incluindo 106 espécies de ocorrência não exclusiva, resultou na formação de oito grupos. Os grupos A e B foram constituídos por espécies associadas exclusivamente às atividades de pesca na enseada, incluindo algumas espécies de interesse comercial. O grupo C reuniu as espécies comuns às pescarias cujos juvenis ocorrem na zona de arrebentação. O grupo D classificou espécies de ocorrência comum à pesca e às ilhas. O grupo E foi representado por espécies associadas à pesca e ocorrentes na lagoa (mugilídeos, gerreídeos e clupeídeos); o grupo F, por espécies ausentes apenas nas ilhas; o grupo G, por espécies ausentes apenas na lagoa e o grupo H, por espécies comuns a todas as áreas amostradas. Comparativamente a outras áreas do sudeste brasileiro, a região costeira de Itaipu representa uma importante área de agregação de diversidade e biomassa da ictiofauna, possibilitando a formação de associações de espécies e a conectividade entre os diferentes habitats locais.

The coastal region of Itaipu, Rio de Janeiro forms a partially sheltered sound, protected by three islands, but still maintaining full communication with the open sea. The sound also receives fresh water input from the Itaipu-Piratininga lagoon system, constituting an area of intense artisanal fisheries. Using data from monthly monitoring of the artisanal fisheries (beach seining, gill netting and hand lining), experimental surf zone beach seine surveys, underwater visual census (Menina, Mãe, and Pai islands), and a multisampling experiment at Itaipu Lagoon, we elaborated a list of fish species occurring in the region, observing their connectivity with different local habitats, including the sound, rocky reefs, the surf zone and Itaipu Lagoon. We identified 183 species including 26 Elasmobranchii, grouped in 13 families, and 157 Actinopterygii grouped in 63 families. The artisanal beach seining caught the greatest number of species (112), followed by the gill netting (94) and hand lining (35). The surf zone beach seining ("picaré") yielded 49 species (8 exclusive) represented mostly by juvenile fish and species of little economic importance. Visual censuses resulted in 41 species identified, with 21 exclusive and most of them cryptic. Within the Itaipu lagoon, 46 species were recorded, 18 exclusive and of occasional occurrence. Cluster analysis including 106 non exclusive species resulted in the formation of eight different groups. Groups A and B were composed by species captured exclusively by the artisanal fisheries within the sound, and included species of commercial interest. Group C included species occurring in the fisheries whose juveniles are found in the surf zone. Group D classified species of common occurrence in the fisheries and the islands. Group E was represented by species shared by the fisheries and Itaipu lagoon (mullets, mojarras, herrings). Species from group F were absent in the islands, those from group G in the lagoon, and those from group H were common to all areas considered. Compared with other coastal areas in southeastern Brazil, Itaipu represents an important concentration area for fish biological diversity and biomass, yielding species associations and connectivity between the different local habitats.

This paper describes the procedures for analysing pollutant gases emitted by engines, such as volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene and p-xylene) by using high resolution gas chromatography (HRGC). For IC engine burning, in a broad sense, the use of the B10 mixture reduces drastically the emissions of aromatic compounds. Especially for benzene the reduction of concentrations occurs at the level of about 24.5%. Although a concentration value below 1 µg mL-1 has been obtained, this reduction is extremely significant since benzene is a carcinogenic compound.