Expanding the application of graphene vertical devices to dual femtomolar detection of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain in serum and saliva.

The emergence of the graphene-based hybrid electrical-electrochemical vertical device (EEVD) has introduced a promising nanostructured biosensor tailored for point-of-care applications. In this study, we present an innovative EEVD capable of simultaneously detecting the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in both serum and saliva. The foundation of the EEVD lies in a poly-neutral red-graphene heterojunction, which has been enhanced with a bioconjugate of gold nanoparticles and antibodies. The biodevice demonstrates a remarkable limit of detection, registering at the femtomolar scale (2.86 fmol L-1 or 0.1 pg mL-1). Its sensitivity is characterized by a 6.1 mV/decade response, and its operational range spans 10-12 to 10-7 g mL-1 in both serum and saliva samples. With a 20.0 µL of biological samples and a rapid processing time of under 10 min, the EEVD achieves the feat of dual antigen detection. The tests achieved 100.0% specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity in saliva, and 100.0% specificity, 88.9% accuracy, and 80.0% sensitivity in serum. This study highlights the EEVD as a low-cost solution of rapid viral detection during the crucial initial phases of COVID-19 infections.

Combustion of pellets produced from corn straw and cashew nut shell in residential and industrial scenarios: Chemical, thermal and emission analyses.

The Brazilian Northeast region has considerable agricultural potential for corn and cashew nuts production. Residues from these cultures can be densified into pellets and used as heat generators in industries and homes. In this study, corn straw pellets (CSP) and cashew nut shells pellets (CNSP) were handmade, together with a variation using glycerol as a binder (CSGP and CNSGP). All pellets were subjected to chemical, thermal and exhaust gas analyses of their combustion. All analyses were based on two different scenarios: (i) the use of CSP and CSGP for energy supply in residential use and (ii) the use of CNSP and CNSGP for energy supply in industrial use. All pellets were subjected to chemical, thermal and exhaust gas analyses of their combustion. Chemical analysis involved the study of various fuel properties, comprehending moisture content (%U), bulk density (kg m-3), volatile materials (%V), ash content (%C) and fixed carbon (%FC), and all evaluated pellets met two or more international trading standards. The combustion process analyses in the residential scenario showed higher average temperatures and lower carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentrations obtained during CSP combustion than those of CSGP, and in the industrial scenario showed average similar temperatures and lower CO and NOx concentrations obtained during CNSP combustion than those of CNSGP. Ours results demonstrate the great potential of corn straw and cashew nut shells as crops to be integrated into the biomass supply chain for energy generation and agro-ecological development.

Berberine increases the expression of cytokines and proteins linked to apoptosis in human melanoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer, and its incidence has increased considerably in the last decades. Melanoma presents difficult treatment with strong resistance of tumor cells, due to its extremely invasive nature with high capacity to metastases. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, is a molecule found in several medicinal plants, and has been studied in several diseases, demonstrating antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties and anti-tumorigenic effects. METHODS AND RESULTS: In SK-MEL-28 cells, 50 µM BBR treatment for 24 h decreased cell viability by 50 percent. This concentration generated cell death both by early apoptosis and necrosis, with an increase in the DNA damage index. BBR increased (*p < 0.05) the proportion of cells in G1/G0 phase and decreased (###p < 0.005) the percentage of cells in S phase. The alcaloid increased (****p < 0.001) ROS production compared to untreated controls with an increase in activated caspase 3 and phosphorylated p53 protein levels. In addition, BBR significantly enhanced ERK as well as both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression compared to untreated controls. CONCLUSIONS: BBR has important antiproliferative effects and may be alone or in adjunct therapy a promising candidate for melanoma treatment, a cancer with great incidence and high lethality.

Combustion of pellets produced from the powders of coconut and cashew nut shells: Chemical, thermal and emission analyses.

Most of the energy consumed worldwide comes from non-renewable sources, such as oil derivatives, making it necessary to search for renewable, clean energy sources, with emphasis on biomass from agricultural and industrial waste. Coconut shell pellets (CSPs) and cashew nut shell pellets (CNSPs) were manufactured and subsequently subjected to chemical, thermal and exhaust gas analyses of their combustion. Mean temperature results in the combustion area were 366.44 ± 84.79°C (CSPs) and 295.00 ± 89.47°C (CNSPs). The exhaust gas combustion values were 19.43 ± 0.57% (CSPs) and 18.75 ± 0.77% (CNSPs) of O2, 2348 ± 1241 ppm (CSPs) and 2901 ± 499 ppm (CNSPs) of CO, 14.92 ± 5.06 ppm (CSPs) and 39.83 ± 10.91 ppm (CNSPs) of NOx, and 441.25 ± 130.41 ppm (CSPs) and 2841.50 ± 765.26 ppm (CNSPs) of CH4. In conclusion, the combustion process of CSPs proved to be less polluting and more energy efficient when compared with CNSPs. The analyses of the exhaust gases from the combustion of these biomasses can serve as a basis for the creation of safety parameters and public policies to regulate the use of biomass for energy purposes.

Graphene-based hybrid electrical-electrochemical point-of-care device for serologic COVID-19 diagnosis.

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemics highlighted the need of sensitive, selective, and easy-to-handle biosensing devices. In the contemporary scenario, point-of-care devices for mass testing and infection mapping within a population have proven themselves as of primordial importance. Here, we introduce a graphene-based Electrical-Electrochemical Vertical Device (EEVD) point-of-care biosensor, strategically engineered for serologic COVID-19 diagnosis. EEVD uses serologic IgG quantifications on SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) bioconjugate immobilized onto device surface. EEVD combines graphene basal plane with high charge carrier mobility, high conductivity, low intrinsic resistance, and interfacial sensitivity to capacitance alterations. EEVD application was carried out in real human serum samples. Since EEVD is a miniaturized device, it requires just 40 µL of sample for a point-of-care COVID-19 infections detection. When compared to serologic assays such ELISA and other immunochromatographic methods, EEVD presents some advantages such as time of analyses (15 min), sample preparation, and a LOD of 1.0 pg mL-1. We glimpse that EEVD meets the principles of robustness and accuracy, desirable analytic parameters for assays destined to pandemics control strategies.

Mesenchymal stem cell-glioblastoma interactions mediated via kinin receptors unveiled by cytometry.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant and devastating brain tumors. The presence of highly therapy-resistant GBM cell subpopulations within the tumor mass, rapid invasion into brain tissues and reciprocal interactions with stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment contributes to an inevitable fatal prognosis for the patients. We highlight the most recent evidence of GBM cell crosstalk with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which occurs either by direct cell-cell interactions via gap junctions and microtubules or cell fusion. MSCs and GBM paracrine interactions are commonly observed and involve cytokine signaling, regulating MSC tropism toward GBM, their intra-tumoral distribution, and immune system responses. MSC-promoted effects depending on their cytokine and receptor expression patterns are considered critical for GBM progression. MSC origin, tumor heterogeneity and plasticity may also determine the outcome of such interactions. Kinins and kinin-B1 and -B2 receptors play important roles in information flow between MSCs and GBM cells. Kinin-B1 receptor activity favors tumor migration and fusion of MSCs and GBM cells. Flow and image (tissue) cytometry are powerful tools to investigate GBM cell and MSC crosstalk and are applied to analyze and characterize several other cancer types.

Exposure to total particulate matter obtained from combustion of diesel vehicles (EURO 3 and EURO 5): Effects on the respiratory systems of emphysematous mice.

Air pollution has association with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and reduced life expectancy. This study investigated the deleterious effects caused by tobacco smoke and diesel exhaust particles (DEP) from vehicles operating under EURO 3 and EURO 5 standards. Experiments were carried out on C57BL/6 mice divided into six groups: control group, group exposed to cigarette smoke (CS), two groups exposed to DEP (AAE3 and AAE5), and two groups exposed to tobacco smoke and vehicle DEP (CSE3 and CSE5). Results showed that, when compared to AA, groups AAE3 and AAE5 showed changes in respiratory mechanics, and that DEP originating from EURO 5 diesel vehicles was less harmful when compared to DEP originating from EURO 3 diesel vehicles. Analyses of groups CSE3 and CSE5 revealed increased inspiratory capacity and decreased tissue elastance, when compared to their respective controls, suggesting an exacerbation of changes in respiratory system mechanics compatible with COPD development.

Reverted effect of mesenchymal stem cells in glioblastoma treated with agathisflavone and its selective antitumoral effect on cell viability, migration, and differentiation via STAT3.

Glioblastoma is the most lethal tumor of the central nervous system, presenting a very poor prognostic, with a survival around 16 months. The interaction of mesenchymal stem cells and tumor cells has been studied, showing a bias in their role favoring or going against aggressiveness. Natural products such as flavonoids have showed their anticancer properties and the synergic potential with the activation of microenvironment cells to inhibit tumor progression. Agathisflavone is a flavonoid studied in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The present study investigated the effect of flavonoid in the viability of heterogeneous glioblastoma (GBM) cells considering a coculture or conditioned medium of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) effect, as well as the dose-dependent effect of this flavonoid in tumor migration and differentiation via STAT3. Agathisflavone (3-10 µM) induced dose-dependent toxicity to GL-15 and U373 human GBM cells, since 24 h after treatments. It was not toxic to human MSC but modified the pattern of interaction with GBM cells. Agathisflavone also inhibited migration and increased differentiation of human GBM cells, associated with the reduction on the expression of STAT3. These results demonstrate that the flavonoid agathisflavone had a direct anti-glioma effect. However, could be observed its effect in MSCs response that may have an impact in controlling GBM growth and aggressiveness, an important factor to consider for new therapies.

Avaliação da poluição atmosférica na área do distrito industrial de Maracanaú (CE), Brasil / Assessment of air pollution in the industrial area of the Maracanau district in Ceara state, Brazil

RESUMO A intensificação das atividades industriais e o aumento das emissões veiculares têm contribuído significantemente para o aumento da poluição atmosférica nos centros urbanos. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se a qualidade do ar na área do distrito industrial de Maracanaú, no estado do Ceará, importante área industrial da Região Nordeste do Brasil. As amostragens foram realizadas durante o período de novembro de 2015 a abril de 2016, totalizando 30 coletas com duração de 24 h cada. Realizaram-se coletas para poluentes, como o material particulado total (PTS) e inalável (MP10), NO2, SO2, O3 e metais pesados (Sb, Cd, Pb, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni e Zn) associados ao PTS e ao MP10. O O3 foi determinado por absorção no ultravioleta (254 nm), e estimaram-se as concentrações dos metais por espectroscopia de absorção atômica. Os valores médios observados para os poluentes foram de: 51,3 µg/m3 de PTS; 46,1 µg/m3 de MP10; 8,9 µg/m3 de SO2; 8,3 µg/m3 de NO2; 38,5 µg/m3 para O3 em 8 horas e 48,4 µg/m3 para O3 em 1 hora. Para os metais, o Fe (14,9 µg/m3) foi o mais abundante em ambos os particulados. Todos os parâmetros encontram-se em conformidade com os valores estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira, e somente o MP10 apresentou em 16,7% das amostras concentrações acima (média de 74,5 µg/m3) do recomendado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Em geral, a qualidade do ar na área industrial em estudo pode ser considerada boa, segundo os valores de índice de qualidade do ar (IQAr) recomendado pela agência de proteção ambiental americana.

ABSTRACT The intensification of industrial activities and the increase in vehicular emissions have contributed significantly to the increase in atmospheric pollution in urban centers. In this context, the present study aimed to monitor the air quality in the area of Maracanaú Industrial District, in the state of Ceará, an important industrial area in northeastern region of Brazil. Samples were collected during 24 h from November 2015 to April 2016 for pollutants such as total suspended (TSP) and inhalable particle materials (PM10), NO2, SO2, O3 and heavy metals (Sb, Cd, Pb, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn) associated with TSP and PM10. Ozone (O3) was determined by ultraviolet absorption (254 nm) and the concentration of heavy metals were estimated by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The mean values observed for the pollutant concentrations were: 51.3 μg/m3 for TSP; 46.1 μg/m3 for PM10; 8.9 μg/m3 for SO2; 8.3 μg/m3 for NO2; 38.5 μg/m3 for O3 in 8 hours and 48.4 μg/m3 for O3 in 1 hour. Among metals, Fe (14.9 µg/m3) was the most abundant species in both particulates. All the parameters analyzed are in accordance with the values established by the Brazilian legislation and only PM10 are above the recommended by the World Health Organization in 16.7 % of the samples (mean 74.5 μg/m3). In general, the air quality in the industrial area under study can be considered good, according to the estimates of the air quality index (AQI) recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Effects of fixed oil of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. Seeds on the respiratory system of rats in a short-term secondhand-smoke exposure model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pequi fruit are obtained from the pequi tree (Caryocar coriaceum), from which the pulp and nut are used in order to extract an oil that is commonly used in popular medicine as an antiinflammatory agent, particularly for the treatment of colds, bronchitis and bronchopulmonary infections. Making use of the fixed oil of Caryocar coriaceum (FOCC), an attractive alternative for the treatment of diseases caused by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate whether oral intake FOCC provides beneficial effects in the respiratory system of rats submitted to a short-term secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiments were performed on Wistar rats divided into 4 groups; in the SHS + O and SHS + T groups, the animals were pretreated orally with 0.5 mL of FOCC (SHS + O) or vehicle (Tween-80 [1%] solution) (SHS + T). Immediately after pretreatment, the animals were submitted to the SHS exposure protocol, for a total period of 14 days. Exposures were performed 6 times per day, with a duration of 40 min per exposure (5 cigarettes per exposure), followed by a 1-h interval between subsequent exposures. In the AA + O and AA + T groups, animals were submitted to daily oral pretreatment with 0.5 mL of FOCC (AA + O) or vehicle (AA + T). These animals were then subjected to the aforementioned exposure protocol, but using ambient air. After the exposure period, we investigated the effects of FOCC in respiratory mechanics in vivo (Newtonian resistance -RN, tissue elastance -H, tissue resistance -G, static compliance -CST, inspiratory capacity -IC, PV loop area) histopathology and lung parenchymal morphometry in vitro (polymorphonuclear cells -PMN, mean alveolar diameter -Lm, bronchoconstriction index -BCI), temporal evolution of subjects' masses, and percent composition of the FOCC. RESULTS: Regarding the body mass of the animals, the results demonstrated an average body mass gain of 10.5 g for the animals in the AA + T group, and 15.5 g for those in the AA + O group. On the other hand, the body mass of animals in the SHS + T and SHS + O suffered an average loss of 14.4 and 4.75 g, respectively. Regarding respiratory system analyzes, our results demonstrated significant changes in all respiratory mechanics variables and lung parenchyma morphometry analyzed for the SHS + T group when compared to the AA + T group (p < 0,05), confirming the establishment of pulmonary injury induced by SHS exposure. We also observed that rats pretreated orally with FOCC (SHS + O) showed improvement in all variables when compared to the SHS + T group (p < 0,05), thus demonstrating the effectiveness of FOCC in preventing lung damage induced by short-term SHS exposure. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our results demonstrate that FOCC was able to prevent lung injury in rats submitted to short-term SHS exposure.

Lung injury caused by exposure to the gaseous fraction of exhaust from biomass combustion (cashew nut shells): a mice model.

Currently, to reduce the use of nonrenewable energy sources in energy matrices, some industries have already incorporated biomass as a source of energy for their processes. Additionally, filters are used in an attempt to retain the particulate matter present in exhaust gases. In this work, the emission gases of a cashew nut shell (CNS) combustion reactor and the deleterious effects on the respiratory system of mice exposed to gaseous fraction present in CNS emissions (GF-CNS) are analyzed. The system for CNS combustion is composed of a cylindrical stainless steel burner, and exhaust gases generated by CNS combustion were directed through a chimney to a system containing two glass fiber filters to retain all the PM present in the CNS exhaust and, posteriorly, were directed to a mice exposure chamber. The results show changes in the variables of respiratory system mechanics (G, H, CST, IC, and PV loop area) in oxidative stress (SOD, CAT, and NO2-), as well as in the histopathological analysis and lung morphometry (alveolar collapse, PMN cells, mean alveolar diameter, and BCI). Through our results, it has been demonstrated that even with the use of filters by industries for particulate material retention, special attention should still be given to the gaseous fraction that is released into the environment.

The flavonoid rutin and its aglycone quercetin modulate the microglia inflammatory profile improving antiglioma activity.

Microglia cells are the immune effector in the Central Nervous System (CNS). However, studies have showed that they contribute more to glioma progression than to its elimination. Rutin and its aglycone quercetin are flavonoids present in many fruits as well as plants and have been demonstrated to bear anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor properties also to human glioblastoma cell lines. Previous studies also demonstrated that rutin, isolated from the Brazilian plant Dimorphandra mollis Bent., presents immunomodulatory effect on astrocytes and microglia. In this study, we investigate the antitumor and immunomodulatory properties of rutin and its aglycone quercetin on the viability of glioma cells alone and under direct and indirect interaction with microglia. Flavonoid treatment of rat C6 glioma cells induced inhibition of proliferation and migration, and also induced microglia chemotaxis that was associated to the up regulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and the down regulation of Interleukin 10 (IL-10) at protein and mRNA expression levels, regulation of mRNA expression for chemokines CCL2, CCL5 and CX3CL1, and Heparin Binding Growth Factor (HDGF), Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) growth factors. Treatment of human U251 and TG1 glioblastoma cells with both flavonoids also modulated negatively the expression of mRNA for IL-6 and IL-10 and positively the expression of mRNA for TNF characterizing changes to the immune regulatory profile. Treatment of microglia and C6 cells either in co-cultures or during indirect interaction, via conditioned media from glioma cells treated with flavonoids or via conditioned media from microglia treated with flavonoids reduced proliferation and migration of glioma cells. It also directed microglia towards an inflammatory profile with increased expression of mRNA for IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-18 and decreased expression of mRNA for nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), arginase and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), as well as Insulin-like growth factor (IGF). Treatment of U251 cells with flavonoids also reduced tumorigenesis when the cells were xenotransplanted in rat brains, and directed microglia and also astrocytes in the microenvironment of tumor cell implantation as well as in the brain parenchyma to a not favorable molecular inflammatory profile to the glioma growth, as observed in cultures. Together these results demonstrate that the flavonoid rutin and its aglycone quercetin present antiglioma effects related to the property of modulating the microglial inflammatory profile and may be considered for molecular and preclinical studies as adjuvant molecules for treatment of gliomas.

Design, synthesis and cytotoxicity of the antitumor agent 1-azabicycles for chemoresistant glioblastoma cells.

Twelve multi-functional pyrrolizidinones, indolizidinones and pyrroliazepinones were prepared from formal aza-[3 + 2] and aza-[3 + 3] cycloadditions of five- to seven-membered heterocyclic enaminones as diverse ambident electrophiles. The antitumor activity of these alkaloid-like compounds was investigated through an initial screening performed on human glioblastoma multiform (GBM) cell lines (GL-15, U251), on murine glioma cells line (C6) and on normal glial cells. Of the compounds tested, the new pyrrolo[1,2a]azepinone, [ethyl (3-oxo-1,2-diphenyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrrolo[1,2a]azepin-9a(5H)-yl)acetate] or (Compound-13) exhibited selective cytotoxic effects on GBM-temozolomide resistant cells. Compound-13 exerted dose-dependent cytotoxic activity by promoting arrest of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle in the first 24 h. The apoptotic effect observed was in a time-dependent manner. Anti-migratory effect promoted by the treatment with compound-13 was also observed. Moreover, healthy mixed glial cell cultures from rat brain exhibited no cytotoxicity effect upon exposure to compound-13. Thus, the present study paves the way for the use of compound-13 as novel antitumor scaffold candidate for glioma cell therapy.

Fatores associados a violência contra o idoso e o perfil de vítimas e agressores / Factors associated with violence against the elderly an the profile of the victims an the agressors

Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico de vítimas idosas de violência e seus agressores, a partir de documentos oficiais gerados pelo Departamento de Atendimento a Grupos Vulneráveis concluídos entre 2014 e 2016. Método: realizou-se um estudo epidemiológico do tipo transversal. Para análise dos dados, foi adotado, além da descrição das variáveis, o modelo de regressão de Poisson robusto para avaliação das associações. Resultados: dos inquéritos avaliados, 237 (58,1%) estavam relacionados a agressões ao idoso. A violência psicológica foi a mais frequente (44,4%). Notou-se que 65,8% de todas as vítimas eram do sexo feminino, entre 60-69 anos (42,6%) e com ensino fundamental (42,7%). Os agressores mais frequentes eram do sexo masculino (67,8%), com média de idade de 42,0 anos e filhos da vítima em 49,4% dos casos. Infelizmente, em pouco mais da metade houve indiciamento do agressor. O abuso psicológico foi menos prevalente quando a vítima era de raça/cor branca (RP = 0,6) e mais frequente quando o agressor era o filho (RP = 1,6). O abuso físico esteve associado aos idosos jovens (RP = 1,2), sendo fator de proteção para o abandono/negligência (RP = 0,8). Salienta-se que os homens agressores estiveram menos associados à violência financeira do que as mulheres (RP = 0,7). Conclusão: os resultados demonstram uma prevalência significativa de violência contra idosos, sendo esta ocasionada de modo associado. Faz-se necessária a identificação precoce desse tipo de violência e investimento em ações de proteção da pessoa idosa, com o intuito de manter a sua capacidade funcional e inserção social.(AU)

The study aims to characterize the epidemiological profile of elderly victims of violence and their aggressors, based on official documents generated by the Police Department for Assistance to Vulnerable Groups between 2014 and 2016. Method: a cross-sectional epidemiological study was performed. For data analysis, the robust Poisson regression model was adopted to assess associations. Results: of all cases, 237 (58.1%) were related to aggression against the elderly. Psychological violence was the most frequent (44.4%). It was noted that 65.8% of all victims were female, between 60-69 years old (42.6%) and having elementary education (42.7%). The most frequent aggressors were male (67.8%), with a mean age of 42.0 years ­ 49.4% of all aggressors were victims' children. Unfortunately, only 51.1% of all aggressors were indicted. The psychological abuse was less prevalent when the victim was white (PR = 0.6) and more frequent when the offender was the son (PR = 1.6). Physical abuse was associated with young elderly people (PR = 1.2), being a protective factor for abandonment or neglect (PR = 0.8). It should be noted that male aggressors were less associated with financial violence than women (PR = 0.7). Conclusion: the results show a significant prevalence of violence against the elderly, which was caused in an associated manner. Early identification of this type of violence and investment in actions to protect the elderly is necessary in order to maintain functional capacity and social insertion.(AU)

Kinins in Glioblastoma Microenvironment.

Tumour progression involves interactions among various cancer cell clones, including the cancer stem cell subpopulation and exogenous cellular components, termed cancer stromal cells. The latter include a plethora of tumour infiltrating immunocompetent cells, among which are also immuno-modulatory mesenchymal stem cells, which by vigorous migration to growing tumours and susequent transdifferentiation into various types of tumour-residing stromal cells, may either inhibit or support tumour progression. In the light of the scarce therapeutic options existing for the most malignant brain tumour glioblastoma, mesenchymal stem cells may represent a promising novel tool for cell therapy, e.g. drug delivery vectors. Here, we review the increasing number of reports on mutual interactions between mesenchymal stem cells and glioblastoma cells in their microenvironment. We particularly point out two novel aspects: the different responses of cancer cells to their microenvironmental cues, and to the signalling by kinin receptors that complement the immuno-modulating cytokine-signalling networks. Inflammatory glioblastoma microenvironment is characterised by increasing expression of kinin receptors during progressive glioma malignancy, thus making kinin signalling and kinins themselves rather important in this context. In general, their role in tumour microenvironment has not been explored so far. In addition, kinins also regulate blood brain barrier-related drug transfer as well as brain tumour angiogenesis. These studies support the on-going research on kinin antagonists as candidates in the development of anti-invasive agents for adjuvant glioblastoma therapy.

Cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents / Aptidão cardiorrespiratória em crianças e adolescentes

Abstract Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important health status indicator. The purpose of this study was to verify the cardiorespiratory fitness according to age group and gender in children and adolescents from Sergipe, Brazil. It is a crosssectional study with sample consisting of 195 adolescents of both genders with mean age of 11.75 ± 3.0 years. For the characterization of participants, a questionnaire with age and gender identification designed by researchers was used. Subsequently, participants were submitted to anthropometric evaluation in order to estimate the maturational stage by means of the peak height velocity (PHV). The 20meter back-and-forth test was used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. Two-way ANOVA was applied with sample divided into two groups ("up to 13 years" and "above 13 years"). Polynomial contrast was used to identify the type of tendency for cardiorespiratory fitness, and simple contrast for multiple comparisons. All procedures were performed using SPSS version 22.0 software, considering 5% significance level. In the "over 13 years" group, there was a significant effect on the cardiorespiratory capacity behavior according to "gender" [F(1, 45) = 5.54, p = 0.02, r = 0.33] and "age" [F(4.45) = 3.37, p = 0.02, r = 0.48]. The simple contrast identified increased cardiorespiratory fitness behavior in relation to age groups of 15 and 16 year when compared to the age group of 14 years. It was concluded that gender and age positively influence cardiorespiratory fitness from the maturational reference age in the study group.

Resumo Aptidão cardiorrespiratória é um importante indicador da condição de saúde. Objetivou-se verificar a capacidade cardiorrespiratória, conforme grupo etário e sexo, em crianças e adolescentes do Estado de Sergipe. Trata-se de um estudo com delineamento transversal. A amostra foi composta por 195 adolescentes de ambos os sexos com média de idade de 11,75±3,0 anos. Para a caracterização dos participantes, utilizou-se um questionário com dados sociodemográficos. Aplicou-se uma avaliação antropométrica, de forma a estimar o estágio maturacional por meio do pico de velocidade de crescimento (PVC) e o teste de vai-e-vem de 20 metros para a estimativa da capacidade cardiorrespiratória. ANOVA two-way foi aplicada com amostra dividida em dois grupos ("até 13 anos" e "acima de 13 anos"). Foi aplicado contraste polinomial para identificar o tipo de tendência para a aptidão cardiorrespiratória, e contraste simples para comparações múltiplas. Todos os procedimentos adotaram p ≤ 0,05 e utilizaram o software SPSS versão 22.0. No grupo etário "acima dos 13 anos", encontrou-se efeito significativo no comportamento da capacidade cardiorrespiratória conforme "sexo" [F(1, 45) = 5,54, p = 0,02, r=0,33] e "idade" [F(4, 45)= 3,37, p = 0,02, r=0,48]. O contraste polinomial revelou tendência linear para o VO2 em relação à idade de corte de 13 anos (p=0,04). O contraste simples identificou comportamento crescente da capacidade cardiorrespiratória em relação aos grupos etários de 15 e 16 anos quando comparados ao grupo de 14 anos. Conclui-se que o sexo e a idade influenciam positivamente na capacidade cardiorrespiratória a partir da idade de referência maturacional.

Estimativa das emissões veiculares na região metropolitana de Fortaleza, CE, ano-base 2010 / Vehicular emissions estimate in the Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, metropolitan region in 2010

RESUMO No Brasil e no mundo, o setor dos transportes de passageiros e cargas tem contribuído decisivamente para o aumento das emissões de poluentes atmosféricos, com os consequentes problemas para o meio ambiente e para a saúde humana. Assim, muitos estudos têm recorrido a metodologias e/ou ferramentas específicas para modelar e simular poluentes atmosféricos. A frota de veículos no Ceará teve um crescimento de 169% nos últimos 10 anos, mas ainda se desconhece o volume de poluentes emitidos pela frota circulante da Região Metropolitana de Fortaleza (RMF). Nesse contexto, foram estimadas as emissões veiculares de escapamento para a RMF no ano de 2010. A quantificação das emissões de monóxido de carbono (CO), hidrocarbonetos não metano (NMHC), óxidos de nitrogênio (NOx), material particulado (MP) e aldeídos (RCHO) foi realizada através da metodologia bottom-up. De modo geral, as motocicletas apresentaram emissões significativas de poluentes, sobretudo de CO, NOx e MP, devido à grande quantidade de veículos na região. Os veículos ciclo Otto representam mais de 90% das emissões totais de CO, NMHC e RCHO, enquanto os veículos ciclo Diesel emitem mais de 85% das emissões totais de NOx e MP.

ABSTRACT In Brazil and worldwide, the passenger and cargo transportation sectors have decisively been responsible for the increased emissions of air pollutants, which cause serious damages for the environment and human health, as well. Thus, many studies have been carried out to model and simulate pollutant emissions through methodologies and/or specific tools. The vehicle fleet in the state of Ceará has increased by 169% over the last 10 years and, until now, the amount of pollutants released from circulating fleet of the Fortaleza Metropolitan Region (FMR) is unknown. In this context, vehicular exhaust emissions for the FMR were estimated for the year 2010. Emission estimates of carbon monoxide (CO), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and aldehydes (RCHO) were performed through the bottom-up methodology. In general, it was observed that motorcycles emitted high amounts of pollutants, mainly CO, NOx and MP, due to the large number of vehicles in the region. Otto cycle vehicles accounted for more than 90% of CO, NMHC and RCHO total emissions, while Diesel cycle vehicles emitted more than 85% of NOx and PM total emissions.

Flexibility in Brazilian children and adolescents: a systematic review / Flexibilidade em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Flexibility is a health-related physical fitness component that has its importance related to the maintenance of functional independence and achievement of activities of the daily living. This systematic review aims to analyze the existing evidence in the literature regarding physical capacity flexibility in Brazilian children and adolescents. Searches were conducted in the Virtual Health Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Sportdiscus databases through the EBSCOhost and Pubmed platform. There were 89,553 articles, of which 69,197 were excluded for duplicity, 20,124 for the title, 160 for the abstract, 56 after a full analysis of the article, remaining 16 articles for the qualitative analysis. Of these, from the reading of references, 57 titles partially eligible for the review were identified, and after the application of the eligibility criteria, there were only 18 for the qualitative analysis. Of the 34 studies included for the qualitative analysis, 25 studies were excluded and nine were included in the review. All articles presented the cross-sectional design and used the sit-and-reach test to assess flexibility. It was evidenced that: a) flexibility has been treated as co-adjuvant in studies with children and adolescents; b) although females have absolute flexibility values greater than the opposite sex, males have higher frequency of subjects that meet the health classification criteria in this variable; c) there is greater prevalence of the use of FITNESSGRAM and PROESP-BR reference standards.

Resumo A flexibilidade é um componente da aptidão física relacionada à saúde que tem importância relacionada à manutenção da independência funcional e realização das atividades da vida diária. Esta revisão sistemática tem como objetivo analisar a evidência existente na literatura quanto a capacidade física flexibilidade em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Scientific Eletronic Library Online, Sportdiscus, através da plataforma EBSCOhost e Pubmed. Rastreou-se 89.553 artigos, dos quais 69.197 foram excluídos por duplicidade, 20.124 pelo título, 160 pelo resumo, 56 após análise integral do artigo e restaram 16 para a análise qualitativa. Destes, a partir da leitura das referências foram identificados 57 títulos parcialmente elegíveis para a revisão, após a aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade restaram apenas 18 para a análise qualitativa. Dos 34 estudos inclusos para a análise qualitativa, 25 foram excluídos e nove estudos foram incluídos na revisão. Todos os artigos apresentaram delineamento transversal e utilizaram o teste de sentar e alcançar para avaliar a flexibilidade. Ficou evidenciado que: a) a flexibilidade tem sido tratada como coadjuvante nos estudos com crianças e adolescentes; b) embora o sexo feminino tenha valores absolutos de flexibilidade maiores que o sexo oposto, o sexo masculino tem maior frequência de sujeitos que atingem os critérios de classificação de saúde, nesta variável; c) há uma maior prevalência do uso dos padrões de referência do FITNESSGRAM e da PROESP-BR

School environment and practice of accumulated physical activity in young Brazilian students / Ambiente escolar e prática de atividade física acumulada em jovens brasileiros escolarizados

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the association between school environment and accumulated physical activity in Brazilian adolescents. This is a study with secondary data from sample 1, from the third edition of the National School Health Survey, a study carried out with 102.072 children and adolescents enrolled in the ninth school grade. Questions about characteristics of the school environment and the offer of opportunities for physical activity practices were addressed, focusing on information regarding the structure for physical activity and about the regular practice of accumulated physical activities. Variables were organized from the structure of schools and opportunities for the practice of physical activities, while accumulated physical activity was used as the outcome variable. Data were analyzed from a binary logistic regression model, organized in crude and adjusted models, with a significance level of 5%. Data were analyzed from SPSS for Windows, version 22.0. Results indicate that, from the adjustment of variables, there was an association between the practice of accumulated physical activity and the existence of a sports court under conditions of use (OR=1.22, 95%CI=1.18-1.26), or presence of courtyard for use of physical education classes (OR=1.04, 95%CI=1.01-1.06). Association between the offer of varied physical activities, except for physical education classes, and the practice of accumulated physical activity (OR=1.05, 95%CI=1.02-1.08) was identified. Existence of a sports court/courtyard in schools and the offer of extracurricular physical activities are associated with the practice of accumulated physical activity in young Brazilian students.

Resumo Objetivou-se verificar a associação entre ambiente escolar e atividade física acumulada em adolescentes brasileiros. Estudo com dados secundários da "Amostra 1" da terceira edição da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar, com 102072 crianças e adolescentes matriculados no nono ano do Ensino Fundamental. Foram abordadas questões sobre características do ambiente escolar e a oferta de oportunidades de práticas de atividade física, com foco nas informações sobre a estrutura da atividade física e sobre a prática regular de atividades físicas acumuladas. As variáveis foram organizadas a partir da estrutura das escolas e oportunidades para a prática de atividades físicas, enquanto a atividade física acumulada foi utilizada como variável desfecho. Os dados foram analisados a partir de um modelo de regressão logística binária, organizado em modelos brutos e ajustados, com nível de significância de 5%. Os dados foram analisados no SPSS for Windows, versão 22.0. Os resultados indicam que, a partir do ajuste das variáveis, houve associação entre a prática de atividade física acumulada e a existência de quadra poliesportiva sob condições de uso (OR=1,22; IC95%=1,18-1,26), ou presença de pátio para uso de aulas de educação física (OR=1,04; IC95%=1,01-1,06). Foi verificada associação entre a oferta de atividades físicas variadas, exceto as aulas de educação física, e a prática de atividade física acumulada (OR=1,05; IC95%=1,02-1,08). A existência de quadra de esportes/pátio nas escolas e a oferta de atividades físicas extracurriculares estão associadas à prática de atividade física acumulada em jovens estudantes brasileiros.

Kinin-B1 Receptor Stimulation Promotes Invasion and is Involved in Cell-Cell Interaction of Co-Cultured Glioblastoma and Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents the most lethal brain tumour, and these tumours have very limited treatment options. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are considered as candidates for advanced cell therapies, due to their tropism towards GBM, possibly affecting their malignancy, thus also representing a potential therapeutic vector. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of bone-marrow-derived versus adipose-tissue-derived MSC (BM-/AT-MSC) on heterogeneous populations of tumour cells. This cells' interplay was addressed by the in-vitro two-dimensional (monolayer) and three-dimensional (spheroid) co-culture models, using U87 and U373 GBM cell lines, expressing genotypically different mesenchymal transcriptome profiles. U87 cell low mesenchymal profile expressed high levels of kinin receptor 1 (B1R) and their invasion was greatly enhanced by the B1R agonist des-Arg9-bradykinin upon BM-MSC co-culturing in 3D co-cultures. This correlated to significantly higher cell-cell interactions in U87/BM-MSC mixed spheroids. This was not observed with the U373 cells and not in AT-MSC co-cultures. Altogether, these data support the on-going exploration of B1R as target for adjuvant approach in GBM therapy. Secondly, the results emphasize the need for further careful exploration of the selectivity regarding the origin of MSC as potential candidates for cell therapies, particular in cancer, where they may adversely affect heterogeneous tumour cell populations.