This work aims the synthesis of amidino pyrazolines by the cyclocondensation reaction between 3-(hetero)aryl-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)enones and aminoguanidine hydrochloride under sonochemical conditions. Thirteen new compounds were synthesized in 15-83% of yield after sonication for 30 min without purification by chromatography. Furthermore, antimicrobial activities of the synthesized compounds were investigated by in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in a panel of four bacterial strains and four Candida yeasts. As result, the 5-(4-bromophenyl)-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carboximidamide hydrochloride was identified as the most active against gram-positive S. aureus and E. faecalis with MIC of 7.8 µg mL−1, similar to the value showed by chloramphenicol, which was used as standard.

This article reports the synthesis and characterization of pure and N-, B-, and Ag-doped TiO2 and the ability of these oxides to photodegrade methylene blue (MB) under sunlight or UV-ABC radiation. The compounds were synthesized using the sol-gel method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Photocatalytic efficiency was significantly increased by N-doping, resulting in 98% MB decomposition under UV-ABC irradiation for 180 min. Ag- and B-doped TiO2 lowered MB degradation rates to 52 and 73%, respectively, compared with pure TiO2. The same behavior was observed with exposure to UV-Vis, with 88, 65, 60, and 42% MB removal with N-doped, pure, B-doped, and Ag-doped TiO2, respectively. Under visible light alone, N-doped TiO2 exhibited higher photocatalytic efficiency than commercial P25-type TiO2. Photocatalysis with N-doped TiO2 proved to be a promising alternative for MB degradation, given the potential of employing solar energy, thus minimizing operating costs.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that manifests predominantly in the skin, although systemic involvement may also occur. Although associated comorbidities have long been recognized and despite several studies indicating psoriasis as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, little has been done in general medical practice regardind screening. In the United States, less than 50% of clinicians are aware of these recommendations. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of these comorbidities in 296 patients followed up at a university dermatology clinic. METHODS: Systematically investigated comorbidity frequencies were compared with general practitioners' registry frequencies. Clinical features correlated with comorbidities were also investigated. RESULTS: High prevalences of systematically investigated comorbidities such as hypertension (30%) and dyslipidemia (26.5%) were documented. Conversely, data from general practitioners' records showed that 33% of dyslipidemia cases were undiagnosed and indicated possible underdiagnosis of some comorbidities. Furthermore, an association was found between: the number of comorbidities and psoriasis duration, age and high body mass index an association was found between the number of comorbidities and psoriasis duration, age, high body mass index, waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio. (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Disease duration, age and high body mass index, waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio are possible criteria for choosing which patients should be screened for comorbidities. Underdiagnosis of comorbidities by general practitioners highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach in psoriasis management.

This article reports the characterization of mesoporous Nb2O5 synthesized by the sol-gel method for application in photocatalysis. The emerging contaminant methylviologen was employed for photocatalytic tests. Parameters inherent to the synthesis process, such as stirring rate, aging temperature, and calcination temperature, were employed for a range of values to improve the synthetic route. The powders obtained were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, specific surface area, infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. In samples calcined at 450 °C, a mixture of amorphous and hexagonal phases was observed, with a predominance of the former, while in samples calcined at 650 °C the orthorhombic phase predominated. Samples calcined at 450 °C exhibited larger specific surface areas. Mesoporous structures were confirmed for samples T8035M450 and T8045mi450, which displayed higher photoactivity, with roughly 90% removal of methylviologen.

A higroscopicidade de um alimento desidratado está ligada à sua estabilidade física, química e microbiológica. Este trabalho teve como objetivos a caracterização físico-química e o comportamento higroscópico dos pós da polpa de cajá liofilizada contendo maltodextrina (DE20). Foram feitas as análises de umidade, pH, sólidos solúveis, acidez total titulável, ácido ascórbico, açúcares, cor, higroscopicidade e o grau de caking. Para obtenção das isotermas os modelos de BET, GAB, Henderson e Oswin na temperatura de 25 ºC foram ajustados e avaliados. A adição de maltodextrina à polpa de cajá resultou em um pó com menor higroscopicidade e grau de caking. Além disto, os resultados demonstraram que a adição da maltodextrina confere um pó estatisticamente diferente (p < 0,05) do pó sem adição de maltodextrina com relação ao teor de umidade, sólidos solúveis, acidez total titulável, ácido ascórbico, açúcares e cor. As isotermas dos pós apresentaram comportamento do tipo III, característico de materiais ricos em carboidratos. Os resultados mostraram que os melhores ajustes para as isotermas foram os modelos de BET e Henderson para o pó da polpa de cajá integral e o pó adicionado de maltodextrina, respectivamente.

The hygroscopicity of the dehydrated food is related to its physical, chemical and microbiological stability. This study aimed to characterize the physico-chemical and hygroscopic behavior of freeze dried yellow mombin pulp powder with maltodextrin (DE20). Analysis of moisture, pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, sugars, color, hygroscopicity and caking degree were performed. To obtain the isotherm, BET, GAB, Henderson and Oswin models were fitted and evaluated at 25 °C. The addition of maltodextrin to yellow mombin pulp resulted in a powder with a lower hygroscopicity and degree of caking. In addition, the results showed that the addition of maltodextrin provides a powder statistically different (p < 0.05) than the powder without maltodextrin with respect to moisture content, soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, sugars and color. The isotherms of the powders were classified as type III, characteristic of materials rich in carbohydrates. The results showed that the best fit of the isotherms were BET and Henderson models for the yellow mombin pulp powder and the yellow mombin pulp powder with maltodextrin, respectively.

Estudos recentes demonstram uma relação entre obesidade e inflamação crônica, confirmada através da associação de níveis elevados de fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-±), interleucina seis (IL-6) e proteína C reativa, com aumento do índice de massa corporal (IMC). O estado inflamatório, nos indivíduos obesos, poderia contribuir para o desenvolvimento ou agravamento da psoríase. Fenômenos análogos já foram descritos, em outras doenças inflamatórias crônicas, como a artrite reumatóide e doença de Chrön. Estudos epidemiológicos mostram uma prevalência elevada de comorbidades cardiovasculares, secundárias às alterações metabólicas, associadas à psoríase e obesidade. Permanecem ainda não elucidados alguns aspectos desta associação, como: o impacto da obesidade (nas formas clínicas da dermatose, na associação com comorbidades e na resposta ao tratamento).

Recent studies have found a relationship between obesity and chronic inflammation, confirmed by the association of high levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-_), interleukin six (IL-6,) and reactive C-protein with an increase in body mass index (BMI). In obese individuals, this inflammatory condition could contribute to the development or aggravation of psoriasis. Analogous phenomena have already been described in other inflammatory chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Epidemiological studies have identified a high prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, secondary to the metabolic alterations associated with psoriasis and obesity. A few aspects of this association remain unclear, such as the impact of obesity in the clinical forms of dermatoses, in the response to treatment, and its relationship with comorbidities.