Imiquimod (IMQ), an immune response modifier, is used for topical treatment of basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis. The very poor aqueous solubility of imiquimod gives rise to difficulties in designing aqueous formulations with this drug. One approach that is widely used to enhance drug solubility is complexation with cyclodextrins. The formation of the inclusion complex between IMQ and β-cyclodextrin was investigated in solution and in solid state. IMQ aqueous solubility was improved in the presence of citric acid. The experimental results and molecular modeling indicated the formation of the inclusion complex in aqueous solution of citric acid pH 3.0; however, the low apparent stability constant suggested weak interaction between β-cyclodextrin and IMQ which hampered the use of this approach to improve imiquimod aqueous solubility and the development of an aqueous formulation containing IMQ in the same concentration as in the commercial product.

Benzbromarone (BZB) is a drug that has diuretic activity and is used in the gout treatment. Its therapeutic efficiency is decreased by its low water solubility (11.8 mg L-1) and highly hydrophobic aspect (logP 2.7), which are responsible for affecting its intestinal absorption and bioavailability. BZB inclusion complex (IC) aims at increasing the drug solubility in water and reduce adverse effects resulting in more efficient formulations. The coprecipitation encapsulating method was used to obtain the IC of BZB in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and the complex (BZB@β-CD) was characterized via physical-chemical analysis. A comparative study of time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) and configuration interaction singles (CIS), along with “our own N-layered integrated molecular orbital and molecular mechanics” (ONIOM) method, has been carried out on the UV-Vis absorption of BZB and BZB@β-CD. The qualitative description of the simulated spectrum, given by ONIOM(CIS:PM6), is in accord with the formation of BZB@β-CD. It only became possible when phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) was used to prepare the solutions, since the complex formation did not occur in deionized water or buffered acid. Furthermore, by using the Job plot, the Scatchard method and fluorescence, it was possible to conclude that the complex molecular stoichiometry was 1:1 (1 BZB to 1 β-CD).

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar quimicamente os componentes da fumaça do eletrocautério, provenientes da coagulação de tecidos, muscular e hepático de suino. Métodos: coleta de fumaça produzida por eletrocauterização de tecido porcino em frascos previamente evacuados com análise qualitativa e quantitativa dos compostos presentes, através de técnica hifenada, cromatografia a gás/espectrometria de massas. Resultados: houve presença majoritária do aldeído decanal nas fumaças provenientes dos tecidos subcutâneo, muscular e hepático. Fumaças dos tecidos subcutâneo e muscular mostraram também a presença de hexanal e fenol. Nas fumaças dos tecidos subcutâneo e hepático foram encontrados ainda tolueno e limoneno e, por fim, nonanal estava presente nas fumaças dos tecidos muscular e hepático. Conclusão: há número crescente de evidências mostrando que fumaça proveniente de eletrocauterização de tecidos subcutâneo, muscular e hepático é nociva à saúde de seres humanos. Portanto, há necessidade de reduzir a exposição a ela ou usar máscara com filtro capaz de reter essas partículas.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the chemical components of the smoke from electrocautery from coagulating muscle and liver tissues of pigs. Methods: we collected smoke produced by electrocautery applied to porcine tissue in previously evacuated bottles, with qualitative and quantitative analysis of the compounds present through the hyphenated technique gas chromatography / mass spectrometry. Results: there was a majority of decanal aldehyde in the fumes from the subcutaneous, muscle and liver tissues. Fumes of subcutaneous and muscular tissues also showed the presence of hexanal and phenol. In the fumes of subcutaneous and liver tissues we also found toluene and limonene and, finally, nonanal smoke was present in the muscle and liver tissues. Conclusion: there is increasing evidence showing that smoke from electrocautery used in subcutaneous, muscle and liver tissue is harmful to human health. Thus, there is need to reduce exposure to it or wear masks with filters capable of retaining these particles.

In this work we present the optogalvanic effect in ionized gases in an historical perspective. This effect was observed for the first time by Foote and Mohler in 1925, and explained by Penning in 1928 for mixtures (Ne-Ar) and pure gases (or vapours) in 1937. Also, we show some aspects of the contributions of Romenian authors for the development of optogalvanic spectroscopy, which was used as a new technique only after 1964.

As a result of a number of discussions on the quality of undergraduate courses in Brazilian universities, curricular directions have been proposed. We present herein the curricular directions for the Chemistry courses with respect to basic, professional and complementary contents and extra-class activities.