Resumo em Inglês:

This paper reports the use of an electrode modified with poly(o-methoxyaniline) for detecting lithium ions. These ions are present in drugs used for treating bipolar disorder and that requires periodical monitoring of the concentration of lithium in blood serum. Poly(o-methoxyaniline) was obtained electrochemically by cyclic voltammetry on the surface of a gold electrode. The results showed that the electrode modified with a conducting polymer responded to lithium ions in the concentration range of 1 x 10-5 to 1 x 10-4 mol L-1 . The results also confirmed that the performance of the modified electrode was comparable to that of the standard method (atomic emission spectrophotometry).

Resumo em Inglês:

This study investigated the contamination of the Ribeira de Iguape River - RIR by Cd, Zn, Cr and Pb, using the bivalve Anodontites tenebricosus as a biomonitor. Metal concentrations in tissue samples were measured by HR-ICPMS. Bivalve tissues exhibited mean levels of 1.00 µg/g Cd; 152.89 µg/g Zn; 14.79 µg/g Cr and 4.40 µg/g Pb. Lead concentrations were comparable to those reported for moderately contaminated sites. The results showed that Pb is bioavailable to the bivalves, exhibiting high concentrations and exceeding both natural and reference values for human consumption. The freshwater bivalve Anodontites tenebricosus is a suitable biomonitor of contamination by metals.

Resumo em Inglês:

Piplartine (PPTN) is an alkaloid amide found in Piper species that presents different activities. PPTN determination in rat plasma is necessary to better understand its biological effects. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the determination of PPTN in rat plasma. The performance criteria for linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, recovery, and stability have been assessed and were within the recommended guidelines. The validated method proved to be suitable in a pilot study of PPTN kinetic disposition in rat plasma after a single intraperitoneal dose, and represents an appropriate tool to further pharmacokinetic studies.

Resumo em Inglês:

Azole derivatives are the main therapeutical resource against Candida albicans infection in immunocompromised patients. Nevertheless, the widespread use of azoles has led to reduced effectiveness and selection of resistant strains. In order to guide the development of novel antifungal drugs, 2D-QSAR models based on topological descriptors or molecular fragments were developed for a dataset of 74 molecules. The optimal fragment-based model (r² = 0.88, q² = 0.73 and r²pred = 0.62 with 6PCs) and descriptor-based model (r² = 0.82, q² = 0.79 and r²pred = 0.70 with 2 PCs), when analysed synergically, suggested that the triazolone ring and lipophilic properties are both important to antifungal activity.

Resumo em Inglês:

Indium tin oxide nanoparticles were synthesized in two different sizes by a nonhydrolytic sol-gel method. These powders were then transformed into ITO via an intermediate metastable state at between 300 and 600 ºC. The presence of characteristic O-In-O and O-Sn-O bands at 480 and 670 cm-1 confirmed the formation of ITO. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the preferential formation of metastable hexagonal phase ITO (corundum type) as opposed to cubic phase ITO when the reflux time was less than 3 h and the heat treatment temperature was below 600 ºC. Particle morphology and crystal size were examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Resumo em Inglês:

This work reports the chemical composition as well as the antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic activities of the leaf essential oil from Piper malacophyllum. The oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID, GC-MS and polarimetry. Among the 28 compounds identified, (+)-camphor was the major constituent. The essential oil showed activity against most of the microorganisms tested, especially antifungal action, with a MIC of 500 µg mL-1 against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Cryptococcus neoformans. This is the first study reporting the composition and biological properties of leaf essential oil from P. malacophyllum.

Resumo em Inglês:

We investigated the biological decolourisation of dyes with different molecular structures. The kinetic constant values (k1) achieved with azo dye Reactive Red 120 were 7.6 and 10.1 times higher in the presence of RM (redox mediators) AQDS and riboflavin, respectively, than the assays lacking RM. The kinetic constant achieved with the azo dye Congo Red was 42 times higher than that obtained with the anthraquinone dye Reactive Blue 4. The effect of RM on dye reduction was more evident for azo dyes resistant to reductive processes, and ineffective for anthraquinone dyes because of the structural stability of the latter.

Resumo em Inglês:

The objective of this work was to manufacture biodegradable films based on cassava starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT), using glycerol as a plasticizer. These films were characterized according to their microstructure, optical, mechanical, and barrier properties. The combination of starch-PVA-MMT resulted in films with a more homogeneous surface than starch films. The introduction of PVA into the starch matrix led to the formation of films with lower water vapor permeability (WVP), higher tensile strength and greater elongation. MMT was exfoliated in the films, resulting in greater stability for different relative humidities, lower WVP, higher resistance and lower flexibility.

Resumo em Inglês:

Copper fractionation in plasma, muscle and liver of Nile tilapia was performed after protein separation by 2D-PAGE. SR XRF analysis indicated the presence of copper in three protein spots of plasma, and in two protein spots of muscle and liver, respectively. Copper ions were found to be distributed mostly in proteins that had a molar mass of less than 54 kDa and greater than 13 kDa and a pI in the 5.3-9.3 range. The copper concentration bound to these proteins was determined by GFAAS which showed concentrations in the 1.20-4.82 mg g-1 range.

Resumo em Inglês:

The influence of Anatasa/Rutile ratio on TiO2 films, grown by electrophoretic deposition was studied in the photoassisted electrolytic copper ions removal from cyanide solutions. The proper dispersant dosage allowing the simultaneous electrophoretic deposition of Anatase and Rutile was chosen based on electrokinetic measurements; evidenced by the XRD spectra of the formed films. The evaluation of films photoassisted electrolytic copper ion removal showeds that it is possible to enhance the activity of Anatase films by adding some Rutile exploiting the synergetic interaction between these two materials, achieve by its proper deposition.

Resumo em Inglês:

This work studies the effect of NTMP (nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic acid)) on the adsorption of Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) onto boehmite in the pH range 5-9.5. The data were analyzed using the 2-pK constant capacitance model (CCM) assuming ternary surface complex formation. Under stoichiometric conditions, NTMP is more effective for removing Cu(II) than Zn(II) from solution and the contribution of ternary surface complexes are important to model the adsorption of both metals. Under nonstoichiometric conditions and high surface loading with a Me(II)/NTMP ratio of 1:5, Cu(II) and Zn(II) adsorption is significantly suppressed. In the case of Cd(II) the free metal adsorption is the most dominant species.

Resumo em Inglês:

The catalytic performance of Ni/ZrO2 catalysts loaded with different lanthanum content for steam reforming of ethanol was investigated. Catalysts were characterized by BET surface area, X-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectroscopy, temperature programmed reduction, and X-ray absorption fine structure techniques. Results showed that lanthanum addition led to an increase in the degree of reduction of both NiO and nickel surface species interacting with the support, due to the higher dispersion effect. The best catalytic performance at 450 ºC was found for the Ni/12LZ catalyst, which exhibited an effluent gaseous mixture with the highest H2 yield.

Resumo em Inglês:

Interest in analytical methods for quality control of herbal drugs has grown sharply due to the scarcity of monographs in official manuals. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate analytical procedures for quantitative determination of flavonoids from leaves of Bauhinia forficata Link (pata-de-vaca). Two procedures for quantification of total flavonoids (with and without acid hydrolysis) by spectrophotometry were tested. The proposed methods proved to be specific, sensitive, precise, accurate and robust, being suitable for routine laboratory use.

Resumo em Inglês:

Natural geranylhydroquinone 1 and geranyl-p-methoxyphenol 2 were prepared by Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution (EAS) reactions between geraniol and 1,4-hydroquinone or p-methoxyphenol respectively, using BF3∙Et2O as a catalyst. Furthermore, natural geranylquinone 3, geranyl-1,4-dimethoxyquinone 4 and the new geranyl-4-methoxyphenyl acetate 5 were obtained by chemical transformations of 1 and 2. The compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity activities against cultured human cancer cells of PC-3 human prostate cancer, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma, and Dermal Human Fibroblasts DHF. IC50 values were in the µM range.

Resumo em Inglês:

This phytochemical investigation of Guettarda pohliana leaves led to the isolation of the triterpenes pomolic acid, rotundic acid, 3β,6α,19α,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, clethric acid, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, the monoterpenoids loliolide and secoxyloganin, besides daucosterol and steroids. The structures of the isolated compounds were assigned on the basis of NMR data, including two-dimensional NMR methods. The anti-inflammatory activity of the crude methanolic extracts from leaves and roots, as well as of their fractions, was evaluated.

Resumo em Inglês:

The bioassay, first order derivative UV spectrophotometry and chromatographic methods for assaying fluconazole capsules were compared. They have shown great advantages over the earlier published methods. Using the first order derivative, the UV spectrophotometry method does not suffer interference of excipients. Validation parameters such as linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection and limit of quantitation were determined. All methods were linear and reliable within acceptable limits for antibiotic pharmaceutical preparations being accurate, precise and reproducible. The application of each method as a routine analysis should be investigated considering cost, simplicity, equipment, solvents, speed, and application to large or small workloads.

Resumo em Inglês:

A new sensitive and selective procedure for speciation of trace dissolved Fe(III) and Fe(II), using modified octadecyl silica membrane disks and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry was developed. A ML3 complex is formed between the ligand and Fe(III) responsible for extraction of metal ion on the disk. Various factors influencing the separation of iron were investigated and the optimized operation conditions were established. Under optimum conditions, an enrichment factor of 166 was obtained for Fe3+ ions. The calibration graph using the preconcentration system for Fe3+ was linear between 40.0 and 1000.0 μg L-1.

Resumo em Inglês:

The content of isoorientin in passion fruit rinds (Passiflora edulis fo. flavicarpa O. Degener) was determined by HPTLC (high performance thin layer chromatography) with densitometric analysis. The results revealed a higher amount of isoorientin in healthy rinds of P. edulis (92.275 ± 0.610 mg L-1) than in rinds with typical symptoms of PWV (Passion fruit Woodiness Virus) infection (28.931 ± 0.346 mg L-1). The HPTLC data, allied to assays of radical scavenging activity, suggest the potential of P. edulis rinds as a natural source of flavonoids or as a possible functional food.

Resumo em Inglês:

Edibles films are an alternative to synthetic materials used for packing food products. Barbados cherry is rich in vitamin C and carotenoids. The aim of this study was to characterize and develop films by casting from cassava starch, lyophilized Barbados cherry pulp and glycerol. The films were characterized with respect to thickness, water vapor permeability (WVP), water solubility, vitamin C, carotene and mechanical properties. The interaction of pulp and glycerol reduced film thickness. An increase in pulp concentration up to 60% increased WVP but beyond this concentration reduced both WVP and solubility leading to an increased level of vitamin C and β carotene in the films.

Resumo em Inglês:

This paper describes an analytical method for analyzing polychlorinated biphenyls in corn samples using solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by determination by GC-MS. All calibration curves proved linear (r> 0.99). Recoveries ranged between 74.1 and 110.6% with relative standard deviation lower than 20% for all compounds. The limits of quantitation for the method were between 0.025 and 0.1 ng g-1. Of the 51 samples analyzed, PCB 180 showed the highest frequency, being detected in more than 39%, followed by PCB 138, detected in more than 33% of samples.

Resumo em Inglês:

Diclofenac is one of most frequently detected compounds in the water cycle. In this work, the effect of initial concentration, liquid inclusion complexes with β-Cyclodextrins (β-CDs) on the photodegradation of diclofenac were studied. Six phototransformation products were detected by HPLC chromatograms. UV-absorption spectra of diclofenac and phototransformation products were determined. One of the phototransformation products was identified. The degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. The experiment showed that irradiation of diclofenac in the presence of β-CDs increase photodegradation rate and determined the optimal molar ratio of diclofenac to β-CDs as 1:2. The reduced photohaemolytic activity of diclofenac in the presence of β-CDs may be attributed to the sequestering and stabilizing of the radical intermediates and /or photoproducts by complexation.

Resumo em Inglês:

The application of multivariate analysis to spectrophotometric (UV) data was explored for distinguishing extracts of cachaça woods commonly used in the manufacture of casks for aging cachaças (oak, cabreúva-parda, jatobá, amendoim and canela-sassafrás). Absorbances close to 280 nm were more strongly correlated with oak and jatobá woods, whereas absorbances near 230 nm were more correlated with canela-sassafrás and cabreúva-parda. A comparison between the spectrophotometric model and the model based on chromatographic (HPLC-DAD) data was carried out. The spectrophotometric model better explained the variance data (PC1 + PC2 = 91%) exhibiting potential as a routine method for checking aged spirits.

Resumo em Inglês:

This work describes the phytochemical study of stems of Mimosa invisa (Mimosaceae) and the evaluation of the antioxidant potential of isolated compounds. Cromatografic techniques were employed to isolate salicifoliol, pinoresinol, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-rhamnopyranosyl, quercetin-3-O-arabinofuranosyl lupeol, β-amyrin, sitosterol, p-hydroxy coumaric acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzaldehyde (vanillin), 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy benzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzoic acid and 4',6,7- trimethoxy flavonol. The latter had been previously described but the spectrometric data shown indicated the structure required review. The antioxidant activity of the compounds was evaluated by the DPPH test and capability of NBT reduction by superoxide radicals. Quercetin glycosides showed lower antioxidant potential than quercetin and, salicifoliol was found to be more active than pinoresinol.

Resumo em Inglês:

There are many controversies regarding the cyto- and genotoxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In this work, we discuss that many of the incongruous arguments are probably associated with the poor physical-chemical characterization of the CNT samples used in many publications. This manuscript presents examples of carbon nanostructures observed under high resolution electron microscopy that can be found in typical CNT samples, and shows which roles in cyto- and genotoxicity need to be better investigated. Issues concerning chemical treatment are addressed and examples of misunderstandings that can occur during the studies of cyto- and genotoxicity of CNT samples are given.

Resumo em Inglês:

Corals incorporate major and trace elements in their tissues and skeletons, acting as good proxies for contaminant inputs over time. This incorporation occurs by a variety of mechanisms and depends on the bioavailability of elements. Corals are very susceptible to metal contamination during sample collection. As such, pre-treatment procedures need to include a decontamination step. The high Na and Ca concentrations in the matrix make the determination of trace metals an analytical challenge. The present paper reviews all the information published on coral sample pretreatments, metal determinations in corals, and also discusses the use of coral to monitor metal contamination.

Resumo em Inglês:

A reversed-phase HPLC method was developed and validated to separate and simultaneously quantify the association of betamethasone sodium phosphate (BP) and betamethasone dipropionate (BD) in injectable suspensions. Chromatographic conditions were ternary gradient elution at 1.6 mL/min on a C18 column with 254 nm. The linearity of the method was established in the range 120 to 280 mg/mL BD, and 48 to 112 mg/mL BP. The RSD of intermediate precision of the method was <1% and recoveries were 99-101% for both drugs. The method proved selective, linear, precise, accurate and robust for quantifying BP and BD in commercial injectable suspensions.

Resumo em Inglês:

A method based on enzymatic activities was developed using three enzymes (glycerokinase, glycerol-3-phosphate oxidase and peroxidase) and colorimetric detection for the determination of glycerol in biodiesel. The enzymatic conversion of glycerol produces H2O2 that is eliminated by the action of peroxidase, an oxygen acceptor and 4- aminoantipirine, producing water and a colored compound, which was analyzed. This method showed good linear correlation coefficient (r = 0.9937) in the concentration range of 4.95 x 10-5 to 3.96 x 10-4% (w/w) and had experimental limits of detection and quantitation of 7.10 x 10-6 and 2.10 x 10-5% (w/w), respectively.

Resumo em Inglês:

In this study, an analytical method was developed and validated for quantitation of the drug bevacizumab (Avastin®) by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC column was a BioSuite 250® HR SEC, 300 x 7.8 mm x 5 µm (Waters, USA). The mobile phase consisted of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The results revealed that the method was specific, precise, accurate, robust and linear (r² = 0.998) from 5 to 75 µg mL-1. Therefore, this method can be used in drug release studies or in quality control ampoules of the drug.

Resumo em Inglês:

Raman imaging spectroscopy is a highly useful analytical tool that provides spatial and spectral information on a sample. However, CCD detectors used in dispersive instruments present the drawback of being sensitive to cosmic rays, giving rise to spikes in Raman spectra. Spikes influence variance structures and must be removed prior to the use of multivariate techniques. A new algorithm for correction of spikes in Raman imaging was developed using an approach based on comparison of nearest neighbor pixels. The algorithm showed characteristics including simplicity, rapidity, selectivity and high quality in spike removal from hyperspectral images.

Resumo em Inglês:

Two methods for the determination of Ivermectin in veterinarian medications were developed and compared. One of the methods was based on UV spectrometry and the other on HPLC-UV. The former method was shown to be positively biased regarding the nominal concentrations of Ivermectin in different medications. The method of standard addition was unable to correct this bias, indicating significant matrix effects. The HPLC-UV method showed good linearity, throughput, recovery and limits of detection and quantitation adequate for its application in the evaluation of Ivermectin in medications. Several medications were evaluated and good agreement between our results and their nominal concentrations was found.

Resumo em Inglês:

A simple, rapid and selective method using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (267 nm) was applied for the determination of tryptophan in plasma. Separation was carried out on a C18 column (150 x 4.6 mm internal diameter) in 6 min. The mobile phase consisted of 5 mM the sodium acetate and acetonitrile (92:8, v/v). The method was shown to be precise and accurate, and good recovery of analyte was achieved, characterizing the method as efficient and reliable for use in laboratory analysis.

Resumo em Inglês:

Simple, sensitive and accurate spectrophotometric derivative methods were developed for the simultaneous determination of olanzapine and fluoxetine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical formulations by derivative spectrophotometry. On all orders of derivative studied, the linear response range was 10 to 60 mg L-1, with limit of quantitation (LoQ) ranging from 0.73 to 1.49 mg L-1 for fluoxetine hydrochloride and from 0.18 to 0.96 mg L-1 for olanzapine. The best orders for derivative analyses showed recoveries ranging from 99 to 103% and from 98 to 100%, and inter-day accuracy < 2.1% and < 2.8%, for fluoxetine hydrochloride and olanzapine, respectively.

Resumo em Inglês:

In this paper, a simple and rapid method of evaluating galvanized steel sheet corrosion in a CuSO4 solution, as an experimentation proposal for corrosion teaching. Galvanized steel corrosion is present in tanks and tubing by leading of natural or industrial waters which contain soluble copper compounds. This was the rationale for choosing the Cu2+ ions solution as an oxidizing agent. The method principle is based on visual colorimetry because the used oxidant has an intense blue color. Thus, a change in its concentration as a result of the corrosive process can be followed by a color intensity change in the solution thereby allowing evaluation of the corrosion rate.

Resumo em Inglês:

This work presents an optimized integrated experiment for isolation of clove bud essential oil, rich in eugenol, and subsequent utilization of the solid residue for furfural synthesis. The operationally simple laboratory protocols and utilization of water as a solvent in both operations, plus the use of biomass as the starting material for preparation of versatile intermediates in organic synthesis, make the experiments attractive for undergraduate experimental organic chemistry courses in the context of green chemistry. In addition, this is the first description of the use of biomass (clove bud) in the simultaneous preparation of two chemical feedstocks, eugenol and furfural, on experimental organic chemistry courses.

Resumo em Inglês:

This work describes an undergraduate experiment for the synthesis of Knoevenagel adduct of Meldrum's acid with nine aromatic aldehydes, using water as the solvent, in an adaptation of a previously reported synthetic protocol. The synthesis was straightforward, requiring a period of two hours, and is suitable for undergraduate experimental courses on green chemistry. In addition, quantitative analyses of the relative reactivity of p-nitro-benzaldehyde and p-metoxi-benzaldehyde was evaluated through the competitive reaction of equimolar amounts of these aldehydes with one equivalent of Meldrum's acid, using gas chromatography to quantify the composition of the reaction mixture.

Resumo em Inglês:

Chemistry students have difficulty understanding molecular structures and their functions. To aide their comprehension, molecular visualization software has been developed to run on smart phones, but in order to positively influence learning it must have a high degree of usability (usability measures how software is used in terms of efficiency, efficacy and satisfaction). This paper describes a usability study of molecular visualization software running on a smart phone, where chemistry students analyzed molecular models. Results showed very good usability and 95% of students wanted to use it in further classes.

Resumo em Inglês:

History shows that public health actions to combat epidemics are most effective when there is constant synergy of both government and society, exemplified by prevention actions in the fight against dengue fever, H1N1 influenza etc. Private-public-partnerships (PPP) can also provide more dynamic and consistent results in production through interaction among Government, University and Enterprise actors. This article puts forward proposals to tackle the problem of neglected tropical diseases via the formation of a Management Council using Etzkowitz's Triple Helix concept to attenuate this public health issue in Brazil.