Química Medicinal Moderna: desafios e contribuição brasileira

The main aspects of the modern Medicinal Chemistry, among the classic and industrial paradigms, used in the drug discovery process will be treated. The contribution of the Brazilian science in the knowledge generation in Medicinal Chemistry will be demonstrated, with base in searches accomplished in the portal Web of Science® 7.10 and in the directory of groups of research of CNPq.

Purificação e caracterização da beta-lapachona e estudo de estabilidade dos cristais em diferentes condições de armazenamento

The beta-lapachone is a product obtained from the Ipê Roxo tree [Tabebuia avellandae], which has proved its excellent antineoplasic potential acting through a particular mechanism of apoptosis against various cancer types. This study aims at determining the identity card of beta-lapachone by means of physico-chemical and pharmaco-technical characterization. A purifying process has been performed, as well as the isolation of a contaminant, its isomer alpha-lapachone. A stability study was also performed, determining the ideal storing conditions for beta-lapachone, essential for the ongoing pre-formulation studies for obtaining the different classic pharmaceutical forms and modified release systems.

Diamond synthesis by lasers: recent progress

This paper provides an up-to-date critical review of methods for diamond synthesis by lasers. A provisional classification of synthesizing methods is carried out, in order to present a varied and heterogeneous experimental work that is as clear as possible. Laser diamond CVD methods involve chemical processes in a carbon-containing system induced by specific absorption of laser radiation, while diamond PVD methods involve physical processes induced by an intense, highly-directed laser beam. Different methods involving coupled, simultaneous action of lasers and classic CVD agents are suggested and discussed as prospective approaches for diamond synthesis.

Eletrocromismo: fundamentos e a aplicação de nanomateriais no desenvolvimento de eletrodos de alto desempenho

This review deals with the basis and novel trends in electrochromism, describing the basic aspects and methodologies employed for the construction and analyses of different modified electrodes. The work presents the classic materials used for the construction of electrochromic electrodes, such as WO3 and a view on the basic concepts of chromaticity as a useful approach for analyzing colorimetric results. The report also addresses how the incorporation of nanomaterials and the consequent novel modification of electrodes have furthered this area of science, producing electrochromic electrodes with high performance, high efficiency and low response times.

RESSONÂNCIA MAGNÉTICA NUCLEAR DE SUBSTÂNCIAS ORGANOFLUORADAS: UM DESAFIO NO ENSINO DE ESPECTROSCOPIA

Nuclear magnetic resonance is a technique that is widely used for elucidating and characterizing organic substances. Organofluorine substances have applications in many areas from drugs to liquid crystals, but their NMR spectra are often challenging due to fluoride coupling with other nuclei. For this reason, NMR spectra of this class of substances are not commonly covered in undergraduate and graduate chemistry courses and related fields. Thus, the aim of this work was the presentation and discussion of 1H, 13C, and 19F NMR spectra of eleven organofluorine substances which, in the case of 1H and 13C nuclei, showed classic patterns of first-order coupling and the effects of the fluorine nucleus in different chemical and magnetic environments. In addition, the observation of long distance coupling constants was possible through the use of apodization functions in the processing of the spectra. It is expected that the examples presented herein can be utilized and discussed in undergraduate and graduate NMR spectroscopy disciplines and thus improve the teaching and future research of organofluorine compounds.

Determination of sulfur in diesel using ATR/FTIR and multivariate calibration

The aim of this present work was to provide a more fast, simple and less expensive to analyze sulfur content in diesel samples than by the standard methods currently used. Thus, samples of diesel fuel with sulfur concentrations varying from 400 and 2500 mgkg-1 were analyzed by two methodologies: X-ray fluorescence, according to ASTM D4294 and by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The spectral data obtained from FTIR were used to build multivariate calibration models by partial least squares (PLS). Four models were built in three different ways: 1) a model using the full spectra (665 to 4000 cm-1), 2) two models using some specific spectrum regions and 3) a model with variable selected by classic method of variable selection stepwise. The model obtained by variable selection stepwise and the model built with region spectra between 665 and 856 cm-1 and 1145 and 2717 cm-1 showed better results in the determination of sulfur content.

The harm principle and the greatest happiness principle: the missing link

In this article I present a possible solution for the classic problem of the apparent incompatibility between Mill's Greatest Happiness Principle and his Principle of Liberty arguing that in the other-regarding sphere the judgments of experience and knowledge accumulated through history have moral and legal force, whilst in the self-regarding sphere the judgments of the experienced people only have prudential value and the reason for this is the idea according to which each of us is a better judge than anyone else to decide what causes us pain and which kind of pleasure we prefer (the so-called epistemological argument). Considering that the Greatest Happiness Principle is nothing but the aggregate of each person's happiness, given the epistemological claim we conclude that, by leaving people free even to cause harm to themselves, we still would be maximizing happiness, so both principles (the Greatest Happiness Principle and the Principle of Liberty) could be compatible.

Effect of time-temperature binomial in obtaining biochemical oxygen demand of different wastewaters

Studies on the effects of temperature and time of incubation of wastewater samples for the estimation of biodegradable organic matter through the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), that nowadays are rare, considering that the results of the classic study of STREETER & PHELPS(1925) have been accepted as standard. However, there are still questions how could be possible to reduce the incubation time; whether the coefficient of temperature (θ) varies with the temperature and with the type of wastewater and if it approaches 1.047. Aiming the elucidation of these questions, wastewater samples of dairy, swine and sewage treated in septic tanks were incubated at temperatures of 20, 30 and 35 °C, respectively for 5, 3.16 and 2.5 days. From the parameter of deoxygenation coefficient at 20 °C (k20), θ30 and θ35 were calculated. The results indicated that θ values changes with the type of wastewater, however does not vary in the temperature range between 30 and 35 °C, and that the use of 1.047 value did not implied significant differences in obtaining k in a determined T temperature. Thus, it is observed that the value of θ can be used to estimate the required incubation time of the samples at different temperatures.

Hepatectomia regrada por videolaparoscopia

With the improvement of laparoscopic techniques, endoscopic liver surgery has become feasible. While laparoscopic wedge liver resection are performed more frequently, laparoscopic (anatomical or nonanatomical) liver resection are still at an early stage of development and are somewhat controversial. We reporte laparoscopic hepatic resection without use of sophisticated laparoscopic instruments. A 47-year-old woman underwent radical mastectomy for adenocarcinoma in 1995. 1n the postoperative follow-up presented, a lesion in the left hepatic lobe and, after laparoscopic approach, left lateral segmentectomy was performed. The hepatic resection elapsed without complications. The surgical time was 4 hours and the blood loss was minimal, without transfusion being necessary.The abdominal drain was removed in 24 hours and the patient was discharged in the second postoperative day. Compared to the classic approach by laparotomy, this method was less traumatic, required a shorter hospital stay, and followed by faster recovery.

Abscesso hepático piogênico associado à esquistossomose mansônica

The authors report a case of the 15 year old young man, from endemic zone of schistosomiasis and with a chronic schistosomiasis, was admitted complaining of continuous pain in the right upper quadrant, spreaded to epigastrium and right lower quadrant which, began 10 days before. It was associated to fever, anorexia, hepatomegaly, esplenomegaly and signs of peritoneal irritation without clinical improvement. At laparotomy multiple liver microabscesses were found. Excluded the classic etiology, a liver biopsy was done and showed Schistossoma mansoni eggs. surrounded by the same inflamatory cells of microabscesses. This suggested that they have been the predisposing cause for the formation of liver abscesses, as shown in the literature. Schistosomiasis can be complicated with pylephlebitis, immunodepression and granulomatous reaction, centrallobular necrosis and a raise in the infection risk. The described data suggest the schistosomiasis as the etiology of hepatic microabscesses, mainly in endemic zones.

Hiperaldosteronismo primário: relato de dois casos

The authors present two cases of Primary Hiperaldosteronism, caused by functioning adenoma of the adrenal's cortex. The two females patients presented classic symptoms of the Conn's disease, especially hypocalemia and hypertension. Both were operated and unilateral adrenalectomy was done, with excelent outcome in one and satisfactory in the other one. It is discussed many aspects related to the incidence, the problems with the diagnosis, indication and surgery treatment.

Complicated diverticular disease: the changing paradigm for treatment

The term "complicated" diverticulitis is reserved for inflamed diverticular disease complicated by bleeding, abscess, peritonitis, fistula or bowel obstruction. Hemorrhage is best treated by angioembolization (interventional radiology). Treatment of infected diverticulitis has evolved enormously thanks to: 1) laparoscopic colonic resection followed or not (Hartmann's procedure) by restoration of intestinal continuity, 2) simple laparoscopic lavage (for peritonitis +/- resection). Diverticulitis (inflammation) may be treated with antibiotics alone, anti-inflammatory drugs, combined with bed rest and hygienic measures. Diverticular abscesses (Hinchey Grades I, II) may be initially treated by antibiotics alone and/or percutaneous drainage, depending on the size of the abscess. Generalized purulent peritonitis (Hinchey III) may be treated by the classic Hartmann procedure, or exteriorization of the perforation as a stoma, primary resection with or without anastomosis, with or without diversion, and last, simple laparoscopic lavage, usually even without drainage. Feculent peritonitis (Hinchey IV), a traditional indication for Hartmann's procedure, may also benefit from primary resection followed by anastomosis, with or without diversion, and even laparoscopic lavage. Acute obstruction (nearby inflammation, or adhesions, pseudotumoral formation, chronic strictures) and fistula are most often treated by resection, ideally laparoscopic. Minimal invasive therapeutic algorithms that, combined with less strict indications for radical surgery before a definite recurrence pattern is established, has definitely lead to fewer resections and/or stomas, reducing their attendant morbidity and mortality, improved post-interventional quality of life, and less costly therapeutic policies.

Modified method for bronchial suture by Ramirez Gama compared to separate stitches suture: experimental study

OBJECTIVE: To experimentally compare two classic techniques described for manual suture of the bronchial stump.METHODS: We used organs of pigs, with isolated trachea and lungs, preserved by refrigeration. We dissected 30 bronchi, which were divided into three groups of ten bronchi each, of 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm, respectively. In each, we performed the suture with simple, separated, extramucosal stitches in five other bronchi, and the technique proposed by Ramirez and modified by Santos et al in the other five. Once the sutures were finished, the anastomoses were tested using compressed air ventilation, applying an endotracheal pressure of 20mmHg.RESULTS: the Ramirez Gama suture was more effective in the bronchi of 3, 5 and 7 mm, and there was no air leak even after subjecting them to a tracheal pressure of 20mmHg. The simple interrupted sutures were less effective, with extravasation in six of the 15 tested bronchi, especially in the angles of the sutures. These figures were not significant (p = 0.08).CONCLUSION: manual sutures of the bronchial stumps were more effective when the modified Ramirez Gama suture was used in the caliber bronchi arms when tested with increased endotracheal pressure.

Choledochal cyst in childhood: review of 30 cases

Objective: To analyze and discuss the clinical data, diagnosis and treatment of a number of patients with cystic dilatation of the common bile duct of a Brazilian pediatric hospital.Methods: We analyzed 30 patients treated at the Martagão Gesteira Institute of Pediatrics and Child Care of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro for 23 years ,with statistical analysis of epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and postoperative outcome.Results: We observed a marked female predominance (73.4% of cases), the diagnosis being made in the first decade of life in 90% of patients. The most prevalent clinical manifestation was jaundice (70% of cases) and the classic triad of choledochal cyst was not observed. Abdominal ultrasound was the first imaging examination performed, with a sensitivity of 56.6%, with diagnostic definition in 17 children. Two patients (6.6%) had prenatal diagnosis. All patients underwent surgical treatment, cyst resection with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy being performed in 80% of cases. The incidence of postoperative complications was 13.3% and the mortality rate was 6.6%, ie two patients were diagnosed with Caroli's disease.Conclusion: The non-observance of the classic triad of choledochal cyst suggests that its incidence is lower than that reported in the medical literature. The surgical treatment of choledochal cysts, with resection and bilioenteric anastomosis, is safe even for small children.

Correlação entre a idade e a contagem dos folículos antrais em mulheres inférteis

OBJETIVO: Construir um nomograma correlacionando a idade com diferentes valores dos percentis da contagem dos folículos antrais (CFA) em mulheres inférteis. MÉTODOS: Foi feito um estudo transversal de todas as pacientes atendidas, no centro de reprodução assistida Fêmina, no período de 1º de março de 2010 a 1º de outubro de 2011. As pacientes foram submetidas à ultrassonografia transvaginal do 2º ao 4º dias de seu ciclo menstrual. Foram incluídas as pacientes de 21 a 45 anos, com ciclos regulares, dois ovários íntegros, sem evidência de endocrinopatias e que assinaram o consentimento. Foram excluídas as tabagistas, portadoras de galactosemia, cistos ovarianos, com antecedente de hepatopatia, cirurgia ginecológico-ovariana e tratamento com quimioterapia ou radioterapia. Com o intuito de se verificar a correlação da CFA com a idade das pacientes, foram utilizados os percentis 5, 25, 50, 75 e 95. Com o uso dos percentis foi feita uma regressão linear que possibilitasse perceber o efeito da idade sobre a CFA. Foi utilizado como nível de significância o valor de 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Cento e setenta e duas pacientes foram incluídas no estudo e a média de idade foi de 32,7 anos. Dentre as causas de infertilidade, os fatores masculino e tubário foram as principais etiologias, contribuindo com 65% dos casos. O nomograma correlacionando a idade com os percentis 5, 25, 50, 75 e 95 da CFA foi melhor ajustado por uma função linear. Os percentis que apresentaram as correlações mais altas foram o P25 (r=-0,9; p<0,001), o P50 (r=-0,9; p<0,001) e o P75 (r=-0,9; p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Construiu-se um nomograma correlacionando a idade com os diferentes valores dos percentis da CFA em mulheres inférteis sem endocrinopatias. Esse apresentou um padrão linear de redução da CFA com a idade, em todos os percentis. Esse nomograma pode ser uma referência para o clínico; no entanto, uma validação futura, com dados longitudinais, ainda é necessária.