Alkali- and nitrate-free synthesis of highly active Mg-Al hydrotalcite-coated alumina for FAME production

Mg-Al hydrotalcite coatings have been grown on alumina via a novel alkali- and nitrate-free impregnation route and subsequent calcination and hydrothermal treatment. The resulting Mg-HT/AlO catalysts significantly outperform conventional bulk hydrotalcites prepared via co-precipitation in the transesterification of C-C triglycerides for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) production, with rate enhancements increasing with alkyl chain length. This promotion is attributed to improved accessibility of bulky triglycerides to active surface base sites over the higher area alumina support compared to conventional hydrotalcites wherein many active sites are confined within the micropores. © 2014 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Designer catalysts for biodiesel synthesis

The combination of dwindling oil reserves and growing concerns over carbon dioxide emissions and associated climate change is driving the urgent development of clean, sustainable energy supplies. Biodiesel is a non-toxic and biodegradable fuel, with the potential for closed CO2 cycles and thus vastly reduced carbon footprints compared with petroleum. However, current manufacturing routes employing soluble catalysts are very energy inefficient, with their removal necessitating an energy intensive separation to purify biodiesel, which in turn produces copious amounts of contaminated aqueous waste. The introduction of non-food based feedstocks and technical advances in heterogeneous catalyst and reactor design are required to ensure that biodiesel remains a key player in the renewable energy sector for the 21st century. Here we report on the development of tuneable solid acid and bases for biodiesel synthesis, which offer several process advantages by eliminating the quenching step and allowing operation in a continuous reactor. Significant progress has been made towards developing tuneable solid base catalysts for biodiesel synthesis, including Li/CaO [1], Mg-Al hydrotalcites [2] and calcined dolomite [3] which exhibit excellent activity for triglyceride transesterification. However, the effects of solid base strength on catalytic activity in biodiesel synthesis remains poorly understood, hampering material optimisation and commercial exploitation. To improve our understanding of factors influencing solid base catalysts for biodiesel synthesis, we have applied a simple spectroscopic method for the quantitative determination of surface basicity which is independent of adsorption probes. Such measurements reveal how the morphology and basicity of MgO nanocrystals correlate with their biodiesel synthesis activity [4]. While diverse solid acids and bases have been investigated for TAG transesterification, the micro and mesoporous nature of catalyst systems investigated to date are not optimal for the diffusion of bulky and viscous C16-C18 TAGs typical of plant oils. The final part of this presentation will address the benefits of designing porous networks comprising interconnected hierarchical macroporous and mesoporous channels (Figure 1) to enhance mass-transport properties of viscous plant oils during biodiesel synthesis [5]. References: [1] R.S. Watkins, A.F. Lee, K. Wilson, Green Chem., 2004, 6, 335. [2]D.G. Cantrell, L.J. Gillie, A.F. Lee and K. Wilson, Appl. Catal. A, 2005, 287,183. [3] C. Hardacre, A.F. Lee, J.M. Montero, L. Shellard, K.Wilson, Green Chem., 2008, 10, 654. [4] J.M. Montero, P.L. Gai, K. Wilson, A.F. Lee, Green Chem., 2009, 11, 265. [5] J. Dhainaut, J.-P. Dacquin, A.F. Lee, K. Wilson, Green Chem., 2010, 12, 296.

Preparation of 6-thioguanosine phosphoramidite for oligoribonucleotide synthesis

6-Thioguanosine phosphoramidite was prepared, using 2,4-dinitrophenyl as protection group for thio-function, and its stability towards conditions of RNA synthesis was investigated. The results show that the monomer was stable under the conditions of RNA synthesis and suitable for incorporation of thioguanine into oligoribonucleotides.

A critical review of both the synthesis approach and the receptor profile of the 8-chloro-1-(2′,4′-dichlorophenyl)-N-piperidin-1-yl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydrobenzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2-c]pyrazole-3-carboxamide and analogue derivatives

We thank European Commission (project “PET BRAIN: Mapping the brain with PET radiolabeled cannabinoid CB1 ligands”; FP7-People-2009-IAPP; Grant Agreement N.25142).

Synthesis of Pr0.6Sr0.4FeO 3-δ -xCe0.9Pr0.1O 2-δ cobalt-free composite cathodes by a one-pot method for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Cobalt-free composite cathodes consisting of Pr_0.6Sr_0.4FeO _3-δ -xCe_0.9Pr_0.1O _2-δ (PSFO-xCPO, x = 0-50 wt%) have been synthesized using a one-pot method. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal expansion coefficient, conductivity, and polarization resistance (R _P ) have been used to characterize the PSFO-xCPO cathodes. Furthermore the discharge performance of the Ni-SSZ/SSZ/GDC/PSFO-xCPO cells has been measured. The experimental results indicate that the PSFO-xCPO composite materials fully consist of PSFO and CPO phases and posses a porous microstructure. The conductivity of PSFO-xCPO decreases with the increase of CPO content, but R _P of PSFO-40CPO shows the smallest value amongst all the samples. The power density of single cells with a PSFO-40CPO composite cathode is significantly improved compared with that of the PSFO cathode, exhibiting 0.43, 0.75, 1.08 and 1.30 W cm^-2 at 650, 700, 750 and 800 °C, respectively. In addition, single cells with the PSFO-40CPO composite cathode show a stable performance with no obvious degradation over 100 h when operating at 750 °C.

Synthesis, Characterization and Properties of Conductive Elastomeric Composites Based on Polypyrrole and Short Nylon-6 Fiber

The search for new materials especially those possessing special properties continues at a great pace because of ever growing demands of the modern life. The focus on the use of intrinsically conductive polymers in organic electronic devices has led to the development of a totally new class of smart materials. Polypyrrole (PPy) is one of the most stable known conducting polymers and also one of the easiest to synthesize. In addition, its high conductivity, good redox reversibility and excellent microwave absorbing characteristics have led to the existence of wide and diversified applications for PPy. However, as any conjugated conducting polymer, PPy lacks processability, flexibility and strength which are essential for industrial requirements. Among various approaches to making tractable materials based on PPy, incorporating PPy within an electrically insulating polymer appears to be a promising method, and this has triggered the development of blends or composites. Conductive elastomeric composites of polypyrrole are important in that they are composite materials suitable for devices where flexibility is an important parameter. Moreover these composites can be moulded into complex shapes.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of some 2- Piperidinomethylamino-4-(7-H/substituted coumarin-3-yl)- 6-chlorosubstitutedphenyl pyrimidines

Purpose: To prepare and evaluate some 2-piperidinomethylamino-4-(7-H/substitutedcoumarin-3-yl)-6- chlorosubstitutedphenyl pyrimidines as antimicrobial agents. Methods: Some 2-piperidinomethylamino-4-(7-H/substitutedcoumarin-3-yl)-6-chlorosubstitutedphenyl pyrimidines were prepared by reacting 2-amino-4-(7-H/substitutedcoumarin-3-yl)-6- (chlorosubstitutedphenyl) pyrimidines with piperidine and formaldehyde. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. These compounds were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against ten bacteria and five fungi by serial plate dilution method using standard drugs, namely, ofloxacin and ketoconazole, respectively, and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were also determined. Results: A total of eighteen new compounds (1a-18a) were synthesized. Compound 6a (MIC = 50 μg/mL; p < 0.05 or less) displayed the highest activity against S. aureus , E. faecalis , Staphylococcus epidermidis , B. subtilis , and B. cereus . Compound 6a further showed good activity (MIC = 25 μg/mL; p < 0.05 or less) against E. coli ; P. aeruginosa K. pneumonia , B. bronchiseptica , and P. vulgaris . Compounds 6a (MIC = 25 μg/mL; p < 0.0001) and 17a (MIC = 25 μg/mL; p < 0.0001) displayed very good activity against C. albicans , A. niger , A. flavus , M. purpureous , and P. citrinum , respectively. Analysis of structure-activity relationship revealed that the presence of bromo group at 7-postion of the coumarin moiety along with the 4-chlorophenyl group at position-6 of the pyrimidine ring is critical for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria and fungi. Conclusion: The synthesized 2-piperidino derivatives are better antifungal and antibacterial agents than the earlier reported 2-morpholino derivatives, but require further investigations against other microbial strains to ascertain their broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.

Catalysts study of adipic acid synthesis from 1,6-hexanediol

Sustainable chemicals currently have a very limited market share due to current low production but biomass is expected to become one of the major renewable energy and fine chemicals sources in the coming years. Bearing in mind the compromise of all nations to climatic change remediation, the industries will need to use efficient catalysts and green processes to meet the requirements of emissions and efficiency. This project is expected to develop new catalysts to convert 1,6-hexanediol to adipic acid through a green approach based on the “nano-catalysis” and “green chemistry” concepts. Supported Au and Pd nanoparticles were used to study one-pot reaction of HDO oxidation to AA using O2 as a final oxidant and H2O as a solvent. Catalytic results showed that under low pressure O2 atmosphere and low temperature (< 120°C) AuNPs supported on basic-supports are more active than acid and amphoteric oxides. The effect of basic oxide (MgO) addition to MgF2 was studied. The study showed that doping of MgF2 with MgO increased significantly the activity of the catalyst. The best results were obtained with the Au/0.4MgF2-0.6MgO sample, which gave the selectivity to AA of 33% at HDO conversion of 62%.

Relato das mudanças nos índices de cárie em escolares de 6 a 12 anos antes e após implantação da equipe de saúde bucal no Programa de Saúde da Família, em Senhora de Oliveira - MG

A cárie dentária é uma doença que influencia de forma desfavorável a saúde dos indivíduos em geral e, apesar de ser passível de prevenção, continua sendo um grave problema de saúde pública e uma das doenças bucais que mais acometem crianças em idade escolar. O presente estudo relata a mudança nos índices de cárie dentária em escolares de 6 a 12 anos, antes e após implantação da equipe de saúde bucal (ESB), no Programa Saúde da Família (PSF), em Senhora de Oliveira - MG. Foram utilizados dados de um levantamento epidemiológico realizado em 2006 por solicitação da Secretária Estadual de Saúde de Minas Gerais (SESMG) nas três escolas do município que possuíam alunos na faixa etária de 6 a 12 anos de idade. Em 2009, visando avaliar mudanças na prevalência de cárie dentária após implantação da ESB foi realizado novo levantamento utilizando a mesma metodologia proposta pela SESMG em 2006. Foram examinadas as crianças presentes no momento da visita do pesquisador em duas escolas localizadas na zona urbana e uma escola localizada na zona rural, perfazendo um total de 420 alunos. A média do índice CPO-D(dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados) para a faixa etária em estudo foi de 0,98 para o levantamento realizado em 2006 e de 0,66 para o levantamento realizado em 2009, ambos abaixo da meta estabelecida pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e Federação Dentária Internacional (FDI) para o ano de 2000 em relação à idade de 6 a 12 anos que é um índice CPO-D menor ou igual a 3. Tais dados sinalizam que conjuntamente com as medidas de caráter coletivo, as ações implementadas pela ESB como os programas voltados ao tratamento preventivo, curativo e educativo; bochechos fluoretados semanalmente nas escolas; ações coletivas de escovação dental supervisionada e aplicação tópica de flúor gel semestralmente; dentre outras, vêm alcançando bons resultados.

Ocorrência de cárie dentária em escolares de 5 e 6 anos de idade das escolas públicas de Várzea da Palma-MG

Considerando-se a importância de instituir um planejamento mais adequado e o desenvolvimento eficaz do plano de ação, com sistema de monitoramento e avaliação das atividades, este estudo objetivou analisar, a partir de dados pré-existentes, a saúde bucal dos escolares de 5 e 6 anos de idade do município de Várzea da Palma-MG. Observou-se que 47,5 dos escolares examinados não apresentaram lesão cariosa. Ao considerar-se somente o primeiro molar permanente (70,0 erupcionados), a presença de cárie dentária foi menor (27,6) do que quando se incluíram todos os dentes (52,5). Os resultados sugerem que as ações de promoção da saúde desenvolvidas junto a estas crianças geraram mudanças ao longo do tempo. Considerando a grande polarização da cárie dentária, a redução das disparidades socioeconômicas e medidas de saúde pública dirigidas aos grupos mais vulneráveis ainda permanecem como um desafio para todos os que programam as políticas de saúde no Brasil.

Padronização do atendimento para a implantação de protocolo de acompanhamento às crianças entre 0 e 6 anos na estratégia de saúde da família Ministro Pedro Lessa no município de Serro/MG

Trata-se de um estudo de análise de dados secundários e revisão bibliográfica que teve por objetivo propor a padronização do atendimento voltado às crianças na faixa etária de 0 a 6 anos, através da implantação de protocolos de atendimentos para o acompanhamento do crescimento e desenvolvimento. Por meio de um diagnóstico situacional da saúde das crianças e da organização atual do serviço de saúde na ESF Ministro Pedro Lessa, zona rural do município de Serro/MG, foram propostas ações de reorganização do processo de trabalho visando a implantação de protocolos de atendimento com base no acompanhamento do crescimento e desenvolvimento (puericultura). Assim, espera-se despertar o senso crítico nos profissionais sobre a importância da organização da assistência como um olhar voltado para o trabalho multiprofissional e na promoção da saúde.

Planejamento das ações em saúde bucal na ESF- Avaí em Jacinto/MG, na atenção a crianças e adolescentes de 6 a 12 anos

A cárie é uma doença que atinge as pessoas em todas as idades, podendo interferir na saúde geral e na qualidade de vida da população. Foi observado nos grupos de crianças de faixa etária de 6 a 12 anos, da área adscrita da Estratégia Saúde da Família do distrito Avaí do município do Jacinto/Minas Gerais, índices elevados de cárie. O objetivo deste estudo foi propor ações, a partir de uma revisão de literatura, que orientem o processo de trabalho da equipe de saúde bucal e interfiram no processo da doença cárie na população de faixa etária de 6 a 12 anos. Realizou-se em um primeiro momento o diagnóstico situacional do território onde foram levantados os principais problemas através de pesquisa em documentos e registros dos arquivos de saúde bucal do município, análise dos odontogramas nos prontuários de crianças de 6 a 12 anos, dados da ficha A, bem como entrevista com informante chave. Posteriormente realizou-se a pesquisa na BIREME, nas bases MEDLINE E LILACS, por artigos publicados no período de 2000 a 2012 na língua portuguesa. Foram selecionados 12 artigos e 1 tese, 2 monografias, 1 documento do Ministério da Saúde, 1 Linha Guia, 1 Caderno de Atenção Básica e 2 protocolos de atenção à saúde bucal. Conclui-se que as ações de promoção, prevenção e reabilitação devem ser realizadas forma conjunta e de acordo com as necessidades da população e a realidade local, bem como ser planejadas, além de se buscar parcerias com as escolas.

Design, Synthesis And Biological Evaluation Of Hybrid Bioisoster Derivatives Of N-acylhydrazone And Furoxan Groups With Potential And Selective Anti-trypanosoma Cruzi Activity.

Hybrid bioisoster derivatives from N-acylhydrazones and furoxan groups were designed with the objective of obtaining at least a dual mechanism of action: cruzain inhibition and nitric oxide (NO) releasing activity. Fifteen designed compounds were synthesized varying the substitution in N-acylhydrazone and in furoxan group as well. They had its anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity in amastigotes forms, NO releasing potential and inhibitory cruzain activity evaluated. The two most active compounds (6, 14) both in the parasite amastigotes and in the enzyme contain the nitro group in para position of the aromatic ring. The permeability screening in Caco-2 cell and cytotoxicity assay in human cells were performed for those most active compounds and both showed to be less cytotoxic than the reference drug, benznidazole. Compound 6 was the most promising, since besides activity it showed good permeability and selectivity index, higher than the reference drug. Thereby the compound 6 was considered as a possible candidate for additional studies.

Design And Synthesis Of N-acylated Aza-goniothalamin Derivatives And Evaluation Of Their In Vitro And In Vivo Antitumor Activity.

Herein we describe the synthesis of a focused library of compounds based on the structure of goniothalamin (1) and the evaluation of the potential antitumor activity of the compounds. N-Acylation of aza-goniothalamin (2) restored the in vitro antiproliferative activity of this family of compounds. 1-(E)-But-2-enoyl-6-styryl-5,6-dihydropyridin-2(1H)-one (18) displayed enhanced antiproliferative activity. Both goniothalamin (1) and derivative 18 led to reactive oxygen species generation in PC-3 cells, which was probably a signal for caspase-dependent apoptosis. Treatment with derivative 18 promoted Annexin V/7-aminoactinomycin D double staining, which indicated apoptosis, and also led to G2 /M cell-cycle arrest. In vivo studies in Ehrlich ascitic and solid tumor models confirmed the antitumor activity of goniothalamin (1), without signs of toxicity. However, derivative 18 exhibited an unexpectedly lower in vivo antitumor activity, despite the treatments being administered at the same site of inoculation. Contrary to its in vitro profile, aza-goniothalamin (2) inhibited Ehrlich tumor growth, both on the ascitic and solid forms. Our findings highlight the importance of in vivo studies in the search for new candidates for cancer treatment.