Visualização no ensino de química: apontamentos para a pesquisa e desenvolvimento de recursos educacionais

Visualization is a fast-growing field in science education. This review covers 171 articles published between 2001 and 2010 in 14 science education journals. Major findings include: i - despite the predominance of English speaking countries, interest in the topic has increased in several countries; ii - qualitative research is increasing, but quantitative methodologies prevail; iii - the role of peer interaction in group activities is little investigated; iv - research on the way students and teachers use visualization tools is increasing, but most publications focus on the tools; v - structure of matter remains the most common subject covered.

O estado da arte na determinação de resíduos de medicamentos veterinários em alimentos de origem animal empregando técnicas cromatográficas acopladas à espectrometria de massas

The determination of veterinary drug residues in foods of animal origin is an important issue because of the risk these compounds pose to human health in addition to their persistence and tendency to bioaccumulate. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the area and this review presents the state of the art in sample preparation procedures associated with chromatographic techniques coupled to mass spectrometry for multiresidue determination of veterinary drugs in food of animal origin at concentration levels suitable for the control of residues and contaminants in food.

Avaliação de tratamentos da amostra em microescala para a determinação de K, Mg, Na e Zn em carnes por técnicas de espectrometria atômica

This paper describes the development of methods in micro-scale for the determination of K, Mg, Na and Zn in meat by atomic spectrometry techniques. The limits of detection (LOD) for K and Na by microdigestion were 0.18 and 0.20 mg g-1, respectively whereas LOD for Mg and Zn by microsolubilization with TMAH were 2.40 and 18.4 µg g-1, respectively. The RSD values were lower than 6.0% and the CRMs analyzed showed values with 95% agreement. The proposed methods are simple, fast and use small amounts of sample (around 10 mg) yet do not require special equipment for sample preparation.

Análise química da biomassa - uma revisão das técnicas e aplicações

Use of biomass as an alternative to nonrenewable feedstock for energy, materials, and chemicals is currently a prominent theme for industry and R Countries like Brazil, USA, and Germany are spending resources and efforts to promote a green economy based on biomass supply chains. Chemical analysis is an important tool to ensure quality, reliability, and to suggest the best potential use for the biomass, thereby enhancing its economic potential. Analytical techniques can identify chemical components, characterize their properties, and determine their concentration. This article discusses the commonly employed techniques and their application in chemical analysis of biomass and its products.

Estudo do teste de Scott via técnicas espectroscópicas: um método alternativo para diferenciar cloridrato de cocaína e seus adulterantes

Cocaine is usually seized mixed with a wide variety of adulterants such as benzocaine, lidocaine, caffeine, and procaine. The forensic identification of cocaine in these street drug mixtures is normally performed using colorimetric testing kits, but these tests may suffer from interferences, producing false-positive results. Here, we describe the use of analytical techniques including attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopies to distinguish between cocaine and other adulterants (lidocaine, promethazine, powdered milk and yeast) that yield positive results on the Scott test using the thiocyanate cobalt reagent. A further 13 substances were also analyzed using the Scott test.

Interação de complexo de rutênio com albumina de soro bovino para detecção amperométrica de ácido ascórbico

The binding of [Ru(PAN)(PPh3)2(ISN)]Cl (PAN = 1-(2'-Pyridylazo)-2-naphtholate) to bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by spectroscopic techniques. According to analysis of the results from the Stern-Volmer equation, the ruthenium complex is able to quench the fluorescence intensity of BSA via a dynamic mechanism. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated (ΔH = 30.3 kJ mol-1; ΔS = 195.4 J mol-1 K-1), indicating that hydrophobic force is the main interaction driving force. The site marker competitive experiments revealed that the binding site of ruthenium complex was in the sub-domain IIA of BSA. FTO glass with a film of BSA-[Ru(PAN)(PPh3)2(ISN)]Cl was used as an ascorbic acid sensor. The linear range of the modified electrode was between 1 and 8 × 10-6 mol L-1.

AVALIAÇÃO DE MÉTODOS DE SOLUBILIZAÇÃO PARA DETERMINAÇÃO DE METAIS EM GLICERINA PROVENIENTE DA PRODUÇÃO DE BIODIESEL POR TÉCNICAS DE ESPECTROMETRIA ATÔMICA

This paper describes the evaluation of simple and fast solubilization methods for the determination of Ca, Mg, and K in glycerin samples from biodiesel production by atomic spectrometry. The solubilization in water was compared with two other methods: solubilization in formic acid and solubilization in ethanol. Using solubilization in water, determination of the three analytes was possible; the values of limits of detection for Ca, K, Mg were 0.31, 0.06, and 0.16 mg kg−1, respectively. Because no adequate reference material was available, the accuracy was evaluated by assessing the recoveries tests with both solubilization methods; the evaluation ranged from 90% to 115%, with values of relative standard deviation >8%, indicating good accuracy of the measure. Four crude glycerin samples obtained from biodiesel plants of Rio Grande do Sul were analyzed after treatment with the different methods of solubilization, and the obtained results of Ca, Mg, and K concentration were in agreement with the values obtained from both solubilization methods. Therefore, solubilization in water is concluded to be a simpler, faster, and viable method for sample preparation of glycerin.

TRIHALOMETANOS EM ÁGUA POTÁVEL E RISCOS DE CÂNCER: SIMULAÇÃO USANDO POTENCIAL DE INTERAÇÃO E TRANSFORMAÇÕES DE BÄCKLUND

We briefly investigated the well-known correlation of trihalomethanes, present in fresh water, with cancer hazard in humans. A transient alternative method of chemical simulation using Bäcklund Transformations and Quantum Mechanics is presented. Finally, the method was applied to simulate the interaction between Trichloridemethane and Alanine - as well as its amino and carboxyl groups.

CONSIDERAÇÕES TÉCNICAS QUANTO AO USO DA VOLTAMETRIA DE VARREDURA ESCALONADA EM PROCESSOS ADSORTIVOS

Cyclic voltammetry has become one of the most useful tools in modern electrochemistry, but the use of digital potentiostats should be treated with caution by users. Staircase Voltammetry utilizes some parameters to build up the potential ramp. However, for some electrochemical processes, the signal response can be different compared with that acquired using true linear sweep (analogic signal). In this work, the role of SCV parameters in current response during the hydrogen electrochemical adsorption/desorption reaction on a platinum surface was studied. In addition, the transient current in each step comprising the ramp was investigated. The results showed that with a step height of 2 mV, the SCV response matches that recorded by linear sweep voltammetry. From the transient current study, two kinds of capacity were identified: non-faradaic and faradaic charge.

INTERAÇÕES FÁRMACO-RECEPTOR: APLICAÇÕES DE TÉCNICAS COMPUTACIONAIS EM AULA PRÁTICA SOBRE A EVOLUÇÃO DOS INIBIDORES DA ENZIMA CONVERSORA DE ANGIOTENSINA

Teaching classes and events regarding the molecular aspects of drug-receptor interactions is not an easy task. The ligand stereochemistry and the spatial arrangement of the macromolecular targets highly increase the complexity of the process. In this context, the use of alternative and more playful approaches could allow students to gain a more thorough understanding of this important topic in medicinal chemistry. Herein, we describe a practical teaching approach that uses computational strategies as a tool for drug-receptor interaction studies performed for angiotencsin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi). Firstly, the students learn how to find the crystallographic structure (enzyme-ligand complex). Then, they proceed to the treatment of crude crystallographic data. Thereafter, they learn how to analyze the positioning of the drug on the active site of the enzyme, looking for regions related to the molecular recognition. At the end of the study, students can summarize the molecular requirements for the interaction and the structure-activity relationships of the studied drugs.

ESTIRIL-LACTONAS DE Cryptocarya aschersoniana Mez. (Lauraceae Juss.) COM ATIVIDADE CONTRA Meloidogyne spp. E INTERAÇÃO IN SILICO COM PROVÁVEL FUMARASE DEMeloidogyne hapla

In a previous study, substances with nematicidal properties were detected in the bark of Cryptocarya aschersoniana. Continuing such study, the methanol extract from this plant underwent fractionation guided by in vitro assays with the plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne exigua. Two active compounds were isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods as (E)-6-styrylpyran-2-one and (R)-goniothalamin. The latter compound was also active againstMeloidogyne incognita. In silico studies carried out with (R)-goniothalamin and the enzyme fumarate hydratase, which was extracted from the genome of Meloidogyne hapla and modeled using computational methods, suggested that this substance acts against nematodes by binding to a cavity close to the active site of the enzyme.

AVALIAÇÃO DA BIOACUMULAÇÃO DE METAIS EM Cyprinus carpio PELA INTERAÇÃO COM SEDIMENTO E ÁGUA DE RESERVATÓRIO

Bioaccumulation of Ag, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn was determined in the gills and liver of Cyprinus carpio and related to concentrations in the sediment and water of the Alagados Reservoir, Ponta Grossa/Paraná. Cd and Fe exceeded the legal limit for water. Fe was the most abundant metal in the reservoir's water and sediment. The metals in the sediment were below the level of probable adverse effects on biota. There were no significant differences between sampling sites for water and sediment. Liver and gills had higher concentrations of Al, Fe and Zn, with a significant increase in Al (P > 0.05) compared to the increase in weight and size of the specimens. Statistically, gills showed higher concentrations of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn and Zn and liver higher concentrations of Cu and Fe. Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn showed significant differences (P < 0.01) between the organs. The bioaccumulation factors (BAF) showed that the interaction of water with gills promotes greater accumulation of metals in this organ. Despite the low concentrations in the reservoir, bioaccumulation of metals in gills and liver of C. carpio occurs by its interaction with contaminated water and sediment, respectively.

Interação dos fungos micorrízicos arbusculares Glomus etunicatum e Gigaspora margarita e o nematóide das galhas Meloidogyne javanica em tomateiro

A produtividade do tomateiro pode ser severamente reduzida pelo parasitismo dos nematóides das galhas, amplamente distribuídos nas áreas de produção hortícola. Em condições de casa de vegetação, avaliou-se o efeito da interação entre duas espécies de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (MA), Glomus etunicatum e Gigaspora margarita e o nematóide das galhas, Meloidogyne javanica, sobre o crescimento e nutrição do tomateiro (Lycopersicon esculentum) cv. Floradade. A infecção por M. javanica reduziu a massa de matéria seca da parte aérea das plantas inoculadas. A redução foi menos acentuada em plantas colonizadas com G. etunicatum (12%), comparadas às plantas colonizadas com G. margarita (32%) e testemunha (24%). Plantas colonizadas com G. etunicatum apresentaram maior massa de matéria seca e número de frutos comparadas aos demais tratamentos. A produção de frutos foi menos afetada pelo nematóide nas plantas inoculadas com G. etunicatum. A concentração e o conteúdo de P na parte aérea não foram alterados pelo nematóide nas plantas colonizadas por G. etunicatum, mas foram reduzidos nas plantas colonizadas com G. margarita e testemunhas. O número de ovos e juvenis de segundo estádio de M. javanica foi maior nas plantas colonizadas por fungos MA, comparadas às não micorrizadas. A maior tolerância observada nas plantas colonizadas com G. etunicatum ao nematóide das galhas, possivelmente está associada à maior estabilidade na absorção de P.

Variabilidade genética de isolados do complexo Colletotrichum associados a sementes de algodoeiro, por meio de técnicas moleculares e inoculação em plantas

A antracnose e a ramulose são doenças do algodoeiro (Gossypium hirsutum) causadas, respectivamente, por Colletotrichum gossypii e C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides, sendo a ramulose a mais importante sob o ponto de vista de prejuízos causados. Por se tratarem de fungos transmitidos por sementes, de difícil diferenciação por métodos convencionais, o desenvolvimento de metodologia usando técnicas moleculares é uma opção que se dispõe na busca de maior precisão e rapidez. O presente trabalho objetivou associar informações do teste de patogenicidade com marcadores bioquímicos e moleculares de DNA/RAPD, visando a identificação e diferenciação do complexo Colletotrichum. Foram usados dez isolados, sendo três classificados como causadores de antracnose e sete de ramulose, pelo teste de patogenicidade. Os marcadores bioquímicos não se mostraram eficientes para a distinção dos isolados causadores da ramulose e da antracnose. Na análise de RAPD, o valor de similaridade encontrado para os dois grupos foi de 51,7%, confirmando a potencialidade da técnica para diferenciar tais fungos.

Histologia da interação Colletotrichum guaranicola e Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis em clones resistente e suscetível

Foi estudado o processo de infecção de Colletotrichum guaranicola em clones de guaranazeiro (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) resistente e suscetível, por meio de microscopia de luz. Avaliaram-se quantitativamente os eventos de pré-penetração em folhas novas e velhas dos clones. Observou-se diferença quantitativa quanto à formação de apressório em folhas novas e velhas dos clones, sendo maior em folhas novas do clone suscetível. Estruturas de pré-penetração e infecção foram semelhantes nos dois clones. O processo de infecção teve inicio após a germinação do fungo e formação de apressório na superfície do hospedeiro, seguido de penetração direta da cutícula e da parede celular das células epidérmicas. Dentro da célula, a hifa de infecção deu origem a uma vesícula, que em seguida formou a hifa primária que se ramificou, originando a hifa secundária, que colonizou intra e intercelularmente a epiderme e o parênquima, causando desorganização dos tecidos e necrose. Observou-se uma diferença temporal na colonização dos tecidos dos clones. No clone suscetível, com 48 h após a inoculação, as células da epiderme e do parênquima estavam colonizadas por hifas intra e intercelulares. No quinto dia após a inoculação, observou-se o surgimento dos sintomas. No clone resistente, a colonização só foi observada no quarto dia após a inoculação. Somente no sétimo dia após a inoculação, foram observados os primeiros sintomas típicos da doença.