Progress in Development of Magadiite to Produce Multifunctional Lamellar Materials.

The attractive properties of magadiite, a lamellar and crystalline material, could give rise to new industrial processes due to its unique and modulating intrinsic properties. In this context, the high degree of expansion of its lamellae, a key factor for its potential use in several areas of scientific research, has attracted the attention of several researchers. The aim of this review is to provide a historical overview of the hypothetical models developed to explain the magadiite crystalline structure. Furthermore, different synthesis strategies for the preparation of magadiites as sodic, protonic, and hybrid (inorganic-inorganic and inorganic-organic) materials are discussed along with several routes for obtaining modified magadiites. Also, the use of magadiite in catalytic reactions, notably in ethanol dehydration and fructose conversion reactions, is a growing area of research. Other potential applications include the adsorption and absorption of environmental pollutants (e.g., phenol and methylene blue in wastewater), use as a photocatalyst in the oxidation of toluene, and use in medicine (e.g., as a drug delivery or antibacterial/antifungal agent). This highlights the many opportunities for the development of new synthesis methods to obtain multifunctional materials in the search for new applications.

Benzodiazepines: Drugs with Chemical Skeletons Suitable for the Preparation of Metallacycles with Potential Pharmacological Activity.

The synthesis of organometallic compounds with potential pharmacological activity has attracted the attention of many research groups, aiming to take advantage of aspects that the presence of the metal-carbon bond can bring to the design of new pharmaceutical drugs. In this context, we have gathered studies reported in the literature in which psychoactive benzodiazepine drugs were used as ligands in the preparation of organometallic and metal complexes and provide details on some of their biological effects. We also highlight that most commonly known benzodiazepine-based drugs display molecular features that allow the preparation of metallacycles via C-H activation. These organometallic compounds merit further attention regarding their potential biological effects, not only in terms of psychoactive drugs but also in the search for drug replacements, for example, for cancer treatments.

Relative bioavailability of a 5 mg mosapride/10 mg rabeprazole fixed dose combination tablet versus separate single tablets in healthy volunteers: a single-dose randomized open-label crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relative bioavailability of a new formulation containing 5 mg mosapride and 10 mg rabeprazole (T) and compare it with the branded formulations of both drugs co-administered in separate tablets (R) to meet the regulatory requirements of bioequivalence in Argentina. METHODS: A randomized-sequence, open-label, two-period crossover study was conducted on 24 healthy Caucasian volunteers in a fasting state. A single oral dose of either T or R formulations was followed by a 7-day washout period. Blood samples for mosapride were collected before administration (baseline) and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h after administration. Samples for rabeprazole were taken baseline and at 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 h after dosing. Mosapride and rabeprazole concentrations were determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. Adverse events were monitored based on clinical parameters and volunteer reports. RESULTS: The geometric means (90% CI) C(max) for mosapride in T and R were 23.13 (20.05-39.45) and 23.09 (21.69-32.37) ng/mL, the AUC(0-)(t) were 70.80 (66.23-102.37) and 70.81 (66.35-93.26) ng h/mL and the AUC(0-∞) were 74.05 (69.29-106.11) and 74.98 (70.43-97.77) ng h/mL. For rabeprazole T and R the C(max) were 197.42 (186.12-239.91) and 195.50 (186.08-250.07) ng/mL, the AUC(0-)(t) were 294.90 (275.13-374.15) and 296.96 (280.11-387.89) ng h/mL and the AUC(0-∞) were 301.12 (280.78-380.82) and 304.07 (286.60-394.21), respectively. No differences were detected between the formulations. The T/R ratios (90% CI) for C(max), AUC(0-)(t) and AUC(0-∞) were 100.17% (82.35-121.84), 99.99% (87.58-114.16) and 98.77% (87.02-112.11) for mosapride, and 100.99% (85.14-119.77), 99.31% (84.74-116.38) and 99.03% (85.07-115.28) for rabeprazole. No subject complained of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-dose study, the mosapride/rabeprazole tablets (test formulation) met the criterion for bioequivalence with the reference formulations. Study limitations include single-dose, open-label design, and a small sample of healthy volunteers.

[Prevalence of antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii in slaughtered cattle at stockyards in the State of Bahia, Brazil]. / Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos abatidos em matadouros do estado da Bahia, Brasil.

Serum samples of 600 slaughtered cattle from Ilhéus and Itabuna Municipal slaughterhouse and Jequié Federal slaughterhouse, all of them located in the State of Bahia were screened using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test against Toxoplasma gondii. Prevalence was 11.83% (71), and positive samples were distributed as 19.3% (37) from Ilhéus, 9.8% (21) from Itabuna and 6.8% (13) from Jequié slaughterhouses respectively. From positive cattle, 91.5% (65) had titles 1:64, and 8.5% (6) had title 1:256. The majority of serum positive samples against T. gondii were related to animals from dairy farms which were slaughtered at municipality stockyards under municipal inspection in comparison with those slaughtered at Federal inspection which were related to beef cattle that were raised in farms extensively.

Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos abatidos em matadouros do estado da Bahia, Brasil / Prevalence of antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii in slaughtered cattle at stockyards in the State of Bahia, Brazil

Foram analisados 600 soros de bovinos abatidos nos matadouros sob Inspeção Municipal de Ilhéus e Itabuna, e no matadouro frigorífico sob Inspeção Federal em Jequié, BA, para anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii por imunofluorescência indireta. A prevalência total foi de 11,83 por cento (71), sendo os animais positivos 19,3 por cento (37) no matadouro de Ilhéus, 9,8 por cento em Itabuna (21) e 6,8 por cento (13) em Jequié. Dos animais positivos, 65 (91,5 por cento) tiveram título de 1:64, e 6 (8,5 por cento) de 1:256. A maioria dos soros positivos para T. gondii foram oriundos de animais provenientes de granjas leiteiras e foram abatidos nos matadouros sob inspeção municipal em comparação com aqueles animais que procederam de fazendas com criação extensiva, e abatidos em matadouros sob inspeção federal.

Serum samples of 600 slaughtered cattle from Ilhéus and Itabuna Municipal slaughterhouse and Jequié Federal slaughterhouse, all of them located in the State of Bahia were screened using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test against Toxoplasma gondii. Prevalence was 11.83 percent (71), and positive samples were distributed as 19.3 percent (37) from Ilhéus, 9.8 percent (21) from Itabuna and 6.8 percent (13) from Jequié slaughterhouses respectively. From positive cattle, 91.5 percent (65) had titles 1:64, and 8.5 percent (6) had title 1:256. The majority of serum positive samples against T. gondii were related to animals from dairy farms which were slaughtered at municipality stockyards under municipal inspection in comparison with those slaughtered at Federal inspection which were related to beef cattle that were raised in farms extensively.

Aplicação da gestão de qualidade no restaurante da Universidade Estadual de Londrina: desperdício de alimentos / Application of the management of quality in the restaurant of the Universidade Estadual de Londrina: food losses

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desperdício de alimentos no Restaurante Universitário (RU) da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL) e propor um possível programa para sua redução. O monitoramento do funcionamento do RU foi realizado durante os meses de abril e maio de 2004, considerando o número de refeições servidas no almoço e jantar, quantidade de alimentos preparados (kg) e materiais descartáveis como copos e guardanapos de papel. Foi constatado o desperdício anual de 49.720 kg de alimentos, suficiente para servir 82.940 refeições de 500g. O custo desse desperdício é cerca de R$ 157.586,00 por ano, representando 12,30 por cento do gasto da matéria prima dos gêneros alimentícios do RU, enquanto que o desperdício pelo uso indevido de copos plásticos foi de R$ 3.984,20 e o de guardanapos R$ 738,70, respectivamente, representando 21,28 por cento e 20,01 por cento dos seus custos anuais. Um programa em larga escala está sendo organizado e consistirá no treinamento dos servidores do restaurante e conscientização dos usuários, através de campanhas educativas, utilizando a mídia universitária (jornal, radial), pôsteres e fôlderes.(AU)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the food waste at Universidade Estadual de Londrina University Restaurant(RU) and to propose a possible program to reduce it. This survey was carried out for two months, April and May of 2004. The items considered were the number of meals served during lunch and dinner, an average of 600 g each, the quantity of prepared food in kg, and disposable plastic cups and napkins. The results showed that there was an annual waste of 49,720 kg of food left over enough to serve 82,940 of 500g of individual food portion. The calculated cost was around R$1S7 ,586.ooyearly, comprising of 12.30% of total acquired food raw material and R$ 3,984.20 for inappropriate used plastic cups and R$ 738.70 for napkins representing 21.3% and 20.0% ofeach cost annually, respectively. A program of staff training and collaboration for all users of RU is currently under organization and it will be presented through pamphlets, posters and particularly using the University midia (radio, campus newsletters) in order to diminish this waste thus the cost of restaurant maintenance. (AU)

Aplicação da gestão de qualidade no restaurante da Universidade Estadual de Londrina: desperdício de alimentos / Application of the management of quality in the restaurant of the Universidade Estadual de Londrina: food losses

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desperdício de alimentos no Restaurante Universitário (RU) da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL) e propor um possível programa para sua redução. O monitoramento do funcionamento do RU foi realizado durante os meses de abril e maio de 2004, considerando o número de refeições servidas no almoço e jantar, quantidade de alimentos preparados (kg) e materiais descartáveis como copos e guardanapos de papel. Foi constatado o desperdício anual de 49.720 kg de alimentos, suficiente para servir 82.940 refeições de 500g. O custo desse desperdício é cerca de R$ 157.586,00 por ano, representando 12,30 por cento do gasto da matéria prima dos gêneros alimentícios do RU, enquanto que o desperdício pelo uso indevido de copos plásticos foi de R$ 3.984,20 e o de guardanapos R$ 738,70, respectivamente, representando 21,28 por cento e 20,01 por cento dos seus custos anuais. Um programa em larga escala está sendo organizado e consistirá no treinamento dos servidores do restaurante e conscientização dos usuários, através de campanhas educativas, utilizando a mídia universitária (jornal, radial), pôsteres e fôlderes.

[Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dairy cattle from Sul Fluminense Paraíba Valley, State of Rio de Janeiro]. / Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos leiteiros do Vale do Paraíba sul Fluminense, Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

A survey of toxoplasmosis in cattle from Sul Fluminense Paraiba Valley micro region in the State of Rio de Janeiro was realized, where serum samples were collected from 589 animals of 29 dairy farms located at municipalities of Resende and Rio Claro. Serology was performed by using indirect immune fluorescent test (IFAT), and considering as positive to Toxoplasma gondii titles > or = 64. Results found in both municipalities were 14.8% serum reagents animals. When these results were analyzed by each Municipality, Resende had 15.3% (48 animals of 314) positive animals, and 14.2% (39 animals of 275) was observed at Rio Claro. In the analysis of 58 studied dairy farms was observed that 38 (65.5%) of them having positive cows for anti-T. gondii, being 20 (69.0%) at Resende, and 18 (62.1%) at Rio Claro. With regard to serologic samples found in the IFAT, 79 (13.41%) animals were positives with titles of 64, six (1.02%) with 256, two (0.34%) with 1024, and none of animals had titles > or = 4096.

Leishmanioses: reaçäo de imunofluorescência indireta para pesquisa de anticorpos IgM em fraçöes de soros separados por cromatografia de gel filtraçäo / Leishmaniasis: indirect immunofluorescent test to detect IgM antibodies in serum fractions separated by gel filtraction cromatography

Um total de 143 soros de pacientes (120 da forma cutânea localizada, seis da mucocutânea e 17 com leishmaniose visceral), provenientes de ambulatórios ou de hospitais do Grande Rio de Janeiro, suspeitos de leishmaniose tegumentar ou visceral americanas, foi submetido às reaçöes de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI-IgM e IgG). Estes soros foram selecionados porque se apresentavam com RIFI-IgG de títulos elevados ou eram RIFI-IgM reagentes no soro. Como existe a possibilidade de falsos resultados de IgM näo reagentes na presença de títulos elevados de IgG e falsos IgM reagentes, devido à presença de fator reumatóide (autoanticorpos IgM anti-IgG), utilizou-se a separaçäo das fraçöes IgM e IgG do soro destes pacientes. Para isro, procedeu-se a separaçäo destas imunoglobulinas em coluna de Sephacryl S-300, nos casos em que os soros eram IgM negativo e IgG maior ou igual a 360, com a finalidade de se detectar falsos negativos e, em soros IgM reagentes, falsos positivos. Nestes últimos, também realizou-se a prova do látex para fator reumatóide. Deste modo a RIFI-IgM da fraçäo IgM separada no Sephacryl permitiu evidenciar apenas um soro - de paciente da forma cutânea localizada (0,7 por cento) - falso negativo por provável competiçäo com títulos de anticorpos IgG elevados. Por outro lado, permitiu o encontro de 23 (16,1 por cento) soros RIFI-IgM falso-reagentes para leishmanioses, devido à presença de fator reumatóide (seis soros eram de leishmaniose mucocutânea e os 17 restantes de leishmaniose visceral). Em outros indivíduos da forma cutânea localizada (8,4 por cento) a RIFI-IgM do soro e a RIFI da fraçäo IgM eram reagentes, embora também tivessem positivos (maior ou igual a 20 U/ml) à prova do látex, como os outros 23 indivíduos anteriores. Os 107 indivíduos restantes (74,8 por cento) foram RIFI-IgM reagentes no soro e na fraçäo IgM, mas, entretanto, todos eram negativos para fator reumatóide. Todas as RIFI-IgM das fraçöes IgM eram näo-reagentes. Os resultados demonstram a utilidade da presente metodologia na obtençäo de maior confiabilidade nos testes de RIFI-IgM para leishmanioses