Structural and theoretical-experimental physicochemical study of trimethoprim/randomly methylated-beta-cyclodextrin binary system

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Here we report the structural characterization, physicochemical study and molecular modeling of the inclusion complex of trimethoprim in randomly methylated beta-cyclodextrin. The phase-solubility diagram obtained at pH 7.0 exhibited a linear behavior for the RAMEB concentrations studied suggesting a 1:1 stoichiometry and absence of aggregation in solution. From stoichiometric determination by the continuous variation method we confirmed a 1:1 stoichiometry. To make a detailed characterization of the inclusion mode, spectroscopic measurements by infrared and 1D and 20 (1)H NMR spectroscopy provided evidence that the inclusion mode is characterized by inclusion of the trimethoxyphenyl ring in the cavity; interactions with methyl groups located in the border of the cavity were also detected. The structure proposed was also confirmed by semiempirical molecular modeling. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.3461727462751FinepCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)FapitecCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

One-step preparation of CdS nanocrystals supported on thiolated silica-gel matrix and evaluation of photocatalytic performance

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Here we report the use of a thiol-functionalized silica-gel to prepare supported CdS nanocrystals by a facile one-step procedure. Upon changing the relative proportion of the matrix we obtained nanocrystals with different average sizes and size distributions, as evidenced by spectroscopic measurements as well as TEM images. Photoluminescence spectra also indicated that the main effect of the matrix is related to the size control since the spectral profiles were found to be strongly dependent on the excitation wavelength. The performance of the material in the photocatalytic degradation of two commercial dyes (methylene blue and rhodamine 6G) has been tested under sunlight radiation, showing promising results. Almost complete decolorization has been observed after 80 min of exposure, with no adsorption on the silica surface. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.203151157Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)FapitecCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Detection of immunoglobulin G antibodies to Neospora caninum in humans: High seropositivity rates in patients who are infected by human immunodeficiency virus or have neurological disorders

Considering that little is known about the epidemiology of Neospora caninum infection in humans, particularly in populations with high Toxoplasma gondii infection rates, the present study aimed to investigate the presence of antibodies to N. caninum in T. gondii-seropositive and -seronegative individuals. A total of 256 serum samples divided into four groups (61 samples from human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-positive patients, 50 samples from patients with neurological disorders, 91 samples from newborns, and 54 samples from healthy subjects) were assessed for N. caninum and T. gondii serologies by indirect fluorescent-antibody test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunoblotting (IB). Immunoglobulin G antibodies to N. caninum were predominantly detected in HIV-infected patients (38%) and patients with neurological disorders (18%), while newborns and healthy subjects showed lower seropositivity rates (5% and 6%, respectively). Seropositivity to N. caninum was significantly associated with seropositivity to T. gondii in both HIV-infected patients and patients with neurological disorders. Seroreactivity to N. caninum was confirmed by IB, with positive sera predominantly recognizing the 29-kDa antigen of N. caninum. The results of this study indicate the presence of N. caninum infection or exposure in humans, particularly in HIV-infected patients or patients with neurological disorders, who could have opportunistic and concurrent infections with T. gondii. These findings may bring a new concern for the unstable clinical health of HIV-infected patients and the actual role of N. caninum infection in immunocompromised patients