In this study, a novel type of tris(2-acyl-1,3-indandione)-aluminum(III) coordination compounds of the general formula [Al(acind)3]H2O, where 2-acyl-1,3-indandione (acind), 2-acetyl-1,3-indandione (aind), 2-benzoyl-1,3-indandione (bind), and 4-methyl-2-benzoyl-1,3-indandione (mbind), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopies, thermal analysis (TG/DTG and DTA), and optical absorption spectroscopy in the UV-Vis region. These compounds present remarkably high green luminescence in powder and in thin-film forms. However, when these compounds are applied in glass/ITO/β-NPB/spiro-2CBP/[Al(acind)3]/Al and glass/ITO/β-NPB/[Al(acind)3]/LiF/Al electroluminescent devices, where spiro-2CBP is 2,7-bis(carbazol-9-yl)-9,9-spirobifluorene and β-NPB is N,N’-bis(naphthalen-2-yl)-N,N’-bis(phenyl)-benzidine, the emission color tuned from green to red, reflecting a change from the direct charge recombination in the emitting layer of the [Al(acind)3] complexes to an exciplex-based emission in which [Al(acind)3] complexes and spiro 2-CBP acted as acceptor and donor, respectively. These results suggest that [Al(acind)3] complexes have potential applications as molecular light converter materials for fabricating new electroluminescent devices.

RESUMO Este relato ilustra um caso de cálculo do tipo coraliforme de grande volume, assintomático, acompanhado de uma revisão dessa grave patologia. Relatamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, dois anos de idade, diagnosticado com cálculo coraliforme e hidronefrose em rim esquerdo. Instituiu-se terapêutica cirúrgica, com realização de pielolitotomia, pieloplastia e colocação de cateter duplo-J sem intercorrências. Cálculo renal coraliforme ocupa a pelve e os cálices renais. Sua incidência é menor em crianças, sendo a média de diagnóstico entre 7 e 10 anos. A etiologia é ampla; em menores de 4 anos, relaciona-se especialmente com fatores infecciosos e hidronefrose. O tratamento padrão é a nefrolitotomia percutânea.

ABSTRACT This article reports a case of large volume asymptomatic staghorn calculus, and a brief revision of this rare pathology is done. A two-yearold male patient was diagnosed with staghorn calculus and hydronephrosis in the left kidney. The patient underwent surgical therapy with pyelolithotomy, pyeloplasty and placement of a double-J catheter, without complications. Staghorn calculi occupy the pelvis and renal calyces. Their incidence in children is lower than in adults. The average age at diagnosis is between 7 and 10 years. The etiology for calculi is diverse; in children under 4 years, it is especially related with infectious factors and hydronephrosis. The standard procedure for treatment is percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

RESUMEN Presentamos un caso de cálculo del tipo coraliforme de gran volumen, asintomático, y una revisión de esa enfermedad grave. Reportamos el caso de un paciente masculino, de dos años de edad, diagnosticado con cálculo coraliforme e hidronefrosis en riñón izquierdo. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico, a base de pielolitotomía, pieloplastia y colocación de un catéter doble J, sin complicaciones. El cálculo coraliforme ocupa la pelvis y los cálices renales. Su incidencia es menor en niños, con media de 7-10 años en el diagnóstico. La etiología es diversa; en menores de 4 años, se refiere específicamente a factores infecciosos e hidronefrosis. El tratamiento estándar es la nefrolitotomía percutánea.

In this work, synthesis, characterization and photophysical properties of trivalent rare earth complexes with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug [the indomethacinate (indo), presenting formulas RE(indo)3(H2O)x (x = 3, for Eu3+ and Gd+3, and x = 4 for Tb+3), RE(indo)3(bipy) and RE(indo)3(phen) (bipy: 2,2'-bipyridine, and phen: 1,10-phenanthroline)] were investigated. Based on photoluminescent results, the intramolecular energy transfer process from T1 triplet states of indo, phen and bipy ligands to the 5D0 emitting level of the Eu3+ ion in the coordination compounds is discussed. Accordingly, it is proposed two possible intramolecular energy transfer mechanisms between indomethacinate ligand and rare earth ions, which involve the participation of excited electronic states of the heterocyclic ligands as intermediate ones.

RESUMO: Com o objetivo de diagnosticar a situação do complexo teníase-cisticercose bovina no município de Salinas, Minas Gerais, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 355 bovinos distribuídos em 18 propriedades rurais, sorteadas aleatoriamente. Em cada propriedade, foi aplicado um questionário socioeconômico para a análise de fatores que favorecem a manutenção do complexo teníase-cisticercose bovina. Foi realizado também um levantamento epidemiológico dos casos de teníase diagnosticados nos laboratórios credenciados pela Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Salinas, no período de 2007 a 2010. A prevalência de cisticercose bovina foi de 4,70% enquanto as prevalências de teníase, encontradas durante os quatro períodos avaliados, foram de 0,29%, 0,36%, 0,24% e 0,24%. Entre os fatores de risco para a manutenção do complexo teníase-cisticercose analisados, foi observada uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre a ocorrência de cisticercose bovina e a ingestão de carne malpassada pelos entrevistados. Foi concluído que a cisticercose bovina está presente no município de Salinas, Minas Gerais, sendo o tratamento térmico ineficiente da carne bovina o principal fator de risco para a manutenção do complexo teníase-cisticercose, o que reforça a necessidade da adoção de medidas de controle com contínua vigilância epidemiológica e sanitária.

ABSTRACT: In order to diagnose the situation of bovine taeniasis-cysticercosis complex in the municipality of Salinas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, blood samples were collected from 355 cattle in 18 randomly selected farms. A socioeconomic questionnaire was filled in each farm for the analysis of factors which favor the maintenance of the taeniasis-cysticercosis complex. An epidemiological survey of human taeniasis was performed through analyses of the Municipal Health Department in the 2007-2010 period. A prevalence of 4.7% for bovine cysticercosis and the frequency of 0.29, 0.36, 0.24 and 0.24% for human taeniasis, during the evaluated period, was found. Among the risk factors, a statistically significant correlation was found between the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis and the ingestion of undercooked meat. It was concluded that bovine cysticercosis is present in the municipality of Salinas, due to inefficient heat treatment of the meat as the main risk factor for maintenance of the taeniasis-cysticercosis complex, reinforcing the need to adopt control measures with continuous epidemiological and health surveillance.

ABSTRACT Conducting polymers presents many potential applications such as biosensors and biofuelcells. However, to be used in those devices, a thin film must be deposited onto a conducting and biocompatible substrate. In this work, carbon nanotubes (CNT) were mixed in a poly (lactic acid) - PLA - matrix with different compositions (from 0.25 to 5.0 %) in order to form conducting composites suitable to the deposition of a conducting polymer. Thermal properties of PLA/CNT composites were evaluated by Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differenctial Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and the electrical properties were evaluated by 2-probe method and by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Thermal analysis showed and influence of CNT quantities on PLA crystallization, which also showed an influence on conductivity of the tested materials. Besides, the conductivity of PLA/NTC 1% film showed similar values of the conducting polymer (Pani) itself.

ABSTRACT Objective: Formal specifications of scientometric data representing a journal's output were to be generated. Methods: Individual print issues of the West Indian Medical Journal (WIMJ) from 2001 to 2012 were perused. An ontology was populated with the results in accordance with the web ontology language description logic (OWL DL) format. Results: Scientometric data could be obtained from the 1332 articles published by the WIMJ and entered into an ontology. The current approach did not however allow the conversion of textual nuances into code considered compliant with the OWL DL format. Conclusion: West Indian Medical Journal has shown an increasing trend in the number of published articles over the last twelve years. It is possible to generate an ontology that could support future modelling and simulation. The authors’ attempts to remain fully compatible with the OWL DL format did not support the representation of textual nuances.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Generar las especificaciones formales de datos cienciométricos que representan la producción de la revista. Métodos: Se examinaron ediciones impresas individuales de West Indian Medical Journal (WIMJ) de 2001 a 2012. Una ontología fue creada con los resultados de acuerdo con el formato OWL DL. Resultados: Datos cienciométricos pudieron ser obtenidos a partir de los 1332 artículos publicado por la WIMJ y conformados en una ontología. Sin embargo, el enfoque actual no permitió la conversión de los matices textuales en un código que cumpliera con las exigencias del formato de OWL DL. Conclusión: La revista West Indian Medical Journal ha mostrado una tendencia creciente en el número de artículos publicados en los últimos doce años. Es posible generar una ontología que podría servir de apoyo para una futura modelización y simulación. Los intentos de los autores por permanecer total-mente compatibles con el formato de OWL DL no se corresponden con la representación de matices textuales.

[RE(TLA)·(H2O)n:Eu3+] (RE3+: Y, Gd and Lu; TLA: trimellitic acid) precursor complexes were synthesized by an one step aqueous co-precipitation method. After annealing for 1 h, RE2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphors were formed through the benzenetricarboxylate low temperature thermolysis method (500-1000 ºC). The compounds were characterized by using different techniques [elemental analysis (CHN), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), X-ray powder diffraction (XPD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM)]. The XPD data indicated that the Y2O3:Eu3+ materials have crystallite size range from 11 to 62 nm. The SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that the annealed materials keep morphological similarities with the precursor complexes. The photoluminescence properties were studied based on the excitation and emission spectra, and luminescence decay lifetimes of the 5D0 emitting level of the Eu3+ ion. The experimental intensity parameters (Ωλ), lifetimes (τ), as well as radiative (Arad) and non-radiative (Anrad) decay rates were calculated and discussed. The RE2O3:Eu3+ phosphors (RE: Y3+ and Lu3+) annealed at 500 to 1000 ºC have emission quantum efficiency (intrinsic quantum yield) values from 60 to 82%, indicating that this material can be potentially used for optical markers applications.

Novos complexos indandionatos de fórmulas [Ln(aind)3L(H2O)] e [Ln(bind)3L]∙H2O, (L: 1,10-fenantrolina (phen) ou 4,7-dimetil-1,10-fenantrolina (dmphen), Ln3+: Eu3+ ou Gd3+, aind: 2-acetil-1,3-indandionato e bind: 2-benzoil-1,3-indandionato) foram sintetizados e caracterizados por análise elementar, espectroscopia de absorção na região do infravermelho e análise termogravimétrica. Os dados de caracterização são consistentes com a presença de uma molécula de água de cristalização nas estruturas dos compostos [Ln(bind)3L]∙H2O, enquanto que nos complexos [Ln(aind)3L(H2O)] a molécula de água atua como ligante. As geometrias dos complexos do íon Eu3+, otimizadas pelo modelo SPARKLE/AM1, foram consistentes com os resultados experimentais de luminescência. As propriedades luminescentes dos compostos de Eu3+ são discutidas em termos de parâmetros de intensidade experimentais (Ω2 e Ω4), taxas radiativas (Arad) e não-radiativas (Anrad) e eficiência quântica de emissão (η). Os maiores valores de η foram obtidos para os compostos [Eu(bind)3L]∙H2O, refletindo a ausência de moléculas de água na primeira esfera de coordenação do íon Eu3+.

Novel Ln3+-indandionate complexes of formulas [Ln(aind)3L(H2O)] and [Ln(bind)3L]∙H2O (L: 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmphen), Ln3+: Eu3+ or Gd3+, aind: 2-acetyl-1,3-indandionate and bind: 2-benzoyl-1,3-indandionate) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses. The characterization data are consistent with the presence of a water lattice molecule in the [Ln(bind)3L]∙H2O compounds. However, the data also suggest that the water acts as a coordinated molecule in the [Ln(aind)3L(H2O)] ones. Theoretical geometries of the Eu3+-complexes have been optimized via the SPARKLE/AM1 Model for lanthanide complexes that are consistent with their luminescence experimental data. The photoluminescence properties of the Eu3+-compounds have been discussed in terms of experimental intensity parameters (Ω2 and Ω4), radiative (Arad), and non-radiative (Anrad) spontaneous emission coefficients. The higher values of emission quantum efficiency (η) of the [Eu(bind)3L]∙H2O compounds reflect the absence of luminescence-quenching water molecule in their first coordination spheres.

Este trabalho relata a síntese, a caracterização e as propriedades luminescentes dos complexos de fórmulas [Tb(DBM)3L], [Tb(DBM)2(NO3)L2)] e [Tb(DBM)(NO3)2(HMPA)2)] (DBM = dibenzoilmetanato; L: TPPO = óxido de trifenilfosfina ou HMPA = óxido de hexametilfosforamida). Os compostos foram caracterizados por análise elementar (CHN), titulação complexométrica com EDTA e espectroscopia no infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR), e as propriedades de fotoluminescência foram avaliadas. As energias dos estados tripletos do ligante DBM foram determinadas experimentalmente a partir dos espectros de fosforescência resolvidos no tempo dos compostos análogos do íon Gd3+. As energias aumentam em função do número de ânions nitratos que substituem o ligante DBM nos complexos. Ademais, os espectros de luminescência e os tempos de vida dos níveis emissores revelaram que a eficiência de transferência de energia ligante-metal segue a mesma tendência. Ao contrário dos complexos tris-DBM, o bis- e o mono-DBM apresentaram elevada intensidade de luminescência, sendo candidatos promissores para camadas emissoras de luz em dispositivos moleculares conversores de luz (LCMD).

The Tb3+-β-diketonate complexes [Tb(DBM)3L], [Tb(DBM)2(NO3)L2] and [Tb(DBM)(NO3)2(HMPA)2] (DBM = dibenzoylmethanate; L: TPPO = triphenylphosphine oxide or HMPA = hexamethylphosphine oxide) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), complexometric titration with EDTA and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and the photoluminescence properties evaluated. The triplet state energies of the coordinated DBM ligands were determined using time-resolved phosphorescence spectra of analogous Gd3+ complexes. The results show that the energies increase along with the number of coordinated nitrate anions replacing the DBM ligand in the complexes. The luminescence spectra and emission lifetime measurements revealed that the ligand-to-metal energy transfer efficiency follows the same tendency. Unlike the tris-DBM complexes, bis- and mono-DBM presented high luminescence, and may act as promising candidates for preparation of the emitting layer of light converting molecular devices (LCMDs).

Neste trabalho relatamos o uso de nitratos de lantanídeos [Ln(NO3)3] atuando como catalisador na síntese de uma única etapa de derivados de 3-benzoíla- e 3-acetila-1,2,4-oxadiazóis a partir de cetonas, nitrilas e ácido nítrico. Este é o primeiro exemplo da síntese em única etapa de preparação de derivados benzoíla e acetila-1,2,4-oxadiazóis, usando acetofenonas com grupos doadores de elétrons.

In this work we report the use of lanthanide nitrates [Ln(NO3)3] acting as catalyst in direct one-pot synthesis of 3-benzoyl- and 3-acetyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles derivatives from ketones, nitriles and nitric acid. This is the first example of one-pot synthesis of benzoyl- and acetyl 1,2,4-oxadiazoles derivatives preparation using acetophenones derivates with electron-donator groups.

Estudos neurossonológicos, especialmente o Doppler transcraniano (DTC) e o duplex transcraniano codificado a cores (DTCC), apresentam elevados níveis de especificidade e sensibilidade quando utilizados como exames complementares no diagnóstico de morte encefálica (ME). Um grupo de peritos do Departamento Científico de Doppler transcraniano da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia criou uma força-tarefa de forma a determinar os critérios neurossonológicos para os seguintes aspectos no diagnóstico de ME no Brasil: metodologia do DTC; metodologia do DTCC; treinamento e habilidades em Neurossonologia; diagnóstico de parada circulatória encefálica e documentação do exame para a ME. Os resultados deste encontro foram apresentados neste artigo.

Neurosonological studies, specifically transcranial Doppler (TCD) and transcranial color-coded duplex (TCCD), have high level of specificity and sensitivity and they are used as complementary tests for the diagnosis of brain death (BD). A group of experts, from the Neurosonology Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology, created a task force to determine the criteria for the following aspects of diagnosing BD in Brazil: the reliability of TCD methodology; the reliability of TCCD methodology; neurosonology training and skills; the diagnosis of encephalic circulatory arrest; and exam documentation for BD. The results of this meeting are presented in the current paper.

Foram estudadas as propriedades térmicas e mecânicas de compósitos de polipropileno, virgem e reciclado, reforçados com 30% em massa de fibras residuais de sisal, assim como o perfil de processamento e a morfologia da matriz polimérica. Para tanto, foram determinadas a resistência à tração, o módulo de Young, alongamento na ruptura, e energia de impacto. As amostras também foram caracterizadas por MEV, DMTA e TG. Para ambos os compósitos de polipropileno, virgem e reciclado, com a adição das fibras, o alongamento na ruptura mostrou uma queda significativa, enquanto que a resistência à tração não sofreu grandes variações. Houve um aumento significativo nos valores de tração na ruptura e de energia de impacto com a adição das fibras de sisal na matriz de polipropileno. As análises térmicas mostraram ligações secundárias, como as ligações polares, entre as fibras e a matriz, concordando com o comportamento mecânico dos compósitos. Constatou-se que a temperatura de transição vítrea não variou após a adição da fibra.

The mechanical and thermal properties of virgin and recycled polypropylene composites reinforced with 30% by mass of residual sisal fibers were studied, in addition to an analysis of the extrusion process and morphology of the polymeric matrix. Tensile strength, Young's modulus, elongation at break, and impact energy were determined. The samples were also characterized by SEM, DMTA and TG analyses. Elongation at break of the composites presented a significant decrease, while the tensile strength was not affected significantly by addition of sisal fibers. A significant increase was observed in the tension of rupture and in the impact energy of the composite reinforced with sisal fiber. The thermal analyses indicated secondary interactions, such as polar interactions, between the fibers and the matrix, consistent with the mechanical behavior of the composites. The glass transition temperature has not changed after fiber addition.

Uma nova classe de complexos ditiocarbamato de lantanídeo foi usada para promover a cianosililação de aldeídos com elevados rendimentos à temperatura ambiente. Esta é a primeira aplicação de ditiocarbamato de lantanídeo atuando como ácido de Lewis.

A new class of lanthanide dithiocarbamate complexes was used to promote the cyanosilylation of aldehydes at high yields at room temperature. This represents the first application of lanthanide dithiocarbamate acting as Lewis acid.

Neste trabalho foram investigadas as reações entre o ligante heterocíclico nitrogenado 2,3,5,6-tetraquis(alfa-piridil)pirazina, TPP, e seis precursores de estanho, a saber: SnCl2, SnX4 (X = Cl ou Br), SnRCl3 (R = Ph ou Me) e SnPh2Cl2. Os produtos foram caracterizados por microanálise (C, H, N e Sn), espectroscopia no infravermelho (4000-200 cm-1), RMN de ¹H, 13C{¹H}, 13C-CP/MAS, 119Sn e 119Sn-MAS, bem como por espectroscopia Mössbauer de 119Sn. Todas as reações levaram ao isolamento de complexos bimetálicos, nos quais o TPP se comportou como um ligante bis-bidentado em ponte, ligando-se a cada centro metálico através de dois átomos de nitrogênio piridínicos. Este modo de coordenação é ainda raro na literatura e, pela primeira vez, é observado em complexos de TPP com um metal representativo.

In this work we investigated the reactivity of the nitrogen heterocyclic ligand 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(alpha-pyridyl)pyrazine, TPP, towards six tin-containing reagents, namely SnCl2, SnX4 (X = Cl or Br), SnRCl3 (R = Ph or Me), and SnPh2Cl2. The products were characterized by microanalysis (C, H, N, and Sn), IR spectroscopy (4000-200 cm-1), ¹H, 13C{¹H}, 13C-CP/MAS, 119Sn, and 119Sn-MAS NMR spectroscopy, as well as by 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy. All reactions yielded bimetallic adducts, in which TPP behaved as a bis-bidentate bridging ligand, binding to each metallic center through two pyridine nitrogen atoms. This coordination mode is so far quite rare and, for the first time, is reported for main group metal-TPP complexes.