Orientador: Douglas Soares Galvão / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Fisica Gleb Wataghin / Made available in DSpace on 2018-09-27T13:47:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Troche_KarlaSouza_M.pdf: 1255427 bytes, checksum: 17251baf9cd0c68ce5c4f8e8adefec0b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003 / Resumo: Neste trabalho apresentamos estudos de estrutura-atividade realizados para 81 hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (PAHs) tentando identificar compostos carcinogênicos. Em particular, empregamos uma nova metodologia desenvolvida para tratar o problema da correlação estrutura geométrica com atividade biológica, denominada Metodologia de Índices Eletrônicos (MIE). Utilizamos três métodos semi-empíricos para estudar a dependência entre a qualidade dos resultados obtidos pela MIE e o Hamiltoniano utilizado. Para validarmos os descritores utilizados pela MIE, investigamos a relação entre a atividade experimental dos PAHs e descritores teóricos através de cinco metodologias de reconhecimento de padrões: a Análise de Componentes Principais (PCA), Análise Hierárquica de Agrupamentos (HCA), K-ésimo vizinho mais próximo (KNN), Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogies (SIMCA) e as Redes Neurais Artificiais (NN). Para estas investigações distintas pudemos correlacionar a atividade dos PAHs estudados com parâmetros teóricos, em sua maioria eletrônicos, onde os parâmetros utilizados na MIE foram selecionados pelos diferentes métodos. Este estudo valida estatisticamente a MIE como uma nova metodologia capaz de identificar compostos biologicamente ativos, e com um custo computacional menor que técnicas convencionais de Relação estrutura-atividade (SAR) e apresentando um desempenho, em geral superior / Abstract: In this work we present the study structure-activity realized for 81 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) trying to identify carcinogenic compounds. Particularly, we used a new methodology developed to deal with the problem of correlation between geometrical structure and biological activity, the Electronic Indices Methodology (EIM). We used three semi-empirical methods to analyze the dependence between the quality of results obtained through EIM and the Hamiltonian used. In order to validate the descriptors used in EIM, we investigated the relationship between the experimental activity of PAHs and the theorical descriptors through five methodologies of pattern recognition: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), Kth Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogies (SIMCA) and Neural Networks (NN). From these different investigations, we could correlate the activity of PAHs studied with theorical parameters, almost all electronic, where the used parameters on EIM were selected with the different methods. These studies validate the statistical value of electronic parameters derived from EIM analysis and their ability to identify active compounds. The EIM out performed more standard Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) methodologies / Mestrado / Física da Matéria Condensada / Mestre em Física

O óleo extensor normalmente empregado em copolímeros à base de butadieno e estireno ( borracha SBR) da série 1712 é o extrato aromático (DAE). Nesta Dissertação, esse óleo foi substituído por óleos com baixos teores de policíclicos aromáticos em formulações de SBR. Esta substituição se deu em atendimento a Regulamentação REACH (EC No1907/2006 do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho de 18 de Dezembro de 2006, Anexo XVII) que determina que a soma de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos individuais (PAHs) deve ser abaixo de 10 mg/kg e o teor de benzo(a)pireno (BaP) não deve exceder 1 mg/kg. Os óleos empregados foram o extrato aromático residual tratado (TRAE) e dois óleos naftênicos de fornecedores diferentes (HN1 e HN2). As composições de SBR estendidas em DAE, TRAE, HN1 e HN2 tiveram suas propriedades térmicas avaliadas por análise termogravimétrica (TG) e calorimetria diferencial de varredura (DSC). As propriedades físicas foram determinadas por ensaios de tração, dureza, resistência à abrasão e resiliência. Foram ainda avaliadas as propriedades reométricas e reológicas, por viscosidade e relaxação Mooney, respectivamente. Ao final os resultados demonstraram que é possível a substituição do óleo extensor por quaisquer dos óleos testados sem prejuízos nas propriedades estudadas / The extender oil usually employed in compositions of rubbers based on sytrene and butadiene (SBR) 1712 is the aromatic extract DAE. In this Dissertation, this oil was substituted by oils with low levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: the treated residual aromatic extract (TRAE) and two naphthenic oils from different suppliers (HN1 and HN2). This substitution was performed in response to REACH Regulation (EC No1907/2006 European Parliament and the Council of 18 December 2006, Annex XVII) which state that the sum of individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) should be below 10 mg / kg and the levels of benzo (a) pyrene (BaP) should not exceed 1 mg / kg. SBR compositions extended with DAE, TRAE, HN1 and HN2 were characterized in terms of thermal properties by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheometric properties, physical properties (tension tests, hardness, abrasion resistance and resilience) and rheological (viscosity and Mooney relaxation). The final results showed that it is possible to replace the extender oil DAE for any of the tested oils without loss in the studied properties

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-22T22:02:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Alcinei Pereira Lopes.pdf: 3280697 bytes, checksum: 535d2d7812f1764295a9b8c14b85a386 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-09-23 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The waters of the Rio Negro, in the border city of Manaus, receives large amounts of domestic and industrial waste from its main tributaries (Tarumã-Acu, Sao Raimundo, Pupils and Puraquequara) that may be compromising their natural features (water, plants, sediments and etc.). Due the ability to accumulate organic and inorganic compounds, the bottom sediments are used to assess the contamination levels of aquatic environments. As a result, we determined the concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and potentially toxic metals (MPT) in ten samples of bottom sediments collected in March 2009 in the confluence between the Rio Negro and major watersheds the city of Manaus. The aim of study was to classify the origin and level of contamination of these compounds. In the determination of hydrocarbons, sediments were freeze dried, extracted with hexane, fractionated by open column liquid chromatography. The determination of aliphatic hydrocarbons was performed by GC-FID and the PAH by GC-MS. After digestion with aqua regia the MPT (Al, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd and Mn) in total fraction of sediments were determined by ICP-OES. The results showed that concentrations of total aliphatic hydrocarbons were 13.4 to 448 mg g-1, and the sum of 38 PAHs was 58.8 to 6832 ng g-1. These values are considered high for natural aquatic environments that have not suffered oil spill accidents. Among the metals determined Al (32 091 mg kg-1) and Fe (35 474 mg kg-1) were those with the highest concentrations.The sediments that received the largest anthropogenic contribution were those collected at the entrance of the basin of the streams São Raimundo and Educandos. The diagnosis index hydrocarbons the origin of in sediments showed a predominance of mixed sources and petrogenic sources in most seasons / As águas do rio Negro na orla urbana de Manaus recebem grande quantidade de resíduos domésticos e industriais de seus principais afluentes (Tarumã-Açu, São Raimundo, Educandos e Puraquequara) que podem estar comprometendo suas características naturais (água, plantas, sedimentos e etc). Por ter a capacidade de acumular compostos orgânicos e inorgânicos, os sedimentos de fundo são utilizados na avaliação dos níveis de contaminação de ambientes aquáticos. Em virtude disso, foram determinados as concentrações de hidrocarbonetos alifáticos, hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPA) e metais em dez amostras de sedimentos de fundo, coletadas em março de 2009 nas confluências entre o rio Negro e as principais bacias de drenagem da cidade de Manaus. O estudo tem o objetivo de classificar a origem e o nível de contaminação destes compostos. Nas determinações de hidrocarbonetos, os sedimentos foram liofilizados, extraídos em soxhlet, fracionados por cromatografia líquida de coluna aberta. A determinação de hidrocarbonetos alifáticos foi realizada por CG-DIC e os HPA por CG-EM. Apos digestão com água régia, os metais (Al, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, V, Cd e Mn) presentes na fração total dos sedimentos foram determinados por ICP-OES. Os resultados mostraram que as concentrações dos hidrocarbonetos alifáticos totais foram de 13,4 a 448 μg g-1, e a somatória dos 38 HPA foi de 58,8 a 6832 ng g-1. Esses valores são considerados elevados para ambientes aquáticos naturais que não sofreram acidentes de derrame de óleo. Entre os metais determinados o Al (32091 mg kg-1) e o Fe (35474 mg kg-1) foram os que apresentaram as maiores concentrações. Os sedimentos que receberam a maior contribuição antrópica foram daqueles coletados na entrada da bacia dos igarapés São Raimundo e Educando. Os índices de diagnósticos da origem de ix hidrocarbonetos nos sedimentos mostraram predominância de fontes petrogênica e fontes mistas na maioria das estações.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a adsorÃÃo de compostos poliaromÃticos em materiais nanoporosos para avaliar a reduÃÃo do teor destes compostos em misturas complexas de hidrocarbonetos. O destilado naftÃnico estudado neste trabalho foi produzido a partir de diferentes tipos de petrÃleos naftÃnicos nacionais, este produto tem alta aplicabilidade na indÃstria sisaleira (produÃÃo de fibras) por ser estÃvel e com alto ponto de fulgor, o que oferece seguranÃa no seu manuseio. Entretanto, por nÃo sofrer nenhum tratamento, o produto possui uma alta concentraÃÃo de compostos aromÃticos. Desta forma, Ã importante reduzir as concentraÃÃes desses compostos, sobretudo dos poliaromÃticos, para tornar os produtos menos perigosos Ãs pessoas que trabalham com o seu manuseio. AtravÃs de vÃrios mÃtodos analÃticos, foi possÃvel traÃar o perfil dos compostos aromÃticos presentes nas amostras da carga. Foram pesquisados e testados vÃrios adsorventes comerciais, dentre os materiais, destacaram-se os carvÃes ativados. AtravÃs dos experimentos em coluna, foi possÃvel avaliar a capacidade de adsorÃÃo em leito fixo dos carvÃes ativados, estimar parÃmetros de transferÃncia de massa e simular o comportamento breakthrough dos sistemas estudados. A dinÃmica de adsorÃÃo em leito fixo com misturas sintÃticas de poliaromÃticos foi utilizada para avaliar a capacidade dos melhores materiais (AC1 e AC2) e verificar a difusividade efetiva no interior das partÃculas. Foram avaliadas as propriedades fisico-quÃmicas e o teor de poliaromÃticos apÃs o tratamento. Os resultados confirmaram a eficiÃncia dos carvÃes ativados para utilizaÃÃo em processos de modulaÃÃo do teor de compostos poliaromÃticos do destilado naftÃnico estudado. / The removal of aromatics from mineral naphthenic oil by adsorption was studied. Commercial adsorbents were evaluated using batch experiments. The equilibrium data were fitted using the Langmuir equation. Column experiments were performed for three activated carbons samples that presented the best batch adsorption properties. A simulation model was used to predict the breakthrough curves for adsorption and desorption runs. After three cycles of adsorption/desorption, using n-hexane as eluent, only a slight decrease in aromatics capacity was observed. Activated carbon seemed to be adequate for aromatics removal in this system. Textural properties and detailed study of adsorption was performed using synthetic mixtures of pyrene. The adsorption capacities of adsorbents were obtained by batch experiments in three different temperatures and the isotherms were well adjusted by Langmuir equation. The dynamic adsorption was evaluated by successive breakthrough curves. The dynamic adsorption isotherms were well obtained from these experiments and were also well adjusted by Langmuir equation. The general model that account both internal and external resistances of mass transfer were used to predict the breakthrough curves and estimate the pore diffusivity.

A citometria de fluxo é um método preciso, rápido e eficaz na avaliação de múltiplos parâmetros celulares, tanto estruturais como funcionais, propiciando a separação e o estudo de diferentes populações e sub-populações de células. No presente estudo, foram empregados métodos citométricos para caracterização dos diferentes tipos celulares sangüíneos de Centropomus parallelus, assim como para verificação da viabilidade celular, avaliação da atividade fagocítica e ativação do burst respiratório. Foram identificadas três sub-populações representativas de leucócitos: linfócitos, monócitos e trombócitos. Estas células foram estimuladas, in vitro, com Staphylococcus aureus, marcado com iodeto de propídeo (SAPI), lipopolissacarídeo de Escherichia coli (LPS) e zymosan, partículas de Saccharomyces cerevisiae. As respostas frente aos estímulos foram distintas de acordo com o tipo celular e o estímulo apresentado. Os monócitos apresentaram maiores percentuais de fagocitose frente ao estímulo provocado pela SAPI e pelo Zymosan; já a população que continha trombócitos entre outros tipos celulares (por exemplo: linfócitos), apresentou \"fagocitose\" significativa apenas para SAPI. O burst oxidativo detectado pela fluorescência emitida pelo diacetato 2´7´diclorofluoresceína (DCFH) foi significativo apenas quando estimulado com PMA (miristato-acetato de forbol), não apresentando resposta estatisticamente significante para os estímulos SAPI e LPS. Após a exposição ao naftaleno nas concentrações 10-3, 10-6, 10-9 M durante quatro horas, in vitro, houve um aumento na fagocitose realizado pelos monócitos e trombócitos, porém uma diminuição no burst oxidativo apresentado nas concentrações 10-6 e 10-9 M de naftaleno. Este resultado reflete, in vitro, uma resposta ao contaminante com significado imunológico desfavorável para o peixe, já que as células estão aumentando a atividade fagocítica sem conseguirem, teoricamente, destruir o agente invasor. A partir desses resultados preliminares, podemos avaliar melhor, algumas características da resposta imune inata desta espécie de peixe, presente na costa litorânea brasileira. Estes parâmetros imunofisiológicos podem servir como base para futuros estudos ecotoxicológicos tanto em laboratório mas também a campo. Estudos que utilizam a imunidade inata como indicador biológico de alterações ambientais causadas por poluentes diversos, podem evidenciar o grau de impacto toxicológico sobre esta espécie e agregar valor a sua importância econômica e ecológica. / Flow cytometry is a precise, fast, and effective method for the evaluation of several cellular parameters, both structural and functional, allowing the sorting and analysis of particular populations and sub-populations of cells. In this study, we employed cytometric methods on the caractherization of different blood cell types from Centropomus parallelus, and also verified cell viability, phagocytic activity and oxidative burst in these cells. Three sub-populations were identified: lymphocytes, monocytes, and trombocytes. These cells were stimulated in vitro with propidium iodide-conjugated Staphylococcus aureus (SAPI), Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or zymosan (Saccharomyces cerevisae particles). Responses to each individual stimulus differed according to cell type. Monocytes displayed the higher percentages of phagocytosis in presence of SAPI or zymosan; on the other hand, the population that included trombocytes, among other cell types (such as lymphocytes) only performed phagocytosis in a relevant level in the presence of SAPI. The oxidative burst, detected by fluorescence emitted by 2´7´dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH) was significant only after stimulation with PMA (phorbol myristate-acetate), but not when the stimulus was SAPI or LPS. Based on these preliminary results, the innate immune response in these animals (ubiquitous coastal waters of the Brazilian shore) can be further evaluated. Immunophysiological parameters in these species can build a solid ground for future ecotoxicological studies. Approaching innate immunity as a biological indicator of environmental changes induced by pollutants may support the degree of toxicological impact over these animals, and aggregate value to its current ecological and economical importance.

Mit Hilfe der Rastertunnelmikroskopie (STM, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy) und Tunnelspektroskopie (STS, Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy) wurden in situ das Ordnungsverhalten und die elektronischen Eigenschaften verschiedener alkylsubstituierter, polyzyklischer Aromaten (PAHs, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) an der Grenzfläche zwischen organischer Lösung und der Basalfläche von Graphit untersucht. Die Anzahl der pro Molekül vorhandenen pi-konjugierten Kohlenstoffatome reicht von 42 (Hexabenzocoronen, HBC) bis 114. Zusätzliche Informationen zur Struktur der geordneten Systeme lieferten kraftfeldbasierte Molekülsimulationen. Die molekularen Systeme bilden durch Adsorption und Selbstaggregation hochgeordnete Monolagen auf der Graphitoberfläche aus, wobei die polyzyklischen Kohlenstoffstrukturen der aromatischen Bereiche wie das darunter liegende Graphitgitter orientiert und die Molekülkristalle kommensurabel mit dem Substrat sind. Die peripheren Alkylketten sind nicht notwendigerweise an der Adsorption auf dem Graphitgitter beteiligt. Dies führt in bestimmten Fällen zu hexagonalen Anordnungen der HBC-Moleküle. Periodische Helligkeitsmodulationen im Tunnelbild der Aromaten werden über unterschiedliche Adsorptionspositionen auf dem Substrat erklärt, die in regelmäßiger Weise durch die molekularen Spezies eingenommen werden. In vielen Fällen ist die Adsorption nicht auf Monolagen begrenzt. Attraktive pi--pi-Wechselwirkungen zwischen den Aromaten werden als Ursache für die Stapelung der Moleküle angeführt. Es besteht die Vermutung, dass auch ein signifikanter Überlapp von Orbitalen vorhanden ist. Folglich wird der an der Grenzfläche zum Graphit existierende molekulare Ordnungszustand auf die zusätzlich adsorbierenden Schichten übertragen. Die Beobachtung nichtperiodischer Kontrastmodulationen wird auf kleinste Unterschiede in den Stapelweisen der Aromaten zurückgeführt, die zu Unterschieden in den elektronischen Eigenschaften führen. Hochaufgelöste STM-Bilder zeigen verschiedene Punktmuster und Streifen innerhalb der aromatischen Bereiche einzelner Moleküle. Diese Muster können nicht direkt der elektronischen Struktur der Aromaten zugeordnet werden. Sie werden vielmehr als Ergebnis einer Faltung der elektronischen Eigenschaften von Substrat und Adsorbat betrachtet. Zwei der Punktmuster, die für ein HBC-Derivat beobachtet wurden und abhängig von der Anzahl der pro Aromatenstapel involvierten Moleküle sind, konnten als sqrt(3) x sqrt(3) R 30°- bzw. als 2 x 2 -Überstruktur des Graphits beschrieben werden. Die STS-Experimente waren auf die Aufnahme lokaler I(U)-Kennlinien gerichtet. Die Aromaten weisen eine asymmetrische I(U)-Charakteristik auf, die Ähnlichkeiten mit dem Kennlinienverlauf einer Diode zeigt. Die Asymmetrie wird durch resonantes Tunneln über das HOMO bei negativen Probenspannungen erklärt. Die Verstärkung der Asymmetrie mit zunehmender Größe des Aromaten wird durch den kleiner werdenden energetischen Abstand zwischen HOMO und Fermi-Niveau des Graphits verursacht. / Self-assembled structures and electronic properties of alkylsubstituted, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at the solid liquid interface between a solution and the basal plane of graphite have been studied in situ by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS). The number of pi-conjugated carbon atoms per investigated molecular species ranges from 42 (hexabenzocoronene, HBC) to 114. Supplementary structural information was obtained by forcefield based simulations. Upon adsorption and self-assembly, the molecules form ordered monolayers on the graphite surface. Predominantely, the polycyclic carbon structures of the aromatic moieties exhibit the same orientation as the underlying graphite lattice and the molecular lattices are commensurate with the substrate. The peripheral alkyl chains do not necessarily adsorb on the substrate which leads to hexagonal packings of the HBCs in some cases. Periodic contrast modulations of the aromatic moieties in the STM images are attributed to different adsorption sites on the graphite lattice. These different positions are occupied by the molecules in a regular way. In many cases, the adsorption is not limited to monolayers. It is proposed that the stacking is governed by pi--pi-interactions between the aromatic regions including a significant overlap of orbitals. As a consequence, the molecular order from the solid liquid interface is transferred to the additionally adsorbing layers. Nonperiodic contrast modulations indicate slight differences in the stacking giving rise to modified electronic properties. Highly resolved STM images show different dot patterns and stripes within the aromatic region of single molecules. These patterns do not directly stem from the electronic structure of the aromatic species. Instead, they are rather explained by a convolution of the electronic properties of both, substrate and adsorbate. Two of the dot patterns observed for an HBC derivative could be described as sqrt(3) x sqrt(3) R 30°- and as 2 x 2 -superstructure of the graphite lattice, respectively, depending on the number of stacked molecules. STS involved the measurement of I(U)-curves at specific locations. The curves of the aromatic moieties exhibit an asymmetric, diode like behavior explained by resonant tunneling via the HOMO at negative substrate voltages. The asymmetry is enhanced with increasing size of the aromatic moiety. This is due to the reduced distance between the HOMO and the graphite Fermi level for the larger PAHs.

Methods for the determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with suspended participate matter were developed with the aim of determining airborne concentrations and to investigate seasonal trends. Other associate pollutants such as Total Suspended Particulate matter (TSP), Particulate Matter with an equivalent aerodynamic diameter less than 10 micrometres (PM10) and lead concentration were also reviewed to determine trends. Motor vehicle emissions appear to be the source of the PAHs and differences between the types and concentrations of PAHs detected at central business district sites verses suburban sites were noted. Wind erosion, biomass burning, motor vehicle emissions and industrial processes are sources of particulate matter in the atmosphere. Lead comes mainly from motor vehicles emissions in the ACT with some lead possibly from the burning of lead contaminated fuel. TSP and lead concentrations have decreased since air quality monitoring began in the early 1980s. PM10 concentration may also have fallen but the data set for PM10s is to small to draw any firm conclusions. Only TSP lead concentrations displayed a seasonal pattern. The ACT air pollution Act 1984 has placed restriction on the burning of fuels to improve air quality in the ACT. The air quality in regards to TSP and lead is improving. However, the only strong links between the Act and decreased pollutant concentrations is the introduction of unleaded petrol and the decrease of airborne lead concentrations.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, produced by anthropological and natural activities, are hazardous through formation of oxidative radicals and DNA adducts. Growth of Mycobacterium sp. strain KMS, isolated from a contaminated soil, on the model hydrocarbon pyrene induced specific proteins. My work extends the study of isolate KMS to the gene level to understand the pathways and regulation of pyrene utilization. Genes encoding pyrene-induced proteins were clustered on a 72 kb section on the KMS chromosome but some also were duplicated on plasmids. Skewed GC content and presence of integrase and transposase genes suggested horizontal transfer of pyrene-degrading gene islands that also were found with high conservation in five other pyrene-degrading Mycobacterium isolates. Transcript analysis found both plasmid and chromosomal genes were induced by pyrene. These processes may enhance the survival of KMS in hydrocarbon-contaminated soils when other carbon sources are limited. KMS also grew on benzoate, confirming the functionality of an operon containing genes distinct from those in other benzoate-degrading bacteria. Growth on benzoate but not on pyrene induced a gene, benA, encoding a benzoate dioxygenase α-subunit, but not the pyrene-induced nidA encoding a pyrene dioxygenase α-subunit; the differential induction correlated with differences in promoter sequences. Diauxic growth occurred when pyrene cultures were amended with benzoate or acetate, succinate, or fructose, and paralleled delayed expression of nidA. Single phase growth and normal expression of benA was observed for benzoate single and mixed cultures. The nidA promoters had potential cAMP-CRP binding sites, suggesting that cAMP could be involved in carbon repression of pyrene metabolism. Growth on benzoate and pyrene requires gluconeogenesis. Intermediary metabolism in isolate KMS involves expression from genes encoding a novel malate:quinone oxidoreductase and glyoxylate shunt enzymes. Generation of C3 structures involves transcription of genes encoding malic enzyme, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and phosphoenolpyruvate synthase. Carbon source modified the transcription patterns for these genes. My findings are the first to show duplication of pyrene-degrading genes on the chromosome and plasmids in Mycobacterium isolates and expression from a unique benzoate-degrading operon. I clarified the routes for intermediary metabolism leading to gluconeogenesis and established a potential role for cAMP-mediated catabolite repression of pyrene utilization.

En aquesta Tesi: 1) S’ha estudiat la reacció de metàtesi creuada (CM) de diferents derivats metilenciclopentànics utilitzant el catalitzador d’Hoveyda-Grubbs de segona generació, observant la formació dels alquens tetrasubstituïts corresponents amb bons rendiments. En el cas d’un derivat bis(metilenciclopentànic) s’ha observat la formació de productes de doble i triple CM amb elevada estereoselectivitat anti, fet que en el cas del producte de doble CM s’ha establert per difracció de raigs X. 2) S’ha preparat un nou ciclopentadiè 1,1-disubstituit funcionalitzat, i s’han estudiat les reaccions de Diels-Alder amb diferents dienòfils [anhídrid maleic, cis-1,2-bis(fenilsulfonil)etilè i triflat de fenil(2-iodoetinil)iodoni]. L’adducte amb l’últim dienòfil s’ha transformat en un derivat 2,3-diiodat 7,7-disubstituït del norbornadiè. 3) S’ha estudiat la reacció del triflat de (2-iodoetinil)feniliodoni amb 1,3-difenilisobenzofuran que depenen de les condicions dóna l’adducte Diels-Alder corresponent o un triflat naftalènic format per reducció de l’adducte inicial per part del 1,3.difenilisobenzofuran emprat en excés. 4) S’ha desenvolupat una seqüència sintètica per a l’obtenció de derivats del 2,8-etanonoradamantà molt funcionalitzats, que té com a etapa clau una reacció Diels-Alder intramolecular. Durant la reducció d’una enona a alcohol al•lílic amb NaBH4 / CeCl3•7H2O (mètode de Luche), es va haver de protegir una funció maleimida transformant-la en una barreja diastereomèrica d’adductes amb furà, regenerant la maleimida després de la reducció de l’enona, per escalfament en el sí de toluè a reflux durant 4 dies (reacció retro-Diels-Alder). També s’ha posat a punt un procediment alternatiu per preparar un intermediari clau en la seqüència sintètica anterior, 5-{[(t-butildimetilsilil)oxi]metil}-2-metil-5,6-dihidrociclopenta[c]pirrol-1,3(2H,4H)-diona, a partir de la N-metilmaleimida amb un rendiment cinc vegades superior al desenvolupat inicialment. 5) L’estructura dels diferents compostos obtinguts en aquesta Tesi s’ha establert per mètodes espectroscòpics [1H-RMN, 13C-RMN, correlacions 1H/1H (COSY, NOESY), correlacions 1H/13C (gHSQC, gHMBC), MS, IR] i en diversos casos, també per difracció de raigs X. / "Synthesis and reactivity of polycyclic compounds: Applications of the olefin metathesis reaction to their synthesis" In this PhD Thesis: 1) The cross metathesis (CM) reaction of different methylenecyclopentane derivatives using Hoveyda-Grubbs second generation catalyst has been studied. In these reactions, tetrasubstituted alkenes have been formed in good yields. In the case of a bis(methylenecyclopentane) derivative, the formation of products from double and triple CM has been observed. In general, high anti-stereoselectivity has been observed. The assignment of the stereochemistry of the single CM products has been performed through the analysis of the NMR data for the epoxide derivatives and in the case of the double CM product by X-ray diffraction analysis. 2) A new 1,1-disubstituted cyclopentadiene has been prepared. Its reactions with different dienophiles [maleic anhydride, cis-1,2-bis(phenylsulfonyl)ethylene and phenyl(2-iodoethynyl)iodonium triflate] has been studied. The adduct with the last dienophile has been transformed into a 2,3-diiodo-7,7-disubstituted norbornadiene. 3) The reaction of phenyl(2-iodoethynyl)iodonium triflate with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran has been studied. Depending on the reaction conditions, the corresponding Diels-Alder adduct or a naphthalenic triflate, formed by reduction of the initial adduct with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran used in excess, has been observed. 4) A synthetic sequence for the preparation of highly functionalized 2,8-ethanonoradamantane derivatives has been developed. The key step consists of an intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction. On reduction of an enone function to an allylic alcohol using NaBH4 / CeCl3•7H2O (Luche procedure), a maleimide function should be protected by transformation into a stereoisomeric mixture of Diels-Alder adducts with furan. The maleimide function was recovered, after reduction of the enone, through a thermal retro-Diels-Alder reaction. Also, an alternative procedure to prepare a key intermediate of the above synthetic sequence, 5-{[(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy]methyl}-2-methyl-5,6-dihydrocyclopenta[c]pyrrole-1,3(2H,4H)-dione, from N-methylmaleimide with a yield five times higher, have been developed. 5) The structure of the different compounds prepared in this PhD Thesis has been established by spectroscopic methods [1H NMR, 13C NMR, 1H/1H correlations (COSY, NOESY), 1H/13C correlations (gHSQC, gHMBC), MS, IR] and, in several cases, also by X-ray diffraction analysis.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that can be modified to oxygenated PAH (oxyPAHs) derivatives. It is well known that oxyPAHs tend to be much more reactive than their parent compounds. Toxicity can be attributed to direct interaction with target molecules or generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Metals are another class of contaminant found ubiquitously throughout the environment. Some metals are toxic at levels below the 1:1 ratio predicted by the biotic ligand model and are thought to manifest toxicity through ROS generation. Often metals and PAHs occur as co-contaminants in industrialized environments, yet little is known about their potential co-toxicity or mechanisms of action in mammalian reproductive function. Previously, we described that a PAH, 9, 10-phenanthrenequinone (PHEQ), inhibited LH-stimulated progesterone secretion in dispersed rat corpus luteal (CL) cells (Nykamp et al., 2001). Viability was decreased in CL cells exposed to PHEQ and 1,2-dihydroxy-anthraquinone (1,2-dhATQ), but not their parent compounds phenanthrene (PHE) or anthracene (ANT). Similarly, LH-stimulated progesterone production in CL cells was inhibited by PHEQ and 1,2-dhATQ, but not PHE. Further investigation revealed that PHEQ, but not PHE, ANT nor 1,2-dhATQ generated ROS in CL cells. Viability experiments were repeated using the choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3 with similar results. Various metals were assessed for their toxicity to both CL and JEG-3 cells. The endpoints used to measure viability were metabolic activity and membrane integrity. In general, metabolic activity was a more sensitive indicator of toxicity than membrane integrity. The order of toxicity for metals in CL cells was Hg2+ > Cd2+ > Zn2+ > Ni2+ > Cu2+ for metabolic activity and Hg2+ ≈ Zn2+ > Cd2+ > Cu2+ > Ni2+ for membrane integrity. Only Hg2+ and Cu2+ were tested in JEG-3 cells. While Cu2+ was non-toxic, EC50s for Hg2+ metabolic activity and membrane integrity were 20 mM and 23 mM, respectively. Experiments were designed to study the mixtures of metals and PAHs on viability, ROS production, and LH-stimulated progesterone production in CL cells. Mixtures of each metal with either PHEQ or 1,2-dhATQ were incubated with CL cells and their effect on metabolic activity and membrane integrity assessed. Generally, most metal/oxyPAH mixtures displayed only additive toxicity. However, mixtures of Cu2+ and PHEQ showed synergistic toxicity to both metabolic activity and membrane integrity. Mixture studies in JEG-3 cells used only combinations of Cu2+ or Hg2+ with PHEQ or 1,2-dhATQ. Similar results to metabolic activity and membrane integrity in CL cells were observed. Mixtures of Cu2+ and PHEQ or 1,2-dhATQ were tested in CL cells for their effect on LH-stimulated progesterone secretion and ROS production. Additive effects were observed in both LH-stimulated progesterone secretion and ROS production for Cu2+/1,2-dhATQ mixtures while synergistic effects for both parameters were seen with Cu2+/PHEQ. Efforts to determine the site of action for mixtures of Cu2+/PHEQ involved adding the cholesterol analogue, 22-OH cholesterol (22-OHC) to CL cells in the absence of LH. Cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (CYP450scc) enzyme operates constitutively and the addition of 22-OHC to CL cells resulting in a 5-fold increase in progesterone production without added LH. Kinetic assays with 22-OHC show that while progesterone secretion was inhibited with PHEQ addition alone, a further significant reduction with both Cu2+ and PHEQ was not observed. The use of forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, did not show any significant enhancement of progesterone secretion with the addition of Cu2+/PHEQ compared to PHEQ alone. The potential targets of Cu2+/PHEQ mixture include any step in the steroidogenic cascade from activation of protein kinase A onward with the proteins of the mitochondria, cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, being the most likely. Differential display polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) was a molecular approach taken to determine the effect of PHEQ on JEG-3 gene expression. The genes whose expression appeared to be up-regulated with PHEQ exposure were serine protease inhibitor, Alu repeat sequence, heterogeneous ribonuclear ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNP C), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3), nucleoporin-like protein, eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1a1 (eEF1 a 1), autophagy-linked FYVE domain (Alfy), spectrin, and proteasome. Apparent down-regulated genes in JEG-3 cells after PHEQ exposure included poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 10 (PARP10), polyglutamine binding protein-1 (PQBP-1), heterogeneous ribonuclear ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNP C), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A), and keratin. In both cell types, oxyPAHs were more toxic than their parent compounds. Metals showed greater toxicity to metabolic activity than to membrane integrity. Of the combinations tested, only PHEQ and Cu2+ exhibited synergistic toxicity. ROS generation was the likely mechanism behind PHEQ/Cu2+ toxicity. Both cell types used represent critical roles in human reproductive health. The proper production of progesterone, a critical hormone for the maintenance of pregnancy in mammals, represents a unique endpoint for the assessment of toxicity. These results illustrate the need to study modified oxyPAHs, metals and metal/oxyPAH mixtures for their potential impact on human reproductive health.