O uso de fertilizantes minerais é de grande importância para que a cultura atinja o seu potencial produtivo e torne a atividade de produção viável economicamente, no entanto o uso excessivo é danoso ao meio ambiente, trazendo riscos à saúde humana e à biodiversidade local. A utilização de bactérias promotoras de crescimento de plantas (BPCP) tem se mostrado uma alternativa promissora e sustentável, visando melhorar a produtividade e reduzir o uso de fertilizantes. Essas bactérias colonizam a rizosfera e tecidos internos da planta e são capazes de estimular o desenvolvimento e sanidade de sua hospedeira através de mecanismos como disponibilização de nutrientes, produção de fitohormônios e controle de patógenos. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito da inoculação de três linhagens de BPCP em milho e o impacto causado na comunidade bacteriana associada à cultura. As linhagens utilizadas foram Burkholderia ambifaria RZ2MS16, Bacillus sp. RZ2MS9, ambas isoladas da rizosfera de guaranazeiro, e Azospirillum brasilense Ab-v5, um inoculante comercial. Primeiramente, foi realizado um ensaio de antibiose entre RZ2MS9 e Ab-v5, constatando não haver inibição. Após, um experimento de promoção de crescimento em condições de campo, foi realizado, com plantas de milho inoculadas com: (i) RZ2MS16; (ii) RZ2MS16 e Ab-v5; (iii) Ab-v5; (iv) RZ2MS9; (v) RZ2MS9 e Ab-v5; e (vi) tratamento controle. As sementes foram inoculadas e, 60 dias após o plantio, a altura da planta, altura até a inserção da espiga e o diâmetro do colmo foram medidos. A inoculação com Ab-v5 e a coinoculação de RZ2MS9 com Ab-v5 promoveram o incremento de 3% em altura da planta, além disso, esse consórcio promoveu incremento de 9% no diâmetro do colmo, todos comparados ao tratamento controle. Usando o DNA total da folha e raíz do milho, o fragmento 16S rRNA bacteriano foi sequenciado, através da plataforma Ion Torrent, para avaliar o efeito da inoculação na comunidade bacteriana associada à ambos os tecidos. A inoculação foi capaz de modular a comunidade bacteriana associada à folha, com a análise de coordenadas principais (PCoA) explicando 39,51% da variação. Não foi observada modulação na comunidade bacteriana associada à raiz. Foi observada diferença na estrutura da comunidade bacteriana quando ambos os nichos foram comparados, independente de inoculação, com a PCoA explicando 80,97% dessa variação. Assim observa-se que estudos dessa natureza são de grande importância para o melhor entendimento da interação entre as BPCP e a comunidade bacteirana associada à planta hospedeira, e dos mecanismos que levam ao desenvolvimento da cultura. / The use of mineral fertilizers is of great importance to the crop reaches its potential yield and become the production activity economically feasible, however, its excessive use is harmful to the environment, and brings risk to human health and local biodiversity. The use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) has been shown as a promising and sustainable alternative, aiming to improve productivity and reduce fertilizer use. These bacteria colonize the rhizosphere and plant internal tissues and are able to stimulate their host development and health through mechanisms such as nutrient availability, phytohormone production and pathogen control. This study aimed to evaluate the inoculation effect of three PGPB strains in maize and the impact on associated bacterial community. The strains inoculated were Burkholderia ambifaria RZ2MS16, Bacillus sp. RZ2MS9, both isolated from guarana rhizosphere, and Azospirillum brasilense Ab-v5, a commercial inoculant. First, an anthibiosis assay was conducted between RZ2MS9 and Ab-v5 strains, showing no inhibition. Then, a growth-promotion assay was performed under field conditions, with maize plants inoculated with: (i) RZ2MS16; (ii) RZ2MS16 and Ab-v5; (iii) Ab-v5; (iv) RZ2MS9; (v) RZ2MS9 and Ab-v5; and (vi) control. The seeds were inoculated and, 60 days after sowing, the plant height, height to the cob insertion and stem diameter were measured. The inoculation with Ab-v5 and the co-inoculation with RZ2MS9 plus Ab-v5 increased the plant height in 3%, furthermore, the co-inoculation increased stem diameter in 9%, all compared to control. Using total DNA of maize\'s leaf and root, bacterial 16S rRNA fragment was sequenced by Ion Torrent platform, to evaluate the effect of inoculation in associated bacterial community of both tissues. The inoculation was able to modulate the leaf bacterial community, with principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) explaining 39.51% of variation. It was not found modulation on root\'s bacterial community. Difference in the bacterial community structure was observed when both niches were compared, regardless inoculation, with PCoA explaining 80.97% of this variation. Therefore, it is noted that studies of this nature are of great importance for a better understanding of the interaction between PGPB and bacterial community associated to the host plant and mechanisms leading to crop development.

En esta Tesis se estudia el posible papel de las FLA como reservorio de H. pylori y otras bacterias patógenas en aguas y alimentos mediante técnicas moleculares. En primer lugar se realizó un ensayo de cocultivo entre la bacteria H. pylori y la ameba Acanthamoeba castellanii. Se comprobó, mediante técnicas moleculares específicas para la detección de células viables, PMA-qPCR y DVC-FISH, que la ameba es capaz de internalizar a la bacteria y que esta última permanece viable, demostrando que H. pylori se comporta como una bacteria ARB. Seguidamente, se analizaron un total de 120 muestras ambientales, 100 de agua y 20 de vegetales para comprobar la presencia, tanto de FLA como de H. pylori internalizado en estas FLA. En el caso de las muestras de agua, se analizaron 69 muestras de agua residual y 31 de agua potable. Un total de 55 (79,7%) muestras de agua residual y 12 (38,7%) de agua potable resultaron positivas para la presencia de FLA. Mediante la técnica PMA-qPCR se demostró la presencia de H. pylori internalizado en las FLA presentes en 28 (50,9%) y 11 (91,7%) de las muestras de agua residual y potable analizadas, respectivamente. Mediante DVC-FISH se demostró que las células de H. pylori internalizadas dentro de las FLA presentes en las muestras eran viables en 16 (29,5%) y 5 (41,7%) de las muestras de agua residual y potable analizadas, respectivamente. Además, se consiguió recuperar formas viables cultivables de H. pylori procedente del interior de FLA en 10 (18,2%) de las muestras de agua residual analizadas. Las FLA aisladas e identificadas en las aguas residuales pertenecieron a los géneros Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Vanellidae y a la familia Vahlkampfiidae. En el caso del agua potable, las FLA aisladas e identificadas pertenecieron a los géneros Acanthamoeba, Echinamoeba y Vermamoeba. En el caso de las muestras de vegetales, concretamente lechugas, todas ellas resultaron positivas para el aislamiento de FLA (100%). Mediante la técnica PMA-qPCR se demostró la presencia de H. pylori internalizado en las FLA en 11 (55,0%) de las muestras y, mediante DVC-FISH, se demostró que las células de H. pylori internalizadas dentro de las FLA eran viables en 5 (25,0%) de las muestras. En este caso no se recuperaron formas viables cultivables de la bacteria. Finalmente, mediante metagenómica de secuenciación dirigida, se analizó el microbioma de las FLA presentes en 20 de las muestras analizadas en esta Tesis (11 de agua residual, 3 de agua potable y 6 de lechugas). Para ello, se eligieron los iniciadores, se evaluaron in silico e in vitro y, una vez comprobada su idoneidad, se emplearon para la secuenciación de las muestras. En los tres tipos de muestras, la clase bacteriana más abundante fue la Gammaproteobacteria. Para los tres tipos de muestras, los filos más abundantes de las bacterias del microbioma de las FLA fueron Proteobacteria y Bacteroidetes y, en el caso del agua residual, también lo fue el filo Planctomycetes. H. pylori se detectó mediante esta técnica en los tres tipos de muestra. Además, como parte del microbioma de FLA de muestras ambientales, se detectaron otras bacterias de interés para la salud pública, tales como Aeromonas, Legionella, Mycobaterium o Pseudomonas. Los resultados obtenidos en esta Tesis demuestran la presencia de FLA patógenas en las muestras ambientales, así como el hecho de que, en algunos casos, estas son transportadoras de bacterias patógenas. Este trabajo también confirma que H. pylori se comporta como una bacteria ARB y que se encuentra viable en el interior de FLA presentes, tanto en aguas residuales y potables como en vegetales. De esta forma, se postula que un modo de transmisión de esta bacteria podría ser a través de las FLA presentes en agua o vegetales. / In this Thesis, the possible role of FLA is studied as a reservoir of H. pylori and other pathogenic bacteria in waters and food by means of molecular techniques. Firstly, a coculture assay between the bacterium H. pylori and the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii was carried out. It was verified by means of molecular techniques specific for the detection of viable cells, PMA-qPCR and DVC-FISH, that the amoeba is capable of internalizing the bacterium and that the latter remains viable, demonstrating that H. pylori behaves as an ARB bacterium. Afterwards, a total of 120 environmental samples, 100 of water and 20 of vegetables, were analyzed to verify the presence FLA as well as internalized H. pylori into these FLA. In case of water samples, 69 samples of wastewater and 31 samples of drinking water were analyzed. A total of 55 (79,7 %) wastewater and 12 (38,7 %) of drinking water samples turned out to be positive for FLA's presence. By means of PMA-qPCR technique, the presence of FLA-internalized H. pylori was demonstrated in 28 (50,9 %) and 11 (91,7 %) of the wastewater and drinking water samples analyzed, respectively. By means of DVC-FISH it was demonstrated that the FLA-internalized H. pylori cells were viable in 16 (29,5 %) and 5 (41,7 %) of the wastewater and drinking water samples analyzed, respectively. In addition, viable cultivable forms of H. pylori coming from the inside of FLA were recovered from 10 (18,2 %) of the analyzed wastewater samples. The isolated and identified FLA from wastewater samples belonged to the genus Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Vanellidae and to the family Vahlkampfiidae. In the case of drinking wáter, the isolated and identified FLA belonged to the genus Acanthamoeba, Echinamoeba and Vermamoeba. In the case of the vegetable samples, specifically lettuces, all of them turned out to be positive for FLA's isolation (100 %). By means of the PMA-qPCR technique, the presence of FLA-internalized H. pylori was demonstrated in 11 (55,0 %) of the samples and, by means of DVC-FISH, it was demonstrated that FLA-internalized H. pylori cells were viable in 5 (25,0 %) of the samples. In this case, viable cultivable forms of the bacterium could not be recovered. Finally, by means of amplicon-based metagenomics, the FLA microbiome of 20 previously analyzed samples in this Thesis (11 wastewater, 3 drinking water and 6 lettuce samples) was analyzed. To do so, a pair of primers were selected and evaluated in silco and in vitro and, once checked its suitability, they were used to perform the samples' sequencing. In the three types of samples, the most abundant bacterial class was the Gammaproteobacteria. For the three types of samples, the most abundant bacterial phylum of the FLA microbiome were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes and, in case of the wastewater, it was also the phylum Planctomycetes. H. pylori was detected by means of this technology in the three types of samples. In addition, as part of FLA's microbiome of environmental samples, other bacteria of public health interest were detected, such as Aeromonas, Legionella, Mycobacterium or Pseudomonas. The results obtained in this Thesis demonstrate the presence of pathogenic FLA in the environmental samples, as well as the fact that, in some cases, these they are carriers of pathogenic bacteria. This work also confirms that H. pylori behaves as an ARB bacterium and that it is viable inside the present FLA in wastewater as well as in drinking water and in vegetables. This way, it is postulated that a way of transmission of this bacterium might be through the FLA present in water or vegetables. / En esta Tesi s'estudia el possible paper de les FLA com a reservori de H. pylori i altres bacteris patògens en aigües i aliments per mitjà de tècniques moleculars. En primer lloc es va realitzar un assaig de cocultiu entre el bacteri H. pylori i l'ameba Acanthamoeba castellanii. Es va comprovar per mitjà de tècniques moleculars específiques per a la detecció de cèl¿lules viables, PMA-qPCR i DVC-FISH, que l'ameba és capaç d'internalizar al bacteri i que esta última roman viable, demostrant que H. pylori es comporta com un bacteri ARB. A continuació, es van analitzar un total de 120 mostres ambientals, 100 d'aigua i 20 de vegetals per a comprovar la presència tant de FLA com de H. pylori internalitzat en estes FLA. En el cas de les mostres d'aigua, es van analitzar 69 mostres d'aigua residual i 31 d'aigua potable. Un total de 55 (79,7%) mostres d'aigua residual i 12 (38,7%) d'aigua potable van resultar positives per a la presència de FLA. Per mitjà de la tècnica PMA-qPCR es va demostrar la presència d'H. pylori internalitzat en les FLA presents en 28 (50,9%) i 11 (91,7%) de les mostres d'aigua residual i potable analitzades, respectivament. Per mitjà de DVC-FISH es va demostrar que les cèl¿lules d'H. pylori internalitzades dins les FLA presents en les mostres eren viables en 16 (29,5%) i 5 (41,7%) de les mostres d'aigua residual i potable analitzades, respectivament. A més, es va aconseguir recuperar formes viables cultivables d'H. pylori procedent de l'interior de FLA en 10 (18,2%) de les mostres d'aigua residual analitzades. Les FLA aïllades i identificades en les aigües residuals van pertànyer als gèneres Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Vanellidae i a la família Vahlkampfiidae. En el cas de l'aigua potable, les FLA aïllades i identificades van pertànyer als gèneres Acanthamoeba, Echinamoeba i Vermamoeba. En el cas de les mostres de vegetals, concretament encisams, totes elles van resultar positives per a l'aïllament de FLA (100%). Per mitjà de la tècnica PMA-qPCR es va demostrar la presència d'H. pylori internalitzat en les FLA en 11 (55,0%) de les mostres i, per mitjà de DVC-FISH, es va demostrar que les cèl¿lules d'H. pylori internalitzades dins les FLA eren viables en 5 (25,0%) de les mostres. En este cas no es van recuperar formes viables cultivables del bacteri. Finalment, per mitjà de metagenómica de seqüenciació dirigida, es va analitzar el microbioma de les FLA presents en 20 de les mostres analitzades en esta Tesi (11 d'aigua residual, 3 d'aigua potable i 6 d'encisams). Per tal de fer això, es van triar els iniciadors, es van avaluar in silico i in vitro i, una vegada comprovada la seua idoneïtat, es van emprar per a la seqüenciació de les mostres. En els tres tipus de mostres, la classe bacteriana més abundant va ser la Gammaproteobacteria. Per als tres tipus de mostres, els filos més abundants dels bacteris del microbioma de les FLA van ser Proteobacteria i Bacteroidetes i, en el cas de l'aigua residual, també ho va ser el filo Planctomycetes. H. pylori es va detectar per mitjà d'esta tècnica en els tres tipus de mostra. A més, com a part del microbioma de FLA de mostres ambientals, es van detectar altres bacteris d'interés per a la salut pública, com ara Aeromonas, Legionella, Mycobaterium o Pseudomonas. Els resultats obtinguts en esta Tesi demostren la presència de FLA patògenes en les mostres ambientals, així com el fet de que, en alguns casos, estes són transportadores de bacteris patògens. Este treball també confirma que H. pylori es comporta com un bacteri ARB i que es troba viable en l'interior de FLA presents, tant en aigües residuals i potables com en vegetals. D'esta manera, es postula que una manera de transmissió d'este bacteri podria ser a través de les FLA presents en aigua o vegetals. / Moreno Mesonero, L. (2018). Estudio del papel de las amebas de vida libre como reservorio de Helicobacter pylori y otras bacterias patógenas en aguas y alimentos mediante técnicas moleculares [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/111952 / TESIS

Summary Juliane Schneevoigt „Investigation of time- and pressure-dependent expression of different components of the extracellular matrix by chondrocytes in vitro” Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology of the University of Leipzig Submitted in June 2015 98 pages, 34 figures, 41 tables, 153 references keywords: cartilage, chondrocytes, hydrostatic pressure, bioreactor, qPCR Introduction Hyaline cartilage maintains the basic function of transmitting articular pressure load within synovial joints and therefore provides the basis for the movements of an organism. Being a small coverage of the joint surface, it shows a composition designed to match this function specifically. A high amount of proteoglycans and its associated water determines the elastic formability of the hyaline cartilage which allows the absorbance of pressure and shear forces. These proteoglycans, mainly based on aggrecan as core-protein, are embedded into a meshwork of collagen fibres, primarily formed of collagen type II. This composition is not to be understood as a static construct; moreover it is exposed to biophysical forces that permanently require a dynamic adaptation. This adaptation of the extracellular matrix formed by proteoglycans and collagen type II is organised by a small number of embedded chondrocytes, the cells of the hyaline cartilage. As chondrocytes are post-mitotic cells and due to the lack of vascularisation within hyaline cartilage, there is hardly any chance for regeneration of defects in order to maintain the integrity of the tissue. The resulting replacement is formed as fibrocartilage, which has not the capability to withstand the biodynamical forces within the joint. As these defects in hyaline cartilage represent a gross of the diseases of the musculoskeletal system, there is a high medical interest in the development of innovative cell-based therapies, as autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) is one. With this type of therapy in vitro cultivated chondrocytes are seeded into a cartilage defect with the aim of producing hyaline cartilage. Aims of the study In the last decades the need for a detailed understanding of the biodynamics of cartilage became obvious for further development of therapies. The aim of this study was therefore to establish a cell culture system to provide an insight into the biodynamics of chondrocytes. Aside from the examination of the differentiation of in vitro cultivated chondrocytes and their synthesis of extracellular matrix as a function of the cultivation time, another aim of this study was to determine whether the application of hydrostatic pressure might have beneficial influence on the expression of extracellular matrix components by chondrocytes in vitro, in accordance with the hyaline cartilage. Material and methods Human articular chondrocytes were cultivated in vitro without the application of hydrostatic pressure in the first place. The cells were observed phase contrast microscopically and the distribution of collagen type I and II was detected immuncytochemically. In further experiments optical confluent chondrocytes were transferred to a bioreactor system applying a hydrostatic pressure of 5 or 10 bar with variable time periods of the pressure applied. Subsequently, the expression of collagen type I, collagen type II and aggrecan was investigated and quantified using qPCR and Western Blot. Chondrocytes cultivated exclusively without the application of hydrostatic pressure served as controls. In this pilot-study the samples were analysed using arithmetic mean and standard deviation to evaluate the power statistically. In addition, similar test conditions with marginal differences were pooled and the necessary sample size to meet a power of 80 % with an alpha error of 0.05 was calculated using the maximum potential standard deviation. In cases where this statistic power was obtained, an analysis of significance (\"One Way Analysis of Variance”) was carried out meeting a significance level under 0.05. Results During the cultivation of chondrocytes in vitro without hydrostatic pressure the length of the cultivation time did neither show an effect on the phase contrast microscopical morphology nor on the immuncytochemically detected distribution of collagen typ I and II. The application of increased hydrostatic pressure for 24 hours results in a 0.2-0.8-fold decrease of the expression of collagen type I and II and a 1.7-2.2-fold increase of aggrecan expression compared to the unloaded controls. This effect was more distinct with 5 bar but was accompanied by instabilities in the cell culture. This is why further investigations concentrated on the use of 10 bar pressure with subsequently shortened time period of the applied pressure. With short times of loading (1.5 and 3 hours) a pressure load of 10 bar led to a 0.8 fold decrease of the expression of collagen type I and II and showed a 1.6-2.4 fold increase of aggrecan expression. These qPCR results were supported by the protein expression of collagen type I, II and aggrecan detected in Western Blot. Conclusions A cell culture system was established to examine the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the expression of chondrocytes on the one hand, which can further be modified for the assembly of cell transplants on the other hand. Subsequently the results of this study led to a definition of cell culture conditions, stimulating the extracellular matrix production of chondrocytes towards the composition of hyaline cartilage. This was the case using a seeding density of 104 cells/cm2 and a pre-cultivation time of 6 days of normal pressure, followed by the application of 10 bar hydrostatic pressure for 1.5-3 h. With the help of this pilot-study a cell culture system was established to gain more information on biodynamics of hyaline cartilage. Moreover it is possible that this information will provide a basis for further development of cell based therapies of cartilage defects, such as ACT. / Zusammenfassung Juliane Schneevoigt „Untersuchung der zeit- und druckabhängigen Expression verschiedener Komponenten der extrazellulären Matrix durch Chondrozyten in vitro“ Veterinär-Anatomisches Institut der Veterinärmedizinischen Fakultät der Universität Leipzig Eingereicht im Juni 2015 98 Seiten, 34 Abbildungen, 41 Tabellen, 153 Literaturangaben Schlüsselwörter: Knorpel, Chondrozyten, hydrostatischer Druck, Bioreaktor, qPCR Einleitung Der hyaline Knorpel gewährleistet die grundlegende Funktion der Druckübertragung innerhalb der synovialen Gelenke und stellt somit die Grundlage für die Bewegung des Organismus dar. Als schmaler Überzug der Gelenkflächen ist er in seinem Aufbau an diese Funktion spezifisch angepasst. Dabei bedingt der hohe Gehalt an Proteoglykanen und das an diese assoziierte Wasser die elastische Verformbarkeit des hyalinen Knorpels, die es ermöglicht, Druck- und Scherkräfte abzufedern. Die Proteoglykane, die hauptsächlich auf Aggrekan als Kernprotein basieren, sind in ein Maschenwerk kollagener Fasern eingelagert, welches im Wesentlichen durch Kollagen Typ II gebildet wird. Diese Zusammensetzung darf nicht als statisches Konstrukt verstanden werden. Vielmehr ist der hyaline Knorpel in vivo verschiedenen biophysikalischen Einflüssen ausgesetzt, die eine dynamische Anpassung erfordern. Solche Anpassungsvorgänge in Form einer Änderung der Zusammensetzung der aus kollagenen Fasern und Proteoglykanen bestehenden extrazellulären Matrix werden durch die wenigen eingelagerten Chondrozyten, die Zellen des hyalinen Knorpels, organisiert. Da die reifen Chondrozyten jedoch keine Zellteilungen aufweisen und dem hyalinen Knorpel eine Vaskularisierung fehlt, ist eine Defektregeneration kaum möglich, sodass eine Wiederherstellung der Integrität des Gewebes unterbleibt und stattdessen ein Ersatzknorpel, der Faserknorpel, gebildet wird, welcher den einwirkenden biodynamischen Belastungen jedoch nicht standhalten kann. Da die Defekte des hyalinen Knorpels einen Großteil der Erkrankungen des Bewegungsapparats darstellen und zudem die Arthrose als Langzeitfolge nach sich ziehen, besteht ein hohes medizinisches Interesse an der Entwicklung zellbasierter Therapieansätze, wie der Autologen Chondrozytentransplantation (ACT). Hierbei werden - bislang mit unterschiedlichen Erfolgen – in vitro kultivierte Chondrozyten mit dem Ziel, neuen hyalinen Knorpel zu bilden, in einen Knorpeldefekt eingebracht. Ziele der Untersuchungen In den letzten Jahrzehnten zeigte sich, dass die Entwicklung von Therapieansätzen zur Behandlung von Knorpeldefekten ein detaillierteres Verständnis des Knorpelgewebes und speziell dessen Biodynamik erfordert. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es daher, im Rahmen einer Pilotstudie, ein In-vitro-System zu etablieren, welches die Untersuchung der Biodynamik der Chondrozyten ermöglicht. Neben der Untersuchung der Morphologie der Chondrozyten und der durch sie synthetisierten extrazellulären Matrix in Abhängigkeit von der Kultivierungszeit der Zellen, wurde die Fragestellung bearbeitet, ob durch die Wirkung eines hydrostatischen Drucks günstige Effekte in Hinblick auf die Expression einer extrazellulären Matrix, wie sie im hyalinen Knorpel vorliegt, erzielt werden kann. Materialien und Methoden Eine Primärkultur humaner artikulärer Chondrozyten wurde zunächst unter Standardzellkulturbedingungen und atmosphärischem Druck kultiviert. Die Zellen wurden phasenkontrastmikroskopisch und hinsichtlich der Verteilung von Kollagen Typ I und II immunzytochemisch untersucht. In den weiteren Versuchen wurden optisch konfluente Chondrozyten in einen Bioreaktor überführt und weiter unter einem hydrostatischen Druck von 5 oder 10 bar kultiviert. Dabei wurde die Dauer der Druckeinwirkung auf die Chondrozyten variiert. Das Expressionsmuster der so kultivierten Chondrozyten wurde quantitativ in Hinblick auf Kollagen Typ I und II sowie Aggrekan mittels qPCR und Western Blot untersucht. Dabei dienten jeweils Chondrozyten, die ohne erhöhte Druckbedingungen kultiviert wurden, als Kontrollen. In dieser Pilotstudie wurden die Proben unter Berechnung der Mittelwerte und Standardabweichung hinsichtlich ihrer statistischen Power ausgewertet. Neben dieser Analyse der Einzelergebnisse wurden die Versuchsbedingungen, die kaum Unterschiede in den Ergebnissen aufwiesen, in Gruppen zusammengefasst und mit Hilfe der größtmöglichen vorhandenen Standardabweichung der Stichprobenumfang eines Versuchs errechnet, welcher die statistische Power der Ergebnisse bei einem Alpha-Fehler von 0,05 auf 80% erhöht. In den Fällen, in denen diese Power erreicht wurde, erfolgte eine Untersuchung der Unterschiede auf Signifikanz („One Way Analysis of Variance“) bei einem Signifikanzniveau < 0,05. Ergebnisse Während der In-vitro-Kultivierung der Chondrozyten unter atmosphärischem Druck zeigte die Länge der Kultivierungszeit weder einen Einfluss auf die phasenkontrastmikroskopisch untersuchte Morphologie der Zellen noch auf die immunzytochemisch detektierte Verteilung des Kollagen Typ I und II. Die Wirkung eines erhöhten hydrostatischen Drucks (5 bar, 10 bar) für 24 Stunden führte zu einer Abnahme der Expression von Kollagen Typ I und Typ II auf das 0,2-0,8-fache bei gleichzeitiger Zunahme der Expression des Aggrekan auf das 1,7-2,2-fache, verglichen mit der unbehandelten Kontrolle. Dieser Effekt war bei 5 bar ausgeprägter als bei 10 bar, führte jedoch gleichzeitig zu einer starken Instabilität des Zellkultursystems. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde für den höheren Druck (10 bar) die Zeitdauer der Druckeinwirkung verkürzt. Hierbei konnten bei kurzzeitiger Druckeinwirkung von 10 bar (1,5 und 3 Stunden) bei Erhalt der Zellen ähnliche Effekte erzielt werden wie für die Bedingung 5 bar, 24 Stunden. Die Expression von Kollagen Typ I und Typ II sank auf das 0,8-fache, wohingegen ein Anstieg der Aggrekanexpression auf das 1,6-2,4-fache erreicht wurde. Diese Ergebnisse der qPCR konnten durch die im Western Blot für Kollagen Typ I, II und Aggrekan detektierte Proteinexpression gestützt werden. Schlussfolgerungen Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde ein In-vitro-System etabliert, welches einerseits der Untersuchung des Einflusses von hydrostatischem Druck auf die Expression von Chondrozyten dienen und andererseits für die Herstellung von Zelltransplantaten weiter modifiziert werden kann. Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen führten zur Definition von Bedingungen für das In-vitro-System, unter denen die Expression der extrazellulären Matrix durch die Chondrozyten in Richtung der Zusammensetzung im hyalinen Knorpel stimuliert werden kann. Dies zeigte sich bei einer Aussaat der humanen Chondrozyten in einer Konzentration von 104 Zellen/cm2 und einer Vorkultivierungszeit von 6 Tagen unter Normaldruck, gefolgt von der Kultivierung unter hydrostatischem Druck von 10 bar für 1,5 bis 3 Stunden. Mit Hilfe dieser Pilotstudie wurde somit ein In-vitro-System etabliert, auf dessen Basis Untersuchungen durchgeführt werden können, die weiterführende Erkenntnisse zur Biodynamik des hyalinen Knorpels liefern und der zukünftigen Entwicklung zellbasierter Therapieansätze der Knorpeldefekte, wie der ACT, zu Gute kommen.

Tjock-och ändtarmscancer (kolorektalcancer) är den tredje vanligaste cancertypen och den näst vanligaste cancer-relaterade dödsorsaken i världen. Östrogen har visat sig ha en skyddande roll mot kolorektalcancer och östrogenreceptor beta är den dominerande östrogenreceptorn i normalt kolonepitel. Immunceller påverkar utvecklingen hos tumörer och forskning på samspelet mellan cancerceller och immunceller kan vara viktig för framtida cancerforskning. Den här studien har för avsikt att undersöka hur koloncancerceller påverkar makrofager och vice versa genom att utföra samkultursexperiment och analysera genuttryck med RT-qPCR. Tumör-associerade makrofager (TAM) polariserades från THP-1 celler och odlades tillsammans med SW480-kolorektalceller med eller utan uttryck av ERβ. En immunfluorescens-analys gjordes på en musmodell av kolit (tarminflammation) för att undersöka andelen av olika immunceller i tjocktarmen. Analysen gjordes i QuPath och beräkningarna mellan en erfaren och en oerfaren användare jämfördes. Denna studie visade att bildandet av TAM:s med hjälp av konditionerat medium från SW480-celler ändrade genuttrycket mot en pro-inflammatorisk fenotyp. Samkultur-experimenten uppvisade motstridiga resultat men antyder att genuttrycket för TAM:s ändras av att vara i samkultur med SW480-celler och att genuttrycket för SW480-celler ändras av att vara i samkultur med THP- 1-celler. Vidare visade resultatet från samkulturen att ERβ-uttrycket i SW480 cellerna påverkade deras genuttryck. Immunofluorescence-analysen av mustarmen demonstrerade att immuncellen med den högsta andelen var dendritiska celler medan celltypen med minst andel var cytotoxiska T-celler, som till antalet var ungefär hälften så många som T-hjälparceller. Analysen visade att skillnaden mellan en erfaren och en oerfaren användare var signifikant för två av tio immunceller. Slutsatserna från denna studie var att SW480-celler har en inverkan på genuttrycket av TAM:s och att genuttrycket i SW480 påverkades av att vara i samodling med THP-1-celler polariserade till makrofagliknande celler (av PMA) eller TAM:s (genom konditionerat medium från SW480-celler). Vidare tycks ERβ påverka uttrycket av ICAM1 och IL-1β i SW480 celler under samkultur med makrofagliknande- eller TAM-THP-1 celler. Genom att fortsätta undersöka förhållandet mellan makrofager och kolorektalcancerceller kan forskningen breddas vilket kan leda till nya behandlingsmetoder i framtiden. / Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Estrogen has been found to have a protective role in the development of colorectal cancer and estrogen receptor beta is the predominant estrogen receptor in normal colonic epithelium. Immune cells influence tumor progression and research on the crosstalk between cancer cells and immune cells could be important in future therapies. This study aims to investigate how colorectal cancer cells influence macrophages and vice versa by conducting co-culture experiments and analyzing gene expression using RT-qPCR. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were polarized from THP-1 cells and cultured together with SW480 colorectal cancer cells with or without the expression of ERβ. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed on colon tissue samples from a colitis-induced mice model to investigate the percentage of different immune cells in the colon. The analysis was done in QuPath and the calculations between an inexperienced user and an experienced user were compared to investigate how the results differ. We found that the formation of TAMs using SW480 conditioned media changed gene expression toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. The co-culture experiments showed conflicting results but suggest the gene expression of TAMs is altered by being cultured with SW480 and that the gene expression of SW480 cells was affected by being cultured with THP-1 cells. Further, the ERβ expression in SW480 cells affected the gene expression of the cells during co-culture with macrophage-like or TAM THP-1 cells. In the immunofluorescence analysis of mouse colon, the immune cell type with the highest abundance was dendritic cells and the lowest seem to be cytotoxic T-cells, which was around half of the number of T-helper cells. There was a significant difference between the analysis of experienced and inexperienced annotators for two out of ten markers. The conclusions from this study were that SW480 cells have an impact on the gene expression of TAMs and that the gene expression in SW480 was influenced by being in co-culture with THP-1 cells polarized into macrophage-like cells (by PMA) or TAMs (by conditioned media from SW480 cells). Further, ERβ impacted the expression of ICAM1 and IL-1β in SW480 cells during co-culture with macrophage-like or TAM THP-1 cells. By further studying the correlation between macrophages and CRC cells, the research can be broadened which can lead to new approaches to CRC therapies in the future.

Das Projekt OEKO-ID hat zum Ziel. problematische Bauteilanschlüsse, insbesondere Balkenköpfe von Holzdecken, im Zusammenhang mit "ökologischen" Innendämmsystemen messtechnisch zu untersuchen. Des Weiteren sollen Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der hygrothermischen Simulation aufgezeigt werden. Ferner wurde eine neue Methode molekularbiologischer und baubiologischer Untersuchungen, hier zur Detektierung von Schimmelpilzen, entwickelt und optimiert.

La dysfonction diastolique du ventricule gauche (DDVG) réfère à une rigidité ainsi qu’à des troubles de relaxation au niveau de ce ventricule pendant la phase de la diastole. Nos connaissances sur les mécanismes moléculaires sous-jacents de cette pathologie demeurent limités. Les analyses géniques sont indispensables afin de bien identifier les voies par lesquelles cette maladie progresse. Plusieurs techniques de quantification de l’expression génique sont disponibles, par contre la RT-qPCR demeure la méthode la plus populaire vu sa haute sensibilité et de ses coûts modérés. Puisque la normalisation occupe un aspect très important dans les expériences de RT-qPCR, nous avons décidé de sélectionner des gènes montrant une haute stabilité d’expression dans un modèle de DDVG de lapin. Nous avons alors exposé 18 lapins blancs soit à une diète normale (n=7) ou bien à une diète hypercholestérolémiante additionnée de vitamine D2 (n=11). La DDVG a été évaluée par des mesures échocardiographiques. L’expression de l’ARNm de dix gènes communément utilisés dans la littérature comme normalisateur (Gapdh, Hprt1, Ppia, Sdha, Rpl5, Actb, Eef1e1, Ywhaz, Pgk1, et G6pd) a été mesurée par RT-qPCR. L’évaluation de leur stabilité a été vérifiée par les algorithmes de geNorm et Normfinder. Sdha et Gapdh ont obtenu les meilleurs scores de stabilité (M<0.2) et ont été suggérés par le geNorm, comme meilleure combinaison. Par contre, l’utilisation de Normfinder mène à la sélection d’Hprt1 et Rpl5 comme meilleure combinaison de gènes de normalisation (0.042). En normalisant par ces deux combinaisons de gènes, l’expression de l’ARNm des peptides natriurétiques de type A et B (Anp et Bnp), de la protéine chimiotactique des monocytes-1 (Mcp-1) et de la sous unité Nox-2 de la NADPH oxydase ont montré des augmentations similaires chez le groupe hypercholestérolémique comparé au groupe contrôle (p<0.05). Cette augmentation d’expressions a été corrélée avec plusieurs paramètres échocardiographiques de DDVG. À notre connaissance, c’est la première étude par laquelle une sélection de gènes de référence a été réalisée dans un modèle de lapin développant une DDVG. / Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is characterized by the diminution of ventricle’s performance, its incapacity to relax normally and an increase of blood filling pressure. LVDD is considered as a main cause of heart failure in approximately 50% of patients suffering from this disease. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LVDD remain unclear. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is widely used in gene-expression studies. In this study we attempt to establish normalization genes for gene expression analysis in a rabbit model of LVDD. Eighteen New-Zealand white rabbits were exposed to normal (n=7) or 0.5% hypercholesterolemic (n=11) diet supplied by vitamin D2; an LVDD animal model previously characterized in our Laboratory. LVDD was assessed by echocardiography. RT-qPCR was performed using cDNA from left ventricle samples and measuring the stability of 10 candidate genes as normalisers (Gapdh, Hprt1, Ppia, Sdha, Rpl5, Actb, Eef1e1, Ywhaz, Pgk1, and G6pd). We found that Sdha and Gapdh are the most stable genes using geNorm analysis with very high stability average M <0.2. By contrast, Hprt1 and Rpl5 were found to be the best combination for normalization with a stability value of 0.042 when using Normfinder. Comparison of both normalization strategies highlighted an increase of Anp, Bnp, Mcp-1 and Nox-2 mRNA expression in the hypercholesterolemic rabbits (p<0.05) compared to normal controls. This increase correlates with different DD parameters and validates the development of the disease in our model. To our knowledge, this is the first study highlighting stable reference genes for RT-qPCR normalization in a validated rabbit model of LVDD.

Einleitung: Monocarboxylattransporter (MCT) 1 & 4 sind in zahlreichen Geweben als Kotransporter für Monocarboxylate und Protonen beschrieben. Auch im Pansenepithel werden MCT benötigt, um kurzkettige Fettsäuren (SCFA) aus dem Pansenlumen in die Pansenepithelzelle aufzunehmen (MCT4) und um SCFA und deren Metabolite aus der Pansenepithelzelle in das Blut auszuschleusen (MCT1). Die transepitheliale Permeation von SCFA über die Pansenwand ist von enormer Bedeutung, da sie die wichtigste Energiequelle der Wiederkäuer darstellen. Die beteiligten Transportprozesse müssen dementsprechend einer Anpassung an variierende Mengen von SCFA unterliegen. Bisherige Studien bei anderen Spezies deuten auf eine Regulation des MCT1 auf mRNA Ebene über den Peroxisom-Proliferator-aktivierten Rezeptor α (PPARα) hin. Ziele der Untersuchung: Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war herauszufinden, ob MCT1 in ovinen Pansenepithelzellen über PPARα reguliert wird und ob auch MCT4 dieser Regulation unterliegt. Eine gleichzeitige Regulation beider Transporter läge nahe, da sie gemeinsam an der transepithelialen Permeation beteiligt sind. Die Auswirkungen solch einer Regulation auf die Proteinexpression und die Transportleistung der MCT sollte charakterisiert werden. Ebenfalls war das Potenzial der bei erhöhter Kraftfutterfütterung vermehrt anfallenden SCFA Butyrat auf die MCT1 Expression zu untersuchen. Material & Methoden: Aus dem Vorhof von Schafen wurden Pansenepithelzellen gewonnen und entsprechend einer bereits etablierten Methode kultiviert. Nach einer Subkultivierung wurden die Zellen immunzytochemisch mit Antikörpern gegen MCT1, MCT4 und Na+/K+-ATPase untersucht, um deren Lokalisation in den kultivierten Pansenepithelzellen zu bestimmen. Weiterhin erfolgte eine Behandlung mit WY 14.643, einem spezifischen, synthetischen PPARα Agonisten, sowie mit GW 6471, einem Antagonisten des PPARα. Mittels qPCR wurden die relativen mRNA Mengen von MCT1, MCT4, ACO, CPT1A und CACT bestimmt und auf die Referenzgene GAPDH und Na+/K+-ATPase normalisiert. Die Proteinexpression von MCT1 und MCT4 wurde mittels Western Blot bestimmt. Zur funktionellen Quantifizierung wurde der intrazelluläre pH-Wert der Zellen mittels Spektrofluorometrie gemessen und der laktatabhängige Protonentransport als Vergleichswert zwischen den Behandlungen genutzt. Um den MCT-abhängigen Teil des Transportes zu bestimmen, wurde ein spezifischer MCT1 & 4 Inhibitor, die p-Hydroxymercuribenzensulfonsäure (pHMB) eingesetzt. Die Zellen wurden mit Butyrat über einen Zeitraum von 6 und 48 h induziert. Die Erfassung der MCT1 Expression erfolgte mittels semiquantitativer PCR. Ergebnisse: MCT1 & 4 sind sowohl in der Zellmembran als auch intrazellulär in den Pansenepithelzellen lokalisiert. Die mRNA Expressionsdaten konnten zeigen, dass MCT1 und die PPARα Zielgene durch WY 14.643 hochreguliert werden konnten, wohingegen die MCT4 Expression keine eindeutige Antwort auf die Stimulation zeigt. Die Behandlung mit den Antagonisten zeigt eine Abhängigkeit der MCT1 Expression von PPARα, die MCT4 Expression konnte dagegen nicht beeinflusst werden. Mittels pHMB gelang es, den laktatabhängigen Protonenexport fast vollständig zu blocken. Sowohl laktatabhängiger Protonenexport als auch die Proteinexpression zeigten keine Änderung durch WY 14.643 Stimulation. Die Butyratexposition veränderte die Morphologie der Pansenepithelzellen und schien nicht geeignet für Untersuchungen der mRNA Expression zu sein. Schlussfolgerungen: Es konnte in dieser Arbeit erstmals gezeigt werden, dass MCT1 in Pansenepithelzellen über PPARα reguliert wird, nicht aber MCT4. PPARα scheint demnach einer der entscheidenden Angriffspunkte für die Regulation des SCFA Transportes zu sein, dessen natürliche Liganden im Pansen aber noch nicht bekannt sind. Damit legt diese Arbeit den Grundstein für regulative Studien am intakten Pansenepithel. / Introduction: Monocarboxylate transporters (MCT) 1 & 4 are cotransporters of monocarboxylates and protons in a variety of mammalian cell types. In the ruminal epithelium MCT are necessary to transport short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) from the lumen into the ruminal epithelial cell (MCT4) and to discharge SCFA and their metabolites from the cell into the blood (MCT1). Transepithelial permeation of SCFA is of great importance, because they are the main source of energy for ruminants. The regulation of appropriate transport proteins should thus be subject to the adaptation to varying SCFA amounts. Previous studies in other species suggested that gene expression of MCT1 is regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), a ligand-activated nuclear receptor. Aims: The aim of the study was to examine if MCT1 in ruminal epithelial cells is regulated by PPARα and furthermore if MCT4 can be regulated by PPARα, as well. A simultaneous regulation seems likely, because both are acting jointly in the transepithelial transporting of SCFA. The implications of such a regulation on protein expression and transport capacity of MCT should be characterized. The effect of butyrate, a SCFA which increases under concentrate feeding, on MCT1 expression was determined. Materials & Methods: Ruminal epithelial cells of sheep were cultivated according to methods previously established. After subcultivation, immunocytochemistry with antibodies against MCT1, MCT4 and Na+/K+-ATPase was performed to determine their localization in ruminal epithelial cells. For studying the influence of PPARα, WY 14.643, a synthetic and selective ligand of PPARα, and GW 6471, a synthetic antagonist of PPARα, were applied to the culture medium of the cells. After processing the specimens, the relative amount of mRNA of MCT1, MCT4 and the target genes ACO, CPT1A and CACT were analyzed by qPCR and normalized on the reference genes GAPDH and Na+/K+-ATPase. Protein abundance of MCT1 & 4 was measured by using the Western Blot method. Functional quantification was measured by the intracellular pH (pHi) of cells using spectrofluorometry as well as comparing the effect of WY 14.643 treatment on lactate-dependent proton export. To determine the MCT-dependent part of the pHi recovery, p-hydroxymercuribenzoic acid (pHMB), a specific inhibitor of MCT1 & 4, was applied. Cells were also treated with butyrate for 6 h and 48 h and the mRNA abundance of MCT1 was analyzed by semiquantitative PCR. Results: Both MCT1 and MCT4 were localized in the cell membrane as well as in the cytoplasm of ruminal epithelial cells. By qPCR it could be demonstrated that the mRNA abundance of MCT1 and PPARα target genes in the ruminal epithelial cells was increased by WY 14.643 in comparison to untreated cells, whereas the response of MCT4 did not yield distinct results. Treatment with the PPARα antagonist pointed out, that MCT1 is influenced by PPARα, but not MCT4. Lactate-dependent proton export was blocked almost completely by pHMB. Both lactate-dependent proton export and protein expression were not altered by WY 14.643 treatment. Butyrate exposure changed the morphology of ruminal epithelial cells and seemed unsuitable for the analysis of mRNA expression. Conclusion: For the first time, it could be demonstrated, that MCT1 in ruminal epithelial cells is regulated by PPARα, but not MCT4. PPARα seems to be a vital target in the rumen for SCFA transport regulation, whose natural triggers have yet to be identified. Furthermore, this study provides the basis for regulative studies on intact ruminal epithelium.

Le paludisme à P. falciparum est l’une des causes majeures de mortalité et de morbidité dans le monde. Ce parasite est responsable de plusieurs manifestations cliniques allant du portage asymptomatique et infections non compliquées aigüe au paludisme grave et compliqué, tel que le neuropaludisme. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que l’expression différentielle des gènes contribue à la variation phénotypique de parasites, entraînant des interactions spécifiques avec l’hôte, qui à son tour déterminent le type de manifestations cliniques du paludisme. L’objectif principal de cette étude était d’identifier les facteurs génétiques de P. falciparum impliqués dans la pathogenèse du neuropaludisme. Ceci a été réalisé par l’analyse complète du transcriptome d’isolats provenant d’enfants camerounais porteurs asymptomatiques (PA) ou atteints d’accès simple (AS) ou de neuropaludisme (NP). Le transcriptome du clone non sélectionnée (3D7) et la lignée sélectionnée (3D7-Lib) a été également analysé. Les résultats ont montré la surexpression de plusieurs gènes chez des isolats provenant d’enfants atteints de neuropaludisme et chez la lignée 3D7-Lib, par rapport à ceux provenant d’enfants asymptomatiques et 3D7, respectivement. L’analyse de l’ontologie de gène indique que les gènes potentiellement impliqués dans la pathogenèse, la cytoadhérence et l’agrégation des érythrocytes sont surreprésentés parmi les gènes surexprimés chez les isolats de CM et 3D7-Lib. Les résultats les plus marquants étaient la surexpression des gènes var (groups A et B) portant les domaines cassettes DC4, DC5, DC8 et DC13 et les gènes avoisinants rif chez les isolats de NP et la lignée 3D7-Lib, par rapport aux isolats de PA et au clone non sélectionné 3D7, respectivement. Le rôle joué par ces gènes dans la virulence parasitaire est lié à la cytoadhérence, c’est-à-dire la capacité de leurs protéines exprimées à interagir entre les érythrocytes parasités et les récepteurs endothéliaux post capillaires. Parmi ces récepteurs, le CD36 et inter cellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) ont été les plus couramment utilisés par les isolats. L’étude sur l’implication de ces deux récepteurs, ainsi que celle des ligands PfEMP-1, dans la pathogenèse du neuropaludisme devrait être approfondie poursuivie. Nous avons analysé le phénotype de cytoadhérence et les profils de transcription des variantes de Pfemp-1 des isolats frais provenant des enfants béninois atteints de NP ou AS à l’aide du test d’adhérence statique aux récepteurs CD36, ICAM-1 et CSPG et au moyen de RT-PCR quantitative pour les groupes A, B, var2, var3, DC8 et DC13. Nos résultats montrent que le niveau de cytoadhérence des parasites associés au neuropaludisme au CD36 est significativement plus important que celui des parasites associés à l’accès simple. En outre, nous n’avons pas trouvé de différence significative entre la cytoadhérence des isolats de deux groupes cliniques à ICAM-1 et au CSPG. En outre, les niveaux d’expression des groupes var A, B, var2, var3 et du DC8 et DC13 sont plus élevés chez les isolats associés au neuropaludisme que chez les isolats associés à l’accès simple. Nos résultats montrent également que, chez les parasites provenant de NP le haut niveau de cytoadhérence des parasites au CD36 est corrélé au niveau de l’expression de groupe B de gènes var. En revanche, les profils d’expression des groupes spécifiques du gène var et le phénotype de cytoadhérence aux récepteurs ICAM-1 et CSPG n’étaient pas corrélés. Nos résultats suggèrent un rôle important du récepteur CD36 et des protéines codées par les variantes de PfEMP-1 codées par le groupe B dans la pathogenèse du neuropaludisme. / Plasmodium falciparum infection is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. This parasite is involved in several clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic carriage and acute uncomplicated to severe and complicated malaria, including cerebral malaria. We hypothesized that differential gene expression contributes to phenotypic variation of parasites leading to specific interaction with the host which induces several clinical categories of malaria. The principal aim of this study was to identify parasite genetic factors implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria. We investigated the whole transcriptome of parasites isolated from Cameroonian children with asymptomatic (AM), uncomplicated (UM) and cerebral malaria (CM). We also investigated the transcriptome of 3D7 clone and the selected 3D7-Lib line. Our results revealed the up-regulation of several genes in CM isolates and 3D7-Lib line compared to AM isolates and 3D7 clone respectively. Gene ontology analysis indicates an over-representation of genes implicated in pathogenesis, cytoadherence, and erythrocyte aggregation among up-regulated genes in CM and 3D7-Lib. The most remarkable outcomes were the up-regulation of UPS A and B var genes containing architectural Domains Cassettes DC4, DC5, DC8, and DC13 and their neighboring rif genes in isolates from CM and 3D7-Lib line, compared with isolates from AM and the unselected 3D7 line, respectively. The involvement of these genes in parasite virulence rises from the ability of their encoded proteins to mediate cytoadherence of infected erythrocytes to post-capillary endothelial receptors. Of these receptors, CD36 and Inter Cellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were found as the most commonly used by the isolates. The implication of these two receptors, as well as that of PfEMP-1 ligands in the pathogenesis of CM needs to be more elucidated. We examined the adhesive phenotype and the transcription patterns of Pfemp-1 variants of fresh isolates from Beninese children with CM or UM malaria by static binding assay to CD36, ICAM-1 and CSPG and RT-qPCR for groups A, B, var2, var3, DC8, and DC13. Our findings showed that isolates from CM patients bind more to CD36 than those from UM cases. No differences were observed in binding levels to ICAM-1 or CSPG between these two groups. Furthermore, CM isolates transcribed groups A, B, var2, var3, DC8 and DC13 of var genes at higher levels than UM isolates. Interestingly, the high transcription levels of group B in CM parasites correlated with their higher level of binding to CD36. In contrary, the expression profiles of a specific var group and the binding phenotype of isolates to ICAM-1 and to CSPG were not correlated. Our findings support the implication of CD36 along with PfEMP-1 variants encoded by group B in cerebral malaria pathogenesis.

Surtos e casos de listeriose reportados mundialmente e associados a produtos cárneos processados prontos para consumo podem ter sido causados pela contaminação cruzada com Listeria monocytogenes ocorrida durante a etapa de fatiamento destes produtos no varejo. Considerando o impacto da contaminação cruzada para a saúde pública, este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar a transferência de L. monocytogenes durante a etapa de fatiamento de rosbife do tipo \"caseiro\", simulando, em laboratório, cenários observados em estabelecimentos comerciais em relação às práticas adotadas durante o fatiamento. Objetivou-se também avaliar o papel do nível da contaminação do produto (baixo e alto) causador da contaminação experimental do fatiador na contaminação cruzada resultante, bem como avaliar se a exposição da cepa de L. monocytogenes a um sanitizante em concentração insuficiente para a sua eliminação influencia a contaminação cruzada observada. A contaminação do fatiador foi obtida por meio do fatiamento de peças de rosbife experimentalmente contaminadas com o patógeno por imersão em uma suspensão de L. monocytogenes contendo 8 log UFC/mL (alto nível de contaminação) e 4 log UFC/mL (baixo nível de contaminação). Os experimentos foram realizados até a obtenção de 200 fatias. As enumerações de L. monocytogenes nas fatias obtidas foram feitas empregando-se um método cultura-dependente (ISO 11290-2:1998) e um método qPCR, calculando-se também as taxas de transferência. Os resultados mostraram que a contaminação dos fatiadores resultou na transferência do patógeno até pelo menos a 120&#170; fatia de uma nova peça de rosbife fatiada posteriormente. Nos experimentos realizados com L. monocytogenes exposta ao sanitizante Oasis Compac 22 Quat em concentração insuficiente para sua eliminação, foi possível enumerar o patógeno até a 200ª fatia de rosbife obtida após a contaminação experimental do fatiador, independentemente do nível de contaminação da peça de rosbife usada para a contaminação do fatiador. Equações matemáticas resultantes, que descrevem os dados experimentais obtidos, apresentaram R2>0,7 e p<0,05, mostrando bom ajuste. Esses resultados ressaltam a importância de medidas para evitar a ocorrência de contaminação cruzada durante a etapa de fatiamento de produtos cárneos prontos para o consumo, bem como da higienização adequada dos equipamentos utilizados, de forma a fornecer produtos seguros para o consumidor. / Outbreaks and cases of listeriosis reported worldwide and associated to ready-to-eat meat products may have been caused by cross contamination with Listeria monocytogenes occurred during the slicing step of these products at retail. Considering the impact of cross-contamination to public health, this study aimed to study the transfer of L. monocytogenes during the slicing step of homemade type roast-beef simulating in the laboratory scenarios seen in commercial establishments. The study also aimed to evaluate the role of product contamination level (low and high) causing the experimental contamination of the slicer in the resulting cross-contamination and to evaluate if the exposure of the L. monocytogenes strain to a sanitizer in insufficient concentration for the elimination influences the observed cross-contamination. Contamination of the slicer was obtained through the slicing of roast-beef pieces experimentally contaminated with the pathogen by immersion in a suspension of L. monocytogenes containing 8 log CFU/ml (high contamination) and 4 log CFU/mL (low contamination). The experiments were carried out to obtain 200 slices. Enumerations of L. monocytogenes in the slices employed a culture-dependent method (ISO 11290-2: 1998) and qPCR method, also calculating transfer rates. The results showed that contamination of slicers resulted in the transfer of the pathogen to at least the 120th slice of a new piece of roast-beef sliced subsequently. In experiments conducted with L. monocytogenes exposed to the sanitizer Oasis Compac 22 Quat in insufficient concentration for its elimination, the pathogen could be enumerated until the 200th slice obtained after the slicer contamination, regardless of the contamination level of the roast beef used for contamination of the slicer. Mathematical equations describing the experimental data presented R2>0.7 and p<0.05, showing good fit. These results underscore the importance of measures to prevent the occurrence of cross contamination during the slicing step of ready-to-eat meat products, as well as the proper cleaning of the equipment used in order to provide safe products to the consumer.

Nos últimos anos, diversos protocolos e tecnologias têm sido propostos a fim de viabilizar ou otimizar a micropropagação de diversas culturas, bem como reduzir custos de produção. Dentre eles, tem ganhado destaque, o uso do meio de cultura líquido e do sistema de biorreator de imersão temporária (BIT). No entanto, observam-se diferenças de resposta entre espécies e metodologias, sendo necessários maiores estudos para um melhor conhecimento dos fatores que afetam os sistemas de micropropagação. Estudos recentes, baseados em técnicas moleculares, têm revelado que as culturas in vitro não são axênicas, como se acreditava, apresentando comunidades endofíticas onipresentes. Sabendo-se da importância desses microrganismos em plantas a campo, passou-se a questionar o papel destes no desenvolvimento e multiplicação de plantas in vitro. Diante deste cenário, este trabalho se propôs a comparar o desempenho de culturas in vitro em diferentes condições de cultivo: meio semissólido, meios líquido estático, sob agitação e, avaliando-se o crescimento/ multiplicação das plântulas e, naqueles onde houve diferença no desempenho, foram realizadas análises moleculares para a caracterização da comunidade microbiana presente na parte aérea das plantas. Foram utilizadas culturas de bromeliáceas e cana-de-açúcar, buscando sistemas que permitissem as avaliações pretendidas. Para isto foram instalados experimentos com Ananas comosus var. comosus (\'Imperial\' e \'Pérola\') e Aechmea nudicaulis, sob cultivo em meio líquido estático e sob agitação; e com Vriesea hieroglyphica E. Morren, sob cultivo em meio líquido estático, sob agitação e em BIT. Para a gramínea, cana-de-acúcar (Saccharum spp., variedade SP80-3280), foram avaliados o cultivo em meio líquido estático e em BIT. Foram também realizadas análises moleculares de plântulas de Dyckia distachya, que haviam sido cultivadas em meios de culturas semissólido, líquido sob agitação e estático. As culturas que apresentaram diferenças de desempenho entre os sistemas avaliados foram D. distachya, (sendo o melhor tratamento o meio líquido sob agitação) e cana-de-açúcar (melhor tratamento foi BIT) e estas foram consideradas como sistemas adequados para o estudo de como diferentes sistemas de cultivo in vitro podem influenciar na comunidade bacteriana das plantas. A caracterização da comunidade bacteriana de D. distachya foi realizada por T-RFLP (Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) e mostrou que o tratamento meio líquido sob agitação, o qual teve a maior produção de brotos em relação aos demais, diferiu quanto à abundância relativa das unidades taxonômicas operacionais (UTOs) encontradas. Para cana-de-açúcar foram realizadas a construção de bibliotecas de clones do gene 16S rRNA e PCR quantitativo em tempo real (qPCR). Estas análises mostraram não haver diferença significativa entre as bibliotecas dos tratamentos avaliados, no entanto, BIT apresentou 3,54 vezes mais cópias do gene 16S rRNA em relação ao tratamento meio líquido estático, nos permitindo inferir que também possui uma maior número de bactérias. Este estudo apresenta fortes indícios de que o sistema de cultivo in vitro utilizado influencia a comunidade microbiana presente nas plantas / In recent years, several protocols and technologies have been proposed for feasibility and optimization of micropropagation of different cultures as well as to reduce production costs. Among these, the use of liquid culture medium and the temporary immersion bioreactor system (TIB) have gained special attention. However, differences are observed among species and methodologies, being necessary more detailed studies for a better knowledge of the factors that affect the micropropagatiion systems. Recent studies, based on molecular techniques, have revealed that in vitro cultures are not axenic, as thought, presenting ubiquitous endophytic community. Knowing the importance of these microorganisms to field plants we would like to know more about their role in in vitro plants. In this scenario, this work proposes to compare the performance of in vitro cultures under different culture conditions: semisolid medium culture, liquid static and liquid medium under agitation, and where differences in in vitro performance were observed comparative molecular analysis of microbial community in the plantlets was performed. Bromeliads and sugarcane cultures were used seeking for model systems for these analyses. These experiments were conducted with Ananas comosus var. comosus (\'Imperial\' and \'Pérola\') and Aechmea nudicaulis cultured under liquid static medium and liquid under agitation, and with Vriesea hieroglyphica, we compared liquid static medium, liquid medium under agitation and TIB. For sugarcane (Saccharum spp. variety SP80-3280), liquid static medium and TIB was compared. Molecular analyses of Dyckia distachya plantlets, which had been grown in semisolid medium liquid static and liquid medium under agitation, were also carried out. Cultures that showed differences in performance among the systems evaluated were D. distachya, (with liquid medium under agitation as the best condition) and sugarcane (best treatment was BIT) and these were considered adequate to study the differences in the bacterial comunity of plants when grown in different in vitro conditions. The characterization of the microbial community of D. distachya was performed by T-RFLP (Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) and showed that the liquid medium under agitation, which had the highest number of shoots compare to the other culture conditions, also differed as to the relative abundance of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). For sugarcane 16S rRNA gene clone libraries, as well as real-time PCR (qPCR) were performed. These analyses showed no significant differences between the libraries of the two treatments, however, BIT showed 3.54 times more copies of the 16S rRNA gene compared to cultures from static liquid medium, allowing us to infer a higher number of bacteria. This study provides strong evidence that the in vitro system used influences the microbial community present in plants