Submitted by Rosivalda Pereira (mrs.pereira@ufma.br) on 2017-06-02T19:35:12Z No. of bitstreams: 1 AnaLeonardo.pdf: 617676 bytes, checksum: b538fd3ffdb436a8e246ec2a0e138840 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-02T19:35:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 AnaLeonardo.pdf: 617676 bytes, checksum: b538fd3ffdb436a8e246ec2a0e138840 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-22 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPQ) / Most analytical methods require a sample preparation to make it compatible with the technique and the equipment used. This paper proposes a comparison between alkaline solubilization using TMAH 25% and acid extraction with heating using HNO3 0.1 mol L -1 as preparation of biodiesel samples in order to determine sodium. The analytical technique used in this study was Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry - FAAS. The biodiesel samples used were synthesized from three commercially available oils: babassu oil, corn and soybeans. The interlaboratory biodiesel sample used to compare the proposed method with the official NBR 15556:2008, was provided by Laboratory of Analysis and Research in Analytical Chemistry of Petroleum and Biofuels - LAPQAP/UFMA. The final solution after solubilization with 25% TMAH in methanol was incompatible with FAAS technique. The high viscosity of the sample influenced directly in the aspiration causing significant variations in the readings and making it impossible to continue the analysis. Acid extraction HNO3 0.1mol.L -1 yielded better results, in addition, the physical conditions of the final solution were consistent with FAAS. The LOD and LOQ values were respectively 0.02 and 0.07 mg.Kg-1 for sodium. The obtained recoveries were between 102 and 110% at three different levels of fortification. In comparison with the dilution of biodiesel in xylene established by official standards, quantified concentrations showed values very close. The simplicity, accuracy, precision, less toxicity and low cost of the acidic extraction method suggest that this may be a good alternative for treating biodiesel sample to determine sodium. / A maioria dos métodos analíticos precisa de um preparo da amostra para torná-la compatível com a técnica e o equipamento utilizado. Este trabalho propõe uma comparação entre a solubilização alcalina usando TMAH 25% e a extração ácida com aquecimento usando HNO3 0,1 mol.L-1 como preparo das amostras de biodiesel visando a determinação de sódio. A técnica analítica utilizada no presente trabalho foi Espectrometria de Absorção Atômica com Chama FAAS. As amostras de biodiesel utilizadas foram sintetizadas a partir de três óleos vegetais disponíveis no comércio: babaçu, milho e soja. O Biodiesel interlaboratorial usado na comparação do método proposto com a norma oficial NBR 15556:2008, foi cedido pelo Laboratório de Análise e Pesquisa em Química Analítica de Petróleo e Biocombustíveis - LAPQAP/UFMA. A solução final após a solubilização com TMAH 25% em metanol foi incompatível com FAAS. A alta viscosidade da amostra influenciou diretamente na aspiração causando variações significativas nas leituras impossibilitando a continuidade das análises. A extração ácida com HNO3 0,1mol.L-1 proporcionou melhores resultados, além disso, as condições físicas da solução final foram consistentes com FAAS. Os valores de LD e LQ foram respectivamente: 0,02 e 0,07 mg.Kg-1 para sódio. A recuperação obtida foi entre 102 e 110 % em três níveis diferentes de fortificação. Na comparação com a diluição do biodiesel em xileno estabelecido pelas normas oficiais, as concentrações quantificadas apresentaram valores bem próximos. A simplicidade, exatidão, precisão, menor toxicidade e baixo custo do método de extração ácida, sugerem que esta pode ser uma boa alternativa de tratamento de amostra de biodiesel para determinação de sódio.

Silver concentrations in natural water are very low and generally require preconcentration prior to instrumental analysis. Solvent extraction and anion exchange methods are the most commonly applied techniques for the determination of Ag in water samples. In this study, solvent extraction and anion exchange techniques are combined and modified to an ¡§organic complexation-acid extraction¡¨ method. The procedure developed involves four steps: (1) a buffer is added and the pH of the solution is adjusted for optimization purpose; (2) APDC and DDDC chelating agents were added and the silver in the solution is organically complexed; (3) the solution was passed through AG-MP1 anion exchange resins and silver complexes and their flocculant were retained and; and (4) acid solutions were used to extract silver from the column for subsequent determination of sliver by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. After the experiments, the optimal procedures were established as the following: The pH of a 1-L aqueous sample was adjusted to ~4.5 by adding a buffer solution. Aliquots of 2.5-mL solutions containing chelating agents (2% w/v each of APDC and DDDC) were added. After being mixed, the solution was passed through an anion exchange column (AG MP-1) and silver complexes (and their flocculated particles) retained. Two 0.5¡VmL aliquots of 6, 4 and 2 N HNO3 were used to extract Ag from the column, aided by sonication for 3 min during each extraction procedure. The final volume is 3 ml, yielding a concentration factor of ~333. Determination of sliver was done by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The detection limit is 1.03 pM. This method was suitable for both freshwater and seawater samples, and was successfully applied for the determination of Ag in coastal and off-shore seawaters collected from coastal region off southwestern Taiwan.

Recent advancements in molecular biology such as next generation sequencing and more sensitive and rapid molecular detection methods like qPCR, have historically been developed for clinical applications in human genetics and for health care diagnostic purposes. The high demand for faster and more accurate molecular assays in the health care field has driven rapid development of inexpensive molecular techniques that when applied to the science of environmental microbiology, provides an unprecedented level of understanding of the microbial world around us. The goal of this dissertation is to begin to apply more advanced molecular technologies to problems in applied environmental microbiology. Appendix A is a brief literature review of next generation sequencing technologies for applications in environmental microbiology. Appendix B focuses on the development of a more robust virus nucleic extraction kit for the detection of viral genomes from environmental samples found to contain high concentrations of qPCR inhibitors, such as humic acids or heavy metals. Appendix C summarizes one of the largest virus surveys done in the US, using state of the art qPCR technologies in both wastewater influent and effluent from two wastewater treatment plants in the Southwest. Data suggests that traditional virus indicators may not be a viable tool to evaluate fecally impacted source water or virus removal during water treatment. The third study summarized in Appendix D, provides one of the first insights into the microbial ecology of biofilms utilized as biological treatment media using Roche 454 amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene.

Comprehensive characterisation of the mutational landscapes of solid tumours is a multistep process involving the collection of suitable samples, the extraction of nucleic acids and the preparation of these materials for mutational analyses. In this thesis, I aimed to develop a streamlined process for the analysis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patient samples in order to identify novel mutations that hallmark the development of advanced disease. Papers I and II outline a technique for serial extraction of nucleic acids from frozen tissue that we developed and subsequently implemented on a robotic platform to enable high-throughput processing. The extracted nucleic acids were validated in downstream processes relevant for genetic analyses, including traditional Sanger and next generation sequencing  techniques. In Paper III, we developed a genotyping method based on multiplex ligation-dependent genome amplification. The method was designed such that InDel polymorphisms of between 30 and 70 % prevalence in a European population were selected and amplified in a multiplex PCR assay. DNA from 24 patient-matched colorectal tumour and normal tissues was genotyped and paired with a high match probability. In Paper IV, we performed targeted resequencing of 107 primary CRCs, of which approximately half developed metastatic disease or had distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. We chose to analyse 676 genes based on their involvement in key signalling pathways in CRC. We found an enrichment of mutations in the Eph receptor tyrosine kinase gene family in metastatic patients, indicating a potential role for these genes in CRC metastasis. This thesis outlines a series of procedures that can be employed in a high-throughput setting for the analysis of solid tumours. We applied these methods to the analysis of colorectal tumours and propose a link between novel somatic mutations and metastatic disease.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:22:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Claudia munhoz.pdf: 644332 bytes, checksum: 80da90f86ec8e67bdffb9cd0bf254ba6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-03-07 / The objectives of this study were to characterize the raw material in nature, the flours of fractions of guava cv Pedro Sato and to optimize the factors that influence the yields of pectin extraction of flour of the guava pulp and pulp with peel. As characterize pectins obtained in optimal points on the degree of esterification, comparing them with the commercial pectin. Fruits were used for pectin.extraction. The fruits were divided in peel, pulp, pulp with peel and flesh, dry in stove with circulation of air. Samples in nature and drought were characterized physically and chemically. The central rotation composed design with four axial points and three replicates in the central point was used to optimize the extraction of pectin of flour of the guava pulp and pulp with peel. The extraction was performed in 4 g of flour to 200 mL of solution of citric acid at different concentrations and at different times of extraction, at temperature of 97 ° C. The esterification degree of extracted pectins was compared to commercial pectin one. The highest yields in the extractions of pectin of flour of the guava pulp and pulp with peel were obtained with citric acid solution at 5 g (100 g)-1 and the extraction time of 60 min. Pectins showed up with low esterification, with 38.94% for the pulp and 40.99% for pulp with peel of guava. However, pectins showed the concentration of galacturonic acid next to the commercial standard of 65% and they can be applied in foods with low soluble solids (diet or light food) / Os objetivos deste trabalho foram caracterizar a matéria-prima in natura, as farinhas das frações de goiaba cv Pedro Sato e otimizar os fatores que influenciam nos rendimentos de extração de pectina das farinhas de polpa e de polpa com casca de goiaba. Assim como caracterizar as pectinas obtidas nos pontos ótimos quanto ao grau de esterificação, comparando-as com a pectina comercial. Os frutos foram separados em casca, polpa, polpa com casca e miolo, secos em estufa com circulação de ar. Amostras in natura e secas foram caracterizadas física e quimicamente. O planejamento composto central rotacional com quatro pontos axiais e três repetições no ponto central foi utilizado para otimizar a extração de pectina das farinhas de polpa e de polpa com casca de goiaba. A extração foi realizada em 4 g de farinha para 200 mL de solução de ácido cítrico em diferentes concentrações e em diferentes tempos de extração, a temperatura de 97 ºC. As pectinas extraídas foram comparadas com pectina comercial quanto ao grau de esterificação. Os maiores rendimentos nas extrações de pectina das farinhas da polpa e da polpa com casca de goiaba foram obtidos com solução de ácido cítrico a 5 g (100 g)-1 e tempo de extração de 60 min. As pectinas apresentaram-se de baixa esterificação, com 38,94% para a polpa e 40,99% para a polpa com casca de goiaba. No entanto, as pectinas apresentaram concentração de ácido galacturônico próximo ao padrão comercial que é de 65%, podendo ser aplicadas em alimentos com baixo teor de sólidos solúveis (alimentos diet ou light)

[pt] Métodos de análise para determinação de elementos-traço em amostras oleosas e pastosas são necessários, por exemplo, no caso do petróleo e em suas frações mais pesadas, para os quais os elementos-traço indicam características do tipo do petróleo, correlacionando-o com a localização geográfica da jazida. Além disso, a quantificação destes elementos tem utilidade nas interpretações geoquímicas relacionadas com maturidade térmica, correlação óleo-óleo e migração primária e secundária do óleo e na obtenção de informações que permitem a criação de estratégias para realizar o refino do óleo, prevenindo contaminação dos catalisadores, corrosão de equipamento e potencial dano ambiental. No caso de óleos e gorduras vegetais, a presença destes elementos, mesmo em baixas concentrações ((mi)g g-1), pode acelerar processos oxidativos que geram peróxidos, aldeídos, cetonas, ácidos e epóxidos, que além de causarem a rancidez prematura dos óleos produzem efeitos patológicos no sistema digestivo e potencializam a ação de alguns carcinogênicos. As técnicas espectrométricas baseadas no uso do plasma (ICP OES e ICP-MS) estão entre as mais utilizadas na determinação de elementos- traço nesses tipos de amostra. Porém, os procedimentos de preparação de amostra mais tradicionalmente usados são os que destroem a matriz das amostras, solubilizando-as em ácidos inorgânicos fortes. Neste trabalho, novas estratégias de preparação de amostras de petróleo, óleo diesel, asfaltenos, óleos comestíveis, manteiga e margarina foram desenvolvidas visando à utilização do tradicional procedimento de nebulização de solução para introdução de amostra no plasma. No caso do óleo diesel, a estratégia avaliada foi a de preparação de amostras na forma de emulsão com n-propanol. Nesse caso, um planejamento fatorial indicou que fatores importantes para a determinação de elementos refratários foram tanto a massa de amostra na composição da emulsão (até 25% em massa) quanto a acidificação da emulsão. As amostras de óleo cru, óleos vegetais e gorduras vegetais foram preparadas como microemulsão em n-propanol. Alternativamente, um procedimento de extração assistida por ultra-som foi desenvolvido. A emulsão de óleo cru com n-propanol mostrou ser um bom meio de estabilização dos analitos em solução. No caso da extração ácida assistida por ultra-som para óleo cru, um planejamento fatorial mostrou que os fatores importantes para a determinação de elementos-traço foram, o tempo de aquecimento da amostra, a concentração do ácido nítrico e a exposição ao ultra-som. Para as amostras de óleos e gorduras vegetais, a otimização das proporções de componentes na emulsão com n- propanol proporcionou boa estabilidade e homogeneidade das amostras de óleo de oliva e óleo de soja (6 % em massa de óleo) e para margarina e manteiga (5 % m/m de óleo). Para o método da extração ácida assistida por ultra-som, as condições otimizadas para a preparação da amostra permitiram também a análise por ICP-MS, cujos resultados são discutidos e comparados com os resultados obtidos por ICP OES. Para as amostras de asfaltenos, o procedimento proposto foi o de extração em HNO3 concentrado assistida por ultrasom. Nesse caso, os mesmos parâmetros otimizados para o óleo cru foram usados. Os parâmetros operacionais foram otimizados para obtenção dos parâmetros de mérito, sendo a aplicação dos métodos propostos confirmada por testes de recuperação além de comparação com resultados obtidos com procedimentos tradicionais para esse tipo de amostra. Assim, nessa tese, foram desenvolvidos métodos para a determinação de Cr, Mo, V e Ti em óleo diesel e em óleo combustível, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Ti, V e Zn em óleo cru, Fe, Ni e V em asfaltenos. Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn e Ni foram determinados em óleos e gorduras comestíveis utilizando preparação de amostra como microemulsão em n-propanol. Já Al, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, V e Zn foram determinados após extração ácida assistida por / [en] Analytical methods for the determination of trace elements in oily and viscous samples are necessary, for example, in the case of crude oil and its heavy fractions, where trace elements indicate specific oil characteristics and the geographic location of the natural deposit. Moreover, the quantification of these elements is relevant for geochemical interpretations concerning thermal maturity, oil-oil correlations and primary and secondary oil migration. Knowledge on trace element characteristics of crude oil is also important in oil refining strategies to prevent contamination of catalysts as well as equipment corrosion, and to minimize environmental pollution. In the case of vegetal oils and fats, the presence of certain elements, even in low concentrations ((mi)g g-1); can speed up oxidative processes and premature rancidity of oils, which may cause pathological effects in the digestive system, including cancer. Spectrometric techniques based on inductively coupled plasma (ICP OES and ICPMS) are extensively used for determination of trace elements in such type of samples due to their sensitivities and multielemental features. In the case of oils and fats, the samples have to be generally decomposed by wet-ashing procedures with mineral acids, prior to the elemental determinations. In this work, new strategies for sample preparation of crude oil, diesel, asphaltenes, edible oils, butter and margarine have been developed, which allow the use of the traditional procedure for sample introduction into the ICP by solution nebulization. In the case of diesel oil, the proposed strategy was the preparation of samples as emulsions with n-propanol. Factorial design studies showed that the important factors for the quantitative determination of refractory metals were the sample amount in the emulsion (up to 25% in weight) and the acidification of the emulsion. Crude oil samples, vegetable oils and fats have been prepared as n-propanol microemulsions. Alternatively, an ultrasound-assisted trace metal extraction procedure was developed. The crude oil emulsions with n-propanol were found to be a good environment to keep the analytes in solution. In the case of the ultrasound-assisted acid extraction for crude oil, a factorial design indicated that the important factors for the determination of trace elements have been the sample heating time, the nitric acid concentration and the ultrasound exposure time. For vegetable oils and fats, the optimization of the npropanol emulsion components provided good stability and homogeneity olive and soy oils (6 % of oil in weight) and for margarine and butter (5 % of oil in weight). For the ultrasound-assisted acid extraction, the optimized conditions for sample preparation also allowed the analysis of the extracts by ICP-MS, which results were compared with the ones obtained by ICP OES. For asphaltene samples, the proposed procedure was the ultrasound- assisted acid extraction in concentrated HNO3 using similar conditions employed for crude oil. The figures of merit for the proposed methods were achieved under optimized experimental and instrumental conditions and validations were performed by analysis of certified reference materials (when available), recovery tests, and by comparison of results obtained using traditional sample preparation procedures for this type of sample. Methods for the determination of Cr, Mo, V and Ti in fuel and diesel oils, for Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ni, Ti, V and Zn in crude oil and for Fe, Ni and V in asphaltenes have been developed. Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn and Ni in edible oils and fats have been determined using the microemulsification in n-propanol, while Al, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, V and Zn have been determined after acid extraction in HNO3. The analyses were carried out by using the external calibration method with internal standardization by Sc (in the case of ICP OES). The ultrasound-assisted acid extraction method for t

Submitted by Ana Hilda Fonseca (anahilda@ufba.br) on 2016-08-30T17:05:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Darlan S Santil.pdf: 1852568 bytes, checksum: 56dd8cda0c9cfac1cef7ea49ee2facfb (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Vanessa Reis (vanessa.jamile@ufba.br) on 2016-09-02T15:26:24Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Darlan S Santil.pdf: 1852568 bytes, checksum: 56dd8cda0c9cfac1cef7ea49ee2facfb (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-02T15:26:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Darlan S Santil.pdf: 1852568 bytes, checksum: 56dd8cda0c9cfac1cef7ea49ee2facfb (MD5) / CAPES / O presente estudo propõe a determinação de elementos maiores e traço em invertebrados marinhos por Espectrometria de Emissão Óptica com Plasma Indutivamente Acoplado (ICP OES) após um procedimento assistido por radiação ultrassom e centrífuga, empregando ácidos diluídos. Um planejamento Doehlert de três fatores foi aplicado para otimizar a extração dos elementos nas amostras de bivalves (Mytella guyanensis, Anomalocardia brasiliana e Crassostrea rhizophorae). Os fatores foram: concentração da mistura ácida (HCl + HNO3 + H3CCOOH; 1-3 mol L-1), tempo de centrifugação (10-40 min.), e velocidade de rotação (6000-10000 rpm). A eficiência de extração expressa em percentual foi escolhida como resposta analítica no processo de otimização. Além disso, todos os experimentos foram realizados analisando o material de referência certificado NIST 1566b (tecido de ostra). O percentual de recuperação obtida nas amostras de material de referência certificado pela martiz Doehlert variou de 45-95, 8-52, 35-71, 67-102, 38-78, 61-92, 58-100, 39-85 e 51-91%, respectivamente, para Ca, Cd, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Sr, e Zn. Todavia, ponto de máximo não foi obtido. Portanto, a resposta múltipla foi escolhida para obtenção dos valores máximos de extração dos metais. As seguintes condições experimentais da resposta múltipla foram selecionadas: 20 min de tempo de extração, 9000 rpm de velocidade de rotação e 1,0 mol L-1 da mistura ácida. A fim de avaliar o efeito do ultrassom na extração dos elementos, uma porção de tecido de ostra certificado foi sonicada por 15 min em um banho de ultrassom à temperatura ambiente e a solução foi centrifugada nas condições otimizadas. Os resultados mostraram que o uso da sonicação antes da centrifugação promoveu um aumento na porcentagem de recuperação dos elementos estudados. A repetitividade do procedimento auxiliado por centrífuga e ultrassom foi avaliada pela determinação de elementos maiores e traço em 10 replicatas do material certificado. Os desvios padrões relativos (RSD) para o procedimento proposto variam entre 1,8 a 4,7. A exatidão do método foi confirmada pela análise de tecido de ostra certificado (NIST 1566b) e por comparação de método analítico de referência com procedimento de digestão ácida para o tratamento das amostras (microondas com cavidade). Os resultaldos da análise da exatidão de alguns elementos estudados mostraram que não havia diferenças significativas (p<0,05) entre o método proposto e o método de referência. Concomitantemente ao desenvolvimento do método analítico, as concentrações dos elementos menores e maiores em amostras dos bivalves coletados ao longo da Baía de Todos os Santos, Bahia, Brasil foram determinadas por ICP OES após o procedimento de digestão ácida em bombas Parr. Os resultados da determinação revelaram que as concentrações de As, Cu e Zn nos bivalves estavam acima dos limites máximos estabelecidos pela ANVISA e por agências especializadas em saúde internacionais. Esses valores de concentração sugerem que deve ser feita uma análise de risco a / The present study proposes the determination of major and trace elements in marine invertebrates by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP OES) after a procedure assisted by ultrasound radiation and centrifugal, employing diluted acids. A three factor Doehlert design was applied to optimize the extraction of elements in bivalves (Mytella guyanensis, Anomalocardia brasiliana and Crassostrea rhizophorae). The factors were: concentration of acid mixture (HCl + HNO3 + H3CCOOH; 1-3 mol L-1), centrifugation time (10-40 min.), and rotation velocity (6000-10000 rpm). The extraction efficiency, expressed as a percentage, was chosen as the analytical response in the optimization process. In addition, all experiments were performed by analyzing the certified reference material NIST 1566b (oyster tissue). The percentage of recovery obtained in the samples of certified reference material by Doehlert varied from 45-95, 8-52, 35-71, 67-102, 38-78, 61-92, 58-100, 39-85 and 51-91%, respectively, for Ca, Cd, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Sr, and Zn. However, maximum point wasn’t obtained. So, the multiple response was chosen to obtain the maximum extraction of the metals. The following experimental conditions of multiple response were selected: 20 min of extraction time, 9000 rpm of the speed centrifuge and 1.0 mol L-1 of the acid mixture. In order to evaluate the ultrasound effect on the extraction of trace elements a portion of the certified oyster tissue sample was sonicated for 15min in an ultrasonic bath at ambient temperature, and then the solution was centrifuged at the optimized conditions. Results showed that the use of the sonication prior to the centrifugation promoted an increase in the percentage of recovery for most studied elements. The repeatability of the centrifugation and ultra- sound assisted procedure was evaluated by the determination of trace and major elements in 10 replicates of the oyster tissue certified material. The relative standard deviations (RSD) for the centrifugation and ultrasound assisted procedure varied between 1.8 and 4.7%. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by analysis of the certified oyster tissue (NIST 1566b) and by reference analytical method comparison with acid digestion procedure for the sample treatment (microwave cavity). The results of the analysis of the accuracy of some elements studied showed that there were no significant differences (p <0.05) between the proposed method and the reference method. Concurrent with the development of the acid extraction procedure, the major and trace concentrations of elements in mussel, oyster and clams samples collected from along coastal the zones of Todos os Santos Bay were determined by ICP OES after Parr acid digestion bombs. The results of determination showed that concentrations of As, Cu and Zn in the bivalves were above the limits established by ANVISA and international agencies specializing in health. These concentration values suggest that must be a health risk analysis mainly in the communities that collect the shellfish as a subsistence activity.

[pt] O Ácido Húmico (AH) é uma fração orgânica obtida em solos, corpos hídricos bem como em matrizes carbonáceas. Nos últimos anos o interesse associado a esta substância vem crescendo progressivamente à medida que novas aplicações são descobertas, tais como: fertilizantes, recuperação de áreas degradadas e tratamento de efluentes contaminados com metais. As principais características dos AH são dependentes do método de extração e da matriz escolhida, posto que se pode extraí-lo de uma ampla gama de matérias primas, assim como por meio de diferentes métodos. Dentro deste contexto, o objetivo principal do presente trabalho pretende avaliar o potencial de extração de ácido húmico a partir de diferentes precursores carbonáceos. Foram utilizadas três matrizes carbonáceas distintas: rejeito de carvão mineral (RCM), coque mineral (CM) e coque verde de petróleo (CVP). Além deste estudo experimental foram apresentados alguns resultados de estudo semelhante disponível na literatura. O método de extração utilizado foi adaptado de Trompowski et al (2005), e a caracterização foi feita utilizando-se técnicas de ICP-OES, CNHS, MEV/EDS, FTIR e Difração de Raio-X. A eficiência da extração, em termos de recuperação em massa, variou, significativamente, em função do método adotado, sendo os melhores resultados associados ao rejeito de carvão mineral (17,0 porcento), ao passo que a menor eficiência está relacionada ao coque verde de petróleo, após destilação (0,2 porcento). A extração a partir do coque verde de petróleo, como recebido, é inviável em função da sua imiscibilidade com a solução de ácido nítrico. Os resultados obtidos a partir do FTIR foram satisfatórios para todos os AH analisados, apresentando bandas características de AH e compatíveis com o indicado na literatura. Os resultados da análise de ICP-OES apresentaram baixa presença de metais e elementos traços para o AH oriundo do coque mineral. No que diz respeito ao ácido húmico extraído do rejeito de carvão mineral, que apresentou a maior concentração inicial de metais, principalmente ferro, foi implementado, com sucesso, uma purificação utilizando ácido nítrico. Com base nos resultados obtidos é possível afirmar que a utilização de diferente precursores carbonosos permitiu a extração de AH com características semelhantes aqueles citados na literatura e extraídos de outras fontes. / [en] The humic acid (HA) is an organic fraction that can be found in soil and watercourses as well as in carbonaceous matrices. In recent years the interest associated with this substance has been growing steadily as new applications are discovered, such as fertilizers, remediation of degraded areas and treatment of wastewater contaminated with metals. The main features of HA are dependent on the method of extraction and the chosen matrix, since it can be extract from a wide range of raw materials, as well as by different methods. Within this context, the main objective of this work is related to an assessment of the potential of extracting humic acid from different carbonaceous precursors. three different carbonaceous matrices were used: coal tailings (RCM), coke (CM) and green petroleum coke (CVP). Besides this experimental study some results of a similar study available in the literature were presented. The extraction method used was adapted from Trompowski et al, and the characterization was done using ICP- OES techniques, CNHS, MEV / EDS and FTIR. The extraction efficiency, in terms of mass recovery, significantly varied depending on the method used, the best results being associated with coal tailings (17.0 percent), while lower efficiency relates to the calcinated petrocoke after distillation (0.2 percent). The extraction from green petroleum coke, as received, is unfeasible due to its immiscibility with the nitric acid solution. The results obtained from FTIR were satisfactory for all the HA analyzed, displaying bands consistent with those from HA and compatible with bands shown in the literature. The results of the analysis of ICP-OES showed a low presence of metals and trace elements coming from the HA for coke. With respect to the extracted humic acid from coal tailings, which showed the highest initial concentration of metals, particularly iron, was successfully implemented, a purification with nitric acid. Based on the results obtained it can be stated that the use of different carbonaceous precursors allowed the extraction of humic acid with similar characteristics as cited in the literature and those obtained from other sources.

<p dir="ltr">Since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, 85.6 million people worldwide have become infected with HIV; more than half of whom have died from AIDS-related complications.[1] Sustained viral suppression below the clinically relevant threshold (1000 copies per mL) with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has proven effective at managing and prolonging the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, in 2022, 11.3 million PLHIV had still not achieved viral suppression and may become susceptible to both HIV transmission and a variety of opportunistic infections. Of particular importance is the complex issue of patient non-compliance in global HIV management due to social, economic, behavioral, and healthcare access barriers, potentially disconnecting many PLHIV from the HIV care continuum. Therefore, to boost patient engagement in clinical care and to improve overall patient outcomes, new approaches to viral load monitoring practices need to be developed to increase access, particularly in regions of high HIV prevalence.</p><p dir="ltr">Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) have emerged as potent tools for monitoring viral load, with reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) being recognized as the benchmark due to its sensitivity and ability for real-time quantification enabled by fluorescence signal emission. Nevertheless, RT-qPCR is burdened by drawbacks including extended processing times, high operational costs, and the requirement for specialized laboratory facilities. In this study, we propose a novel method for HIV-1 viral load monitoring by integrating reverse-transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) with real-time particle diffusometry (PD). This approach allows for the continuous monitoring of changes in the diffusion of 400 nm fluorescent particles during RT-LAMP amplification, targeting the <i>p24</i> gene region of HIV-1 RNA. This enables the real-time detection of amplification curves, achieving a detection sensitivity in water samples as low as 25 virus particles per μL within a short duration of 30 minutes. Additionally, to address challenges related to amplification inhibition in complex human specimens, we developed a power-free sample processing system specifically designed for extracting HIV-1 RNA from both whole blood and plasma.Top of FormBottom of FormThis system modifies a commercially available spin-column protocol by integrating a syringe device and handheld bulb dryer, thus eliminating the requirement for a centrifuge. The adaptation allows for the completion of the entire extraction procedure, encompassing viral lysis, RNA capture, washing, and elution of purified HIV-1 RNA, within a timeframe of less than 16 minutes. Subsequent analyses, including RT-LAMP and RT-qPCR, demonstrate a limit of detection of 100 copies per μL and an average RNA recovery of 32% (for blood) and 70% (for plasma) in the elution fraction. Further investigations emphasize the significant presence of purified RNA in the spin column volume (termed as dead volume), and the cumulative recovered RNA copies align with those obtained using the gold standard centrifugation extraction method. Ultimately, we incorporated the real-time quantitative PD-RT-LAMP assay onto a field-compatible handheld portable platform suitable for field use, featuring built-in quality control measures. This platform enables sample-to-answer viral load testing near the point of care (POC). Subsequently, we undertook essential preparatory steps, such as reagent drying to obviate the need for cold storage, initial device calibration, and hands-on training of laboratory personnel regarding device operation, to validate device performance within a cohort of individuals living with HIV (PLHIV). These innovations facilitate quick and comprehensive viral load determination, offering promise for enhanced HIV management and patient care</p>

This master thesis deals with the development, optimization and validation of an analytical method for determination of neurotoxin -N-methylamino-L-alanine in pond water and cyanobacteria using LC/MS. Firstly, basic parameters of the analytical method developed within authors´s bachelor thesis were verified. Following parameters were selected for verification: selection of suitable MRM transitions, voltage applied to S-lens and F-lens and standardized collision energy. Secondly, the system suitability testing was performed. Thirdly, the analytical method was successfully validated. Then, the testing and optimization of solid phase extraction for analysis of water samples were carried out. The pH of sample solution and composition of elution solution were chosen for the optimization. In addition, the trichloroacetic acid extraction with acid hydrolysis for cyanobacterial samples was carried out too. Finally, both solid phase extraction and trichloroacetic acid extraction were evaluated and applied to the analysis of real samples.