A aterosclerose é uma doença crônica onde duas características marcantes são observadas: retenção de lipídios e inflamação. Compreender as interações entre as células do sistema imunológico e as lipoproteínas envolvidas na aterogênese são desafios urgentes, uma vez que as doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de morte no mundo. Os macrófagos são cruciais para o desenvolvimento de placas ateroscleróticas e para a perpetuação da inflamação em tais lesões; estas células também estão diretamente envolvidas na ruptura de placa instável. Recentemente diferentes populações de macrófagos estão sendo identificadas nas lesões ateroscleróticas. Embora macrófagos M2 tenham sido identificados, a função destas células na aterosclerose ainda não está definida. Neste projeto, avaliamos se a adição de LDLox altera a função de macrófagos M2. Resultados: 1- Foi possível observar que os M2 se mantem viáveis após o estímulo com as lipoproteínas. 2- Quando avaliamos a expressão de moléculas co-estimulatórias, receptores Scavenger, lectinas e integrinas na superfície das células, observamos que a adição de LDLn ou LDLox em 2 concentrações diferentes (5 e 50ug/ml), por diferentes períodos de tempo não alterou a expressão de nenhum dos marcadores avaliados. A presença de LDL também não alterou outra função primordial dos M2, a capacidade de fagocitose. 3- Quando investigamos a presença de citocinas no sobrenadante das culturas estimuladas ou não com as lipoproteínas, identificamos um aumento na secreção de IL-8, uma citocina pró-inflamatória, na presença de LDLox, semelhante ao observado com a população de macrófagos M1. 4- Avaliamos se os macrófagos M2 estimulados ou não com LDL mantem sua capacidade de favorecer a angiogênese. Observamos que nas culturas estimuladas com o sobrenadante das culturas dos M2 mantidos na presença de LDLox houve uma inibição significativa da formação de túbulos pelas HUVECs. 5- Observamos que na presença do meio condicionado dos M2 estimulados com LDLox ocorreu uma intensa degradação dos filamentos de matriz extracelular produzida por MEFs. 6- Avaliamos a expressão gênica de componentes de matriz, membrana basal, moléculas de adesão, proteases e também inibidores de protease nestas células. Dos 96 genes avaliados, observamos que a adição de LDLox reduziu a expressão de 10 genes de maneira significativa, entre eles: beta-Actina (ACTB), Colágeno 6A2 (Col6A2), Integrina alfa 6 (ITGA6), Metaloproteinase 15 (MMP15), molécula de adesão celular endotelial plaquetária (PECAM) e Inibidor de metalopeptidase 2 (TIMP2). A adição de LDLox aumentou significativamente somente a expressão de trombospondina (TSP1). A adição de LDLn não alterou a expressão de nenhum gene de forma significativa. 7- A adição de LDLox induziu aumento da expressão da TSP1 e redução da expressão de colágeno 6, quando comparadas aos macrófagos M2 sem estímulo. Nossos resultados indicam que a adição de LDLox altera diversas funções dos macrófagos M2 in vitro. Em especial detectamos uma inibição significativa na angiogênese e também a secreção de mediadores que induzem a degradação da matriz extracelular. A adição de LDLox também inibiu a expressão de genes envolvidos com a estabilização da matriz extracelular. Nossos resultados sugerem que esta população de células pode contribuir para a perpetuação do processo inflamatório e degradação tecidual observados na lesão dos pacientes. Assim, acreditamos que este projeto contribuiu para o esclarecimento da participação dos M2 na patologia da aterosclerose / Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease where two key characteristics are observed: lipid retention and inflammation. Understanding the interactions between the cells of the immune system and the lipoproteins involved in atherogenesis are urgent challenges, since cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. Macrophages are crucial for the development of atherosclerotic plaques and for the inflammation in such lesions; These cells are also directly involved in unstable plaque rupture. Recently different populations of macrophages are being identified in atherosclerotic lesions. Although M2 macrophages has been identified, the function of these cells in atherosclerosis has not yet been defined. This project, we evaluated whether the addition of OxLDL alters the function of M2 macrophages. Results: 1- M2 macrophages remain viable after stimulation with the lipoproteins. 2- When evaluated the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, Scavenger receptors, lectins and integrins on the surface of the cells. We observed that the addition of LDLn or OxLDL at 2 different concentrations (5 and 50 ?g / ml) for different time periods did not alter the expression of any of the evaluated markers. 3- The presence of LDL also did not alter other primordial function of M2 cells, phagocytosis. 4- Was observed that cultures stimulated with conditioned medium of OxLDL-stimulated M2 there was a significant inhibition of tubule formation by HUVECs. 5- We observed that in the presence of OxLDL-stimulated M2 cells conditioned médium an intense degradation of the matrix filaments occurred. 6- We evaluated the gene expression of matrix components, basement membrane, adhesion molecules, proteases and also protease inhibitors in these cells. Of the 96 evaluated genes, we observed that the addition of OxLDL significantly reduced the expression of 10 genes, among them: Actin-beta (ACTB), Collagen 6A2 (Col6A2), Integrin alfa 6 (ITGA6), Metaloproteinase 15 (MMP15), Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) and metallopeptidase 2 inhibitor (TIMP2). The addition of OxLDL significantly increased only the expression, thrombospondin-1 (TSP1). Addition of LDLn did not significantly alter the expression of any gene. 7- That OxLDL addition induced increased TSP1 expression and reduced collagen 6 expression, when compared to M2 macrophages without stimulation. Our results indicate that the addition of OxLDL alters several M2 macrophages functions in vitro. In particular we detected a significant inhibition in angiogenesis and also the secretion of mediators that induce the degradation of the extracellular matrix. The addition of OxLDL also inhibited the expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix stabilization. Our results suggest that this cell population may contribute to the perpetuation of the inflammatory process and tissue degradation observed in the lesion of the patients. Thus, we believe that this project contributed to better understand the participation of M2 in the pathology of atherosclerosis

Submitted by PPG Psicologia (psicologia-pg@pucrs.br) on 2018-05-17T22:24:00Z No. of bitstreams: 1 GUSTAVO_RAMOS_SILVA_DIS.pdf: 5111917 bytes, checksum: f33b0b4365f06eb2178942b893f56de5 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Caroline Xavier (caroline.xavier@pucrs.br) on 2018-05-30T18:09:15Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 GUSTAVO_RAMOS_SILVA_DIS.pdf: 5111917 bytes, checksum: f33b0b4365f06eb2178942b893f56de5 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-30T18:14:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 GUSTAVO_RAMOS_SILVA_DIS.pdf: 5111917 bytes, checksum: f33b0b4365f06eb2178942b893f56de5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-03-08 / A aten??o ? um construto multifacetado, que esteve historicamente por diversas vezes no centro de discuss?es filos?ficas e psicol?gicas. O car?ter influente da aten??o sobre diversos outros processos psicol?gicos (e.g., consci?ncia, mem?ria, tomada de decis?o) salienta sua import?ncia, e logicamente resulta em uma dificuldade na segrega??o de suas fronteiras te?ricas e na defini??o clara desse fen?meno. Em um campo de pesquisa emp?rica atual sobre aten??o, vieses da orienta??o atencional para est?mulos amea?adores s?o investigados. Por?m, falta aos modelos embasados em 10 achados emp?ricos nesse campo a sustenta??o em modelos te?ricos bem estabelecidos de aten??o, e existe confus?o nos estudos experimentais publicados. Al?m disso, tarefas experimentais para avaliar vieses da aten??o para a amea?a necessitam de integra??o com novas tecnologias e estrat?gias de an?lise, as quais podem gerar mais sensibilidade, validade e confiabilidade, como o rastreamento ocular e o novo ?ndice de variabilidade do vi?s atencional (ABV). Esta disserta??o est? inclu?da na sub?rea de n?mero 7.07.02.03-9 do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient?fico e Tecnol?gico (CNPq) ? Psicologia Experimental (Processos Cognitivos e Atencionais) ? a qual integra a grande ?rea de Psicologia. Dois estudos s?o apresentados para suprir a necessidade de avan?o no estudo sobre aten??o, controle atencional (AC) e vi?s atencional em rela??o ? amea?a (ABT). Em primeiro lugar, um estudo te?rico fornece uma vis?o hist?rica da pesquisa psicol?gica da aten??o, desde os fundadores da Psicologia moderna at? a pesquisa neuropsicol?gica integrativa atual e os modelos orientados empiricamente. Esta revis?o busca esclarecer conceitos da aten??o e diferenciar esses conceitos dos de outros dom?nios psicol?gicos. Em vez de segregar ?reas de pesquisa, ? prov?vel que essa estrat?gia promova um di?logo entre campos que pesquisam o mesmo fen?meno - mas o medem de forma diferente e atribuem-lhe nomes diferentes. Na sequ?ncia dessa revis?o te?rica, ? apresentado um estudo emp?rico, que prop?e duas adapta??es de tarefas experimentais cl?ssicas para medir o ABT: a Tarefa Dot-Probe (DPT) e a Tarefa Stroop Emocional (EST). Na EST, o desenho da tarefa foi alterado para levar em conta considera??es te?ricas importantes e para melhor adaptar a tarefa ? medida de ABV. Na DPT, uma integra??o surpreendentemente rara de tempos de rea??o e medidas de rastreamento ocular ? estabelecida, e novos ?ndices para calcular o ABT e o ABV s?o propostos. A confiabilidade e validade dos ?ndices em ambas as 11 tarefas foi investigada com estudantes universit?rios e atrav?s da diferencia??o dos mesmos ?ndices entre grupos de sintomas altos vs. baixos de ansiedade e estresse p?straum?tico. A import?ncia de progressivamente melhorar as qualidades psicom?tricas dessas tarefas experimentais ? discutida em profundidade levando em conta os achados do estudo, incluindo recomenda??es para futuras adapta??es dessas tarefas / Attention is a multifaceted construct, one that has been at the center of discussions across several moments in the history of philosophy and psychology. The characteristic of attention to influence and regulate many other psychological process (e.g., consciousness, memory, decision-making) stresses its importance, and logically results in a hardship in segregating its theoretical boundaries and clearly defining this phenomenon. In a current empirical field of research on attention, biases of attentional orientation to threatening stimuli are investigated. However, models generated from empirical findings lack sustentation on well-established theoretical models of attention, and confusion exists across published experimental studies. Furthermore, experimental tasks to assess biases towards threat require integration with new operationalization and analysis strategies, which can provide better sensitivity, validity and measurement reliability, such as eye tracking and the novel index of attentional bias variability (ABV). This dissertation is included in the subarea number 7.07.02.03-9 of the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient?fico e Tecnol?gico (CNPq) ? Experimental Psychology (Attentional and Cognitive Processes) ? which integrates the broader area of Psychology. Two studies are presented to answer to the need of advancing research about attention, attentional control (AC) and attentional bias relative to threat (ABT). Firstly, a theoretical study provides a historical overview of psychological research on attention, from the founders of modern Psychology to current neuropsychological integrative research and empirically-oriented models. This review is expected to clarify constructs of attention and to differentiate these constructs from those of other Psychological domains. Instead of segregating research fields, this is likely to promote a 9 dialogue between fields that research the same phenomena ? but measure them differently and attribute to them different names. Following this theoretical review, an empirical study is presented, which proposes two adaptations of classical experimental tasks to measure ABT: the DotProbe Task (DPT) and the Emotional Stroop Task (EST). On the EST, task design is altered to account for important theoretical considerations and to better adapt the task to the measurement of ABV. On the DPT, a surprisingly rare integration of reaction times and eye tracking measures is established, and novel indices to calculate ABT and ABV are proposed. The reliability and validity of indices in both tasks is investigated with university students and through the differentiation of such indices between groups of high vs. low symptoms of anxiety and posttraumatic stress. The importance of pursuing the improvement of psychometric qualities of experimental tasks is discussed in depth upon the findings of the study, including recommendations to future experimental designs.

Aeromonas spp. são bastonetes Gram negativos amplamente distribuídos nos ambientes aquáticos, com relatos de isolamento em água de abastecimento público e alimentos. Este micro-organismo possui potencial de causar doenças intestinais e extraintestinais cuja patogenicidade está associada a sua virulência multifatorial. Diversos determinantes de virulência de Aeromonas já foram identificados, incluindo sistemas de secreção de proteínas. O sistema de secreção tipo VI (SST6) é o mais recente sistema de secreção de proteínas identificado em bactérias cuja presença em estirpes no gênero Aeromonas pode implicar atividades de citotoxicidade para o hospedeiro, pois esse sistema é capaz de injetar moléculas efetoras dentro da célula, interferindo diretamente nos processos celulares. A fim de determinar a presença e analisar a distribuição dos genes hcp e vgrG codificadores das proteínas efetoras do SST6 em Aeromonas spp. o presente estudo examinou 119 cepas isoladas de diversas origens pela técnica da PCR após o desenho de oligonucleotídeos iniciadores específicos. Objetivamos ainda analisar a variabilidade genética interespecífica dos genes hcp e vgrG a partir de dados de sequenciamento. Os resultados obtidos indicaram a distribuição dos genes vgrG e hcp em 46% das cepas de Aeromonas hydrophila e Aeromonas caviae de diferentes origens. Entre as cepas de A. hydrophila a maior frequência foi observada nas cepas isoladas de humanos, onde todas foram positivas para os iniciadores que amplificaram um produto de 541 pb do gene vgrG e 418 pb do gene hcp. Entre as cepas de A. caviae, a incidência de genes vgrG e hcp foi mais elevada nas cepas isoladas de alface (60%) e peixes (50%). As cepas analisadas de origem ambiental apresentaram índice total de 36% de positividade, apresentando frequência de 60% e 22% em A. hydrophila e A. caviae, respectivamente. Os dados obtidos da análise de cepas de origem alimentar mostraram a presença dos genes vgrG e hcp em 67% (A. hydrophila) e 60% (A. caviae) das cepas isoladas de folhas de alface. Nas cepas isoladas de queijo os genes foram encontrados em 67% e 12,5% das cepas de A. hydrophila e de A. caviae, respectivamente. O alinhamento múltiplo entre as sequências dos segmentos dos genes hcp e vgrG obtidas no sequenciamento indicou grau de identidade nucleotídica de 75 a 100% entre as sequências de hcp e 80 a 100% entre as sequências de vgrG. Em conclusão, nossos resultados indicaram que os iniciadores desenhados foram capazes de detectar suas sequências alvo em cepas de A. caviae e outras espécies de Aeromonas, sugerindo a existência de homologia entre os genes nas diferentes espécies, confirmada após sequenciamento de DNA. Os dados indicaram que esses genes estão distribuídos em várias espécies de Aeromonas e em cepas isoladas de diversas fontes. Ressaltamos a prevalência de cepas de A. hydrophila PCR-positivas em isolados clínicos, sugerindo a participação do SST6 no complexo universo da virulência multifatorial que permeia esse micro-organismo / Aeromonas species are Gram negative bacilli distributed widely in aquatic environments, with reports of isolation of this microorganism in water for public supply and food. Aeromonas have the potential to cause intestinal and extra intestinal infections whose pathogenicity is associated with multifactorial virulence. A number of virulence determinants have already been identified in Aeromonas, including protein secretion systems. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is the most recent pathway to secrete proteins identified in bacteria. The presence of T6SS in Aeromonas strains may involve activities of cytotoxicity to the host, since this system is capable of injecting effectors molecules into the cell, interfering directly with a variety of cellular processes. The present study examined 119 strains of different origins by PCR, after the design of specific primers, to determine the distribution of vgrG and hcp genes encoding the effector proteins of T6SS in Aeromonas spp. We aimed to further analyze the interspecific sequence variation of hcp and vgrG genes based on sequencing data. The results show the presence of hcp and vgrG genes in 46% of A. hydrophila and A. caviae strains from different sources. All A. hydrophila strains isolated from humans were positive for the primers used to amplify a product of 541 bp and 418 bp of vgrG and hcp genes, respectively. Among A. caviae strains, the incidence of hcp and vgrG genes was high in the strains isolated from lettuce (60%) and fish (50%). The overall PCR-positive rate of strains from environmental source was 36%, with a frequency of 60% and 22% in A. hydrophila and A. caviae, respectively. The data obtained from analysis of food-borne strains showed the presence of hcp and vgrG genes in 67% (A. hydrophila) and 60% (A. caviae) of strains isolated from lettuce, while in the strains isolated from cheese the frequency was 67% (A. hydrophila) and 12.5% (A. caviae). The multiple alignment of hcp and vgrG sequences obtained revealed nucleotide identity rate between 75-100% among the hcp sequences and 80-100% in vgrG sequences. In conclusion, our results indicate that the primers designed were able to detect their target sequences in strains of A. caviae and other Aeromonas species, suggesting the existence of homology between genes in different species, as confirmed after DNA sequencing. The data indicate that these genes are distributed in various Aeromonas species from different sources. We emphasize the prevalence of PCR-positive A. hydrophila strains in clinical samples suggesting the involvement of T6SS in the complex universe of multifactorial virulence, which permeates this microorganism

A aterosclerose é uma doença crônica onde duas características marcantes são observadas: retenção de lipídios e inflamação. Compreender as interações entre as células do sistema imunológico e as lipoproteínas envolvidas na aterogênese são desafios urgentes, uma vez que as doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de morte no mundo. Os macrófagos são cruciais para o desenvolvimento de placas ateroscleróticas e para a perpetuação da inflamação em tais lesões; estas células também estão diretamente envolvidas na ruptura de placa instável. Recentemente diferentes populações de macrófagos estão sendo identificadas nas lesões ateroscleróticas. Embora macrófagos M2 tenham sido identificados, a função destas células na aterosclerose ainda não está definida. Neste projeto, avaliamos se a adição de LDLox altera a função de macrófagos M2. Resultados: 1- Foi possível observar que os M2 se mantem viáveis após o estímulo com as lipoproteínas. 2- Quando avaliamos a expressão de moléculas co-estimulatórias, receptores Scavenger, lectinas e integrinas na superfície das células, observamos que a adição de LDLn ou LDLox em 2 concentrações diferentes (5 e 50ug/ml), por diferentes períodos de tempo não alterou a expressão de nenhum dos marcadores avaliados. A presença de LDL também não alterou outra função primordial dos M2, a capacidade de fagocitose. 3- Quando investigamos a presença de citocinas no sobrenadante das culturas estimuladas ou não com as lipoproteínas, identificamos um aumento na secreção de IL-8, uma citocina pró-inflamatória, na presença de LDLox, semelhante ao observado com a população de macrófagos M1. 4- Avaliamos se os macrófagos M2 estimulados ou não com LDL mantem sua capacidade de favorecer a angiogênese. Observamos que nas culturas estimuladas com o sobrenadante das culturas dos M2 mantidos na presença de LDLox houve uma inibição significativa da formação de túbulos pelas HUVECs. 5- Observamos que na presença do meio condicionado dos M2 estimulados com LDLox ocorreu uma intensa degradação dos filamentos de matriz extracelular produzida por MEFs. 6- Avaliamos a expressão gênica de componentes de matriz, membrana basal, moléculas de adesão, proteases e também inibidores de protease nestas células. Dos 96 genes avaliados, observamos que a adição de LDLox reduziu a expressão de 10 genes de maneira significativa, entre eles: beta-Actina (ACTB), Colágeno 6A2 (Col6A2), Integrina alfa 6 (ITGA6), Metaloproteinase 15 (MMP15), molécula de adesão celular endotelial plaquetária (PECAM) e Inibidor de metalopeptidase 2 (TIMP2). A adição de LDLox aumentou significativamente somente a expressão de trombospondina (TSP1). A adição de LDLn não alterou a expressão de nenhum gene de forma significativa. 7- A adição de LDLox induziu aumento da expressão da TSP1 e redução da expressão de colágeno 6, quando comparadas aos macrófagos M2 sem estímulo. Nossos resultados indicam que a adição de LDLox altera diversas funções dos macrófagos M2 in vitro. Em especial detectamos uma inibição significativa na angiogênese e também a secreção de mediadores que induzem a degradação da matriz extracelular. A adição de LDLox também inibiu a expressão de genes envolvidos com a estabilização da matriz extracelular. Nossos resultados sugerem que esta população de células pode contribuir para a perpetuação do processo inflamatório e degradação tecidual observados na lesão dos pacientes. Assim, acreditamos que este projeto contribuiu para o esclarecimento da participação dos M2 na patologia da aterosclerose / Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease where two key characteristics are observed: lipid retention and inflammation. Understanding the interactions between the cells of the immune system and the lipoproteins involved in atherogenesis are urgent challenges, since cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. Macrophages are crucial for the development of atherosclerotic plaques and for the inflammation in such lesions; These cells are also directly involved in unstable plaque rupture. Recently different populations of macrophages are being identified in atherosclerotic lesions. Although M2 macrophages has been identified, the function of these cells in atherosclerosis has not yet been defined. This project, we evaluated whether the addition of OxLDL alters the function of M2 macrophages. Results: 1- M2 macrophages remain viable after stimulation with the lipoproteins. 2- When evaluated the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, Scavenger receptors, lectins and integrins on the surface of the cells. We observed that the addition of LDLn or OxLDL at 2 different concentrations (5 and 50 ?g / ml) for different time periods did not alter the expression of any of the evaluated markers. 3- The presence of LDL also did not alter other primordial function of M2 cells, phagocytosis. 4- Was observed that cultures stimulated with conditioned medium of OxLDL-stimulated M2 there was a significant inhibition of tubule formation by HUVECs. 5- We observed that in the presence of OxLDL-stimulated M2 cells conditioned médium an intense degradation of the matrix filaments occurred. 6- We evaluated the gene expression of matrix components, basement membrane, adhesion molecules, proteases and also protease inhibitors in these cells. Of the 96 evaluated genes, we observed that the addition of OxLDL significantly reduced the expression of 10 genes, among them: Actin-beta (ACTB), Collagen 6A2 (Col6A2), Integrin alfa 6 (ITGA6), Metaloproteinase 15 (MMP15), Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) and metallopeptidase 2 inhibitor (TIMP2). The addition of OxLDL significantly increased only the expression, thrombospondin-1 (TSP1). Addition of LDLn did not significantly alter the expression of any gene. 7- That OxLDL addition induced increased TSP1 expression and reduced collagen 6 expression, when compared to M2 macrophages without stimulation. Our results indicate that the addition of OxLDL alters several M2 macrophages functions in vitro. In particular we detected a significant inhibition in angiogenesis and also the secretion of mediators that induce the degradation of the extracellular matrix. The addition of OxLDL also inhibited the expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix stabilization. Our results suggest that this cell population may contribute to the perpetuation of the inflammatory process and tissue degradation observed in the lesion of the patients. Thus, we believe that this project contributed to better understand the participation of M2 in the pathology of atherosclerosis

Le trafic intracellulaire consiste en la formation et le transport de vésicules ou tubules qui acheminent des composants protéiques et lipidiques entre les différents organites ou avec la membrane plasmique. L’élaboration de ces tubulo-vésicules est initiée par le remodelage local d’une membrane, tout d’abord en générant une courbure puis un bourgeon qui, s’allongeant, forme la tubulo-vésicule. Enfin, la rupture de la membrane, ou scission, libère le transporteur nouvellement formé. Ces étapes repose sur un sculptage profond de la membrane. Ceci requière des forces générées par des moteurs moléculaires, lesquels s’associent aux cytosquelettes comme les microtubules ou les filaments d’actine. Afin de mieux comprendre comment le cytosquelette et leurs moteurs façonnent ces transporteurs, nous avons examiné le rôle de l’actine et de la myosine VI dans la formation de tubules membranaires aux mélanosomes. Les mélanosomes sont des organites apparentés aux lysosomes, générés dans les mélanocytes de la peau et de la choroïde de l’œil, et qui sont le lieu de synthèse et de stockage d’un pigment, la mélanine. Dans l’épiderme, ces compartiments spécialisés évoluent par différentes étapes de maturation qui aboutissent à leurs transferts aux cellules voisines, les kératinocytes. Les mélanosomes sont des organites dynamiques qui reçoivent et recyclent constamment des composants membranaires, comme la SNARE VAMP7. Nous résultats montrent que la myosine VI et son adapteur optineurine se localisent à un sous-domaine spécifique de la membrane des mélanosomes, ou elles contrôlent la scission de tubules. En effet, l’activité motrice de la myosine VI et le réseau d’actine branchée, dépendant des complexes Arp2/3 et WASH, permettent la constriction des membranes du tubule et son détachement du mélanosome. Un défaut de scission de ces tubes engendre des mélanosomes plus pigmentés, enrichis en cargos et au pH plus acide. L’altération de l’homéostasie du mélanosome affecte sa fonction, comme sa capacité à être sécrété et transféré aux kératinocytes. Nos résultats démontrent que la myosine VI en coopération avec le cytosquelette d’actine permet la constriction et fission de membranes aux mélanosomes. Les intermédiaires de transport ainsi formés recyclent des protéines cargos pour leur possible réutilisation, et participent ainsi au maintien de l’homéostasie et de la fonction de ces organites. / Intracellular transport among organelles and the plasma membrane occurs through the formation and transport of vesicular and tubular membrane carriers. The formation of these carriers requires first the bending of membrane and the generation of a bud, followed by its elongation to form the tubule-vesicle. Lastly, the carrier is released from the membrane source by the scission of the membrane. Importantly, all these different steps need an accurate orchestration to properly deform the membrane. The actions exerted by molecular motors onto microtubule and actin cytoskeletons provide forces onto membrane that contribute to its remodeling during the biogenesis of carrier. Actin filaments (F-actin) and myosins are thought to participate in the initiation and the fission of carriers. However, the role of actin machinery during carrier biogenesis remains elusive. We thus decided to address the role of F-actin and the actin-based motor myosin VI in the formation of tubular intermediates at melanosome. Melanosomes are lysosome-related organelles of skin melanocytes and eye pigment cells that function in the synthesis and storage of the melanin pigment. Melanosomes originate from endosomes and progressively mature into fully pigmented compartments, which fate is to be secreted and transferred to neighboring keratinocytes. Melanosomes are dynamic organelles that constantly receive, but also recycle proteins such as the SNARE VAMP7 through the formation and release of tubular intermediates. Our work reveals that myosin VI, together with Arp2/3- and WASH-mediated branched actin localize at specific melanosomal subdomains where they promote the constriction and scission of tubular intermediates. This fission event allows the export of components such as VAMP7 from melanosomes and promotes their maturation and subsequent transfer to keratinocytes. Altogether, our results uncover a new role for myosin VI and F-actin in the constriction and scission of membrane tubules at melanosome that is required for organelle homeostasis and function.

Im Mittelpunkt der in dieser Arbeit durchgeführten Untersuchungen steht die Aufklärung der Strukturen der Komplexe von Uran mit aliphatischen (Hydroxy-)Carbonsäuren als Liganden sowie die Strukturen, die bei Sorption von Uran an dem Eisenmineral Hämatit in An- und Abwesenheit organischer Säuren gebildet werden. Das ternäre System aus Hämatit, Uran(VI) und organischem Ligand ist sehr komplex. Daher ist es notwendig eine Aufspaltung in einfachere binäre Systeme vorzunehmen und die Ergebnisse dieser Teilsysteme heranzuziehen, um das komplexere ternäre System zu verstehen. Anhand der umfangreichen durchgeführten Arbeiten zu den wässrigen Uran(VI)-Komplexen können nun Rückschlüsse von der Struktur einer Carbonsäure auf die Struktur der gebildeten Uran(VI)-Komplexe in Abhängigkeit vom pH getroffen werden. Zuerst sollte festgehalten werden, dass Uran(VI) üblicherweise pentagonal-bipyramidale Komplexe ergibt. Das Pentaaquauranylion zeigt beispielsweise zwei axiale Sauerstoffatome (Oax) bei einem Abstand von 1,76 Å und fünf äquatoriale Sauerstoffatome (Oeq) bei einem Abstand von 2,40 Å, die von koordinierten Wassermolekülen stammen. Im Zuge der Komplexierung mit organischen Liganden werden die Wassermoleküle durch organische Liganden ersetzt, was zu messbaren Veränderungen der Bindungsabstände führt. Monocarbonsäuren bilden mit Ausnahme der Ameisensäure nacheinander mit steigendem pH 1:1-, 1:2- und 1:3-Komplexe. Die teilweise in der Literatur postulierten 1:4-Komplexe beschränken sich wahrscheinlich auf extrem hohe Ligandkonzentration (>>1 M) oder nicht-wässrige Lösungen (z. B. 1:4-U-ac-Komplex [Ryan 1967]). Anhand der Verringerung der spektralen Aufspaltung Δν der symmetrischen und antisymmetrischen Valenzschwingung der Carboxygruppe konnte für diese Komplexe eine bidentate Koordination nachgewiesen werden. Mittels EXAFS konnte die bidentate Struktur anhand einer Verlängerung des Oeq-Abstandes auf 2,47 Å im Falle der 1:3-Komplexe in den Systemen U-ac und U-prop bestätigt werden. Die Ameisensäure hingegen bildet monodentate Komplexe. Dies konnte durch eine Erhöhung von Δν und eine Verkürzung des Oeq-Abstandes gezeigt werden. Ursache für dieses Verhalten ist der fehlende +I-Effekt durch den organischen Rest, der unter anderem eine deutliche Erhöhung der Säurestärke im Falle der Ameisensäure nach sich zieht. Bei Bi- und Tricarbonsäuren bestimmt der Abstand der Carboxygruppen zueinander, welche Art der Koordinierung auftritt. Werden die Carboxygruppen durch maximal ein Kohlenstoffatom voneinander getrennt (Oxal- und Malonsäure) oder wird durch eine cis-Doppelbindung eine cis-Konfiguration der Carboxygruppen zueinander erzwungen (Maleinsäure), treten 1:1- und 1:2 , sowie für Oxalsäure auch 1:3-Komplexe mit chelatartiger Koordinierung auf. Dies wird durch eine Erhöhung von Δν und eine Verringerung von r(U-Oeq) auf 2,36 Å (1:2-Komplexe) untermauert. Liegen mindestens zwei Kohlenstoffatome zwischen den Carboxygruppen (Bernsteinsäure, Tricarballylsäure), so bilden sich überwiegend bidentate Komplexe aus. Der 1:3-Komplex im System U-suc ist allerdings gemischt bidentat/monodentat und erreicht deshalb auch einen gegenüber dem 1:3 U-ac Komplex etwas verkürzten Oeq-Abstand von 2,45 Å. Eine weitere wichtige Gruppe von Liganden sind die α- und β-Hydroxycarbonsäuren. Die α-Hydroxycarbonsäuren bilden 1:1-, 1:2-, 2:2- und 3:3-Komplexe aus. Der Ligand koordiniert dabei als 5-Ring-Chelat an Uran(VI). Die Bildung polynuklearer Spezies wird belegt mit einem stufenweisen und sehr starken Ansteigen der Absorption im UV/VIS-Bereich, der durch eine Deformation der linearen O=U=O-Bindung hervorgerufen wird. Außerdem zeigt die EXAFS-Spektroskopie, dass bei pH ~ 2–4 eine U-U-Wechselwirkung bei r(U-U) ~ 3,92 Å auftritt, wodurch die Bildung eines µ2-O verbrückten Dimers nachgewiesen ist. Im nahneutralen pH-Bereich (pH 6–7) ist eine sehr starke U-U-Wechselwirkung bei r(U-U) ~ 3,83 Å er-kennbar. Diese kann durch Ausbildung einer µ3-O verbrückten dreikernigen Struktur erklärt werden. Zwischen den α-Hydroxymonocarbonsäuren und den α-Hydroxydi- und -tricarbon-säuren, die als substituierte Äpfelsäure aufgefasst werden können, besteht der wesentliche Unterschied, dass die Homologen der Äpfelsäure das Dimer im oben genannten pH-Bereich als dominierende Spezies aufweisen, während es bei den Monocarbonsäuren erst bei höheren pH-Werten (pH ~ 4–5) und lediglich zu ~50 % (lac) auftritt. Die β-Hydroxycarbonsäuren bilden hingegen bidentat koordinierende 1:1-, 1:2- und 1:3-Komplexe. Die 1:3-Komplexe sind isostrukturell zum 1:3-U-ac-Komplex. Die Hydroxygruppe in β-Position beteiligt sich folglich nicht an der Komplexierung. Bei der Sorption von Uran(VI) an Hämatit in An- und Abwesenheit organischer Liganden ergibt sich ein breit gefächertes Spektrum an Möglichkeiten. Allgemein lässt sich feststellen, dass die Sorption etwa bei pH 3–4 einsetzt und im nahneutralen pH-Bereich (pH 6–7) maximal wird. Die Anwesenheit organischer Liganden bewirkt im Allgemeinen eine Verschiebung der Sorptionskante zu höheren pH-Werten, wobei folgende Reihenfolge der pH-Werte bei 50 %iger Sorption zu beobachten war: ohne Ligand ~ Protocatechusäure < Essigsäure < Bernsteinsäure < Weinsäure. Weiterhin kann festgestellt werden, dass die Sorptionskomplexe in der Nähe der Sorptionskante monomer sind und in oligomere Urankomplexe im nahneutralen pH-Bereich übergehen. Ohne Zugabe eines Liganden bildet sich mit steigendem pH zuerst ein über Kante verknüpfter, monomerer Sorptionskomplex (ES-Monomer) aus, der sich durch einen Fe-Abstand von ~3,45 Å und einen Oeq-Abstand von ~2,40 Å auszeichnet. Im neutralen pH-Bereich sorbiert Uran als oligomerer (wahrscheinlich dreikerniger) Sorptionskomplex (ES-Trimer) mit r(U-U) = 3,82–3,88 Å und r(U-Oeq) = 2,33–2,37 Å. Im Übergangsbereich kann sich zu geringen Teilen ein einfach oder doppelt über Ecke verknüpfter Sorptionskomplex (SCS- oder DCS-Monomer), wobei das SCS-Monomer einen Fe-Abstand von ~3,70–3,75 Å und einen Oeq-Abstand von ~2,40 Å aufweist, bilden. In Gegenwart von Essigsäure ändern sich lediglich die Strukturparameter minimal. In Gegenwart von Bernstein- und Weinsäure bilden sich im Gegensatz dazu über den Liganden verknüpfte Sorptionskomplexe aus, die also keine U-Fe-Wechselwirkung zeigen und sich besonders durch ihren sehr niedrigen DW(Oeq) von den anderen Sorptionskomplexen unter-scheiden. Im neutralen pH-Bereich liegen wiederum dreikernige Sorptionskomplexe vor, wo-bei es im Falle der Weinsäure auch möglich wäre, dass das aus dem aquatischen System be-kannte Trimer über die Weinsäure an die Oberfläche bindet. Im Unterschied dazu sorbiert Uran(VI) in Gegenwart der Protocatechusäure nahe der Sorptionskante als Gemisch eines monomeren ES- und DCS-Komplexes. Bei weiterer Erhöhung des pH dominiert der DCS-Komplex, der eine starke U-Fe-Wechselwirkung bei r(U-Fe) = 4,19 Å zeigt. Eine Oligomerisierung bleibt in diesem Falle aus. Die im Rahmen dieser Arbeit gewonnenen Ergebnisse tragen zu einem besseren Verständnis der Wechselwirkung von Uran(VI) mit organischen Säuren, sowie von Uran(VI) mit Hämatit in Gegenwart organischer Säuren, bei und liefern die Strukturen für die gebildeten wässrigen Komplexe und die Sorptionskomplexe. Damit unterstützen sie den Aufklärungsprozess des Transports radioaktiver Stoffe und können somit zuverlässigere Risikobewertungen für Endlager nuklearer Abfälle und für Rückstände des Uranerzbergbaus ermöglichen. / This study is focussed on throwing light on the structures of uranium(VI) complexes with aliphatic (hydroxy-) carboxylic acids and on the structures of the sorption complexes on the iron mineral hematite in presence and absence of organic acids. The ternary system of hematite, uranium(VI), and organic ligand is very complicated, thus it is necessary to decompose it in binary systems. The results within these binary systems are used to better understand the complicated ternary system. Based on the comprehensive investigations on the aqueous uranium(VI) complexes, it is now possible to draw inferences from the structure of the carboxylic acid about the structure of the formed uranium(VI) complex in dependence of the pH. At first it has to be mentioned that uranium(VI) commonly gives pentagonal bipyramidal complexes. The pentaaquauranylion is formed by two axial oxygen atoms (Oax) at a distance of 1.76 Å and five equatorial oxygen atoms (Oeq) at 2.40 Å stemming from coordinated water molecules. Due to complexation with organic ligands water is replaced by the ligand, thus the interatomic distances change. Monocarboxylic acids, except for formic acid, form with rising pH 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 complex-es, successively. 1:4-complexes that were sometimes postulated in literature are probably restricted to very high ligand concentrations (>>1 M) or to non-aqueous solutions. On the basis of the decrease of the spectral splitting Δν of the symmetric and antisymmetric vibration mode of the carboxylic group bidentate coordination is verified. By using EXAFS spectros-copy the structure of the 1:3 complexes with acetic and propionic acid shows an elongation of the U-Oeq distance (r(U-Oeq)) to 2.47 Å and a six fold coordination in the equatorial plane. This distance is characteristic for bidentate coordination of the carboxylic group. In contrast, formic acid gives monodentate complexes. This is proved by an increase of Δν and a shortening of r(U-Oeq). The reason for this behaviour is the missing +I effect from the organic chain that accounts for a dramatically stronger acidity of formic acid. Among the bi- and tricarboxylic acids, the distance between the carboxylic groups is decisive for the prevailing mode of coordination. If the carboxylic groups are only separated by no more than one carbon atom (oxalic and malonic acid) or if the cis-configuration of the carboxylic groups is enforced by a cis-configuration of the ligand (maleic acid), 1:1 and 1:2 complexes with chelating coordination will be formed. This is evidenced by an increase of Δν and a decrease of r(U-Oeq) to 2.36 Å (1:2-complexes). If at least two carbon atoms separate the carboxylic groups from each other (succinic acid), the coordination will be mainly bidentate. However, the 1:3 complex in the U-suc system gives a mixed bidentate/monodentate coordination, thus r(U-Oeq) is only increased to 2.45 Å. Another important group of ligands are the α- and β-Hydroxy acids. α-Hydroxy acids form 1:1, 1:2, 2:2, and 3:3 complexes with rising pH. In all cases the ligand gives 5-membered ring chelates. The formation of polynuclear species is evidenced by a stepwise and very strong increase of the absorption in the UV-Vis range that is caused by a deformation of the linear O=U=O moiety. Moreover, EXAFS spectroscopy shows a uranium-uranium interaction at r(U-U) ~ 3.92 Å in the pH range of 2–4. This distance gives evidence for the formation of a µ2-O bridged dimer. In the near neutral pH range (pH 6–7) a very strong U-U interaction is visible at r(U-U) ~ 3,83 Å. This feature can be explained by the formation of a µ3-O bridged trimeric structure. The main difference between the α-Hydroxy diacids that can be understood as homologues of malic acid and the α-Hydroxy monoacids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc.) is the strength of the dimeric complex. Among the homologues of malic acid the complex sta-bility constant of the dimer is so high that the formation of a 1:2 complex is suppressed and the relative concentration of the dimer is at least 90 % in the pH range of 2–4. Among the α-Hydroxy monoacids the occurrence of the dimer is shifted to higher pH values and the relative concentration is limited (e.g. ~50 % in the U-lac system). On the contrary, β-Hydroxy acids form bidentate coordinated 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 complexes. The 1:3 complexes are isostructural to the 1:3 complex in the U-ac system. Hence, the β-Hydoxy group does not participate in the coordination. For the sorption of uranium(VI) on hematite in absence and presence of organic ligands a widespread array of opportunities exists. In general, sorption starts at pH 3–4 and reaches its maximum in the near neutral pH range (pH 6–7). The presence of organic ligands leads to a shift of the sorption edge to higher pH. The following sequence of the pH where 50 % sorp-tion is reached were found: without ligand ~ protocatechuic acid < acetic acid < succinic acid < tartaric acid. Moreover, it can be stated that the complexes near to the sorption edge are monomeric and merge into oligomeric uranium(VI) complexes in the near neutral pH range. In the absence of organic ligands a monomeric edge-sharing complex (ES monomer) is formed at low pH which is characterized by an U-Fe distance of ~3.45 Å and an Oeq distance of ~2.40 Å. In the near neutral pH range an oligomeric edge-sharing complex (ES trimer) is formed with r(U-U) = 3.82–3.88 Å and r(U-Oeq) = 2.33–2.37 Å. It is possible that in the intermediate pH range a small fraction of single or double corner-sharing (SCS or DCS) complexes occur. The SCS monomer is characterized by r(U-Fe) ~3,70–3,75 Å and r(U-Oeq) ~2,40 Å. The presence of acetic acid has only small effects on the structural parameters. In presence of succinic and tartaric acid and at low pH the sorption complexes are of the type hematite-ligand-uranium, thus no uranium-iron interaction can be found and the DW(Oeq) is very small in contrast to all the other investigated sorption complexes. In the neutral pH range trimeric sorption complexes are formed again. In case of tartaric acid it is conceivable that the trimeric complex known from the aqueous U-tar system is sorbed to the hematite surface. In contrast, the presence of protocatechuic acid results in the formation of a mixture of ES and DCS monomeric complexes at low pH. With ongoing increase of pH the fraction of the DCS monomer rises. This DCS complex shows a strong uranium-iron interaction at r(U-Fe) = 4,19 Å. A formation of oligomeric complexes at neutral pH does not appear. The results gained during all these investigations can help to better understand the interaction of uranium(VI) and carboxylic acids, and beyond that the sorption of uranium(VI) on hematite in the presence of carboxylic acids. Structures of the aqueous and sorption complexes are proposed. All these findings support the ongoing research on the transport behaviour of radioactive matter and may lead to more reliable risk assessment in connection with the permanent disposal of nuclear waste and the residues of uranium mining.

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo el desarrollo de la metodología de diseño óptimo de procesos de separación con membranas líquidas selectivas en su aplicación a la separación de mezclas multicomponentes con recuperación selectiva del componente de interés. Para ello se ha investigado la separación selectiva y concentración de cromo(VI) presente inicialmente en un acuífero subterráneo contaminado por acción de la actividad industrial desarrollada a nivel superficial y donde a su vez, coexisten otras especies aniónicas competitivas (sulfato y cloruro mayoritariamente) presentes por las propias características del acuífero y por su localización en una zona litoral. Tras la selección de Alamine 336 (amina terciaria) y NaOH como agentes de extracción y reextracción respectivamente, se caracterizaron experimentalmente las reacciones químicas responsables de la etapa de extracción, así como la cinética del proceso de separación-concentración cuando se emplea la tecnología de pertracción en emulsión (EPT) en contactores de fibra hueca. Finalmente, se desarrolló un modelo matemático multicomponente y se determinaron los parámetros característicos del mismo con el fin de llevar a cabo el diseño óptimo del proceso mediante técnicas de optimización matemática. / This work aims at the development of the methodology for the optimal design of selective liquid membrane processes as efficient alternatives for the separation and selective recovery of raw materials and valuable compounds from multicomponent systems. For this purpose, the proposed methodology has been applied to the remediation of polluted groundwater containing hexavalent chromium as a consequence of effluent leaking from surface deposition of industrial wastes. Furthermore, other competitive anionic species (mainly sulphate and chloride anions) were also present in the groundwaters due to the specific location being close to the shore.After selecting Alamine 336 (tertiary amine) and NaOH as the best extraction and back-extraction agents respectively, a careful experimental design was performed in order to analyse the chemical equilibria involved in the extraction step. Once the emulsion pertraction technology (EPT) was selected as the most suitable separation-concentration process configuration, the experimental kinetic analysis and mathematical modeling of EPT were carried calculating the values of the design parameters. Finally, the proposed multicomponent model was employed to carry out the optimal process design by means of mathematical optimization techniques.

This paper examines in what way the heterosexual matrix is challenged by Stephenie Meyer in Breaking dawn (Så länge vi båda andas). By doing a thematic study on the various family constellations appearing in the novel, I search for the queer elements in it. I discuss incest, family building and motherhood, and find that there are numerous queer elements associated with the themes I have chosen. I conclude that the Cullen family challenges the heterosexual matrix, despite not being typical queer vampire characters. I also find that building a successful family is not based on gender or constellation otherwise, but is instead dependant on democracy and equality. Bella has a desire to taste the blood of both her daughter and her father, interpreted as an incestuous desire. I find similarities between Bella’s extreme motherhood behaviors and how drag show artists parody gender. / Denna uppsats undersöker på vilka sätt Stephenie Meyer utmanar den heterosexuella matrisen i Så länge vi båda andas. Genom att göra en queerteoretisk temastudie utifrån temat familj undersöker jag de queera elementen i texten. Jag behandlar incest, familjebildning och moderskap och kommer fram till att det finns många queera inslag i mina valda teman. I min analys drar jag slutsatsen att familjen Cullen, trots att de inte är klassiska queera vampyrkaraktärer ändå utmanar den heterosexuella matrisen. Jag kommer även fram till att framgången i en familjebildning inte ligger i kön, eller konstruktion, utan i demokrati och jämställdhet. När Bella åtrår sin faders och dotterns blod tolkar jag detta i sin kontext som ett incestuöst begär. Jag jämför extremismen i Bellas moderskap med hur dragshowartisten parodierar genus.

This study took place in Malawi, south eastern Africa. Metal contamination of water and soil is a threat to the environment and human health and is a serious concern in many countries including Malawi. Blantyre is the city of commerce where most of the industry is located along the banks of the main rivers. Some of the industries produce wastewater, which due to poor access to wastewater treatment plants, is discharged without treatment into the environment. A match factory in Blantyre uses chromium as a colouring agent for match heads and very high concentrations of chromium(VI) have been measured downstream the factory with concentrations up to 56 mg/l, which is much higher than the WHO guidelines of 0.05 mg/l.  Chromium(VI) mainly occurs as chromate CrO42- and dichromate Cr2O72- ions. They are both toxic and carcinogenic and can cause mutations and chromosomal aberrations.   The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of Granular Ferric Hydroxide (GFH) in adsorbing and removing chromium from an aqueous phase. Wastewater was collected from the match factory and by optimizing relevant parameters the removal efficiency was maximized. The parameters optimized were pH, dosage and contact time and the effect of initial concentration. After respective experiment, all samples were analysed for chromium using microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES).   The optimum pH was chosen to 8.0, the dosage to 17.4 g GFH/l and the contact time to 2 hours for a 95% removal of total chromium in undiluted wastewater. The removal efficiency of the GFH was 2.84 mg Cr/g GFH. To implement wastewater purification with GFH a number of practical issues have to be taken into consideration. Above all, a sufficient stirring method has to be devised as the removal efficiency is much affected by improper stirring. / Denna studie genomfördes i Malawi, sydöstra Afrika. Metallföroreningar i vatten och mark är ett stort problem i många länder, inklusive Malawi. Landets centrum för industri och handel ligger i Blantyre där de flesta av industrierna ligger längs med floderna. En del industrier genererar utsläppsvatten och på grund av dålig tillgång till vattenreningsteknik och vattenreningsanläggningar släpps mycket av det förorenade vattnet obehandlat ut i naturen. En tändsticksfabrik i Blantyre använder kromsalter för att färga tändstickshuvudena röda och höga koncentrationer av sexvärt krom har uppmätts nedströms fabriken. De uppmätta koncentrationerna var upp till 56 mg/l vilket är betydligt högre än WHO:s riktvärde på 0,05 mg/l. Sexvärt krom förekommer som kromat CrO42- och dikromat Cr2O72- joner vilka båda är mycket toxiska och cancerframkallande och därmed ett hot mot miljö och människor. Syftet med studien var att undersöka om granulära järnoxider (GFH) kunde användas som en adsorbent för att rena utsläppsvatten från kromater. Utsläppsvatten hämtades från tändsticksfabriken och genom att optimera relevanta parametrar kunde GFHns adsorbtionseffektivitet maximeras. Parametrarna som optimerades var pH, dos, kontakttid och initialkoncentration. Efter respektive experiment mättes kromkoncentrationen med mikrovågsplasma atomemissionsspektroskopi (MP-AES) Det optimala pH-värdet valdes till 8.0, dosen till 17.4 g GFH/l med en kontakttid på 2 timmar för en 95.3% reningsgrad på outspätt utsläppsvatten. Adsorptionseffektiviteten på GFHn var 2.84 mg Cr/g GFH. För att implementera vattenrening med GFH behöver flera praktiska aspekter tas med i beaktning. Framförallt är det viktigt med en bra omrörning för att GFHn ska kunna adsorbera effektivt.

Šiame eksperimente buvo nagrinėjama pH įtaka Cr (VI) ir Cu (II) jonų pašalinimui iš vandeninių tirpalų, naudojant metalinę geležį Fe (0), kai tirpalų pH vertės buvo nuo 2 iki 6, purtymo procese, uždaruose ir atviruose induose. Kadangi Cr (VI) ir Cu (II) jonų koncentracijų sumažėjimas tirpale priklauso nuo geležies paviršiaus, tai labai svarbu ją tinkamai paruošti: išvalyti ir aktyvuoti. Maksimalus Cr (VI) jonų pašalinimo efektyvumas buvo esant pH vertei 2, o Cu (II) jonų atveju, kai pH vertė 4 uždaruose induose ir atviruose induose – chromo atveju pH 6, vario atveju, kai pH 4. Pašalinimo įvertinimui naudojamos kalibraciniės kreivės pagal kurias apskaičiuojamos likusiųjų jonų koncentracijos, matuojant tirpalų optinius tankius. Metodas yra pigus ir patikimas, nes pašalinima didelė dalis sunkiųjų metalų jonų. / The effects of pH on Cr (VI) and Cu (II) ions removal from solutions by Fe (0) was investigated by batch shaking process. Since the presence of ferrous iron in the solution is mainly responsible for Cr (VI) and Cu (II) reduction the surface of iron must be purified and activated. The maximum Cr (VI) removal efficiency was found at pH 2 and in Cu (II) case it was pH 4 without oxygen and in case with open jar it was for Cr (vi) removal pH 6 and for Cu (II) removal pH 4. Remained concentrations of Cu (II) and Cr (VI) ions were investigated using calibrated graphs and analysis of optical density. This study confirmed that this method is cheap because we can use wasted iron and effective of removing most of heavy metal ions from solutions.