Nanoparticulas magnéticas de óxido de ferro tem sido amplamente utilizadas em diversas áreas da biotecnologia e biomedicina, tais como no tratamento de câncer, marcação de célula e como agentes de contraste em imagem por ressonância magnética. O intuito deste trabalho foi sintetizar as nanopartículas magnéticas com magnetização de saturação intensificadas via processo do poliol modificado, e usando agentes de superfície para melhorar as propriedades de superfície. Carboximetildextrana, metilpolietilenoglicol (MPEG), quitosana, sílica e 3-aminopropiltrimetoxisilano (APTMS) foram utilizados para a modificação da superfície. Através da microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM), foi obtido que as nanopartículas magnéticas de magnetita obtiveram um diâmetro médio de 5nm, em uma estreita distribuição de tamanho. A difração de raios-X (DRX) indicou a formação de magnetita em todos os sistemas em que o método do poliol modificado foi utilizado. As medidas de espectroscopia no infravermelho (FTIR) evidenciaram a presença de modos de vibração relacionados às macromoléculas e compostos inorgânicos utilizados na modificação de superfície das nanopartículas magnéticas. A TEM das diferentes modificações de superfície mostram a formação de aglomerados dependendo do modificador utilizado. As nanopartículas recobertas com APTMS foram funcionalizadas com ácido fólico, mostrando resultados satisfatórios, porém serão necessárias outras técnicas de caracterização. Para a funcionalização foi determinada a quantidade de amina livre na superfície da nanopartícula recoberta com APTMS e a técnica de UV-Vis determinou um bom resultado. A magnetometria de amostra vibrante (VSM) mostrou comportamentos semelhantes para todas as amostras recobertas em comparação a amostra sem recobrimento. Estes resultados evidenciam que a modificação de superfície foi realizada satisfatoriamente. Os métodos utilizados para realizar a mudança para hidrofóbica a superfície inicialmente hidrofílica se mostraram efetivos, porém a quantidade de agentes modificadores deve ser melhor estudada. Portanto, as nanopartículas magnéticas funcionalizadas com diferentes superfícies foram obtidas e possuem um alto potencial para serem utilizadas em aplicações em biomedicina. / Superparamagnetic iron oxides nanoparticles (SPION) have been highlighted in several areas of biotechnology and biomedicine, for example in cancer treatment, in labeling of cells and as contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was synthesizing SPION with intensified saturation magnetization by modified polyol process, and using surface agents to enhance the surface properties. Carboxymethildextran, metylpolietileneglycol, chitosan, silica and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) were utilized as surface modifiers. By transmission electron microscopy (TEM), SPION showed narrow particle size distribution, with an average diameter around 5 nm. The X-ray diffraction studies indicated the formation of magnetite in all synthesized systems in which the modified polyol process was utilized. FTIR measurements showed the presence of vibration modes related to the macromolecules and inorganic compounds used to SPION surface modifications. TEM of the different surface modifications showed the agglomerate formation, which depends on the used surface modifier. SPION coated with APTMS was functionalized with folic acid, showing satisfactory results. However other characterization techniques will be necessary for study this modification. Quantity of free amine groups was determinate in the amount coated with APTMS for functionalization, and UV-Vis spectroscopy determinates a good result. Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) indicates similar behaviors in all cases against SPION without surface modifiers. These results suggest that the surface modifications were performed satisfactorily. Utilized methods for changing the hydrophobic to hydrophilic surface showed effectives, however, the quantity of surface modifiers should be better studied. Therefore, SPION functionalized with different hydrophilic surfaces were obtained, which possess high potential to be used as devices in biomedical applications.

Magister Artium - MA (Anthropology/Sociology) / Biomedicine positively maintains that tuberculosis transmission occurs due to close contact with a diseased individual (Coovadia and Benatar, 1991). Consequently, this refers to a direct mode of transmission where individuals are at direct risk of becoming infected. It is often taken for granted that when one speaks of contact within the context of tuberculosis, one is necessarily referring to contact or interactions among tuberculosis patients and people in the community with whom they have contact of any nature. It is then assumed that tuberculosis is transmitted in this manner. However, there are also indirect modes of transmission which are often neglected to be explored, but have an equally serious effect on transmission in high incidence areas. This paper also addresses other contact patterns that are also role-players in the tuberculosis epidemic.

The idea that the same experimental findings can be reproduced by a variety of independent approaches is one of the cornerstones of science's claim to objective truth. However, in recent years, it has become clear that science is plagued by findings that cannot be reproduced and, consequently, invalidating research studies and undermining public trust in the research enterprise. The observed lack of reproducibility may be a result, among other things, of the lack of transparency or completeness in reporting. In particular, omissions in reporting the technical nature of the experimental method make it difficult to verify the findings of experimental research in biomedicine. In this context, the assessment of scientific reports could help to overcome - at least in part - the ongoing reproducibility crisis. In addressing this issue, this Thesis undertakes the challenge of developing strategies for the evaluation of reporting biomedical experimental methods in scientific manuscripts. Considering the complexity of experimental design - often involving different technologies and models, we characterise the problem in methods reporting through domain-specific checklists. Then, by using checklists as a decision making tool, supported by miniRECH - a spreadsheet-based approach that can be used by authors, editors and peer-reviewers - a reasonable level of consensus on reporting assessments was achieved regardless of the domain-specific expertise of referees. In addition, by using a text-mining system as a screening tool, a framework to guide an automated assessment of the reporting of bio-experiments was created. The usefulness of these strategies was demonstrated in some domain-specific scientific areas as well as in mouse models across biomedical research. In conclusion, we suggested that the strategies developed in this work could be implemented through the publication process as barriers to prevent incomplete reporting from entering the scientific literature, as well as promoters of completeness in reporting to improve the general value of the scientific evidence.

From the book of Genesis the human person is presented as divine image-bearer, a Godlike status that is further explained in terms of the dual constitution of matter and spirit. Natural Law provides a person-centred ethic that draws on a number of human goods that emanate naturally from the human person and lead in practice to human flourishing. This theory empowers towards making ethical decisions in the interest of human persons. Aristotle explained the human being as a substantially existing entity with rational powers. By means of his form-matter scheme he handed on, by way of Boethius, to Aquinas, a ready model for the Christian belief in the dual nature of the human person as an ensouled body or embodied soul. Applying the new scientific method to the question of the human self David Hume concluded that he could neither prove nor disprove her existence. By so reasoning Hume indirectly pointed to the need for other disciplines than empirical science to explain the human person. Emmanuel Levinas has drawn on the metaphysical tradition to draw attention to the social and ethical nature of the human person as she leaves the trace of her passing through the face of the other person who is encountered with an ethical gravitas of absolute demand. The genesis of the human person most naturally begins at conception at which point and onwards the human embryo grows continuously through an internal, animating principle towards a full-grown adult person. The main conclusion is that biblical anthropology and metaphysical philosophy provide the needed structures and concepts to explain adequately the full meaning of the human person and to establish the moral right of the human person at every stage to respect and protection.

How do we make the best decisions in face of voluminous, complex, changing, and uncertain information? We describe a multi-disciplinary effort in developing the next generation decision analytic and engineering technologies. We explain the goals, the approaches, the achievements, and the evolving plans of the project. We illustrate the ideas and issues explored in various biomedical domains, with related information ranging from genes to humans. / Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA)

Thesis deals with the legal status of an unborn child within current Czech legislation. In the introductory part, the author attempts to clarify the way in which today's society perceives the value of human life before birth. The author looks at the moment of when life begins from different points of view and also observes artificial interferences with the prenatal development of the child, which are the phenomenon accompanying the development in human knowledge and the use of biomedical technologies. In that context, the author analyses position of the European Court of Human Rights to the issue of the beginning of human life through its decisions. The core theme of the thesis is the analysis of the legal status of unborn child in the Czech Republic and of the protection granted by international and national legislation to the unborn child. The author particularly focuses on private law by examining the relevant provisions of the Act No. 89/2012 Coll., the Civil Code, as amended, which determine the legal status of the nasciturus. Among the crucial institutes to which attention is paid belongs legal personality, legal capacity, but also, for example, legal representation of the nasciturus. Further, the rights and the duties of the nasciturus are discussed, giving more detailed attention to the...

Nanoparticulas magnéticas de óxido de ferro tem sido amplamente utilizadas em diversas áreas da biotecnologia e biomedicina, tais como no tratamento de câncer, marcação de célula e como agentes de contraste em imagem por ressonância magnética. O intuito deste trabalho foi sintetizar as nanopartículas magnéticas com magnetização de saturação intensificadas via processo do poliol modificado, e usando agentes de superfície para melhorar as propriedades de superfície. Carboximetildextrana, metilpolietilenoglicol (MPEG), quitosana, sílica e 3-aminopropiltrimetoxisilano (APTMS) foram utilizados para a modificação da superfície. Através da microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM), foi obtido que as nanopartículas magnéticas de magnetita obtiveram um diâmetro médio de 5nm, em uma estreita distribuição de tamanho. A difração de raios-X (DRX) indicou a formação de magnetita em todos os sistemas em que o método do poliol modificado foi utilizado. As medidas de espectroscopia no infravermelho (FTIR) evidenciaram a presença de modos de vibração relacionados às macromoléculas e compostos inorgânicos utilizados na modificação de superfície das nanopartículas magnéticas. A TEM das diferentes modificações de superfície mostram a formação de aglomerados dependendo do modificador utilizado. As nanopartículas recobertas com APTMS foram funcionalizadas com ácido fólico, mostrando resultados satisfatórios, porém serão necessárias outras técnicas de caracterização. Para a funcionalização foi determinada a quantidade de amina livre na superfície da nanopartícula recoberta com APTMS e a técnica de UV-Vis determinou um bom resultado. A magnetometria de amostra vibrante (VSM) mostrou comportamentos semelhantes para todas as amostras recobertas em comparação a amostra sem recobrimento. Estes resultados evidenciam que a modificação de superfície foi realizada satisfatoriamente. Os métodos utilizados para realizar a mudança para hidrofóbica a superfície inicialmente hidrofílica se mostraram efetivos, porém a quantidade de agentes modificadores deve ser melhor estudada. Portanto, as nanopartículas magnéticas funcionalizadas com diferentes superfícies foram obtidas e possuem um alto potencial para serem utilizadas em aplicações em biomedicina. / Superparamagnetic iron oxides nanoparticles (SPION) have been highlighted in several areas of biotechnology and biomedicine, for example in cancer treatment, in labeling of cells and as contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was synthesizing SPION with intensified saturation magnetization by modified polyol process, and using surface agents to enhance the surface properties. Carboxymethildextran, metylpolietileneglycol, chitosan, silica and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) were utilized as surface modifiers. By transmission electron microscopy (TEM), SPION showed narrow particle size distribution, with an average diameter around 5 nm. The X-ray diffraction studies indicated the formation of magnetite in all synthesized systems in which the modified polyol process was utilized. FTIR measurements showed the presence of vibration modes related to the macromolecules and inorganic compounds used to SPION surface modifications. TEM of the different surface modifications showed the agglomerate formation, which depends on the used surface modifier. SPION coated with APTMS was functionalized with folic acid, showing satisfactory results. However other characterization techniques will be necessary for study this modification. Quantity of free amine groups was determinate in the amount coated with APTMS for functionalization, and UV-Vis spectroscopy determinates a good result. Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) indicates similar behaviors in all cases against SPION without surface modifiers. These results suggest that the surface modifications were performed satisfactorily. Utilized methods for changing the hydrophobic to hydrophilic surface showed effectives, however, the quantity of surface modifiers should be better studied. Therefore, SPION functionalized with different hydrophilic surfaces were obtained, which possess high potential to be used as devices in biomedical applications.

Presented diploma thesis deals with preparation of bioresorbable polyurethanes (PUR) and their characterization. The theoretical part describes the feedstocks used for the PUR preparation and summarizes the knowledge about PUR used in medical applications. Experimental part presents characterization of bioresorbable PUR films prepared by reactive casting in one step without the use of organic solvents. The absence of solvents represents a great advantage due to their toxicity and subsequent removal from the resulting product. The synthesis of PUR was conducted under an inert atmosphere by polyaddition reaction of hydrophobic poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) and hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). Synthesis under an inert atmosphere was necessary due to a side reaction of isocyanate with atmospheric humidity, which causes the formation of porous films instead of continuous ones. Prepared PUR films were characterized for different PCL/PEG ratios and different isocyanate index (ratio of NCO/OH reacted groups). PUR (isocyanate index 1.05) with PCL content 90 wt. % and higher demonstrated tought behavior in mechanical tests. Increase of isocyanate index and decrease of PCL content under 90 wt. % caused fragile sample behavior. The reason of such behavior was the different ability of PCL to crystallize in the structure of the polyurethane network. Increasing the PEG content has improved the ability of PUR films to absorb water and enhanced the rate of hydrolytic degradation. By adjusting the PCL/PEG ratio and the amount of isocyanate, solvent free bioresorbable PUR with suitable mechanical (flexibility, toughness) and physical properties (swelling, degradation) can be obtained. Prepared PUR films could be used in biomedicine e.g. as vascular grafts.

No / Nanoparticle usage has emerged in the medical field as a technology well-suited to the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of disease states. The distinctive characteristics of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) such as higher surface-area-to-volume ratios find various applications in personal care products, food packaging, drug-delivery systems, therapeutics, biosensors and others. The exponential increase in ENP-containing consumer products in the last decade has also increased their inadvertent release into the environment and the debate relating to their adverse effects on human and environmental health. The use of NPs for different functions in human studies has significantly increased the application of NPs in biomedicine, for instance, imaging of cell and tissues, drug delivery and sensing of target molecules. These nanomaterials have been investigated for the treatment and detection of various pathological conditions. There are suitable biological systems now available in man using peripheral blood lymphocytes to determine the effect of NPs in various disease states.

Axon degeneration can result from primary damage due to a variety of causes, and in some instances, its effects can further propagate damage to vicinal neurons. When an axon has been damaged or transected, Wallerian degeneration is the apoptotic-like mechanism that is initiated, ultimately leading to the death of the neuron. The post-injury cellular inflammatory response is recruited to clear the degraded debris and is also responsible for activating the cascade events leading to additional cell death in surrounding neurons. A unique strain of mutant mice were discovered to express what is called the Wallerian Degeneration Slow (Wld') gene, which produces a chimeric nuclear protein that has been observed to dramatically delay both the onset of axon degeneration and the initiation of the post-injury cellular inflammatory response . Recent studies seem _to indicate the neuroprotective phenotype induced by the Wld' protein is the result of it modulating levels of genetic and protein expression in the damaged neuron. This thesis will review what is known about the Wld' protein and discuss how it offers an in-depth look at the molecular mechanisms behind neurodegenerative injury and disease states. In addition, we will discuss our efforts of isolating and purifying plasmids with the Wld' gene that have been cloned in order to create a stable cell line to aid in the future study for the characterization of neuroprotective mechanisms and the molecular pathways of neurodegeneration .