Os nódulos de tireóide constituem patologia comum, com uma incidência entre 4- 7% na população brasileira. Embora a punção aspirativa por agulha fina (PAAF) seja um método com boa sensibilidade, a discriminação entre lesões benignas e neoplasias malignas não é possível em todos os casos, permitindo a incidência de diagnósticos falsos-positivos, o que conduz a tireoideotectomia pelo risco de carcinoma. O escopo deste estudo foi verificar se a espectroscopia de absorção no infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR) pode contribuir no diagnóstico diferencial entre neoplasias malignas e benignas de tecidos e aspirados. Amostras de PAAF, homogenatos e tecidos de nódulos de tireóide com o diagnóstico histopatológico foram obtidos e preparados para análise espectroscópica por FTIR. As punções e homogenatos foram medidas por -FTIR (entre 950 1750 cm-1, com resolução de 4 cm-1 e 120 varreduras). As amostras de tecido foram analisadas diretamente pela técnica de ATR-FTIR, com resolução de 2 cm-1, 60 varreduras, região entre 950 1750 cm-1.. Todos os espectros foram corrigidos pela linha base e normalizados pela área sob a banda das amidas (1550-1640 cm-1) de modo a minimizar as variações de homogeneidade das amostras. Os espectros foram então convertidos em segundas derivadas usando-se o filtro de Savitzk-Golay com 13 pontos na janela. A variância de Ward e distância euclidiana foram usadas para se processar a análise de clusters. As amostras de PAAF revelaram um complexo padrão espectral. Todas as amostras mostraram alguns aglomerados de células ou grande concentração de hormônios, tendo representação em algumas bandas em 1545 e 1655 cm-1. Foram também encontradas bandas em torno de 1409, 1412, 1414, 1578 and 1579 cm-1, indicando a possível presença de açúcares, DNA e ácido cítrico de produtos metabólitos. Neste estudo, foi obtida uma excelente separação entre bócio adenomatoso e neoplasias malignas para as amostras de tecido, com 100% de sensibilidade em determinado cluster, mas 67% no geral e 50% de especificidade. Nos homogenatos e aspirados este valor foi menor (76,2% de sensibilidade e 52,6% de especificidade) porque incluiu outros tipos de lesões. Para uma maior diferenciação das amostras de PAAF de padrão folicular, um maior número de amostras se faz necessário. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a espectroscopia FTIR pode ser útil na diferenciação de carcinomas da tiróide em amostras de tecidos. / Thyroid nodules are a common disorder, with 4-7% of incidence in the Brazilian population. Although the fine needle aspiration (FNA) is an accurate method for thyroid tumors diagnosis, the discrimination between benign and malignant neoplasm is currently not possible in some cases with high incidence of false negative diagnosis, leading to a surgical intervention due to the risk of carcinomas. The aim of this study was to verify if the Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) can contribute to the diagnosis of thyroid carcinomas and goiters, using samples of tissue and aspirates. Samples of FNA, homogenates and tissues of thyroid nodules with histopathological diagnosis were obtained and prepared for FTIR spectroscopy analysis. The FNA and homogenates samples were measured by -FTIR (between 950 1750 cm-1), at a nominal resolution of 4 cm-1 and 120 scans). Tissue samples were analized directly by ATR-FTIR technique, at a resolution 2 cm-1, with 60 scans in the same region. All spectra were corrected by the baseline and normalized by amides area (1550-1640 cm-1) in order to minimize variations of sample homogeneity. Then, spectra were converted into second derivatives using the Savitzk-Golay algorithm with a 13 points window. The Ward\'s minimum variance algorithm and Euclidean distances among the points were used for cluster analysis. Some FNA samples showed complex spectral pattern. All samples showed some cell pellets and large amount of hormone, represented by the bands of 1545 and 1655 cm-1. Bands in 1409, 1412, 1414, 1578 and 1579 cm-1 were also found, indicating possible presence of sugar, DNA, citric acid or metabolic products. In this study, it was obtained an excellent separation between goiter and malign lesion for the samples of tissues, with 100% of specificity in specific cluster and 67% sensibility and 50 of specificity. In homogenate and FNA samples this sensibility and specificity were lower, because among these samples, it were included many types of thyroid lesions. To obtain a more precise diagnosis for FNA of follicular thyroid the sample size should be increased. The results of this study suggest that FTIR spectroscopy may be useful for discriminate thyroid carcinomas from goiters in tissue samples.

O laser tem se mostrado eficaz no auxílio ao profissional de saúde, sendo extensivamente utilizado em procedimentos médicos e odontológicos nas ultimas décadas. Em particular, os lasers de alta intensidade emissores no infravermelho possuem grande potencial para corte de tecidos biológicos mineralizados, visto que são bastante absorvidos pela hidroxiapatita e água, principais componentes desses tecidos. Em comparação aos instrumentos mecânicos, o laser apresenta uma série de vantagens no corte de tecidos, com possibilidade de menor dano ao tecido remanescente e melhor hemostasia. Entretanto, para uma aplicação eficiente e segura é necessário conhecer os efeitos que a irradiação laser causa ao tecido. A técnica de espectroscopia no Infravermelho por Transformada de Fourier (FTIR) é bastante utilizada no estudo de materiais orgânicos, pois além de permitir a identificação de componentes, possibilita uma análise semiquantitativa. Este trabalho tem como objetivos estabelecer a técnica de ATR-FTIR para caracterização do tecido ósseo natural e irradiado, e verificar as eventuais mudanças químicas e estruturais causadas pela irradiação laser. Primeiramente, foram determinadas as melhores condições instrumentais para a obtenção dos espectros de amostras de osso. Posteriormente foram analisadas as amostras de osso natural e irradiado com o laser de Er,Cr:YSGG (2,78 μm) com diferentes densidades de energia. Verificou-se que a técnica foi eficaz na caracterização do tecido ósseo, sendo possível observar as alterações químicas promovidas pelo aumento de temperatura ocasionado pela irradiação laser. Foi observada a perda gradativa de material orgânico em função do aumento da densidade de energia utilizada. Os resultados obidos são os primeiros passos para a verificação da eficácia do laser de Er,Cr:YSGG quando empregado como uma ferramenta de corte, essencial para sua consolidação na prática clínica. / Laser proves to be, more and more, an effective tool for helping health professionals, being intensively used in ophthalmological and odontological procedures. In particular, high-density, infrared emitting lasers have great potential in cutting mineralized biological hard tissues, given their high absorption by hydroxyapatite and water, these tissues main components. In comparison to mechanical instruments, laser presents a series of advantages, namely, smaller damage to the remaining tissue and promotion of homeostatic effect, apart from making it possible to execute procedures in areas with difficult access. However, for an efficient and safe use of this technique, it is necessary to know the effects of the laser irradiation on the tissue. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique is heavily used in the study of organic materials, because apart from making it possible to identify the materials components, it also allows to prepare a semi quantitative analysis. This work aims to establish the ATR-FTIR technique in the characterization of natural and irradiated osseous tissue, and to verify the possible chemical and structural changes caused by irradiation. Firstly, the best conditions for the obtainment of bone sample spectra were determined. Then, bone samples, irradiated with the Er,Cr:YSGG (2,78 μm) infrared emitting laser (adjusted with different energy densities) were analyzed alongside with natural bone samples. It has been verified that the technique is effective in the bone tissue characterization, and that it is possible to observe the chemical changes caused by the temperature rise due to laser irradiation. It has been observed a gradual organic material loss as the energy density goes up. These results are the first steps in testing the Er,Cr:YSGG laser efficacy as a cutting tool, a pivotal aspect of its consolidation in clinical procedures.

O laser tem se mostrado eficaz no auxílio ao profissional de saúde, sendo extensivamente utilizado em procedimentos médicos e odontológicos nas ultimas décadas. Em particular, os lasers de alta intensidade emissores no infravermelho possuem grande potencial para corte de tecidos biológicos mineralizados, visto que são bastante absorvidos pela hidroxiapatita e água, principais componentes desses tecidos. Em comparação aos instrumentos mecânicos, o laser apresenta uma série de vantagens no corte de tecidos, com possibilidade de menor dano ao tecido remanescente e melhor hemostasia. Entretanto, para uma aplicação eficiente e segura é necessário conhecer os efeitos que a irradiação laser causa ao tecido. A técnica de espectroscopia no Infravermelho por Transformada de Fourier (FTIR) é bastante utilizada no estudo de materiais orgânicos, pois além de permitir a identificação de componentes, possibilita uma análise semiquantitativa. Este trabalho tem como objetivos estabelecer a técnica de ATR-FTIR para caracterização do tecido ósseo natural e irradiado, e verificar as eventuais mudanças químicas e estruturais causadas pela irradiação laser. Primeiramente, foram determinadas as melhores condições instrumentais para a obtenção dos espectros de amostras de osso. Posteriormente foram analisadas as amostras de osso natural e irradiado com o laser de Er,Cr:YSGG (2,78 μm) com diferentes densidades de energia. Verificou-se que a técnica foi eficaz na caracterização do tecido ósseo, sendo possível observar as alterações químicas promovidas pelo aumento de temperatura ocasionado pela irradiação laser. Foi observada a perda gradativa de material orgânico em função do aumento da densidade de energia utilizada. Os resultados obidos são os primeiros passos para a verificação da eficácia do laser de Er,Cr:YSGG quando empregado como uma ferramenta de corte, essencial para sua consolidação na prática clínica. / Laser proves to be, more and more, an effective tool for helping health professionals, being intensively used in ophthalmological and odontological procedures. In particular, high-density, infrared emitting lasers have great potential in cutting mineralized biological hard tissues, given their high absorption by hydroxyapatite and water, these tissues main components. In comparison to mechanical instruments, laser presents a series of advantages, namely, smaller damage to the remaining tissue and promotion of homeostatic effect, apart from making it possible to execute procedures in areas with difficult access. However, for an efficient and safe use of this technique, it is necessary to know the effects of the laser irradiation on the tissue. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique is heavily used in the study of organic materials, because apart from making it possible to identify the materials components, it also allows to prepare a semi quantitative analysis. This work aims to establish the ATR-FTIR technique in the characterization of natural and irradiated osseous tissue, and to verify the possible chemical and structural changes caused by irradiation. Firstly, the best conditions for the obtainment of bone sample spectra were determined. Then, bone samples, irradiated with the Er,Cr:YSGG (2,78 μm) infrared emitting laser (adjusted with different energy densities) were analyzed alongside with natural bone samples. It has been verified that the technique is effective in the bone tissue characterization, and that it is possible to observe the chemical changes caused by the temperature rise due to laser irradiation. It has been observed a gradual organic material loss as the energy density goes up. These results are the first steps in testing the Er,Cr:YSGG laser efficacy as a cutting tool, a pivotal aspect of its consolidation in clinical procedures.

MOLECULAR INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF ANTIOXIDANTS ON RAT BRAIN TISSUES

Os nódulos de tireóide constituem patologia comum, com uma incidência entre 4- 7% na população brasileira. Embora a punção aspirativa por agulha fina (PAAF) seja um método com boa sensibilidade, a discriminação entre lesões benignas e neoplasias malignas não é possível em todos os casos, permitindo a incidência de diagnósticos falsos-positivos, o que conduz a tireoideotectomia pelo risco de carcinoma. O escopo deste estudo foi verificar se a espectroscopia de absorção no infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR) pode contribuir no diagnóstico diferencial entre neoplasias malignas e benignas de tecidos e aspirados. Amostras de PAAF, homogenatos e tecidos de nódulos de tireóide com o diagnóstico histopatológico foram obtidos e preparados para análise espectroscópica por FTIR. As punções e homogenatos foram medidas por -FTIR (entre 950 1750 cm-1, com resolução de 4 cm-1 e 120 varreduras). As amostras de tecido foram analisadas diretamente pela técnica de ATR-FTIR, com resolução de 2 cm-1, 60 varreduras, região entre 950 1750 cm-1.. Todos os espectros foram corrigidos pela linha base e normalizados pela área sob a banda das amidas (1550-1640 cm-1) de modo a minimizar as variações de homogeneidade das amostras. Os espectros foram então convertidos em segundas derivadas usando-se o filtro de Savitzk-Golay com 13 pontos na janela. A variância de Ward e distância euclidiana foram usadas para se processar a análise de clusters. As amostras de PAAF revelaram um complexo padrão espectral. Todas as amostras mostraram alguns aglomerados de células ou grande concentração de hormônios, tendo representação em algumas bandas em 1545 e 1655 cm-1. Foram também encontradas bandas em torno de 1409, 1412, 1414, 1578 and 1579 cm-1, indicando a possível presença de açúcares, DNA e ácido cítrico de produtos metabólitos. Neste estudo, foi obtida uma excelente separação entre bócio adenomatoso e neoplasias malignas para as amostras de tecido, com 100% de sensibilidade em determinado cluster, mas 67% no geral e 50% de especificidade. Nos homogenatos e aspirados este valor foi menor (76,2% de sensibilidade e 52,6% de especificidade) porque incluiu outros tipos de lesões. Para uma maior diferenciação das amostras de PAAF de padrão folicular, um maior número de amostras se faz necessário. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a espectroscopia FTIR pode ser útil na diferenciação de carcinomas da tiróide em amostras de tecidos. / Thyroid nodules are a common disorder, with 4-7% of incidence in the Brazilian population. Although the fine needle aspiration (FNA) is an accurate method for thyroid tumors diagnosis, the discrimination between benign and malignant neoplasm is currently not possible in some cases with high incidence of false negative diagnosis, leading to a surgical intervention due to the risk of carcinomas. The aim of this study was to verify if the Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) can contribute to the diagnosis of thyroid carcinomas and goiters, using samples of tissue and aspirates. Samples of FNA, homogenates and tissues of thyroid nodules with histopathological diagnosis were obtained and prepared for FTIR spectroscopy analysis. The FNA and homogenates samples were measured by -FTIR (between 950 1750 cm-1), at a nominal resolution of 4 cm-1 and 120 scans). Tissue samples were analized directly by ATR-FTIR technique, at a resolution 2 cm-1, with 60 scans in the same region. All spectra were corrected by the baseline and normalized by amides area (1550-1640 cm-1) in order to minimize variations of sample homogeneity. Then, spectra were converted into second derivatives using the Savitzk-Golay algorithm with a 13 points window. The Ward\'s minimum variance algorithm and Euclidean distances among the points were used for cluster analysis. Some FNA samples showed complex spectral pattern. All samples showed some cell pellets and large amount of hormone, represented by the bands of 1545 and 1655 cm-1. Bands in 1409, 1412, 1414, 1578 and 1579 cm-1 were also found, indicating possible presence of sugar, DNA, citric acid or metabolic products. In this study, it was obtained an excellent separation between goiter and malign lesion for the samples of tissues, with 100% of specificity in specific cluster and 67% sensibility and 50 of specificity. In homogenate and FNA samples this sensibility and specificity were lower, because among these samples, it were included many types of thyroid lesions. To obtain a more precise diagnosis for FNA of follicular thyroid the sample size should be increased. The results of this study suggest that FTIR spectroscopy may be useful for discriminate thyroid carcinomas from goiters in tissue samples.

This master’s thesis deals with the plasmon resonance of the nanostructures of several selected tungsten oxides using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR spectroscopy). The physical principles of the plasmonics, the characteristics of the materials used, as well as the principle of operating and measuring on the FTIR spectrometer, are described in the first part of this thesis. The second part is focused on the preparation of samples and performing measurements on the FTIR spectrometer. This part ends by representing the final spectra and the results obtained.

No description available.

In the present study Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Attenuated Total Reflectance FTIR (ATR-FTIR) Spectroscopy were used to examine the effects of simvastatin on structure, composition and function of macromolecules of three different rat skeletal muscles EDL (Extensor Digitorium Longus), DIA (Diaphragm) and SOL (Soleus) containing different amount of slow and fast twitch fibers, at molecular level. Simvastatin, a lipophilic statin, is widely used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases due to its higher efficacy. However, long term usage of statins give rise to many adverse effects on different tissues and organs. Skeletal muscle accounts for around 45 % of the total body weight and has a high metabolic rate and blood flow. As a consequence, it is highly exposed to drugs within the circulation. Therefore, it is one of the target tissues of statins. The two main types of muscle fibers are type I (slow-twitch) and type II (fast-twitch) fibers / having different structural organization and metabolic features. EDL is a fast twitch muscle while SOL is slow twitch muscle. On the other hand, DIA shows intermediate properties between slow and fast twitch muscle. The results of ATR-FTIR and FTIR spectra revealed a considerable decrease in protein and lipid content of simvastatin treated skeletal muscles, indicating protein breakdown or decreased protein synthesis and increased lipolysis. Moreover changes in protein structure and conformation were observed. In simvastatin treatment, muscle membrane lipids were more ordered and the amount of unsaturated lipids was decreased possibly due to lipid peroxidation. The drug treatment caused a decrease in the content of nucleic acids, especially RNA, and hydrogen and non-hydrogen bonded phospholipids in the membrane structures of skeletal muscles. In all of the spectral parameters investigated EDL muscle was more severely affected from statin treatments while SOL was less affected from the drug treatments. Thus, FTIR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy appear to be useful methods to evaluate the effects of statin on skeletal muscle tissues at molecular level.

Worldwide, 3.575 million people die each year from water-related diseases. The water and sanitation crisis claims more lives than any warfare and is predicted to be one of the biggest global challenges of this century. The rapid, accurate detection of viral pathogens from environmental samples is an ongoing and pertinent challenge in biological engineering. Currently employed methods are lacking in either efficiency or specificity. Here we explore a novel method for virus detection and concurrently use this method to learn more about the very early stages of the virus infection process. The method combines Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, a method of visualizing molecules based on changes in vibration of particles, and mammalian cells as the biosensor. This method is used to detect and investigate viruses from the family picornaviridae, chosen due to their public health burden and their widespread presence in environmental samples, especially water sources. This family includes the Polioviruses, echoviruses and Coxsackieviruses, among others, many of which are human pathogens.The research outlined in this dissertation is aimed at developing and implementing a new cell-based biosensor that combines the advantages of FTIR spectroscopy with the ability of buffalo green monkey kidney (BGMK) cells to sense diverse stimuli, including infective enteroviruses. The goal of developing this biosensor is outlined in the first paper. The second paper focuses on the application of advanced statistical methods to analyze the spectra to discriminate different viral infections in BGMK cells. Finally, we designed a non-reactive metal biochamber to use with attenuated total reflectance-FTIR. This allowed near-continuous acquisition of real-time spectral data for the study of biochemical changes in mammalian cells caused by poliovirus (PV1) infection. This system is capable of tracking changes in cell biochemistry in minute intervals for many hours at a time.This work demonstrates the feasibility of FTIR spectroscopy in combination with the broad sensitivity of mammalian cells for potential use in the detection of infective viruses from environmental samples. We envision this method being extended to high throughput, automated systems to screen for viruses or other toxins in drinking water systems and medical applications.

Les contaminations par les moisissures représentent un problème majeur au sein de l'industrie agroalimentaire, pharmaceutique, cosmétique, et dans le secteur médical. Actuellement, l'identification des champignons filamenteux est basée sur l'analyse des caractéristiques phénotypiques, nécessitant une expertise et pouvant manquer de précision, ou sur les méthodes moléculaires, coûteuses et fastidieuses. Dans ce contexte, l'objectif de cette étude a consisté à développer un protocole simple et standardisé à l'aide de la spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Fourier (IRTF) combinée à une méthode d'analyse chimiométrique, proposant une méthode alternative pour l'identification rapide des moisissures. Au total, 498 souches de champignons filamenteux (45 genres et 140 espèces) ont été analysées à l'aide d'un spectromètre IRTF à haut débit. L'analyse discriminante des moindres carrés partiels (PLS -DA), méthode chimiométrique supervisée, a été appliquée à chaque spectre dans les gammes spectrales 3200-2800 et 1800-800 cm-1. Différents modèles de calibration ont été construits à partir de 288 souches, ceci en cascade de la sous-division jusqu'à l'espèce en se basant sur la taxonomie actuelle. La prédiction des spectres en aveugle, obtenus à partir de 105 souches, au niveau du genre et de l'espèce est respectivement de 99,17 % et 92,3 %. La mise en place d'un score de prédiction et d'un seuil a permis de valider 80,22 % des résultats. L'implémentation d'une fonction de standardisation (SF) a permis d'augmenter le pourcentage de spectres bien prédits, acquis sur un autre instrument, de 72,15 % (sans fonction) à 89,13 %, validant la transférabilité de la méthode. Puisqu'une biomasse mycélienne suffisante peut être obtenue après 48h de culture et que la préparation des échantillons implique l'utilisation d'un protocole simple, la spectroscopie IRTF combinée à la PLS-DA apparaît comme une méthode rapide et peu coûteuse, ce qui la rend particulièrement attractive pour l'identification des champignons filamenteux au niveau industriel. Les résultats obtenus placent la spectroscopie IRTF parmi les méthodes analytiques prometteuses et avant-gardistes, possédant un haut pouvoir discriminant et une forte capacité d'identification, en comparaison avec les techniques conventionnelles. / Mold contaminants represent a major problem in various areas such as food and agriculture, pharmaceutics, cosmetics and health. Currently, molds identification is based either on phenotypic characteristics, requiring an expertise and can lack accuracy, or on molecular methods, which are quite expensive and fastidious. In this context, the objective was to develop a simple and standardized protocol using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with a chemometric analysis, allowing to implement an alternative method for rapid identification of molds. In total, 498 fungal strains (45 genera and 140 species) were analyzed using a high-throughput FTIR spectrometer. Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), a supervised chemometrics method, was applied to each spectrum in the spectral ranges 3200-2800 and 1800-800 cm-1 for the identification process. Using 288 strains, different calibration models were constructed in cascade and following the current taxonomy, from the subphylum to the species level. Blind prediction of spectra from 105 strains at the genus and species levels was achieved at 99.17 % and 92.3% respectively. The establishment of a prediction score and a threshold permitted to validate 80.22% of the obtained results. The implementation of a standardization function (SF) permitted to increase the percentage of well predicted spectra from strains analyzed using another instrument from 72.15% (without SF) to 89.13% and permitted to verify the transferability of the method. Since sufficient mycelial biomass can be obtained at 48h culture and sample preparation involved a simple protocol, FTIR spectroscopy combined with PLS-DA is a very rapid and cost effective method, which could be particularly attractive for the identification of moulds at the industrial level. The results obtained places FTIR spectroscopy among the avant-garde promising analytical approaches, with high discriminant power and identification capacity, compared to conventional techniques.