The imidazoline I1 receptor (I1-R) is a novel receptor found primarily in the brain and nervous tissue where it modulates neurotransmission. It is named for its high affinity for compounds with an imidazoline structure such as the anti-hypertensive drugs, clonidine and moxonidine. The imidazoline receptor antisera-selected protein (IRAS) is the putative clone of the I1-R. IRAS has a unique structure, which does not resemble any other receptor protein. IRAS is present throughout the body with highest levels in the brain. There is a growing body of research examining the physiological roles of IRAS as an I1-R, in cell survival, migration and protein trafficking. However, there is little research into its neuronal functions. IRAS interacts with other membrane receptors: the mouse homologue of IRAS reorganises the actin cytoskeleton through interaction with the α5β1 fibronectin receptor. IRAS also binds insulin receptor substrate 4 and enhances insulin-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) activation. Actin reorganisation and ERK1/2 activation are important for the development of neurites during neuronal differentiation. Therefore, the work described in this thesis aimed to investigate the effects of IRAS on neuronal differentiation. Studies reported in this thesis also aimed to investigate whether IRAS affected ERK1/2 signalling of other receptors involved in neuronal differentiation such as the NGF receptor, TrkA, and lysophospholipid receptors. The above aims were carried out in neuronal model PC12 cells transfected with either IRAS or a vector plasmid. Fluorescence microscopy and Western blotting techniques were used to examine the effect of IRAS on cell morphology and ERK1/2 signalling. The work described in this thesis found that IRAS reorganises the actin cytoskeleton and enhances growth cone development in PC12 cells. This study also shows that IRAS differentially enhances or inhibits NGF-induced PC12 cell differentiation depending on the presence or absence of serum in the media. In full-serum conditions, IRAS enhanced neurite outgrowth and this was accompanied by an increase in ERK1/2 activation. In serum-starved cells, IRAS inhibited neurite outgrowth with similar levels of ERK1/2 activation observed in vector- and IRAS-transfected cells. Finally, studies presented in this thesis found that IRAS enhances lysophosphatidic acid-induced ERK1/2 activation and that IRAS interacting with lysophospholipid receptor agonists present in serum is a potential mechanism by which it enhances NGF-induced ERK1/2 activation in full-serum conditions. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1345359 / Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Medical Sciences, 2008

Bactérias multirresistentes (MRs) pertencentes ao grupo ESKAPE (i.e., Enterococcus faecium resistente à vancomicina, VRE; Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina, MRSA; Klebsiella spp., e Escherichia coli produtoras de β-lactamases de amplo espectro; Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Enterobacter spp. resistentes aos carbapenêmicos) são importantes patógenos de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde (IRAS), onde a sua endemicidade e prevalência tem sido decorrente da seleção de linhagens clonais. Embora, o fenótipo MR decorra da expressão de mecanismos mediados por genes intrínsecos e/ou adquiridos, o crescimento bacteriano na forma de biofilme contribui para um importante fenômeno fisiológico de resistência, o qual é inespecífico quanto ao substrato antimicrobiano. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia de agentes físicos e químicos contra biofilmes produzidos por clones de bactérias MRs de importância clínica e epidemiológica no Brasil. Cerdas de poliamida foram utilizadas como modelo de superfície de adesão para o crescimento de biofilmes, os quais foram monitorados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). In vivo, o modelo de biofilme foi avaliado pela inserção das cerdas na proleg de larvas de Galleria mellonella, enquanto que, diferentes tratamentos foram aplicados para inibir a formação do biofilme. Adicionalmente, mediante ao ensaio de bioluminescência, o modelo de biofilme produzido pela cepa de P. aeruginosa PAO1/lecA::lux foi avaliado na presença de soluções hipertônicas de cloreto de sódio (NaCl). In vitro, soluções hipertônicas de cloreto de sódio (> 6%) utilizadas de maneira profilática, apresentaram efeito bacteriostático (CIM90= 1,7 M) contra biofilmes produzidos por todos os isolados analisados. Além disso, através do uso profilático de soluções hipertônicas de NaCl, foi possível visualizar a inibição da motilidade dos isolados. Por outro lado, os compostos quaternários de amônio (CQAs) cloreto de benzalcônio (CBA) e cloreto de cetilpiridínio (CCP) apresentaram efeito bactericida (CBM90= 256 µg/mL) contra biofilmes previamente formados em 24h. A atividade de ambos os CQAs foi potencializada na presença de soluções salinas hipertônicas, como avaliado pela metodologia de checkerboard, tendo um efeito sinérgico contra E. coli (ST10, ST101) MCR-1 (∑FIC= 0,5); parcialmente sinérgico contra A. baumannii OXA-23 (ST79), E. cloacae CTX-M-8 (ST131), E. faecium VRE (ST478) e K. pneumoniae KPC-2 (ST340) (∑FIC= 0,75); e indiferente contra cepas de P. aeruginosa SPM-1 (ST277) e S. aureus MRSA (ST5). Adicionalmente, a CIM de carbapenêmicos, fluoroquinolonas e aminoglicosídeos contra biofilmes de bactérias Gram-negativas MRs foi potencializada na presença de solução salina hipertônica resultando em uma queda da CIM >=2. Finalmente, in vivo, para todas as espécies MRs estudadas, biofilmes formados em 08, 12 e 24h resultaram em 100% de morte das larvas de G. mellonella em até 96 horas pós-infecção. O mesmo comportamento foi observado para a cepa PAO1/lecA::lux, sendo possível detectar sinais intensos de bioluminescência nas larvas infectadas com os biofilmes. Entretanto, para os biofilmes previamente tratados com solução salina hipertônica, observou-se a diminuição dos sinais de bioluminescência em até 60%. Já para biofilmes formados em 24, 12 e 08h, o tratamento prévio em solução salina hipertônica e posteriormente com antibióticos resultou em um aumento de até 40, 70 e 80% da sobrevida de G. mellonella, respectivamente. / ESKAPE pathogens (ie, vancomycin-resistant (VRE) Enterococcus faecium; methicillin-resistant (MRSA) Staphylococcus aureus; extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella spp., and Escherichia coli; Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. Resistant to carbapenems), represents an important group of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria related to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), whereas endemicity have been associated with selection and predominance of clones. Although the MR phenotype derives from the expression of mechanisms mediated by intrinsic and/or acquired genes, bacterial growth in the biofilm form contributes to an important physiological phenomenon of resistance, which is non-specific to the antimicrobial substrate. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of physical and chemical agents against biofilms produced by clones of MDR bacteria of clinical and epidemiological importance, in Brazil. Polyamide bristles were used as adhesion surface model for the growth of biofilms, which were monitored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vivo, the biofilm model was evaluated by the insertion of the bristles into the proleg of larvae of Galleria mellonella, while different treatments and physicochemical conditions were applied to inhibit biofilm formation. Additionally, the biofilm model produced by the P. aeruginosa PAO1/lecA::lux strain was evaluated in the presence of hypertonic solutions of sodium chloride (NaCl). In vitro, hypertonic solutions of sodium chloride presented a bacteriostatic effect (MIC90 = 1.7 M) against biofilm formation of all the isolates analyzed. Moreover, through the prophylactic use of hypertonic solutions of NaCl, it was possible to observe the inhibition of the motility of the isolates. On the other hand, the ammonium quaternary compounds (QACs) benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) had a bactericidal effect (CBM90 = 256 µg / mL) against previously formed biofilms in 24h. The activity of both QACs was potentiated in the presence of hypertonic saline solutions, as evaluated by the checkerboard methodology, having a synergistic effect against E. coli (ST10, ST101) MCR-1 (∑FIC = 0.5); (ST340) (∑FIC = 0.75), E. faecium VRE (ST478) and K. pneumoniae KPC-2 (ST340), E. cloacae CTX-M-8 (ST131); and indifferent effect against strains of P. aeruginosa SPM-1 (ST277) and S. aureus MRSA (ST5). Furthermore, the MIC of carbapenems, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides against biofilms of MDR Gram-negative bacteria was potentiated in the presence of hypertonic saline solution resulting in a decrease in MIC >=2-fold. Finally, for all MDR species studied, biofilms formed at 08, 12 and 24h resulted in 100% death of G. mellonella larvae within 96h post-infection. In fact, the same behavior was observed for the strain PAO1/lecA::lux, and it is possible to detect intense bioluminescence signals in the larvae infected with biofilms. However, for biofilms previously treated with hypertonic saline solution, bioluminescence signs decreased by up to 60%. As for biofilms formed at 24, 12 and 8h, pretreatment in hypertonic saline solution and later with antibiotics resulted in an increase of up to 40, 70 and 80% of the survival of G. mellonella, respectively.

As infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde (IRAS) são um grave problema de saúde pública cujo prognóstico tem sido desfavorecido pela emergência e endemicidade de bactérias multirresistentes (MRs). Neste cenário, seguindo uma tendência mundial, no Brasil, infecções por cepas de Acinetobacter baumannii MRs produtoras de carbapenemases do tipo OXA são atualmente consideradas uma emergência clínica e epidemiológica. Na falta de alternativas terapêuticas efetivas para infecções relacionadas, este trabalho objetivou avaliar efeitos sinérgicos (utilizando checkerboard e time-kill) decorrentes da combinação de 10 antimicrobianos de diferentes classes, contra 8 cepas MRs de A. baumannii, clonalmente não relacionadas, produtoras de carbapenemases do tipo OXA-23, OXA-72, OXA-58 e OXA-143, representativas de diferentes centros hospitalares do Brasil. Como resultado, a combinação amicacina/tigeciclina apresentou atividade sinérgica (S= ΣCIF ≤ 0,5) e parcialmente sinérgica (PS= &#931CIF ;0,5-0,75) contra 4 (50%) cepas produtoras de OXA-143 ou OXA-72, e 2 cepas (25%) produtoras de OXA-23, respectivamente. Por outro lado, a combinação polimixina B/imipenem apresentou atividade S e PS contra 3 (37,5%) isolados OXA-143, OXA-23 ou OXA-72 positivos, e 1 (12,5%) isolado produtor de OXA-58, respectivamente. Já, a combinação amicacina/ampicilina-sulbactam foi S contra 2 (25%) A. baumannii OXA-143 ou OXA-23 positivos, sendo PS contra dois (25%) A. baumannii OXA-58 ou OXA-143/23 positivos. De interesse, foi o efeito S da combinação polimixina B/vancomicina, contra 2 cepas (25%) produtoras de OXA-72 ou OXA-23. Por outro lado, a combinação ampicilina-sulbactam/rifampicina apresentou atividade PS contra 6 (75%) cepas produtoras das variantes OXA-23, OXA-143, OXA-72 ou OXA-58. Da mesma forma, rifampicina combinada com polimixina B foi sinérgica para uma cepa OXA-23 (12,5%) e PS para 5/8 (62,5%) cepas produtoras de OXA-72, OXA-58, OXA-23/-OXA143 ou OXA-143. O efeito sinérgico da combinação polimixina B/imipenem foi confirmado, in vivo, no modelo murino de infecção, tanto por avaliação histopatológica como por redução das UFC/g pulmão ou baço (p ≤ 0,05). Finalmente, foi avaliada a atividade, in vitro, do lípide catiônico brometo de dioctadecildimetilamônio (DDA), individualmente e em combinação com tigeciclina. DDA possui efeito bactericida, e potencializou sinergicamente a tigeciclina contra 2 (25%) cepas OXA-143 ou OXA-23 positivas. A atividade do DDA, assim como a atividade da sua combinação com tigeciclina foram efetivas já na segunda hora de interação, como avaliado pelas curvas de morte. Em resumo, o efeito sinérgico decorrente do uso combinado de amicacina, tigeciclina, polimixina B, imipenem, rifampicina ou ampicilina/sulbactam, pode constituir uma alternativa terapêutica para o tratamento de infecções produzidas por cepas de A. baumannii MRs produtoras de oxacilinases, sendo que nanofragmentos catiônicos de bicamada do lipídeo sintético de DDA tem potencial para consolidar um produto de aplicação clínica. / Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a serious public health issue, which have been related with an unfavorable prognosis due to the emergence and endemicity of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. In this scenario, following a worldwide trend, in Brazil, infections produced by MDR OXA-type carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii are currently considered a clinical and epidemiological urgency. In the absence of effective therapeutic alternatives for related infections, this study aimed to evaluate synergistic effects (by using time-kill and checkerboard assays) achieved by the combination of 10 different classes of antimicrobial against 8 strains of MDR, clonally unrelated, A. baumannii strains producing OXA-23, OXA-72, OXA-58 and OXA-143 carbapenemases, being representatives of different medical centers in Brazil. As a result, the combination of amikacin / tigecycline showed synergistic (S = ΣFIC ≤ 0.5) and partially synergistic (PS = 0.5 to 0.75 ΣFIC) activity against 4 (50%) OXA-72 or OXA-143 producing A. baumannii strains, and two strains (25%) producing OXA-23, respectively. Moreover, the combination of polymyxin B / imipenem showed S and PS activity against 3 (37.5%) OXA-143, OXA-23 and OXA-72 positive isolates, and 1 (12.5%) OXA-58 producer, respectively. On the other hand, the combination amikacin / ampicillin-sulbactam was S against 2 (25%) OXA-143 and OXA-23 positive strains, being PS against two (25%) OXA-58- and OXA-143/23-producing A. baumannii. Of interest was the synergistic effect achieved by polymyxin B plus vancomycin against two strains (25%) producing OXA-72 and OXA-23, respectively. Furthermore, the ampicilina-sulbactam / rifampicin combination displayed a PS activity against six (75%) strains producing OXA-23, OXA-143, OXA-72 or OXA-58-type enzymes. Likewise, rifampicin combined with polymyxin B was S against 1 (25%) OXA-23-positive A. baumannii being PS to 5/8 (62.5%) strains producing OXA-72, OXA-58, OXA-23/-OXA143 or OXA-143. The synergistic effect of the combination polymyxin B / imipenem was confirmed, in vivo, in the murine model of infection, by using both histopathological studies and bacterial clearance from the lungs and spleen (CFU/g, p≤ 0.05). Finally, we evaluated the in vitro activity of the cationic lipid dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDA), alone and in combination with tigecycline. DDA display a bactericidal effect, enhancing synergistically the activity of tigecycline against 2 (25%) OXA-143 and OXA-23 positive strains, respectively. DDA activity alone and in combination with tigecycline was effective on the second hour of interaction, as evaluated by time-kill assays. In summary, the synergistic effect resulting from the combined use of amikacin, tigecycline, polymyxin B, imipenem, rifampicin or ampicillin / sulbactam, could be an alternative therapy for the treatment of infections caused by MDR A. baumannii strains producing oxacilinases. On the other hand, cationic bilayer nanofragments of DDA has potential for consolidating a product for medical application.

As infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde (IRAS) são um grave problema de saúde pública cujo prognóstico tem sido desfavorecido pela emergência e endemicidade de bactérias multirresistentes (MRs). Neste cenário, seguindo uma tendência mundial, no Brasil, infecções por cepas de Acinetobacter baumannii MRs produtoras de carbapenemases do tipo OXA são atualmente consideradas uma emergência clínica e epidemiológica. Na falta de alternativas terapêuticas efetivas para infecções relacionadas, este trabalho objetivou avaliar efeitos sinérgicos (utilizando checkerboard e time-kill) decorrentes da combinação de 10 antimicrobianos de diferentes classes, contra 8 cepas MRs de A. baumannii, clonalmente não relacionadas, produtoras de carbapenemases do tipo OXA-23, OXA-72, OXA-58 e OXA-143, representativas de diferentes centros hospitalares do Brasil. Como resultado, a combinação amicacina/tigeciclina apresentou atividade sinérgica (S= ΣCIF ≤ 0,5) e parcialmente sinérgica (PS= &#931CIF ;0,5-0,75) contra 4 (50%) cepas produtoras de OXA-143 ou OXA-72, e 2 cepas (25%) produtoras de OXA-23, respectivamente. Por outro lado, a combinação polimixina B/imipenem apresentou atividade S e PS contra 3 (37,5%) isolados OXA-143, OXA-23 ou OXA-72 positivos, e 1 (12,5%) isolado produtor de OXA-58, respectivamente. Já, a combinação amicacina/ampicilina-sulbactam foi S contra 2 (25%) A. baumannii OXA-143 ou OXA-23 positivos, sendo PS contra dois (25%) A. baumannii OXA-58 ou OXA-143/23 positivos. De interesse, foi o efeito S da combinação polimixina B/vancomicina, contra 2 cepas (25%) produtoras de OXA-72 ou OXA-23. Por outro lado, a combinação ampicilina-sulbactam/rifampicina apresentou atividade PS contra 6 (75%) cepas produtoras das variantes OXA-23, OXA-143, OXA-72 ou OXA-58. Da mesma forma, rifampicina combinada com polimixina B foi sinérgica para uma cepa OXA-23 (12,5%) e PS para 5/8 (62,5%) cepas produtoras de OXA-72, OXA-58, OXA-23/-OXA143 ou OXA-143. O efeito sinérgico da combinação polimixina B/imipenem foi confirmado, in vivo, no modelo murino de infecção, tanto por avaliação histopatológica como por redução das UFC/g pulmão ou baço (p ≤ 0,05). Finalmente, foi avaliada a atividade, in vitro, do lípide catiônico brometo de dioctadecildimetilamônio (DDA), individualmente e em combinação com tigeciclina. DDA possui efeito bactericida, e potencializou sinergicamente a tigeciclina contra 2 (25%) cepas OXA-143 ou OXA-23 positivas. A atividade do DDA, assim como a atividade da sua combinação com tigeciclina foram efetivas já na segunda hora de interação, como avaliado pelas curvas de morte. Em resumo, o efeito sinérgico decorrente do uso combinado de amicacina, tigeciclina, polimixina B, imipenem, rifampicina ou ampicilina/sulbactam, pode constituir uma alternativa terapêutica para o tratamento de infecções produzidas por cepas de A. baumannii MRs produtoras de oxacilinases, sendo que nanofragmentos catiônicos de bicamada do lipídeo sintético de DDA tem potencial para consolidar um produto de aplicação clínica. / Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a serious public health issue, which have been related with an unfavorable prognosis due to the emergence and endemicity of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. In this scenario, following a worldwide trend, in Brazil, infections produced by MDR OXA-type carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii are currently considered a clinical and epidemiological urgency. In the absence of effective therapeutic alternatives for related infections, this study aimed to evaluate synergistic effects (by using time-kill and checkerboard assays) achieved by the combination of 10 different classes of antimicrobial against 8 strains of MDR, clonally unrelated, A. baumannii strains producing OXA-23, OXA-72, OXA-58 and OXA-143 carbapenemases, being representatives of different medical centers in Brazil. As a result, the combination of amikacin / tigecycline showed synergistic (S = ΣFIC ≤ 0.5) and partially synergistic (PS = 0.5 to 0.75 ΣFIC) activity against 4 (50%) OXA-72 or OXA-143 producing A. baumannii strains, and two strains (25%) producing OXA-23, respectively. Moreover, the combination of polymyxin B / imipenem showed S and PS activity against 3 (37.5%) OXA-143, OXA-23 and OXA-72 positive isolates, and 1 (12.5%) OXA-58 producer, respectively. On the other hand, the combination amikacin / ampicillin-sulbactam was S against 2 (25%) OXA-143 and OXA-23 positive strains, being PS against two (25%) OXA-58- and OXA-143/23-producing A. baumannii. Of interest was the synergistic effect achieved by polymyxin B plus vancomycin against two strains (25%) producing OXA-72 and OXA-23, respectively. Furthermore, the ampicilina-sulbactam / rifampicin combination displayed a PS activity against six (75%) strains producing OXA-23, OXA-143, OXA-72 or OXA-58-type enzymes. Likewise, rifampicin combined with polymyxin B was S against 1 (25%) OXA-23-positive A. baumannii being PS to 5/8 (62.5%) strains producing OXA-72, OXA-58, OXA-23/-OXA143 or OXA-143. The synergistic effect of the combination polymyxin B / imipenem was confirmed, in vivo, in the murine model of infection, by using both histopathological studies and bacterial clearance from the lungs and spleen (CFU/g, p≤ 0.05). Finally, we evaluated the in vitro activity of the cationic lipid dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDA), alone and in combination with tigecycline. DDA display a bactericidal effect, enhancing synergistically the activity of tigecycline against 2 (25%) OXA-143 and OXA-23 positive strains, respectively. DDA activity alone and in combination with tigecycline was effective on the second hour of interaction, as evaluated by time-kill assays. In summary, the synergistic effect resulting from the combined use of amikacin, tigecycline, polymyxin B, imipenem, rifampicin or ampicillin / sulbactam, could be an alternative therapy for the treatment of infections caused by MDR A. baumannii strains producing oxacilinases. On the other hand, cationic bilayer nanofragments of DDA has potential for consolidating a product for medical application.

This thesis studies the interaction between the bare Cu{311} surface with NO and NH3,individually and co-adsorbed using reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). In addition to the bare Cu{311} surface, the interaction of NO and NH3 with the various oxygen phases of the Cu{311} surface phases was also studied. Several other techniques were used in tandem to support the study, such as low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments using mass spectrometry. The study was carried out in pursuit an understanding of the underlying mechanism of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO using NH3 in current diesel engines. The dosing of NO onto the Cu{311} surface at 100 K leads to the initial adsorption of intact NO. After an exposure threshold is reached, individual NO molecules react with another NO molecule to form (NO)2 dimers. These dimer species subsequently form N2O, leaving O(a) on the surface. Oxygen was found to be an inhibitor for the reaction, either due to the reaction in a self-poisoning process or from oxygen pre-dosing onto the Cu{311} surface. Temperature plays a minor role with regards to NO/Cu{311}, as it only affects the amount of NO on the surface along with adsorbate surface mobility. Similarly, NH3 was found to adsorb intact onto the Cu{311} surface and not to react or dissociate at 100 K. Oxygen acts as a site blocker for the adsorption, but can also stabilise NH3 to remain on the surface at higher temperatures due to electronic effects. At 300 K, it was found that both the bare and oxygen pre-covered Cu{311} surface was able to dissociate NH3 into NH2. The co-adsorption of NO and that of NH3 onto the Cu{311} surface were found to be largely independent of each other and the interaction is dominated by the displacement of NO by NH3. However, as NO adsorption on the Cu{311} surface forms O(a), it indirectly affects the adsorption of NH3 by creating an oxygen covered Cu{311} surface, which changes how NH3 adsorbs onto the surface.