Kohelová E: Alkaloids of Amaryllidaceae family: isolation, structural identification, biological activity. II Diploma thesis, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Department of Pharmaceutical Botany and Ecology, Hradec Králové, 2017, 77p. The aim of the diploma thesis was a preparation of alkaloidal extract from fresh bulbs of Narcissus cv. PROFESSOR EINSTEIN to izolate two Amaryllidaceae alkaloids by column and thin layer chromatography. Subsequently these alkaloids were subjected to structural MS and NMR analysis and tested for biological activity against human cholinesterases (HuAChE and HuBuChE) and for cytotoxic activity. In cooperation with the Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, antifungal and antimicrobial activities of alkaloids were tested, and in cooperation with Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa Portugal antimalarial activity of alkaloids was studied. Isolated substances were identified as galanthamine, caranine and pluviine. Pluviine was isolated in an amount allowing only structural analysis. In the test for determining cholinesterase inhibitory activity of caranine the following values were obtained: IC50, HuAChE = 320 ± 42 μM a IC50, HuBuChE = 486 ± 56 μM. Galanthamine (IC50,...

Marečková, L .: Biological activity of secondary plant metabolites VII. Alkaloids of Vinca minor L. Diploma thesis, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové, Department of pharmaceutical botany and ecology, Hradec Králové 2018 There was prepared an extract from aerial parts of the plant Vinca minor L. This prepared extract was separated by the column chromatography into individual fractions. One chosen fraction was separated by TLC on silicagel. Two substances were isolated and they we identified by GC/MS and NMR as (-)-minovin and (+)-minovincin. These two substances were tested for their inhibition activity against human acetylcholinesterase (hemolysate of human erythrocytes) and butyrylcholinesterase (human plasma). Their inhibition activity was compared to standards which were Galanthamin, Huperzin A and Eserin. (+)-Minovincin did not show significant inhibitory activity against either enzyme (IC50 = AchE > 1000 µM, BuChE 655,05 ± 35,37 µM) and it is not suitable for further investigation. (-)-Minovin showed no significant activity against AChE (IC50 = 234,27 ± 63,40 µM), activity against BuChE (IC50 = 26,32 ± 2,52 µM) was higher than inhibitory akctivity of Galanthamin, but still relatively low for further investigation. The aim of this work was mainly the...

Schickerová Julie: Alkaloids of Narcissus pseudonarcissus cv. Dutch Master: isolation, structural identification, preparation of analogues, biological activity. Diploma thesis, Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Hradec Králové, 2018, 73 p. The purpose of this diploma thesis was to isolate the substances from the fraction ND 15- 9, which was obtained by column chromatography of the alkaloid extract of Narcissus pseudonarcissus cv. Dutch Master. The method of preparative TLC was used to separate this fraction, and the three purified compounds were isolated in the pure state NDS1-NDS3. NMR, GC/MS and optical rotation were used to determine their structure. The obtained data were compared with data in the literature and further studies on their biological activity were performed. Isolated substances were identified as epimaritidine, crinine and tetrahydromasonine. Their inhibitory activities (IC50, AChE > 1000 μM, IC50, BuChE > 1000 μM) versus human erythrocyte AChE and plasma BuChE were inactive compared to galanthamine standards (IC50, AChE = 1.71 ± 0.07 μM, IC50, BuChE = 42.30 ± 0.10 μM), huperzin A standards (IC50, AChE = 0.033 ± 0.001 μM, IC50, BuChE > 1000 μM) and berberin standards (IC50, AChE = 0.71 ± 0.01 μM, IC50, BuChE = 30.7 ± 3.5...

Background: The development of contemporary isolation measures has emerged through centuries from the time of ships under quarantine to modern personal protective equipment and knowledge about disease control. The underlying need for care in isolation could be multidrug resistant organisms or immunosuppression. Aim: The aim of this review was to explore patient´s experience of care in isolation due to somatic disease. Method: The study was conducted as a literature review with an inductive content analysis. During the literature search 11 qualitative studies corresponding to the aim of this study was chosen. Analysis of the quality of the studies were conducted. The results were analysed and compiled in themes and subthemes. Results: Patients described isolation policies as a form of imprisonment and in terms of negative experiences. Discrepancies in practice of isolation measures amongst health care workers contributed to patients’ apprehension and worry. The isolation room could both be seen as a prison and a safe haven. It represented a feeling of safety and disengagement from demands from the outside. The relationship between the patient and the health care worker was important for the experience of care in isolation. Patients described feelings of loneliness and contact with friends and family had major impact both through visits but also by phone or computer. To find acceptance or meaning made it easier to cope with the period of loneliness. Conclusion: To be cared for in isolation is a global phenomenon and it has major impact on the daily life of the affected persons. Attitudes, work procedures amongst the health care workers and their personal treatment towards the patients may have a positive or negative impact on the patients experience of isolation. Friends and family carry out an important role in alleviating loneliness and new technology for example videocalls may offer whole new opportunities to be able to interact socially with others during time spent in isolation. / Bakgrund: Nutida isoleringsvård har utvecklats och växt fram under århundraden alltsedan tiden då fartyg låg i karantän fram till dagens kunskap om smittskydd och tillgång till skyddsutrustning. Den bakomliggande orsaken till isoleringsvård kan bland annat vara antibiotikaresistenta bakterier eller immunsuppression. Syfte: Syftet med denna litteraturstudie var att beskriva hur patienter med somatisk sjukdom upplever isoleringsvård. Metod: Studiedesign var litteraturstudie där analysen genomfördes med induktiv ansats. I artikelsökningar påträffades 11 kvalitativa originalartiklar som svarade till studiens syfte. Kvalitets- och resultatanalys av inkluderade studier gjordes och ett sammanställt resultat med teman och subteman utarbetades. Resultat: Isoleringsrutiner upplevdes som en form av fångenskap och beskrevs i negativa ordalag. Oro och ängslan upplevdes bland patienter när sjukvårdpersonal gjorde avsteg från isoleringsrutinerna. Rummet kunde upplevas som ett fängelse och begränsande men även som en fristad där eget rum, en upplevd trygghet och befrielsen från omgivningens krav sågs som positivt. Relationen mellan patient och personal var av betydelse för hur tiden i isoleringsvård upplevdes. Patienter uttryckte känslor av ensamhet och kontakten med anhöriga spelade en stor roll både genom direktkontakt men även via telefon och dator. Meningsskapande eller att finna acceptans inför situationen gjorde det lättare att hantera tiden i ensamhet. Slutsats: Isoleringsvård förekommer världen över och det har stor påverkan på individens dagliga liv. Bemötande, attityder och arbetssätt hos sjukvårdspersonal kan ha både positiv och negativ inverkan på patientens upplevelse av vårdformen. Närstående har en viktig roll i att lindra ensamheten och teknik såsom videosamtal öppnar helt nya möjligheter till social interaktion under tiden i isoleringsvård.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-22T20:49:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-12-31 / O objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar os efeitos de dois diferentes agentes estressores sociais (isolamento social e aumento da densidade populacional) aplicados por diferentes períodos a camundongos, sobre parâmetros comportamentais indicadores de aprendizado, memória, ansiedade, depressão e função motora, avaliados simultaneamente, buscando correlacioná-los entre si e com alterações na concentração plasmática de corticosterona. O aprendizado, a memória, a ansiedade e a função motora foram quantificados pelo modelo da esquiva discriminativa em labirinto em cruz elevado, enquanto a depressão foi estimada pelo teste do nado forçado. Em conjunto, nossos resultados mostraram que dois tipos opostos de perturbações sociais (isolamento social e aumento da densidade populacional) promoveram efeitos agudos notavelmente diferentes sobre parâmetros indicativos de aprendizado, ansiedade, depressão e função motora, exibindo os mesmos efeitos somente em parâmetros indicativos de memória, inibida em ambos os casos. A persistência dessas perturbações sociais levou inicialmente à tolerância de todos os efeitos agudos, com exceção da hiperatividade locomotora induzida pelo isolamento social. Um prolongamento ainda maior das perturbações sociais culminou, por fim, em um padrão idêntico de alterações comportamentais caracterizado por déficit de retenção, diminuição da ansiedade e da depressão e hiperatividade locomotora. Essas três últimas alterações podem na verdade refletir um aumento da impulsividade dos animais. Nenhum dos efeitos comportamentais produzidos pelo aumento da densidade populacional foi acompanhado por modificações na concentração plasmática de corticosterona. Por outro lado, alterações bidirecionais nessa concentração (aumento, agudamente, seguido por tolerância e posteriormente por diminuição) foram verificados nos camundongos isolados socialmente. As alterações na concentração de corticosterona apresentaram considerável correlação com o parâmetro indicativo de depressão após o isolamento social agudo. Além disso, o comportamento depressivo induzido pelo isolamento social agudo foi abolido pela metirapona, um inibidor de síntese de corticosterona, e mimetizado pela administração de corticosterona. Nenhuma outra evidência de correlação foi verificada para os demais parâmetros comportamentais. Esses resultados permitem as seguintes conclusões: 1. O isolamento social e o aumento da densidade populacional são perturbações sociais que produzem efeitos comportamentais distintos quando submetidos agudamente a camundongos sendo, entretanto, igualmente efetivas em promover déficits de memória. 2. A maioria dos efeitos comportamentais agudos promovidos por essas perturbações sociais são rapidamente toleradas. 3. O isolamento social foi uma perturbação social mais efetiva que o aumento da densidade populacional em ativar o eixo hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal. 4. O aumento da concentração plasmática de corticosterona promovido pelo isolamento social agudo (12 horas) é determinante para o comportamento depressivo apresentados pelos animais, mas não pelos simultâneos déficits de retenção e hiperatividade locomotora. 5. A exposição prolongada dos animais tanto ao isolamento social como à densidade populacional promove o desenvolvimento de uma série de alterações comportamentais comuns aos dois tipos de perturbação social as quais, entretanto, são acompanhadas por alterações distintas do eixo hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal. / The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two different social stressful procedures (social isolation and crowding) on behavioral parameters related to learning, memory, anxiety, depression and motor function. Mice were exposed to the above mentioned social stresses for different time periods and the behavioral parameters were simultaneously evaluated for each animal. In addition, plasma corticosterone levels were measured (in other animals) in an attempt to correlate them with the evaluated behavioral parameters, wich were quantified by the plus-maze discriminative avoidance task (learning, memory, anxiety, and motor function) and by the forced swim test (depressive-like behavior). Our results showed that acute exposure to both types of social stresses induced markedly distinct effects on behavioral parameters related to learning, anxiety, depression and motor function. Conversely, they produced the same effects (impairment) on memory parameters. Continued exposure to the social stress procedures employed led to tolerance of all the behavioral alterations, except social isolation-induced hyperactivity. Long-term exposure to either social isolation or crowding led to an identical pattern of behavioral effects: memory deficit, decreased anxiety level, depressive-like behavior and hyperlocomotion. These three latter behavioral effects may be related to an impulsivity enhancement. None of the behavioral effects induced by crowding was accompanied by modifications in plasma corticosterone levels. Conversely, bi-directional alterations in corticosterone levels were observed in social isolated mice (increase, tolerance and decrease in the levels were verified during progressive time exposure). Plasma corticosterone levels were considerably correlated with depressive-like behavior in social isolated mice. In addition, acute social isolation-induced depressive-like behavior was abolished by metyrapone (a drug that inhibits the synthesis of corticosterone) and induced by corticosterone injection. No other evidence of correlation was verified among the other behavioral parameters. / TEDE / BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

Un des enjeux relatifs à la durabilité des isolants thermiques dans l’industrie du bâtiment est l’utilisation de composites issus d’agro-ressources. Ces composites sont généralement mis en œuvre en l’état ou agglomérés par des liants minéraux ou issus de la synthèse. Afin d’explorer l’utilisation de liants polysaccharidiques pour la conception de panneaux isolants à base de broyats de tiges de tournesol (renfort), le chitosane a été choisi comme polysaccharide modèle. Après une première étape de caractérisations physico-chimique, thermique et mécanique du liant et du renfort, un plan d’expérience composite centré a été établi afin de trouver les meilleures valeurs de granulométrie des particules, de ratio massique liant/renfort et de contrainte de compactage influant sur les propriétés thermo-mécaniques des composites. Un composite doté d’une propriété d’isolation thermique de l’ordre de 0,06 W.m-1.K-1 et d’une contrainte à la rupture en traction et en compression de l’ordre de 2 MPa a été obtenu avec un ratio massique en chitosane de 4,3 % et une granulométrie de broyats de tiges de tournesol de 6,3 mm. Ses performances mécanique et thermique sont supérieures à celles des autres isolants biosourcés actuellement sur le marché. Dans une démarche d’éco-conception un travail de formulation du liant par réticulation covalente (génipine) et par ajout d’autres biopolymères (alginate, guar, amidon), dotés de propriétés liantes, a été réalisé via l'élaboration d'un plan d'expérience factoriel fractionnaire. Les résultats montrent la possibilité de conserver des propriétés mécaniques et thermiques satisfaisantes tout en minimisant la quantité de chitosane utilisé. / One of the issues relating to the sustainability of thermal insulation in the building industry is the use of composites derived from agricultural resources. These composites are typically agglomerated with mineral binders or from synthesis. To explore the use of polysaccharide binders for the conception of insulation panels based one sunflower stem aggregates (reinforcement), chitosan has been chosen as polysaccharide model. After a first stage of physico-chemical, thermal and mechanical characterizations of the binder and the reinforcement, an experimental design was established to find the best values of the particle size, the ratio binder/reinforcement and the compaction stress affecting the thermo-mechanical properties of the composites. A composite with a thermal insulation of about 0.06 W.m-1.K-1 and a maximum strength (in tension and compression modes) of 2 MPa was obtained with a ratio chitosan/sunflower stalk aggregates of 4.3 % and a size of 6.3 mm for the aggregates. The mechanical and thermal performances are superior to that of other biobased insulators available on the market. Formulation of the binder by covalent crosslinking (genipin) and by the addition of other biopolymers (alginate, guar gum, starch) with binding property has been achieved through the development of a fractional factorial experimental design. The results show the ability to maintain satisfactory mechanical and thermal properties with reducing chitosan content.

Os resíduos do processo de curtumes e a crescente importância da geração de energia a partir de fontes renováveis fazem com que seja necessário estudar formas de biodegradação dos resíduos produzidos pela indústria coureira e gerar energia a partir disso. Os resíduos sólidos produzidos pelos curtumes contêm cromo e costumam ser dispostos em aterros industriais perigosos. O biogás com alto teor de metano é o produto dessa decomposição, através de digestão anaeróbia. A partir desses conceitos, esse trabalho propõe realizar ensaios de biodegradação com lodo, proveniente de uma estação de tratamento de efluentes de curtumes, e com farelo de couro wet-blue (couro curtido ao cromo) em biorreatores de bancada. O objetivo principal foi isolar, quantificar e identificar os microrganismos que apresentam potencial de produzir biogás com alto teor de metano. Ainda, a forma de armazenamento prévio do lodo adicionado também foi analisada. Primeiramente, incubou-se o lodo com farelo de couro wet-blue em biorreatores de bancada (dez ensaios de biodegradação divididos em duas montagens) e análises de quantificação e de qualificação do biogás gerado foram feitas. Depois, realizou-se a coleta de alíquotas da biomassa gerada nos biorreatores em diferentes fases do crescimento. O isolamento da biomassa coletada foi conduzido em frascos tipo penicilina com meio de cultura propício para o crescimento de arqueas metanogênicas, onde era possível a incubação em atmosfera anaeróbia. A partir dos crescimentos dos microrganismos, realizaram-se testes de contagem, isolamento, coloração de Gram, além de novos testes de coleta de biomassa dos próprios frascos. Como resultado, a influência do armazenamento prévio do lodo na biodegradação deste com farelo de couro wet-blue ainda não foi totalmente elucidada. Os microrganismos isolados não eram arqueas metanogênicas. Realizou-se a contagem de microrganismos, em dois ensaios de biodegradação que tiveram sua biomassa coletada. O primeiro biorreator analisado (biorreator 4) apresentou 1,90 x 109 e 4,45 x 106 UFC/mL para o sólido precipitado e para o líquido sobrenadante, respectivamente. O segundo biorreator analisado (biorreator 7) apresentou 1,35 x 109 e 1,09 x 109 UFC/mL para o sólido precipitado sem e com adição de lodo ao meio de cultivo antes da autoclavagem, respectivamente, e 9,10 x 106 e 8,30 x 106 UFC/mL para o líquido sobrenadante sem e com adição de lodo ao meio de cultivo antes da autoclavagem, respectivamente. Foi detectado metano apenas nos frascos que continham alíquotas de biomassa provenientes dos biorreatores que estavam pouco diluídos, provenientes da coleta em fase final de produção de biogás, com quantidades elevadas de microrganismos. O percentual de metano encontrado nesses frascos variou entre 25,75 e 53,66% e foi detectado após a terceira semana de incubação. A homogeneização do lodo se mostrou um fator de grande influência na biodegradação. A técnica de isolamento com a utilização de frascos de penicilina mostrou-se adequada para a quantificação de microrganismos metanogênicos presentes nos ensaios de biodegradação, mas ainda não adequada para o isolamento das arqueas metanogênicas. / The tanning process waste and the increasing importance of energy generation from renewable sources make the study of alternative biodegradation ways of the waste produced by leather industry and the generation of power from it a necessity. The solid residues produced by tanneries contain chromium and are usually disposed in hazardous industrial landfills. Biogas with high methane content is the product of this decomposition by anaerobic digestion. Based on these concepts, this study proposes to perform biodegradation tests with sludge, from a tannery effluent treatment plant, and with wet-blue (leather tanned with chromium) shavings in bench bioreactors. The main objective was to isolate, quantify and identify microorganisms with potential to produce biogas with high methane content. Further, the prior storage form of the added sludge was also analyzed. First, the sludge and the wet-blue shavings were incubated in bench bioreactors (ten biodegradation tests divided into two assemblies) and quantification and qualification analysis of the generated biogas were made. Later, biomass aliquots generated in the bioreactors were collected at different growth stages. The collected biomass isolation was conducted in penicillin type injectable vial filled with culture medium propitious for methanogenic archaea growth, where it was possible to incubate in anaerobic atmosphere. From microorganisms’ growth, test of counting, depletion, Gram stain and other biomass collection of the vials themselves were carried out. As a result, the prior sludge storage influence on biodegradation tests of sludge with wet-blue shavings was not yet fully elucidated. Isolated microorganisms were not methanogenic archaea. The microorganism counting was held in two biodegradation tests with collected biomass. The first bioreactor analyzed (bioreactor 4) showed 1,90 x 109 and 4,45 x 106 CFU/mL for the precipitated solid and the supernatant liquid, respectively. The second bioreactor analyzed (bioreactor 7) showed 1,35 x 109 and 1,09 x 109 for the precipitated solid without and with added sludge in the culture medium before autoclaving, respectively, and 9,10 x 106 and 8,30 x 106 CFU/mL for the supernatant liquid without and with added sludge in the culture medium before autoclaving, respectively. Methane was only detected in vials containing collected biomass aliquots from final stages of biogas production bioreactors that were bit diluted and had high amounts of microorganisms. The percentage of methane found in these vials ranged between 25,75 and 53,66% and was detected after three weeks of incubation. The sludge homogenization proved to be a great influence factor on biodegradation. The isolation technique with penicillin type injectable vial proved to be appropriate for methanogenic microorganisms’ quantification in biodegradation tests, although it is not fully understood for the methanogenic archaea isolation.

This thesis primarily focuses on one segment of freshwater Betaproteobacteria, the Limnohabitans genus (including the RBT lineage). As opposed to other recent research directions, the major aim was to recover the members of the previously uncultured RBT lineage through their isolation from various freshwater habitats. However, the results presented in this thesis have also ambitions to go far beyond the taxonomic descriptions only; the dissertation intends to contribute significantly to unveiling of important ecophysiological characteristics of the studied lineage in a set of both laboratory and field research. Therefore, understanding of growth characteristics, mortality, diversity and life strategies of aquatic microbes is of highest importance regarding profound human impact on water quality and increasing need of drinking water supplies.

Dans cette thèse, des mousses produites à plus de 90% à partir de produits naturels et à très faible conductivité thermique ont été étudiées en détail. L’objectif principal de ce travail était d’améliorer certaines faiblesses de ces matériaux et de résoudre les problèmes qui pourraient être rencontrés lors de leur utilisation, pour leur permettre de concurrencer d’autres mousses synthétiques actuellement sur le marché de l’isolation thermique. De nouvelles méthodologies ont été proposées pour optimiser les mousses à base de tanin de différents points de vue. Tout d’abord, des mousses liquides ont été analysées en termes de stabilité et de processus de polymérisation à l’aide d’un analyseur de lumière rétrodiffusée, afin de les transformer en mousses rigides de tanin plus performantes. Des plans d’expériences ont également été utilisés pour améliorer les propriétés mécaniques de mousses rigides, produites par moussage physique, sans porter préjudice à leur conductivité thermique. D’autre part, des traitements d’hydrophobisation ont été réalisés pour réduire la sensibilité de ces mousses à l’eau, qu’elle soit sous forme liquide ou vapeur, et l’effet des ingrédients des formulations sur leurs propriétés au feu a été élucidé. Enfin, deux techniques de caractérisation mécanique ont été étudiées et comparées, ce qui a permis de déterminer le coefficient de Poisson et le facteur de perte, et de mettre en évidence les précautions à prendre pour caractériser les mousses fragiles / In this thesis, foams based on more than 90% of natural products and with an exceptionally low thermal conductivity have been studied in depth. The main objective of this work was to improve some of the weaknesses of those materials and to solve problems that might be encountered during use, for allowing them to compete with other synthetic foams that are currently on the thermal insulation market. New methodologies have been proposed to optimise tannin-based foams from different points of view. First, liquid foams were analysed in terms of stability and polymerisation process using a backscattered light analyser, in order to convert them into improved rigid tannin-based foams. Experimental design was also used to improve the mechanical properties of physically blown rigid foams without prejudicing their thermal conductivity. On the other hand, hydrophobisation treatments were suggested for reducing the sensitivity of those foams to water in liquid or vapour form, and the effect of formulations’ ingredients on their fire properties were elucidated. Finally, two techniques of mechanical characterisation were investigated and compared, leading to Poisson’s coefficient and loss factor, and evidencing the precautions to be taken for characterising brittle foams

Diploma thesis discusses life of families with children in social housing. Reasons for long term life of some families in social housing is lack of money, high indebtedness, issues concerning duties of rental agreements. The thesis aims to map risks related to long term using of these facilities. Further it examines means of acquiring standard accomodation of these families and their readiness for duties following house rental. It also inquires in comparison of opinions of families with expert opinions. Theoretical part clarifies right for accomodation as a basic human need. It explains term sof renting and social housing. Furthermore it deals with integration of persons from excluded localities. Factors of endangering persons living long term in social housing, institutions concerned with these issues, possible solutions and related benefits entitlements are also part of the theoretical part. Practical part is in form of qualitative research: namely semi-structured interview. Research has two parts. First part is focused on opinions of actual families living in social housin. In second part are opinions of experts. Interviews took place in three social houses and in workplace of experts. From the research results is clear that life in social housing has negative impact on the occupants. People live there in social isolation and in very bad sanitary and technical conditions. This situation has very bad influence on children who lack the culture of regular accomodation. It is necessary to specify the cooperation principle of social workers in job centers and in government instituions. Families need help with the trasition from social housing to rental housing. Considering for example the means for paying the deposit. Another step could be the employment increase, which is the best tool agains the social exclusion. Simultaneously it is necessary to put in place a rent cap of social housing, to adopt legislation concerning social housing that would solve particulary housing issues of families with children, thus allowing parents to rise children sustainably in decent conditions.