published_or_final_version / Chemistry / Master / Master of Philosophy

Open wounds account for about 50% of military injuries and 10% of non‐fatal traffic injuries. Scar tissue formation in these wounds may be reduced or prevented if treated with a combination of molecules whose release is tuned to the healing phases. The goal of this research was to develop flexible, layered drug delivery films for sequential, localized release of anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, and anti‐fibrotic molecules to soft tissue. Films were composed of cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and Pluronic F‐127 (Pluronic). To impart flexibility, plasticizers, triethyl citrate (TEC) or tributyl citrate (TBC), were added. Mechanical analysis was performed on films as prepared and following phosphate‐buffered saline incubation to determine property changes after implantation. Tensile tests revealed higher plasticizer content increased film elongation but decreased elastic modulus and ultimate tensile strength. TEC films elongated twice as much as those with TBC. After incubation, properties increased because plasticizer leached from films. Micro computerized tomography and scanning electron microscopy determined how erosion and plasticizer leaching affected the film’s structures before and after incubation. Porosity increased as plasticizer content increased; however, plasticizer content did not significantly affect erosion rates. Next, effects of drugs with plasticizers on film erosion, release, and mechanical properties were investigated. Films were loaded with quercetin, an anti‐oxidant, or pirfenidone, an anti‐fibrotic, and plasticized with TEC or TBC. TEC‐plasticized films containing quercetin released drug at a slower rate than TBC films. Pirfenidone‐loaded films released drug at a faster rate than erosion occurred for both plasticizers. Increased pirfenidone loading resulted in significantly higher modulus and decreased elongation, an anti‐plasticizer effect. Increasing quercetin loading significantly increased elongation. Size, solubility, and structure differences between quercetin and pirfenidone affected drug interaction with the films and the consequent mechanical and release properties. Cell studies found TBC to be toxic even in low concentrations. Consequently, only TEC was further analyzed. Layered devices containing two drugs demonstrated sequential release regardless of drug order. Plasticizer concentration did not significantly affect the release profiles. Lastly, in vitro and in vivo 9‐layered device studies sequentially released drugs confirming the research objective: sequential, local release of anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, and anti‐fibrotic molecules from CAPPluronic films.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 1990.

O poli(cloreto de vinila) - PVC é considerado um polímero muito versátil devido à possibilidade deste ser formulado mediante a incorporação de aditivos, alterando suas características originais. Plastificantes a base de ftalatos, como o di(2-etilhexil) ftalato (DOP) são os mais utilizados, porém, existem regulamentações que estão restringindo a sua utilização, intensificando-se os estudos com possíveis alternativos. Desta forma, este trabalho visa avaliar a influência de plastificantes de diferentes naturezas nas propriedades físicas, mecânicas, térmicas e reológicas do PVC plastificado. Para formulação dos compostos foi utilizado a resina Norvic SP1000 produzida via suspensão, com VK65 e portanto, propícia para aplicações de materiais flexíveis, além disso, para cada composto utilizou-se uma dosagem de 60 pcr de sete diferentes plastificantes: DOP, considerado como referência para comparação dos resultados, diisononil ciclohexano (DINCH), di(2-etilhexil) ciclohexanoato (DOCH), di(2-etilhexil) adipato (DOA), di(2-etilhexil) tereftalato (DOTP), óleo de soja epoxidado (OSE) e plastificante de óleos vegetais (DIMIT) Neste estudo foram efetuadas avaliações nos compostos como, gelificação e fusão, reologia via reômetro de placas paralelas, densidade, índice de fluidez entre outras para compreender a influência de cada plastificante no processamento do composto e várias caracterizações no produto final como estabilidade térmica dos compostos via TGA, Metrastat, propriedades óticas, propriedades mecânicas como dureza Shore A, tração, resistência a abrasão, resiliência, envelhecimento em câmara UV assim como ensaios de exsudação dos plastificantes. Os resultados indicam comportamentos distintos do PVC em função da natureza química do plastificante utilizado. O plastificante DIMIT possui boa estabilidade térmica, porém os resultados de cor e parâmetros de processamento foram insatisfatórios quando comparados ao DOP, já os plastificantes OSE e DOA apresentaram bons resultados para as propriedades avaliadas. Conclui-se que dentre os plastificantes analisados não foi possível determinar qual seria o melhor para substituição direta do DOP considerando toda a gama de produtos flexíveis de PVC, contudo esse trabalho colabora para a avaliação e seleção do melhor plastificante com base nos requisitos de cada aplicação do produto. / The poly (vinyl chloride) - PVC is a very versatile polymer due to the possibility of being formulated by incorporating additives, which can change the resin characteristics. Plasticizers composed of phthalates, such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DOP), are the most used, however, there are regulations restricting the use of this kind of plasticizers, intensifying studies with possible replacement alternatives. In this way, the objective of this work is to evaluate the influence of plasticizers from different sources in PVC, mainly physical, mechanical thermal stability, and rheological properties in the plasticized PVC. In the formulation of the compounds it was used the resin Norvic SP1000, product with VK65 and produced by suspension, suitable for flexible materials applications. In addition, it was used 60 phr of seven different plasticizers for each compound: DOP, considered as reference for all results, cyclohexane diisononyl (DINCH), di(2-ethylhexyl) cyclohexanoate (DOCH), di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DOA), di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DOTP), epoxidized soybean oil (OSE) and plasticizer produced from vegetable oils (DIMIT). In this study, the compounds were evaluated with many characterization analyzes, such as gelling and melting point in a torque rheometer, rheology by parallel plate rheometer, density, melt flow index in order to understand the influence of each plasticizer on the material processing Some characterizations in the final product as thermal stability through TGA, Metrastat, optical and mechanical properties such as hardness Shore A, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, resilience, aging in UV chamber as well as exudation tests. The results indicate different behaviors of PVC depending on the chemical nature of the plasticizer used. Results indicate that the DIMIT plasticizer had good thermal stability, but the color and processability results were unsatisfactory when compared to the DOP. In the other hand, the OSE and DOA presented good results for the evaluated properties. It can be concluded that among the plasticizers analyzed it wasn´t possible to determine the best for direct DOP replacement considering the entire range of flexible PVC products. However, this work contributes to the evaluation and selection of the best plasticizer based on the requirements of each application.

In the present study, both in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to investigate modes of action of selected EDCs including mercury chloride (HgCl2), bisphenol A (BPA), vinclozolin (VZ) and Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) on male reproductive physiology in fish. Results obtained from in vitro studies showed that EDCs decrease sperm motility via disruption in energetics and damage to spermatozoa; however the effective doses are higher than reported in the environmentally relevant concentrations. In contrast, in vivo studies showed adverse effects of BPA, VZ, and DEHP on sperm quality at environmentally relevant concentrations. Decrease in sperm quality is associated with disruption in testicular steroidogenesis, particularly inhibition of androgens. Only BPA induced vitellogenin production, associated with increase in transcripts of estrogen receptor, androgen receptor and cytochrome P450 mRNA at the high dose approaching environmental level. Inhibition of androgen production is due to disruption in transfer of cholesterol into the steroidogenesis pathway, because transcript of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein mRNA was decreased. In addition, BPA acts through sex steroid-mediated mechanism while DEHP mode of action is sex-steroid independent mechanism.

O poli(cloreto de vinila) - PVC é considerado um polímero muito versátil devido à possibilidade deste ser formulado mediante a incorporação de aditivos, alterando suas características originais. Plastificantes a base de ftalatos, como o di(2-etilhexil) ftalato (DOP) são os mais utilizados, porém, existem regulamentações que estão restringindo a sua utilização, intensificando-se os estudos com possíveis alternativos. Desta forma, este trabalho visa avaliar a influência de plastificantes de diferentes naturezas nas propriedades físicas, mecânicas, térmicas e reológicas do PVC plastificado. Para formulação dos compostos foi utilizado a resina Norvic SP1000 produzida via suspensão, com VK65 e portanto, propícia para aplicações de materiais flexíveis, além disso, para cada composto utilizou-se uma dosagem de 60 pcr de sete diferentes plastificantes: DOP, considerado como referência para comparação dos resultados, diisononil ciclohexano (DINCH), di(2-etilhexil) ciclohexanoato (DOCH), di(2-etilhexil) adipato (DOA), di(2-etilhexil) tereftalato (DOTP), óleo de soja epoxidado (OSE) e plastificante de óleos vegetais (DIMIT) Neste estudo foram efetuadas avaliações nos compostos como, gelificação e fusão, reologia via reômetro de placas paralelas, densidade, índice de fluidez entre outras para compreender a influência de cada plastificante no processamento do composto e várias caracterizações no produto final como estabilidade térmica dos compostos via TGA, Metrastat, propriedades óticas, propriedades mecânicas como dureza Shore A, tração, resistência a abrasão, resiliência, envelhecimento em câmara UV assim como ensaios de exsudação dos plastificantes. Os resultados indicam comportamentos distintos do PVC em função da natureza química do plastificante utilizado. O plastificante DIMIT possui boa estabilidade térmica, porém os resultados de cor e parâmetros de processamento foram insatisfatórios quando comparados ao DOP, já os plastificantes OSE e DOA apresentaram bons resultados para as propriedades avaliadas. Conclui-se que dentre os plastificantes analisados não foi possível determinar qual seria o melhor para substituição direta do DOP considerando toda a gama de produtos flexíveis de PVC, contudo esse trabalho colabora para a avaliação e seleção do melhor plastificante com base nos requisitos de cada aplicação do produto. / The poly (vinyl chloride) - PVC is a very versatile polymer due to the possibility of being formulated by incorporating additives, which can change the resin characteristics. Plasticizers composed of phthalates, such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DOP), are the most used, however, there are regulations restricting the use of this kind of plasticizers, intensifying studies with possible replacement alternatives. In this way, the objective of this work is to evaluate the influence of plasticizers from different sources in PVC, mainly physical, mechanical thermal stability, and rheological properties in the plasticized PVC. In the formulation of the compounds it was used the resin Norvic SP1000, product with VK65 and produced by suspension, suitable for flexible materials applications. In addition, it was used 60 phr of seven different plasticizers for each compound: DOP, considered as reference for all results, cyclohexane diisononyl (DINCH), di(2-ethylhexyl) cyclohexanoate (DOCH), di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DOA), di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DOTP), epoxidized soybean oil (OSE) and plasticizer produced from vegetable oils (DIMIT). In this study, the compounds were evaluated with many characterization analyzes, such as gelling and melting point in a torque rheometer, rheology by parallel plate rheometer, density, melt flow index in order to understand the influence of each plasticizer on the material processing Some characterizations in the final product as thermal stability through TGA, Metrastat, optical and mechanical properties such as hardness Shore A, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, resilience, aging in UV chamber as well as exudation tests. The results indicate different behaviors of PVC depending on the chemical nature of the plasticizer used. Results indicate that the DIMIT plasticizer had good thermal stability, but the color and processability results were unsatisfactory when compared to the DOP. In the other hand, the OSE and DOA presented good results for the evaluated properties. It can be concluded that among the plasticizers analyzed it wasn´t possible to determine the best for direct DOP replacement considering the entire range of flexible PVC products. However, this work contributes to the evaluation and selection of the best plasticizer based on the requirements of each application.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-07-26T11:39:23Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - João Paulo Santos Carmo - 2016.pdf: 2412305 bytes, checksum: 19777a4bdead74386cf88a869674700c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-07-26T11:41:09Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - João Paulo Santos Carmo - 2016.pdf: 2412305 bytes, checksum: 19777a4bdead74386cf88a869674700c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-26T11:41:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - João Paulo Santos Carmo - 2016.pdf: 2412305 bytes, checksum: 19777a4bdead74386cf88a869674700c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / It is possible to observe an increase related research for the synthesis of coordination compounds and crystal lattices using transition metals and organic binders due to their great potential applications. The aim of this study was to synthesize the compounds Phthalate, Isophthalate and Terephthalate of Cobalt and Manganese through the reaction of the metal carbonate in excess with their acids studied. The synthesized compounds are presented in the form of crystalline solids. These compounds were characterized using analytical techniques: Simultaneous Thermogravimetric and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC-TG), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermogravimetry Analysis coupled to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). From the TG-DSC curves was possible to evaluate the thermal stability and the dehydration mechanism as well’as the empirical formula of the compounds as CoFta ∙ 2.5H2O, CoIFta ∙ 5H2O, CoTFta ∙ 4,5H2O for cobalt compounds and MnFta ∙ 0.5H2O, MnIFta ∙ 2.5H2O and MnTfta for manganese compounds. Even through the infrared spectra (FTIR), it was also possible to suggest the metal-ligand coordination mode as bridge for all compounds synthesized. / É possível observar um aumento de trabalhos referentes a compostos de coordenação e de redes cristalinas usando metais de transição e ligantes orgânicos devido aos seus grandes potenciais de aplicação. O objetivo desse trabalho foi sintetizar os compostos de Ftalato, Isoftalato e Tereftalato de Cobalto e Manganês através da reação do carbonato metálico em excesso com os respectivos ácidos estudados. Os compostos sintetizados se apresentaram na forma de sólidos cristalinos e foram caracterizados através das técnicas: Termogravimetria e Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial simultânea (TG-DSC), Espectroscopia de Infravermelho por Transformada de Fourier (FTIR). Termogravimetria acoplada a Espectroscopia de Infravermelho por Transformada de Fourier (TG-FTIR), Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC). A partir das curvas TG-DSC foi possível avaliar a estabilidade térmica e o mecanismo de desidratação, bem como a fórmula mínima dos compostos como sendo CoFta∙2,5H2O, CoIFta∙5H2O, CoTFta∙4,5H2O para os compostos de cobalto e MnFta∙0,5H2O, MnIFta∙2,5H2O e MnTfta para os compostos de manganês. Ainda através dos espectros de infravermelho (FTIR) foi possível sugerir o modo de coordenação entre metal-ligante como em ponte para todos os compostos sintetizados

Phthalates are industrial plasticizers with a wide range of applications. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most highly produced and frequently studied phthalates. Its metabolite, mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) is known as a testicular toxicant. The objective of this study was to examine expression of the genes of interest in testicular germ cells exposed to MEHP in a dose- and time-dependent manner at concentrations of 1µM, 10µM, and 100µM at 24, 48, 72 and 96hr time points. The genes consisted of Testisin, GSPT1, and MGMT genes which are a tumor suppressors, phase II xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme and DNA repair gene respectively. These genes were analyzed by Quantitative Real Time PCR (RT-PCR). The results revealed an overall down-regulation for each gene as the concentration and/or time increased. Testisin was the focus of the gene expression analysis. Testisin is epigenetically silenced in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) by DNA methylation at the 5’CpG island of the gene. To investigate if MEHP is capable of DNA hypermethylation, a co-exposure with 5-azacytidine (demethylating agent) was conducted. Compared with the 5-azacytidine treatment alone, there was a significant down-regulation of the Testisin gene in the co-exposure. This suggests that MEHP may down-regulate Testisin gene expression by DNA methylation. These findings provide evidence that MEHP can alter the expression of Testisin, GSTP1 and MGMT, genes that are associated in the risk of developing testicular germ cell tumors. In addition, results indicated that MEHP may cause DNA methylation leading to the down-regulation/silencing of genes such as Testisin.

Allergies and asthma result from immune responses to common environmental antigens. Despite the fact that both diseases have been described as having a strong genetic background, influences by environmental factors are not negligible. In fact, direct exposure to environmental pollutants (e.g tobacco smoke or chemicals) has already been associated with the development of such diseases and pieces of evidence pile up that early life exposure to these substances is critical. The group of chemicals called 'phthalates' are classified among the incriminated substances. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are part of the cellular elements that can be influenced by such exposure. They have been extensively studied over the last decade, highlighting potential roles in both normal and pathological cell functions, and have been associated with various diseases including some immune-related ones such as allergic reactions. Nevertheless, the role they play in environmental health still requires to be clarified. Maternal exposure to benzyl butyl phthalate (BzBP), a chemical from the phthalate family present in daily-life products (e.g. vinyl flooring, adhesives), has been associated with allergies and asthma development in cohort studies. The underlying cellular mechanisms remain nonetheless mostly unknown. Because the immune cells T helper (TH) and B cells are key actors in such pathologies, we hypothesized that maternal exposure to BzBP may have an impact on asthma and allergy development by affecting these cells. The present study therefore focused on the effect of maternal exposure to BzBP on TH and B cells, with a particular interest in BzBP-induced changes in lncRNAs expression, motivated by their cellular functions and their putative responsiveness to chemicals. Using a murine model and RNA-sequencing, we observed that perinatal (during pregnancy and breastfeeding) and prenatal (pregnancy only) exposure to BzBP led to differential expression in TH cells, including for lncRNAs. With the aim of identifying putative roles of BzBP-regulated lncRNAs, weighted correlation network analysis was performed. The results suggest that some of the non-coding transcripts regulated by prenatal exposure to BzBP may be involved in TH cell-related functions such as cell activation, TH2-cytokines expression and regulation of the inflammatory response. Differential expression of lncRNAs due to prenatal exposure to BzBP was also observed in mouse B cells. Recently published RNA-sequencing data for B cell development and activation (Brazao et al., 2016) were integrated with our own data for correlation network analysis. The results revealed that some of the BzBP-regulated lncRNAs were correlated with genes involved in B cell-related functions. In particular, we hypothesized that two of these lncRNAs may play a role in germinal center B cell functions. Several non-coding transcripts that are regulated by prenatal exposure to BzBP and that may be involved in TH cell-related processes and in germinal center B cell functions were therefore identified. Due to the association of the concerned processes and of this B cell sub-population with the development of allergies and asthma, we suspect these genes to also be actors in such phenomenons after prenatal exposure to BzBP. We propose models of how these genes are involved in immune-related functions and how their regulation by BzBP may be critical. Taken together, these data thus provide a whole new layer of information of the toxicological effect of prenatal exposure to BzBP and of how this exposure might be associated with allergies and asthma development by providing an insight of underlying cellular mechanisms. Moreover, our study also contributes to filling the gaps in the knowledge concerning the roles of lncRNAs in environmental health by showing that BzBP influences non-coding transcripts that may be involved in pathologies.

The American public is bombarded with chemically fragranced products every day, typically in combination with each other. These products can include cosmetics, perfumes, detergents, air fresheners, soaps, and deodorants. Contained in these fragranced products are chemicals that can be harmful to child health and development. Many articles have been published examining the chemicals found in fragranced products and the effects that these chemicals can have on the human body. This integrated literature review examines empirical evidence related to the health and safety of particular chemicals used in these products. Nurses need to be aware of the actual and potential harms from the chemicals used in the self-regulating cosmetic industry and can advocate for public policies that promote a safer environment, therefore protecting the health and wellbeing of children.