Nous abordons dans ce memoire deux methodes d'exploration des tissus biologiques. Premierement nous presenterons une technique spectroscopique invasive d'investigation des tissus cerebraux profonds. Cette technique utilisant des sondes optiques en miniature tire partie de la forte retrodiffusion de la lumiere par les tissus biologiques. Ainsi, l'attenuation lumineuse qu'on mesure experimentallement contient des informations non seulement sur les proprietes de diffusion mais aussi sur les concentrations des chromophores qu'ils contiennent. Le resultat est la posibilite d'envisager la mise en oeuvre d'une methode d'observation directe de certains paramatres hemodynamiques dont la saturation tissulaire en oxygene ou la concentration en hemoglobine totale. Deuxiemement nous presenterons une methode d'imagerie des tissus biologiques en particulier de l'oeil: la tomographie optique coherente. Sa technique tire partie de proprietes de coherence de la lumiere. Ainsi, l'interference constructive des faisceux lumineux provenant de deux bras d'un interferometre de type Michelson donne naissance a un signal contenant des informations sur la reflectivite provenant d'un domaine spatial de la cible limite par la longueur de coherence de la source. En utilisant ces bases theoriques nous avons mis en oeuvre un system OCT rapide utilisant un scanner resonant.

<p>The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of the SLC22A1 gene and to deduce its possible pharmacogenetic implications within the Cape Coloured population of South&nbsp / Africa / a uniquely admixed population of immigrant Europeans, Asians and the indigenous populations. Recent studies have reported an abundance of polymorphic variants within this solute&nbsp / carrier transporter gene encoding for the organic cation transporter 1, as well as evidence linking these variants to an effect on metformin uptake. This study included establishing baseline&nbsp / frequency distribution of previously reported alleles for 20 SNP variants within the SLC22A1 gene, as well as the development of SNaPshot&reg / and Multiplex AS-PCR genotyping assays, and&nbsp / also exploring the possibility of using High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis as a costeffective alternative for SNP genotyping. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the&nbsp / University of the Western Cape. Biological samples in the form of buccal (oral) swabs were collected from 132 unrelated voluntary donors from the Cape Coloured population residing in the&nbsp / Cape Metropolitan area. Two SNaPshot&reg / Multiplex Systems were specifically designed for the study,successfully optimized and used for genotyping. Hundred genetic profiles were then generated for a total of 20 SNP variants on SLC22A1 gene, using this primer extension-based genotyping method that enables multiplexing up 10 SNPs. Population genetics data obtained for&nbsp / the investigated SNPs were analysed using various statistical analysis software. Important population genetic parameters were calculated, and possible pharmacogenetics implications were then discussed. Among others, allelic and genotypic frequencies, as well as linkage disequilibrium were determined and compared with world populations. Minor deviation from Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium was observed in the Cape Coloured population. No significantLinkage Disequilibrium between the investigated SNPs was observed in this population. A Multiplex allele specific &ndash / PCR (MAS-PCR) genotyping&nbsp / system was successfully designed and optimized for the genotyping of 10 SNPs from the SLC22A1. This system, also developed specifically for this study, was made of 2 multiplexes each covering 5 SNPs. It is an inexpensive genotyping assay that allows for efficient discrimination of SNP polymorphisms in one reaction tube with standard PCR conditions. A pilot study was&nbsp / conducted to explore the possibility of using High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis as a cost-effective alternative for SNP genotyping. In addition to genotyping, HRM analysis can be used to scan&nbsp / large numbers of samples for novel genetic variations.&nbsp / </p>

<p>Cross-linked films of ε-caprolactone (CL) and 1,5-dioxepan-2-one (DXO) having various mole fractions of monomers and different cross-link densities were prepared using 2,2’-bis-(-caprolactone-4-yl) propane (BCP) as cross-linking agent and Sn(Oct)2 as catalyst. Reaction parameters were examined to optimize the film-forming conditions. Networks obtained were elastomeric materials, easy to cast and remove from the mould. Effect of CL content and cross-link density on the final properties of the polymer network was evaluated. Thermal, mechanical and surface properties of the films were controlled by monomer feed composition and cross-link density. The films have potential to be used for tissue engineering applications as shown by preliminary cell growth studies. To avoid organometallic catalysts in the synthesis of poly(1,5-dioxepan-2-one) (PDXO), the enzyme-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of DXO was performed with lipase-CA (derived from Candida antarctica) as a biocatalyst. A linear relationship between number-average molecular weight (Mn) and monomer conversion was observed, which suggested that the product molecular weight can be controlled by the stoichiometry of the reactants. The monomer consumption followed a first-order rate law with respect to monomer and no chain termination occurred. Effect of reaction water content, enzyme concentration and polymerization temperature on monomer conversion and polymer properties was studied. An initial activation by heating the enzyme was sufficient to start the polymerization as monomer conversion occurred at room temperature afterwards. Terminal-functionalized polyesters and tri-block polyesters were synthesized by lipase-CA catalyzed ROP of DXO and CL in the presence of an appropriate alcohol as initiator. Alcohol bearing unsaturation introduced a double bond at the chain end of the polyester, which is a useful pathway to synthesize comb polymers. Dihydroxyl compounds were used as macro-initiators to form tri-block polyesters. The enzyme-catalyzed polymerization of lactones has been shown to be a useful method to synthesize metal-free polyesters.</p>

<p>The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of the SLC22A1 gene and to deduce its possible pharmacogenetic implications within the Cape Coloured population of South&nbsp / Africa / a uniquely admixed population of immigrant Europeans, Asians and the indigenous populations. Recent studies have reported an abundance of polymorphic variants within this solute&nbsp / carrier transporter gene encoding for the organic cation transporter 1, as well as evidence linking these variants to an effect on metformin uptake. This study included establishing baseline&nbsp / frequency distribution of previously reported alleles for 20 SNP variants within the SLC22A1 gene, as well as the development of SNaPshot&reg / and Multiplex AS-PCR genotyping assays, and&nbsp / also exploring the possibility of using High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis as a costeffective alternative for SNP genotyping. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the&nbsp / University of the Western Cape. Biological samples in the form of buccal (oral) swabs were collected from 132 unrelated voluntary donors from the Cape Coloured population residing in the&nbsp / Cape Metropolitan area. Two SNaPshot&reg / Multiplex Systems were specifically designed for the study,successfully optimized and used for genotyping. Hundred genetic profiles were then generated for a total of 20 SNP variants on SLC22A1 gene, using this primer extension-based genotyping method that enables multiplexing up 10 SNPs. Population genetics data obtained for&nbsp / the investigated SNPs were analysed using various statistical analysis software. Important population genetic parameters were calculated, and possible pharmacogenetics implications were then discussed. Among others, allelic and genotypic frequencies, as well as linkage disequilibrium were determined and compared with world populations. Minor deviation from Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium was observed in the Cape Coloured population. No significantLinkage Disequilibrium between the investigated SNPs was observed in this population. A Multiplex allele specific &ndash / PCR (MAS-PCR) genotyping&nbsp / system was successfully designed and optimized for the genotyping of 10 SNPs from the SLC22A1. This system, also developed specifically for this study, was made of 2 multiplexes each covering 5 SNPs. It is an inexpensive genotyping assay that allows for efficient discrimination of SNP polymorphisms in one reaction tube with standard PCR conditions. A pilot study was&nbsp / conducted to explore the possibility of using High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis as a cost-effective alternative for SNP genotyping. In addition to genotyping, HRM analysis can be used to scan&nbsp / large numbers of samples for novel genetic variations.&nbsp / </p>

On January 1, 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) entered into by and between Mexico, Canada and the United States, came into force. Chapter 19 of NAFTA addresses the Review and Dispute Settlement in Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Matters. Furthermore, article 1904 of NAFTA, addresses issues related to the Review of Final Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Determinations. The said article stipulates that an involved Party may request that a panel review, based on the administrative record, a final antidumping or countervailing duty determination of a competent investigating authority of an importing Party. The object of such review is to determine whether the determination was in accordance with the antidumping or countervailing duty law of the importing Party. In order to review such determination, the panel shall apply the standard of review set out in Annex 1911 of NAFTA, and the general legal principles that a court of the importing Party otherwise would apply to review a determination of the competent investigating authority. / Since these kinds of regulations are quite new in the Mexican legal system, the interpretation of the standard of review, has raised a lot of discussion among several panelists, governmental authorities and authors. Therefore, this paper will focus on the application and interpretation of the standard of review under NAFTA chapter 19, mainly by Mexican authorities.

A terapia fotodinâmica (PDT) é uma alternativa promissora de tratamento para lesões pré-cancerosas e para câncer de pele não-melanoma, como o carcinoma espinocelular, agressivo e potencialmente metastático. Visando melhorar a eficiência da terapia fotodinâmica de carcinoma espinocelular de pele, este estudo otimizou o tempo para início da terapia, avaliou a eficácia dos fotossensibilizadores ácido aminolevulínico (ALA- 20%) e o metil-ester aminolevulínico (MEALA-10%) e verificou o coeficiente de atenuação relativo à pele normal dos grupos experimentais, por meio de Tomografia por Coerência Óptica. Para a indução do tumor foi realizada a carcinogênese química (DMBA/TPA) por um período de 28 semanas. A espectroscopia de fluorescência foi utilizada para monitoração da emissão da molécula de protoporfirina IX, induzida pelo ALA e MEALA. A aquisição de dados a cada 30 minutos totalizando um período de 360 minutos, permitiu verificar a máxima incorporação de ALA e MEALA em 300 e 330 minutos após a aplicação, respectivamente. Após a otimização foi realizada a PDT, avaliação clínica, histopatológica e análise por OCT dos grupos experimentais, por meio das quais verificou-se maior eficiência do grupo tratado com MEALA. No período de 20 dias, o percentual de lesões com redução de área maior que 50%, foi de 33% na PDT com ALA e 83% para o MEALA. Os coeficientes de atenuação ópticos para os grupos com neoplasia foram maiores do que os do grupo controle. Os grupos tratados com PDT apresentaram valores de coeficiente de atenuação que se aproximam dos valores obtidos para a pele sadia, evidenciando a resposta ao tratamento. Entretanto para ambos os fotossensibilizadores utilizados, a PDT mostrou-se eficaz quando iniciada nos tempos determinados neste estudo, e a técnica de OCT mostrou-se uma potencial ferramenta na avaliação deste tratamento. / Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising alternative for pre-cancerous lesions and non-melanoma skin cancer treatment as squamous cells carcinoma, which is aggressive and potentially metastatic. Aiming the improvement of photodynamic therapy efficiency for skin squamous cells carcinoma, this study has optimized the time to start the therapy, it also evaluated the effectiveness of the aminolevulinic acid (ALA-20%) and methyl-ester aminolevulinic (MEALA-10%) as photosensitizers as well as verified the optical attenuation coefficient relative to normal skin of the experimental groups by optical coherence tomography (OCT). A chemical carcinogenesis was performed (DMBA/TPA), by a period of 28 days. Fluorescence Spectroscopy was used to monitor the emission of protoporphyrin IX induced by ALA and MEALA. Signal acquisition was performed every 30 minutes for a total period of 360 minutes, showing a maximum incorporation of ALA and MEALA, 300 and 330 minutes after the application. PDT was conducted after the optimization of the irradiation time. Clinical and histopathologic evaluation and OCT analysis of the experimental groups showed higher efficiency of the MEALA-treated group. After 20 days of treatment, the percentage of lesions with area reduction greater than 50%, was 33% for the ALA group and 83% for the MEALA group. The optical attenuation coefficients for groups with cancer were higher than those in the control group. The groups treated with PDT presented attenuation coefficient values that are close to the values obtained for healthy skin, showing the positive response to the treatment. This study showed that PDT was effective for both photosensitizers when initiated at the times determined in this study, and OCT technique proved to be a potential tool in the assessment of this treatment.

Les parties distales des marges passives pauvres en magma représentent la transition complexe entre les domaines continentaux et océaniques. Ces zones encore peu étudiées sont pourtant des endroits clefs pour comprendre les processus impliqués durant les premiers stades de l’accrétion océanique, et plus particulièrement ceux du magmatisme et du métasomatisme. Durant ces premiers stades, ces deux processus sont gouvernés par l’exhumation mantellique. L’interaction entre les liquides magmatiques, les roches du manteau et les fluides marins vont affecter le régime thermique de la marge. De par le monde, seulement deux Transitions Océan-Continent (TOC) ont pu bénéficier d’investigations scientifiques poussées et constituent naturellement les deux sites d’études de cette thèse, à savoir, les marges actuelles conjuguées d’Ibérie-Terre Neuve du sud de l’Atlantique Nord ainsi que les marges fossiles de la Platta et de Tasna, fragments de TOCs de la Téthys Alpine Jurassique. En combinant les études de terrain ainsi que les investigations minéralogiques, pétrologiques et géochimiques, nous avons pu contraindre trois processus clefs se déroulant dans les TOCs. (i) La percolation de liquide magmatique imprégnant le manteau sous-continental hérité dans les marges Ibérie-Terre Neuve permet une refertilisation de ces marges distales. (ii) La transition géochimique visible entre les basaltes des TOCs et les basaltes de dorsales océaniques peut s’appréhender par la fusion partielle du manteau sous-continental refertilisé. (iii) Le rôle des fluides hydrothermaux, ayant des températures comprises entre 60°C et 190°C, joue un rôle sur le métasomatisme de la lithosphère en produisant une intense serpentinisation et rodingitisation, respectivement du manteau sous-continental en exhumation et des dykes basaltiques. Ces températures étant cohérentes avec une exhumation mantellique au niveau du plancher océanique. / Distal parts of magma-poor rifted margins represent a complex transition between continental and oceanic domains. These areas remain poorly understood while being a key-place to unravel magmatic and metasomatic processes involved during the first stages of oceanization. At this time, these processes are enhanced by mantle exhumation, and the interaction between melts, mantle rocks and fluids affect the thermal regime of the margin. So far, only two Ocean-Continent Transitions (OCT) have been particularly investigated, namely the present-day Iberia Newfoundland conjugate margins and the fossil analog Platta-Tasna nappes, remnants of the Jurassic Alpine-Tethys OCTs. Studies presented in this Ph.D. thesis have been focused on these two margins. Here, by combining field-works, petrological, mineralogical and geochemical investigations, we have unraveled in OCTs three key-points: (i) The deep porous-flow melt percolation impregnating the long-lived inherited subcontinental mantle in Iberia-Newfoundland margins allow the refertilization of these distal domains; (ii) The geochemical transition depicted from OCT-basalts towards MOR-basalts can be explained by the partial melting of the refertilized subcontinental mantle; (iii) The role of active hydrothermal fluids, on both the exhumed mantle and basalt dikes, lead to the serpentinisation and the rodingitization respectively, at temperature ranging between 60°C and 190°C. These temperatures being consistent with the ongoing mantle exhumation towards near-seafloor conditions.

Une démarche de type génie de la réaction chimique est appliquée à l'hydroformylation modèle d'oct-1-ène par des complexes lipophobes du rhodium préparés à partir de Rh(CO)2(acac) en phase liquide ionique ([Bmim][PF6]) ou en phase liquide ionique supportée sur silice. La réaction étant contrôlée par la concentration des réactifs dans la phase liquide ionique catalytique, une première étape a consisté à mesurer ces concentrations tant pour les deux gaz (H2 et CO) que pour l'oct-1-ène à différentes températures et pressions. Diverses méthodes de mesures sont utilisées pour la solubilité de l'oléfine : thermogravimétrie et chromatographie gazeuse après extraction multiple d’espace de tête, en présence de solvant (décane) et du produit de la réaction (nonanal). Le transfert gaz-liquide, qui peut conditionner la vitesse de réaction dans ces milieux visqueux, est également mesuré par une technique dynamique de variation de pression, en liquide ionique pur et en mélange biphasique liquide ionique-phase organique, dans un réacteur autoclave à autoaspiration de gaz par arbre creux. Une corrélation générale est proposée montrant une forte influence de la vitesse d'agitation.Une étude cinétique est réalisée en conditions de transferts non limitants en gaz-liquide organique-liquide ionique avec la TPPTS comme ligand. Les comportements habituels de l’hydroformylation  en  phase organique ou en phase aqueuse sont retrouvés : ordre voisin de 1 pour H2, inhibition par CO à forte concentration, énergie d'activation élevée. Si le turnover est convenable (70 h-1), le rapport n/iso est par contre très bas ce qui n'est pas en faveur de ce système catalytique. Quelques résultats permettent aussi une première analyse de la catalyse biphasique avec le ligand sulfoxantphos et de la catalyse en phase liquide ionique supportée sur silice avec la TPPTS. / A chemical reaction engineering approach is applied to the hydroformylation of 1-octene using lipophobic complexes of rhodium prepared from Rh(CO)2(acac) in ionic liquid phase ([Bmim] [PF6]) or in the ionic liquid phase supported on silica. As the reaction is controlled by the concentration of the reagents in the catalytic ionic liquid phase, the concentrations of both gases (H2 and CO) and also of 1-octene are measured at various temperatures and pressures as an initial step. Different methods are used for the measurement of the olefin solubility inside the ionic liquid: thermogravimetry and multiple headspace chromatography, in the presence of solvent (decane) and reaction product (nonanal). The gas-liquid mass transfer, which can be a rate controlling step in these viscous media, is also measured by a dynamic technique of pressure variation, both in case of pure ionic liquid and biphasic mixture of ionic liquid and organic phase, in an autoclave reactor with self induced stirrer. A general correlation is proposed showing the strong influence of the agitation speed. A kinetic study is realized in no gas–liquid nor organic–ionic liquid mass transfer limiting conditions (chemical regime) with TPPTS as ligand. The usual hydroformylation behaviour is observed, as already found in organic phase or in aqueous phase: order close to 1 for H2, inhibition by CO at large concentration, and high activation energy. If the turnover frequency is suitable (70 h-1), the n/iso ratio is very low which is not favourable to this catalytic system. Some experimental results also allow a first analysis of biphasic catalysis with sulfoxantphos ligand and of ionic liquid phase supported catalysis with TPPTS ligand.

Magister Scientiae - MSc / The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of the SLC22A1 gene and to deduce its possible pharmacogenetic implications within the Cape Coloured population of South Africa; a uniquely admixed population of immigrant Europeans, Asians and the indigenous populations. Recent studies have reported an abundance of polymorphic variants within this solute carrier transporter gene encoding for the organic cation transporter 1, as well as evidence linking these variants to an effect on metformin uptake. This study included establishing baseline frequency distribution of previously reported alleles for 20 SNP variants within the SLC22A1 gene, as well as the development of SNaPshot® and Multiplex AS-PCR genotyping assays, and also exploring the possibility of using High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis as a costeffective alternative for SNP genotyping. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the University of the Western Cape. Biological samples in the form of buccal (oral) swabs were collected from 132 unrelated voluntary donors from the Cape Coloured population residing in the Cape Metropolitan area. Two SNaPshot® Multiplex Systems were specifically designed for the study,successfully optimized and used for genotyping. Hundred genetic profiles were then generated for a total of 20 SNP variants on SLC22A1 gene, using this primer extension-based genotyping method that enables multiplexing up 10 SNPs. Population genetics data obtained for the investigated SNPs were analysed using various statistical analysis software. Important population genetic parameters were calculated, and possible pharmacogenetics implications were then discussed. Among others, allelic and genotypic frequencies, as well as linkage disequilibrium were determined and compared with world populations. Minor deviation from Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium was observed in the Cape Coloured population. No significantLinkage Disequilibrium between the investigated SNPs was observed in this population. A Multiplex allele specific – PCR (MAS-PCR) genotyping system was successfully designed and optimized for the genotyping of 10 SNPs from the SLC22A1. This system, also developed specifically for this study, was made of 2 multiplexes each covering 5 SNPs. It is an inexpensive genotyping assay that allows for efficient discrimination of SNP polymorphisms in one reaction tube with standard PCR conditions. A pilot study was conducted to explore the possibility of using High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis as a cost-effective alternative for SNP genotyping. In addition to genotyping, HRM analysis can be used to scan large numbers of samples for novel genetic variations. / South Africa

<p>The goal of my Ph.D. thesis is to enhance the visualization of the peripheral retina using wide-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) in a clinical setting.</p><p>OCT has gain widespread adoption in clinical ophthalmology due to its ability to visualize the diseases of the macula and central retina in three-dimensions, however, clinical OCT has a limited field-of-view of 300. There has been increasing interest to obtain high-resolution images outside of this narrow field-of-view, because three-dimensional imaging of the peripheral retina may prove to be important in the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and dementia, and the monitoring of known ocular diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, and choroid masses.</p><p>Before attempting to build a wide-field OCT system, we need to better understand the peripheral optics of the human eye. Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors are commonly used tools for measuring the optical imperfections of the eye, but their acquisition speed is limited by their underlying camera hardware. The first aim of my thesis research is to create a fast method of ocular wavefront sensing such that we can measure the wavefront aberrations at numerous points across a wide visual field. In order to address aim one, we will develop a sparse Zernike reconstruction technique (SPARZER) that will enable Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors to use as little as 1/10th of the data that would normally be required for an accurate wavefront reading. If less data needs to be acquired, then we can increase the speed at which wavefronts can be recorded.</p><p>For my second aim, we will create a sophisticated optical model that reproduces the measured aberrations of the human eye. If we know how the average eye's optics distort light, then we can engineer ophthalmic imaging systems that preemptively cancel inherent ocular aberrations. This invention will help the retinal imaging community to design systems that are capable of acquiring high resolution images across a wide visual field. The proposed model eye is also of interest to the field of vision science as it aids in the study of how anatomy affects visual performance in the peripheral retina.</p><p>Using the optical model from aim two, we will design and reduce to practice a clinical OCT system that is capable of imaging a large (800) field-of-view with enhanced visualization of the peripheral retina. A key aspect of this third and final aim is to make the imaging system compatible with standard clinical practices. To this end, we will incorporate sensorless adaptive optics in order to correct the inter- and intra- patient variability in ophthalmic aberrations. Sensorless adaptive optics will improve both the brightness (signal) and clarity (resolution) of features in the peripheral retina without affecting the size of the imaging system.</p><p>The proposed work should not only be a noteworthy contribution to the ophthalmic and engineering communities, but it should strengthen our existing collaborations with the Duke Eye Center by advancing their capability to diagnose pathologies of the peripheral retinal.</p> / Dissertation