O copolímero SBS é o aditivo mais empregado mundialmente na modificação de ligantes asfálticos, por melhorar diversas de suas características. Um dos principais problemas deste tipo de formulação é a separação de fases, que pode ser minimizada com a incorporação de aditivos. Um novo polietileno de alta densidade e baixo peso molecular oxidado (com denominação comercial TITAN 9686) foi utilizado nesta pesquisa, com o objetivo de testar a hipótese de que a adição de proporções adequadas deste aditivo possa melhorar as características reológicas do asfalto+SBS. O experimento laboratorial foi delineado com base na técnica de experimentos com misturas, englobando um total de nove formulações compostas com asfalto, SBS e TITAN. O teor de SBS variou entre 0 e 5% em peso e o de polietileno variou entre 0 e 2% em peso. Foi utilizado óleo aromático no teor de 4% em peso para todas as nove misturas. As misturas foram analisadas em três condições de envelhecimento: virgem, curto prazo (na estufa RTFO) e longo prazo (na estufa PAV). Foram realizados os seguintes ensaios reológicos: (i) de cisalhamento em regime oscilatório em diferentes condições de temperatura e frequência (para medida do módulo complexo e do ângulo de fase, usados na determinação do grau de desempenho, no cálculo dos parâmetros G*/sen(δ) e G*.sen(δ) e na construção de curvas-mestre), (ii) de viscosidade Brookfield, (iii) de fluência e recuperação sob múltiplas tensões (para medida do percentual de recuperação e da compliância não-recuperável), (iv) de varredura de amplitude linear (para cálculo do parâmetro a f e para ajuste do modelo de fadiga) e (v) de estabilidade à estocagem. Acerca das características escolhidas para mensurar a melhora ou piora das propriedades das misturas asfalto+SBS com a adição de TITAN, podem ser feitas as seguintes observações: (i) a estabilidade à estocagem é melhorada com a adição de TITAN, em particular no teores entre 1 e 2%; (ii) a sensibilidade ao envelhecimento tanto a curto quanto a longo prazos diminui com a adição de TITAN; (iii) a adição de TITAN aumenta a resistência à deformação permanente, à luz dos parâmetros Jnr e R e aumenta a sensibilidade dos ligantes asfálticos modificados com SBS a mudanças bruscas nos níveis de tensão aplicados; e (iv) a adição de TITAN contribui com o aumento da resistência à fadiga, à luz dos parâmetros Nf , a baixos níveis de deformação, e af , e a prejudica reduzindo o parâmetro Nf a altos níveis de deformação e aumentando a temperatura crítica de fadiga ou o parâmetro G*.sen(δ). Tendo por base estas evidências, é possível concluir que a adição de TITAN, em linhas gerais, melhorou a estabilidade dos ligantes asfálticos modificados com até 5,0% de SBS. Com base nas análises realizadas, é possível afirmar que teores da ordem de 1 a 2% de TITAN, para teores de SBS entre 3,0 e 5,0%, são recomendáveis, à luz das propriedades, índices e parâmetros analisados neste trabalho. / The SBS copolymer is the most widely used additive in asphalt binder modification, since it enhances many of the properties of the original material. A critical problem that arises from this type of modification is phase separation, which can be minimized by adding other modifiers to the formulation. A new oxidized, high-density polyethylene with low molecular weight (commercial designation of \"TITAN 9686\") was used in the study with the purpose of verifying the hypothesis that the addition of suitable contents of this modifier can improve the rheological properties of the SBS-modified binder. The laboratory matrix of formulations was based on the experiments with mixtures, and nine types of materials were prepared with asphalt binder, SBS and TITAN. The SBS contents ranged from 0 to 5% by weight, whereas the polyethylene contents ranged from 0 to 2% by weight. These formulations also contained 4% of aromatic oil by weight. Three aging conditions were selected: unaged, short-term aged in the rolling thin-film oven (RTFO) and long-term aged in the pressurized aging vessel (PAV). The following tests were carried out: (i) dynamic oscillatory shear at different temperatures and frequencies of loading for the determination of the complex modulus, the phase angles and the master curves, as well as the performance grades and the numerical values of the parameters G*/sin(δ) and G*.sen(δ); (ii) rotational viscosity; (iii) creep and recovery at multiple stress levels for the determination and the percent recovery and the nonrecoverable compliance; (iv) linear amplitude sweep, in order to calculate the parameter a f and fit the fatigue model to the data; and (v) storage stability. With respect to the characteristics used in the evaluation of the properties of the AC+SBS mixtures after the addition of TITAN, the following observations can be made: (i) storage stability is improved when TITAN is added to the formulation, especially at contents ranging from 1 to 2%; (ii) the sensitivity to the short-term and long-term aging processes decreased with the incorporation of TITAN; (iii) the changes in the R and the Jnr values indicate that the addition of TITAN makes the asphalt binder more resistant to rutting, and also increases the sensitivity of the SBS-modified binders to sudden increases in the stress level; and (iv) the presence of TITAN in the material leads to an increase in the fatigue resistance as based on the parameters Nf and af at low strain levels and the increases in the critical fatigue temperature and the parameter G*.sen(δ). With reference to these evidences, it is possible to conclude that the addition of TITAN generally improves the storage stability of the SBS-modified binders with no more than 5% of copolymer by weight. Based on the results of the present study, it is possible to say that percentages between 1 and 2% of TITAN by weight are recommended for SBS contents between 3 and 5% by weight.

A aterosclerose é uma doença crônica onde duas características marcantes são observadas: retenção de lipídios e inflamação. Compreender as interações entre as células do sistema imunológico e as lipoproteínas envolvidas na aterogênese são desafios urgentes, uma vez que as doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de morte no mundo. Os macrófagos são cruciais para o desenvolvimento de placas ateroscleróticas e para a perpetuação da inflamação em tais lesões; estas células também estão diretamente envolvidas na ruptura de placa instável. Recentemente diferentes populações de macrófagos estão sendo identificadas nas lesões ateroscleróticas. Embora macrófagos M2 tenham sido identificados, a função destas células na aterosclerose ainda não está definida. Neste projeto, avaliamos se a adição de LDLox altera a função de macrófagos M2. Resultados: 1- Foi possível observar que os M2 se mantem viáveis após o estímulo com as lipoproteínas. 2- Quando avaliamos a expressão de moléculas co-estimulatórias, receptores Scavenger, lectinas e integrinas na superfície das células, observamos que a adição de LDLn ou LDLox em 2 concentrações diferentes (5 e 50ug/ml), por diferentes períodos de tempo não alterou a expressão de nenhum dos marcadores avaliados. A presença de LDL também não alterou outra função primordial dos M2, a capacidade de fagocitose. 3- Quando investigamos a presença de citocinas no sobrenadante das culturas estimuladas ou não com as lipoproteínas, identificamos um aumento na secreção de IL-8, uma citocina pró-inflamatória, na presença de LDLox, semelhante ao observado com a população de macrófagos M1. 4- Avaliamos se os macrófagos M2 estimulados ou não com LDL mantem sua capacidade de favorecer a angiogênese. Observamos que nas culturas estimuladas com o sobrenadante das culturas dos M2 mantidos na presença de LDLox houve uma inibição significativa da formação de túbulos pelas HUVECs. 5- Observamos que na presença do meio condicionado dos M2 estimulados com LDLox ocorreu uma intensa degradação dos filamentos de matriz extracelular produzida por MEFs. 6- Avaliamos a expressão gênica de componentes de matriz, membrana basal, moléculas de adesão, proteases e também inibidores de protease nestas células. Dos 96 genes avaliados, observamos que a adição de LDLox reduziu a expressão de 10 genes de maneira significativa, entre eles: beta-Actina (ACTB), Colágeno 6A2 (Col6A2), Integrina alfa 6 (ITGA6), Metaloproteinase 15 (MMP15), molécula de adesão celular endotelial plaquetária (PECAM) e Inibidor de metalopeptidase 2 (TIMP2). A adição de LDLox aumentou significativamente somente a expressão de trombospondina (TSP1). A adição de LDLn não alterou a expressão de nenhum gene de forma significativa. 7- A adição de LDLox induziu aumento da expressão da TSP1 e redução da expressão de colágeno 6, quando comparadas aos macrófagos M2 sem estímulo. Nossos resultados indicam que a adição de LDLox altera diversas funções dos macrófagos M2 in vitro. Em especial detectamos uma inibição significativa na angiogênese e também a secreção de mediadores que induzem a degradação da matriz extracelular. A adição de LDLox também inibiu a expressão de genes envolvidos com a estabilização da matriz extracelular. Nossos resultados sugerem que esta população de células pode contribuir para a perpetuação do processo inflamatório e degradação tecidual observados na lesão dos pacientes. Assim, acreditamos que este projeto contribuiu para o esclarecimento da participação dos M2 na patologia da aterosclerose / Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease where two key characteristics are observed: lipid retention and inflammation. Understanding the interactions between the cells of the immune system and the lipoproteins involved in atherogenesis are urgent challenges, since cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. Macrophages are crucial for the development of atherosclerotic plaques and for the inflammation in such lesions; These cells are also directly involved in unstable plaque rupture. Recently different populations of macrophages are being identified in atherosclerotic lesions. Although M2 macrophages has been identified, the function of these cells in atherosclerosis has not yet been defined. This project, we evaluated whether the addition of OxLDL alters the function of M2 macrophages. Results: 1- M2 macrophages remain viable after stimulation with the lipoproteins. 2- When evaluated the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, Scavenger receptors, lectins and integrins on the surface of the cells. We observed that the addition of LDLn or OxLDL at 2 different concentrations (5 and 50 ?g / ml) for different time periods did not alter the expression of any of the evaluated markers. 3- The presence of LDL also did not alter other primordial function of M2 cells, phagocytosis. 4- Was observed that cultures stimulated with conditioned medium of OxLDL-stimulated M2 there was a significant inhibition of tubule formation by HUVECs. 5- We observed that in the presence of OxLDL-stimulated M2 cells conditioned médium an intense degradation of the matrix filaments occurred. 6- We evaluated the gene expression of matrix components, basement membrane, adhesion molecules, proteases and also protease inhibitors in these cells. Of the 96 evaluated genes, we observed that the addition of OxLDL significantly reduced the expression of 10 genes, among them: Actin-beta (ACTB), Collagen 6A2 (Col6A2), Integrin alfa 6 (ITGA6), Metaloproteinase 15 (MMP15), Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) and metallopeptidase 2 inhibitor (TIMP2). The addition of OxLDL significantly increased only the expression, thrombospondin-1 (TSP1). Addition of LDLn did not significantly alter the expression of any gene. 7- That OxLDL addition induced increased TSP1 expression and reduced collagen 6 expression, when compared to M2 macrophages without stimulation. Our results indicate that the addition of OxLDL alters several M2 macrophages functions in vitro. In particular we detected a significant inhibition in angiogenesis and also the secretion of mediators that induce the degradation of the extracellular matrix. The addition of OxLDL also inhibited the expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix stabilization. Our results suggest that this cell population may contribute to the perpetuation of the inflammatory process and tissue degradation observed in the lesion of the patients. Thus, we believe that this project contributed to better understand the participation of M2 in the pathology of atherosclerosis

Analysis of compounds present in complex matrices is always a challenge, which can be partly overcome by applying various sample preparation techniques prior to detection. Ideally, the extraction techniques should be as selective as possible, to minimize the concentration of interfering substances. In addition, results can be improved by efficient chromatographic separation of the sample components. The elimination of interfering substances is especially important when utilizing mass spectrometry (MS) as a detection technique since they influence the ionization yields. It is also important to optimize ionization methods in order to minimize detection limits. In the work this thesis is based upon, selective solid phase extraction (SPE) materials, a restricted access material (RAM) and graphitized carbon black (GCB) were employed for clean up and/or pre-concentration of analytes in plasma, urine and agricultural drainage water prior to liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Two SPE formats, in which GCB was incorporated in µ-traps and disks, were developed for cleaning up small and large volume samples, respectively. In addition, techniques based on use of sub-2 µm C18 particles at elevated temperatures and a linear ion trap (LIT) mass spectrometer were developed to improve the efficiency of LC separation and sensitivity of detection of 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) metabolites in human urine. It was also found that GCB can serve not only as a SPE sorbent, but also as a valuable surface for surface-assisted laser desorption ionization (SALDI) of small molecules. The dual functionality of GCB was utilized in a combined screening-identification/quantification procedure for fast elimination of negative samples. This may be particularly useful when processing large numbers of samples. SALDI analyses of small molecules was further investigated and improved by employing two kinds of new surfaces: oxidized GCB nanoparticles and silicon nitride.

A enzima Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) possui atividades paraoxonase, arilestearase e lactonase, entre outras. É a mais estuda da família das PONs que é composta pela PON1, PON2 e PON3. Sugere-se, que todas atuam inibindo o processo de peroxidação lipídica de moléculas como a lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL) e alta densidade (HDL), caracterizando assim um possível papel anti-aterogênico. O gene da PON1 apresenta dois sítios polimórficos, com a troca de uma Gln192Arg (Q/R) e Met55Leu, que estão associados com diferenças na atividade e concentrações séricas da enzima. Por sua vez, indivíduos soropositivos para o HIV-1 apresentam alterações do metabolismo lipídico, que poderiam estar associados a alterações na atividade da PON1 e a terapia antirretroviral (TARV) com inibidores de protease (IP). O objetivo do estudo foi determinar as atividades séricas da PON1 e da arilestearase (ARE), e as freqüências alélicas dos polimorfismos genéticos da PON1 192QR e 55LM, e ainda, avaliar a correlação destes parâmetros com as alterações lipídicas em indivíduos soropositivos para o HIV-1 tratados com IP. No período de Setembro de 2009 até Junho de 2012, 174 indivíduos soropositivos e 46 soronegativos para o HIV-1 foram estudados. Foi realizada a genotipagem dos polimorfismos da PON1 192QR e 55LM através de PCR-RFLP. A atividade sérica da PON1/ARE foi avaliada por espectrofotometria empregando-se como substratos o paraoxon e o fenilacetato, respectivamente. O RNA-HIV-1 foi quantificado pelo método NASBA, e os linfócitos T-CD4+ e T-CD8+ por citometria de fluxo. Os níveis séricos de colesterol total, HDL, LDL, triglicérides (TG), ApoA1 e ApoB100 foram determinados e os anticorpos IgG anti-oxLDL por ELISA. A atividade sérica da PON1 foi inferior nos grupos de soropositivos, p<0,05, porém, a atividade ARE não apresentou diferenças entre os grupos estudados, p>0,05. Ambas as atividades não apresentaram relação com os genótipos PON1 192QR e 55LM, e estes genótipos apresentaram uma freqüência alélica semelhante ao grupo de soronegativos. Os níveis séricos de TG foram superiores nos grupos de soropositivos com TARV, p<0,05, enquanto o grupo tratado com IP apresentou níveis séricos de HDL e Apo-A1 inferiores aos demais grupos, p<0,05. Níveis séricos de Apo-B100, IgG anti-oxLDL, e o índice de risco aterogênico foram superiores no grupo tratado com IP, p<0,05. Concluí-se, que indivíduos soropositivos para o HIV-1 apresentaram alterações no metabolismo lipídico, principalmente nos tratados com IP, que adicionalmente apresentaram um maior índice de risco aterogênico e maiores níveis de anticorpos IgG anti-oxLDL. Estas alterações não apresentaram relação com os polimorfismos PON1 192QR e 55LM da PON1, e demonstraram que a atividade da enzima PON-1 esta diminuída em indivíduos soropositivos para o HIV-1 / The enzyme Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) has paraoxonase (PON), arylesterase (ARE) and lactonase activities, among others. It is the most studied member of PON family which is composed of PON1, PON2 and PON3. It is suggested that all members acts by inhibiting the peroxidation of lipid molecules as the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), characterizing a potential anti-atherogenic effect. The PON1 gene has two mainly polymorphic sites, with an exchange of Gln192Arg (Q/R) and Met55Leu (L/M), which are associated with differences in activity and serum concentrations of the enzyme. In turn, seropositive individuals for HIV-1 show changes in lipid metabolism, which could be associated with changes in the activity of PON1 and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with protease inhibitors (PI). The aim of this study was to determinate the serum PON and ARE activities of PON1, the allele frequencies of PON1 192QR and PON1 55LM genetic polymorphisms and evaluate the correlation between these parameters and lipid abnormalities in seropositive patients for HIV-1 treated with IP. In the period from September 2009 until June 2012, 174 seropositive individuals and 46 soronegative individuals for HIV-1 were studied. We performed PON1 192QR and 55LM genotyping by PCR-RFLP. Serum activities PON and ARE of PON1 were evaluated by spectrophotometry using paraoxon and phenylacetate, respectively, as substrates. The HIV-1-RNA was quantified by the NASBA method, and lymphocytes T-CD4+ and T-CD8+, by flow cytometry. Serum levels of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides (TG), apoA1 and ApoB100 were determined. IgG anti-oxLDL antibodies were quantified by ELISA. The serum PON1 activity was lower in the seropositive group, p<0.05, however, ARE activity did not differ between groups, p>0.05. Both activities had no relation with the PON1 192QR and PON1 55LM genotype, and these individuals showed an allele frequency similar to the seronegative group. Serum levels of TG were higher in groups of HIV-positive with HAART, p<0.05, while the IP-treated group showed serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 lower than other groups, p <0.05. Serum levels of ApoB100, IgG anti-oxLDL antibodies, and atherogenic risk indices were higher in the group treated with PI, p<0.05. It was concluded that individuals HIV-1-infected showed changes in lipid metabolism, especially in those treated with IP, which additionally showed a higher rate of atherogenic risk and higher levels of IgG anti-oxLDL antibodies. These changes did not correlated with PON1 192QR and 55LM polymorphisms and demonstrated that the activity of PON1enzyme is decreased in individuals seropositive for HIV-1

O copolímero SBS é o aditivo mais empregado mundialmente na modificação de ligantes asfálticos, por melhorar diversas de suas características. Um dos principais problemas deste tipo de formulação é a separação de fases, que pode ser minimizada com a incorporação de aditivos. Um novo polietileno de alta densidade e baixo peso molecular oxidado (com denominação comercial TITAN 9686) foi utilizado nesta pesquisa, com o objetivo de testar a hipótese de que a adição de proporções adequadas deste aditivo possa melhorar as características reológicas do asfalto+SBS. O experimento laboratorial foi delineado com base na técnica de experimentos com misturas, englobando um total de nove formulações compostas com asfalto, SBS e TITAN. O teor de SBS variou entre 0 e 5% em peso e o de polietileno variou entre 0 e 2% em peso. Foi utilizado óleo aromático no teor de 4% em peso para todas as nove misturas. As misturas foram analisadas em três condições de envelhecimento: virgem, curto prazo (na estufa RTFO) e longo prazo (na estufa PAV). Foram realizados os seguintes ensaios reológicos: (i) de cisalhamento em regime oscilatório em diferentes condições de temperatura e frequência (para medida do módulo complexo e do ângulo de fase, usados na determinação do grau de desempenho, no cálculo dos parâmetros G*/sen(&#948;) e G*.sen(&#948;) e na construção de curvas-mestre), (ii) de viscosidade Brookfield, (iii) de fluência e recuperação sob múltiplas tensões (para medida do percentual de recuperação e da compliância não-recuperável), (iv) de varredura de amplitude linear (para cálculo do parâmetro a f e para ajuste do modelo de fadiga) e (v) de estabilidade à estocagem. Acerca das características escolhidas para mensurar a melhora ou piora das propriedades das misturas asfalto+SBS com a adição de TITAN, podem ser feitas as seguintes observações: (i) a estabilidade à estocagem é melhorada com a adição de TITAN, em particular no teores entre 1 e 2%; (ii) a sensibilidade ao envelhecimento tanto a curto quanto a longo prazos diminui com a adição de TITAN; (iii) a adição de TITAN aumenta a resistência à deformação permanente, à luz dos parâmetros Jnr e R e aumenta a sensibilidade dos ligantes asfálticos modificados com SBS a mudanças bruscas nos níveis de tensão aplicados; e (iv) a adição de TITAN contribui com o aumento da resistência à fadiga, à luz dos parâmetros Nf , a baixos níveis de deformação, e af , e a prejudica reduzindo o parâmetro Nf a altos níveis de deformação e aumentando a temperatura crítica de fadiga ou o parâmetro G*.sen(&#948;). Tendo por base estas evidências, é possível concluir que a adição de TITAN, em linhas gerais, melhorou a estabilidade dos ligantes asfálticos modificados com até 5,0% de SBS. Com base nas análises realizadas, é possível afirmar que teores da ordem de 1 a 2% de TITAN, para teores de SBS entre 3,0 e 5,0%, são recomendáveis, à luz das propriedades, índices e parâmetros analisados neste trabalho. / The SBS copolymer is the most widely used additive in asphalt binder modification, since it enhances many of the properties of the original material. A critical problem that arises from this type of modification is phase separation, which can be minimized by adding other modifiers to the formulation. A new oxidized, high-density polyethylene with low molecular weight (commercial designation of \"TITAN 9686\") was used in the study with the purpose of verifying the hypothesis that the addition of suitable contents of this modifier can improve the rheological properties of the SBS-modified binder. The laboratory matrix of formulations was based on the experiments with mixtures, and nine types of materials were prepared with asphalt binder, SBS and TITAN. The SBS contents ranged from 0 to 5% by weight, whereas the polyethylene contents ranged from 0 to 2% by weight. These formulations also contained 4% of aromatic oil by weight. Three aging conditions were selected: unaged, short-term aged in the rolling thin-film oven (RTFO) and long-term aged in the pressurized aging vessel (PAV). The following tests were carried out: (i) dynamic oscillatory shear at different temperatures and frequencies of loading for the determination of the complex modulus, the phase angles and the master curves, as well as the performance grades and the numerical values of the parameters G*/sin(&#948;) and G*.sen(&#948;); (ii) rotational viscosity; (iii) creep and recovery at multiple stress levels for the determination and the percent recovery and the nonrecoverable compliance; (iv) linear amplitude sweep, in order to calculate the parameter a f and fit the fatigue model to the data; and (v) storage stability. With respect to the characteristics used in the evaluation of the properties of the AC+SBS mixtures after the addition of TITAN, the following observations can be made: (i) storage stability is improved when TITAN is added to the formulation, especially at contents ranging from 1 to 2%; (ii) the sensitivity to the short-term and long-term aging processes decreased with the incorporation of TITAN; (iii) the changes in the R and the Jnr values indicate that the addition of TITAN makes the asphalt binder more resistant to rutting, and also increases the sensitivity of the SBS-modified binders to sudden increases in the stress level; and (iv) the presence of TITAN in the material leads to an increase in the fatigue resistance as based on the parameters Nf and af at low strain levels and the increases in the critical fatigue temperature and the parameter G*.sen(&#948;). With reference to these evidences, it is possible to conclude that the addition of TITAN generally improves the storage stability of the SBS-modified binders with no more than 5% of copolymer by weight. Based on the results of the present study, it is possible to say that percentages between 1 and 2% of TITAN by weight are recommended for SBS contents between 3 and 5% by weight.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de NÃvel Superior / Este trabalho tem como objetivo a sÃntese e caracterizaÃÃo de nano e micropartÃculas para liberaÃÃo de fÃrmaco para tratamento da malÃria. Microesferas de quitosana de alta massa molar (QTa) e goma do chichà (CH) foram sintetizadas por complexaÃÃo polieletrolÃtica e reticuladas com glutaraldeÃdo. Os diÃmetros das microesferas reticuladas e nÃo-reticuladas foram de 544 &#61617; 3 &#956;m e 558 &#61617; 2 &#956;m, respectivamente. As esferas reticuladas nÃo foram solÃveis em meio Ãcido (pH 1,2). Ensaios de intumescimento mostraram que as microesferas intumesciam mais em pH 1,2 do que em pH 7,4 e que as reticuladas possuÃam menor intumescimento do que as nÃo reticuladas. A liberaÃÃo sequenciada de cloroquina, a partir das microesferas, foi realizada por 2 h em pH 1,2 seguida por uma liberaÃÃo em pH 7,4. A microesfera reticulada liberou 64% da cloroquina em pH 1,2, com um total do fÃrmaco liberado de 92%. O perfil de liberaÃÃo da mesma amostra em pH 7,4 apresenta uma liberaÃÃo controlada do fÃrmaco por cerca de 50 h. NanopartÃculas de QT e CH foram produzidas utilizando como rotas de sÃntese a complexaÃÃo polieletrolÃtica e formaÃÃo de base de Schiff. Na formaÃÃo de complexos polieletrolÃticos parÃmetros como massa molar da quitosana, razÃo molar de carga (n+/n-), ordem de adiÃÃo e concentraÃÃo dos polieletrÃlitos influenciam no tamanho, potencial zeta, Ãndice de polidispersividade e estabilidade das nanopartÃculas em soluÃÃo. O potencial zeta das partÃculas com excesso de QT à positivo e quando se diminui a razÃo molar de carga (n+/n-) para 0,1 o potencial torna-se negativo devido o excesso de chichÃ. Os diÃmetros das nanopartÃculas variaram de 80 a 1200 nm dependendo da concentraÃÃo dos polieletrÃlitos e da quitosana utilizada. NanopartÃculas formadas por quitosana de baixa massa molar (QTb) possuem tamanho maior do que as formadas por quitosana de alta massa molar (QTa). Quando a razÃo de cargas (n+/n-) e a concentraÃÃo dos polieletrÃlitos diminuem o tamanho das nanopartÃculas tambÃm diminui. Na liberaÃÃo da cloroquina em matrizes de CH, QTa e QTb de razÃo 5 e 0,1 duraram cerca 15 dias liberando atà 99% do fÃrmaco, porÃm apenas a razÃo de cargas influenciou no perfil da liberaÃÃo. NanopartÃculas formadas via base de Schiff foram preparadas. A influÃncia de parÃmetros tais como: grau de oxidaÃÃo da goma do chichÃ, massa molar da quitosana, ordem de adiÃÃo e razÃo entre as massas dos polissacarÃdeos foram investigados em relaÃÃo ao tamanho, potencial zeta e estabilidade. O potencial zeta mostrou-se positivo para partÃculas com excesso de QT e negativo para partÃculas com excesso de CH. Os diÃmetros das partÃculas variaram de 30 a 450 nm, dependendo do grau de oxidaÃÃo do CH e da massa molar de QT. Para goma do chichà com menor grau de oxidaÃÃo nanopartÃculas de QTa apresentaram-se maiores do que as formadas por QTb, e para a goma com maior grau de oxidaÃÃo nanopartÃculas de QTb possuÃam maiores tamanhos do que as formadas por QTa. / The aim of this work was the synthesis and characterization of nano and microparticles for malaria drug delivery system. Chitosan microspheres of high molar mass (QTa) and chichà gum (CH) were synthesized by polyelectrolyte complexation and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. The diameters of the microspheres crosslinked and non-crosslinked were 544 &#61617; 3 &#956;m and 558 &#61617; 2 &#956;m, respectively. The crosslinked beads were not soluble in acidic medium (pH 1.2). The swelling of microspheres was higher in pH 1.2 and that the crosslinked beads have less swelling than non-crosslinked. The sequential release of chloroquine from the microspheres was performed for 2 h followed by a release in pH 7.4. The crosslinked microsphere released 64% of chloroquine at pH 1.2, with a total of drug released of 92%. The release profile of the same sample at pH 7.4 provides a controlled release of the drug for about 50h. QT and CH nanoparticles were prepared using polyelectrolyte complexation and formation of Schiff base. In the formation of polyelectrolyte complex, parameters such as molecular weight of chitosan, the molar ratio of charge (n+/ n-), order of addition and concentration of the polyelectrolyte influence the size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and stability of the nanoparticles in solution. The zeta potential of particles in excess of QT was positive and when the charg molar ratio (n+/ n ) decreases to 0.1 the potential becomes negative due to the excess of CH. The nanoparticles diameters vary from 80 to 1,200 nm depending on the concentration of the polyelectrolyte and the chitosan used. Chitosan nanoparticles formed by a low molecular weight (QTb) were larger than those formed by chitosan of high molecular weight (QTa). The decrease of the charge ratio (n+/n-) and the polyelectrolyte concentrations lead to small size nanoparticle. The release of chloroquine in matrices of CH, QTa and QTb ratio ratio 5 and 0.1 lasted 15 days by releasing up to 99% of the drug, however only the ratio influenced the release profile. Nanoparticles formed by Schiff base reaction were produced. The influence of parameters such as degree of oxidation of CH, chitosan molar mass, addition and masses ration of polysaccharides on size, zeta potential and stability were investigated. The zeta-potential was positive for particles with an excess of QT and negative with excess CH. The particle diameters ranged from 30 to 450 nm, depending on the degree of oxidation of CH and the molar mass of QT. Particle formed with low oxidation of CH and high molar mass chitosan are bigger than those formed with low molar mass chitosan. A inverse behavior was observed when high oxidated CH was used.

Cardiovascular diseases are considered the first cause of death in westernized societies. They are directly linked to atherosclerosis, a clinical condition characterized by a thickening of the arterial wall. Atherosclerosis is in his turn linked to various genetic and environmental factors; among those factors are high oxidized LDL levels and endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we have analyzed in vitro the effect of myeloperoxidase oxidized LDL on endothelial cells at the level of fibrinolysis and cell motility.<p>In the first part of the work, we measured fibrinolysis in real time at the surface of endothelial cells. Our results suggest that myeloperoxidase oxidized LDL interferes with the regulation of fibrinolysis by endothelial cells by decreasing their pro-fibrinolytic activity. This effect was not related to a modification in expression of major regulators of fibrinolysis such as PAI-1 and t-PA. Our data link the current favorite hypothesis that oxidized LDL has a causal role in atheroma plaque formation with an old suggestion that fibrin may also play a causal role. A model that best explains our results would be as follows: oxidized LDL increases fibrin deposition on endothelial cells which will increase their permeability resulting in more oxidized LDL infiltration into the subendothelial space of the arterial wall initiating atherogenesis. <p>In the second part of the work, we investigated the effect of myeloperoxidase oxidized LDL at the level of endothelial cell motility. We have shown that oxidized LDL is able to decrease cell migration, wound healing and tubulogenesis in endothelial cells. Those effects were not associated with any alteration at the level of neither cell viability nor proliferation. Subsequent gene expression analyses enabled us to link the oxidized LDL induced phenotypical changes in the cells to a change in expression of both microRNA-22 and Heme Oxygenase 1 genes. Our observations suggest a novel role of oxidized LDL not only as an important factor in the initiation of atheromatous lesions, but also as a potential player in the progression of the atherosclerosis disease by impeding blood vessel repair and wound healing at the sites of lesions.<p> / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Dans le contexte actuel, il devient nécessaire de rendre les alternatives au pétrole, tel que le bioéthanol 2G, disponibles à grande échelle. Cependant, l’étape d’hydrolyse par les enzymes de Trichoderma reesei reste un verrou à un procédé économiquement stable et rentable. Ces travaux de thèse, s'intègrent dans le cadre du projet Futurol et ont pour objectifs d'identifier et de caractériser de nouvelles enzymes fongiques pour améliorer l'hydrolyse de la biomasse lignocellulosique. A partir des données protéomiques disponibles pour Podospora anserina et Fusarium verticillioides, une douzaine d'enzymes candidates ont été identifiées dans leurs sécrétomes. Ce travail de thèse s'est plus particulièrement focalisé sur les AA9s « Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases » (LPMOs) de P. anserina. Parmi les LPMOs étudiées, PaLPMO9A, PaLPMO9E et PaLPMO9H, qui possèdent un CBM1, sont les plus actives sur la cellulose. La détermination de la régiosélectivité d'action a mis en évidence que PaLPMO9A et PaLPMO9H clivent la cellulose en position C1 et C4 alors que la PaLPMO9E génère uniquement des produits oxydés en C1. La PaLPMO9H est la plus versatile puisqu’elle est active sur les cello-oligosaccharides solubles et sur les polysaccharides hémicellulosiques liés en β-(1,4) (i.e., xyloglucane, glucomannane). La supplémentation du cocktail de T. reesei avec PaLPMO9E ou PaLPMO9H a permis de doubler les rendements d'hydrolyse du miscanthus prétraité. Les travaux réalisés au cours de cette thèse ont permis de démontrer l'importance de ces enzymes oxydatives dans les phénomènes de déconstruction de la lignocellulose chez les champignons filamenteux. / In the current context, it becomes essential to make alternative to oil, such as the 2G bioethanol, available at large scale. However, the hydrolysis step by Trichoderma reesei enzymes remains the major bottleneck for an economically sustainable process. The present work is part of the Futurol project, and aims at identifying and characterizing new fungal enzymes to improve the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. From the proteomic data available for Podospora anserina and Fusarium verticillioides, a dozen of interesting enzymes were identified in their secretomes. This work focuses, mainly, on the AA9s « Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases » (LPMOs) from P. anserina. Among all the LPMOs studied, PaLPMO9A, PaLPMO9E and PaLPMO9H that harbored a CBM1 were the most active on cellulose. Investigation of their regioselective mode of action revealed that PaLPMO9A and PaLPMO9H oxidatively cleaved at both C1 and C4 positions while PaLPMO9E released only C1-oxidized products. PaLPMO9H that was the most versatile in terms of substrate specificity as it also displayed activity on cello-oligosaccharides and β-(1,4)-linked hemicellulose polysaccharides (e.g., xyloglucan, glucomannan). The hydrolysis yield of the pretreated miscanthus was significantly improved up to 2 fold, when the PaLPMO9E, or PaLPMO9H were supplemented to the T. reesei cocktail. This work demonstrated the importance of these oxidative enzymes for lignocellulose deconstruction by fungi. These biocatalysts open new prospects to improve the enzymatic conversion of plant biomass for 2G bioethanol production.

La plupart des gisements de Ni-Cu sont issus de magmas komatiitique ou tholéiitique associés à des panaches mantelliques. Leur genèse fait intervenir l’exsolution d’un liquide sulfuré immiscible, l’interaction entre les liquides silicaté et sulfuré afin de concentrer ce-dernier en éléments chalcophiles, et l’accumulation du liquide sulfuré en quantités économiques. La saturation en sulfure est généralement atteinte en réduisant la solubilité des sulfures. Celle-ci se fait par assimilation de roches encaissantes siliceuses et/ou sulfurés.Le dyke d’Älgliden de la ceinture de Skellefte, en Suède, contient des sulfures de Cu et Ni dont les quantités ne sont actuellement pas économiques. La minéralisation d’Älgliden est atypique dans la mesure où elle contient d’importantes teneurs en Au, elle a un faible rapport Ni/Cu et enfin est formé dans un contexte de subduction. Le dyke recoupe un gisement porphyrique à Cu-Au contenant des sulfures ce qui laisse suggérer que la minéralisation d’Älgliden est formée par assimilation.Les objectifs de ce projet de recherche étaient d’examiner les processus de formation de la minéralisation d’Älgliden et son potentiel minier ainsi que de mieux comprendre la formation des gisements à Ni-Cu en contexte de subduction. Ce travail inclut l’étude pétrologique du minerai et de ses roches hôtes, la détermination de compositions minérales, l’analyse des éléments majeurs et traces sur roche totale et enfin des analyses des isotopes du soufre. Ce projet a été financé par la compagnie Boliden qui détient le gisement d’Älgliden.Le dyke est composé en majeure partie de norite à olivines, et minoritairement de leucogabbros. Les compositions sur roches totales, les textures magmatiques et les compositions minérales suggèrent que les norites à olivine se sont formées par accumulation d’olivine tandis que les leucogabbros représentent des liquides résiduels avec ou sans cristaux cumulus de plagioclase ± orthopyroxene. Les norites sont interprétées comme étant formées par une ou deux injections de bouillie cristalline suivie de cristallisation fractionnée. Le magma parent des roches d’Älgliden était un basalte hydraté et évolué dont la teneur en MgO est estimé à 6%.Le minerai sulfuré est principalement disséminé à travers l’ensemble de l’intrusion d’Älgliden. Quelques concentrations modérées de minerai se présentent sous la forme de sulfures en réseaux, de veines de sulfures et de sulfures massifs, lesquelles sont spatialement associées aux leucogabbros et aux xénolites de l’encaissant. L’association entre les leucogabbros et les concentrations en sulfures, leur faible teneur en métaux et leur faible rapport Ni/Cu suggèrent que la phase sulfuré s’est exsolvée tardivement au cours de la différentiation magmatique. Ce timing semble défavorable pour la minéralisation d’Älgliden puisqu’il inhibe à la fois l’interaction entre les liquides silicaté et sulfuré et l’accumulation du liquide sulfuré.La contamination du magma d’Älgliden par son encaissant n’est pas corroboré par les concentrations en élément trace et les compositions isotopiques du soufre. En revanche, ces données indiquent que le magma d’Älgliden s’est mis en place dans une zone de subduction où l’on pense que la saturation en sulfure a été atteinte par réduction d’un magma oxydé et riche en élément volatiles, via la cristallisation de magnétite et/ou dégazage. Les valeurs positives de δ34S suggèrent que l’apport de matériel dérivé du slab est responsable du caractère oxydé du magma d’Älgliden.L’état d’oxydation des magmas d’arc leur permet de dissoudre de grandes quantités de S et d’Au. Leur caractère évolué est responsable de leur fortes concentrations relatives en Au et leur faible rapport Ni/Cu. Ainsi, en contexte subduction les sulfures magmatiques sont susceptibles d’avoir ces caractéristiques, et si l’exsolution du liquide sulfuré a lieu plus tôt que dans le cas d’Älgliden cela pourrait conduire à la formation de gisements économiques. / Most major sulfide Ni-Cu deposits originated from komatiitic or tholeiitic magmas that formed in association with mantle plumes. Their genesis involves the segregation of a immiscible sulfide liquid, reaction of the sulfide liquid with silicate melt to upgrade the sulfide in chalcophile elements, and the concentration of the sulfide liquid in economic amounts. Saturation in sulfide is commonly achieved by lowering the sulfide solubility via assimilation of siliceous wall rock or by increasing the S content by adding S-bearing materials.The Älgliden dike in the Skellefte Belt in Sweden contains currently uneconomic Ni-Cu sulfide mineralization. The Älgliden mineralization is atypical insofar as it contains a significant amount of Au, has a low Ni/Cu ratio and formed in a subduction-related geodynamic setting. The host intrusion intrudes sulfide-bearing Cu-Au porphyry mineralization which led to the suggestion that the Älgliden Ni-Cu-Au mineralization was linked to the assimilation of sulfide-bearing wall rocks.The goals of this research project were to investigate the ore forming processes of the Älgliden mineralization and its ore potential, as well as to improve our understanding of the genesis of Ni-Cu deposits in subduction zones. The work is based on a petrological study of the ore and its host rocks, determination of mineral compositions, analyses of major and trace elements in bulk rocks, and sulfur isotope analyses. This was supported by the Boliden company which owns the deposit.The dike is composed mainly of olivine norites with minor leucogabbros. Bulk rock compositions, magmatic textures and mineral compositions suggest that the olivine norites formed by accumulation of olivine and that the leucogabbros represent residual melts with or without cumulus plagioclase ± orthopyroxene. The norites are interpreted to form by one or two injections of an olivine-rich crystal mush and subsequent fractional crystallization. The parental melt of the Älgliden rocks was a hydrous and evolved basalt estimated to contain ≈6 wt.% MgO.The sulfide ore is mainly disseminated throughout the whole Älgliden intrusion. Some weak ore concentrations occur as network to vein and massive sulfides that are spatially associated with the leucogabbros and wallrock xenoliths. The association between the leucogabbros and the concentrations of sulfide, their low ore grade and Ni/Cu ratio suggest that the sulfide segregated late in the differentiation process. This timing appears unfavorable for the Älgliden mineralization because it inhibited both sulfide-silicate liquid interaction and the accumulation of sulfide.Contamination of the Älgliden magma by its wall rocks is not supported by trace element data and S isotope compositions. Instead these data indicate that the Älgliden magma was emplaced above a subduction zone where the sulfide saturation is thought to occur by reduction of the oxidized and volatile-rich magma by magnetite fractionation and/or by degassing. Positive δ34S values suggest addition of slab-derived material which is thought to be responsible for the oxidized character of the Älgliden magma.The oxidation state of arc magmas allows them to carry large amounts of S and Au. Their evolved character is also responsible for their relatively high Au contents and low Ni/Cu. Such characteristics are likely to occur in magmatic sulfide mineralization in subduction zone settings, and if sulfide liquid segregation had occurred earlier than at Älgliden the process may have produced economic sulfide deposits.

Reducing the impact of modern industrial production on the environment and reducing the waste generated is undoubtedly one of the most discussed topics of the present time. In the production of fossil-fueled electricity, a large amount of fine-grained waste fly ash is generated. The possible use of ash as secondary raw materials in the construction and building materials industry is one of the many environmental challenges that the energy industry is concerned with. The aim of this diploma thesis was to verify possibilities of utilization of different kinds of power station fly ash as filler in asphalt mixtures for the production of oxidized asphalt insulation strips. The main emphasis was put on the clarification of the influence of the properties of the different types of fly ashes on the resulting rheological behavior of the mixture of asphalt binder and power fly ash, which is professionally called mastic. Mastic forms a technology-critical insulating layer in the asphalt insulation strip. The prediction of the rheological properties and therefore the workability of mastic appears to be an essential element in the management of production, especially under the conditions of the variability of input raw materials. In order to solve the assigned task it was necessary to perform detailed analyzes of fly ash properties, to select the corresponding quantification variable for assessment of the mastic processability and to find the signal fly ash properties, which appears to be a control parameter of workability. As a suitable method for assessing the processability of mastic, a shear viscosity measurement method was chosen. On the basis of the findings, it is possible to state that the use of fly ash from the production of oxidized asphalt bands is not recommended as the mastic prepared from these fly ashes are unprocessed at the assumed concentrations. The negative effect of fly ash after denitrification on the mastic processability has not been demonstrated.