O uso de antibióticos para tratamento da mastite bovina subclínica durante a lactação apresenta restrições econômicas e a administração indiscriminada e inadequada destes medicamentos os torna potencialmente tóxicos aos animais e aos consumidores finais dos produtos lácteos. A utilização de medicamentos homeopáticos oferece menor custo, facilidade de administração, não há risco de resistência microbiana e não é necessário o descarte do leite dos animais em tratamento. Além disso, a homeopatia é reconhecida no Brasil como especialidade médica veterinária e aceita para uso no sistema de produção animal orgânico. Portanto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia de dois protocolos homeopáticos para tratamento da mastite bovina subclínica durante a lactação. O experimento foi realizado no período de seis meses e dividido em duas etapas. Na Etapa I, um grupo foi medicado com Sulphur 30CH, enquanto que o outro recebeu placebo. Na Etapa II, um grupo foi medicado com Calcarea carbonica 30CH e o outro grupo recebeu placebo. Os medicamentos foram administrados a cada trinta dias na Etapa I e a cada quinze dias na Etapa II. Em cada etapa foram coletadas amostras de leite antes, durante e após o tratamento. Para avaliar a eficácia dos protocolos, durante o experimento foram analisadas 138 amostras de leite na Etapa I e 72 amostras na Etapa II, realizando-se prova de Tamis, California Mastitis Test (CMT), contagem de células somáticas (CCS), quantificação de polimorfonucleares (PMN) e mononucleares (MN) por microscopia óptica, exame microbiológico e mensuração da produção leiteira. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas utilizando o software Graphpad Instat 1990-93. Os protocolos homeopáticos testados não diminuíram a celularidade do leite, pois não houve diferenças significativas nos resultados do CMT e da CCS no decorrer do experimento. Também não foi constatada nenhuma alteração significante na produção láctea. O microrganismo isolado com maior frequência no rebanho estudado foi o Corynebacterium bovis. Porém, não houve diferenças significativas em relação à frequência de isolamento deste microrganismo ao longo dos tratamentos, indicando a sua permanência nas glândulas mamárias. Além disso, observou-se durante todo o experimento o predomínio de células PMN em relação às MN. Sugere-se o estudo de novos protocolos homeopáticos com outros medicamentos, potência e frequência de administração, a fim de buscar alternativas para o tratamento de vacas com mastite subclínica / The use of antibiotics for treatment of bovine subclinical mastitis during lactation presents economic restrictions and the indiscriminate and inappropriate administration of these drugs makes them potentially toxic to animals and consumers of dairy products. The use of homeopathic medicine offers lower cost, ease of administration, no risk of microbial resistance and is not necessary to discard milk from animals under treatment. Furthermore, homeopathy is recognized as a medical specialty in Brazil and support for veterinary use in organic livestock production system. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two protocols for homeopathic treatment of bovine subclinical mastitis during lactation. The experiment was performed between six months and divided into two stages. In Phase I, one group was treated with Sulphur 30CH, while the other received placebo. In Phase II, one group was treated with Calcarea carbonica 30CH and the other group received placebo. The drugs were administered every thirty days in the Phase I and every fifteen days in the Phase II. At each step the milk samples were collected before, during and after treatment. To evaluate the effectiveness of the protocols during the experiment were analyzed 138 samples of milk at Phase I and 72 samples at Phase II, performing proof Tamis, California Mastitis Test (CMT), somatic cell count (SCC), quantification of polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MN) by optical microscopy, microbiological examination and measurement of milk production. Statistical analysis was performed using the software Graphpad Instat 1990-93. The homeopathic protocols tested not diminished cellularity of milk because there were no significant differences in the results of CMT and SCC during the experiment. Nor was it found no significant change in milk production. The organism isolated most frequently in the herd studied was Corynebacterium bovis. However, no significant differences were observed in the frequency of isolation of this microorganism during the treatments, indicating his permanence in the mammary glands. Furthermore, it was observed during the experiment a predominance of PMN cells compared to MN. It is suggested the study of new protocols with other homeopathic medicines, potency and frequency of administration, to find alternatives for the treatment of cows with subclinical mastitis

Neutrophil (PMN) inflammatory functions, including cell adhesion, diapedesis, and phagocyto-sis, are dependent on the mobilization and release of various intracellular granules/vesicles. In this study, I found that treating PMN with damnacanthal, a Ras family GTPase inhibitor, resulted in a specific release of secondary granules, but not primary or tertiary granules, and caused dy-sregulation of PMN chemotactic transmigration and cell surface protein interactions. Analysis of the activities of Ras members identified Ral GTPase as a key regulator during PMN activation and degranulation. In particular, Ral was active in freshly isolated PMN, while chemoattractant stimulation induced a quick deactivation of Ral that correlated with PMN degranulation. Over-expression of a constitutively active Ral (Ral23V) in PMN inhibited chemoattractant-induced secondary granule release. By subcellular fractionation, I found that Ral, which was associatedwith the plasma membrane under the resting condition, was redistributed to secondary granules after chemoattractant stimulation. Blockage of cell endocytosis appeared to inhibit Ral transloca-tion intracellularly. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that Ral is a critical regulator in PMN that specifically controls secondary granule release during PMN response to chemoattrac-tant stimulation.

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Este trabalho investigou o sistema (1 - x )PZT - x PMN, avaliando a influência da composição química e dos parâmetros de sinterização na microestrutura e propriedades elétricas dos corpos cerâmicos obtidos pelo método convencional de mistura de óxidos. Os óxidos usados foram o Nb2O5, ZrO2, TiO2, PbO e MgCO3, cominuídos e homogeneizados em moinho de bolas, por 3 horas. Para o 0,65PZT - 0,35PMN, utilizou-se 28,58% de Nb2O5, 38,93% de ZrO2, 23,29% de TiO2 e 9,2% de MgCO3; para o 0,75PZT-0,25PMN, utilizou-se 20,9% de Nb2O5, 45,34% de ZrO2, 27,13% de TiO2 e 6,62% de MgCO3 e para o 0,85PZT-0,15PMN, usa-se 12,71% de Nb2O5, 52,09% de ZrO2, 31,16% de TiO2 e 4,04% de MgCO3. O pó obtido foi submetido a calcinação a 1200°C por 4 h e, então, acrescentado PbO com um excesso de 2% em massa.à mistura, a qual foi submetida a uma nova calcinação a 800°C durante 2 horas. O pó resultante da calcinação foi conformado por prensagem, utilizando uma prensa uniaxial a 190 MPa, na forma de discos medindo 10 mm de diâmetro e 1,5 mm de espessura. A curva de queima dos corpos cerâmicos consistiu em um novo patamar a 500°C por 4h (e/ou a 800°C por 2h) e outro consecutivo a 1200°C por 4h. As amostras foram caracterizadas pela sua densidade e porosidade aparente (método de Arquimedes), composição de fases (por difração de raio-X), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e caracterização elétrica (constante dielétrica e capacitância). Os corpos cerâmicos correspondentes à composição 0,75PZT-0,25PMN alcançaram a maior densidade (7,09 ± 0,18 g/cm³) quando calcinados sucessivamente a 500°C e a 800°C, com os maiores valores de capacitância (210 pF a 200 KHz) e de constante dielétrica (1000 na frequência de 1 KHz), com menor evidência de formação de pirocloro e maior de perovskita. Os valores de constante dielétrica encontrados estão dentro do esperado para materiais cerâmicos piezoelétricos do tipo PZT - PMN, aproximadamente 1000 para freqüências de 1KHz. / This work investigated the system (1 - x )PZT - x PMN, evaluating the influence of the chemical composition and the sintering parameters on the microstructure and the electric properties of ceramic bodies obtained by the conventional method of mixture of oxides. The used oxides were Nb2O5, ZrO2, TiO2, PbO e MgCO3, squeezed and homogenized in mill of balls, for 3 hours. For the 0.65PZT-0.35PMN, it was used 28.58% of Nb2O5, 38.93% of ZrO2, 23.29% of TiO2 and 9.2% of MgCO3; for the 0.75PZT-0.25PMN, it was used 20.9% of Nb2O5, 45.34% of ZrO2, 27.13% of TiO2 and 6.62% of MgCO3 and for the 0.85PZT-0.15PMN, it is used 12.71% of Nb2O5, 52.09% of ZrO2, 31.16% of TiO2 and 4.04% of MgCO3. The obtained powder was submitted the calcination for 1200°C for 4 h and, then, increased PbO with an excess of 2% in mass, which was submitted to a new calcination to 800°C for 2 hours. The calcinated powder was conformed by pressing, using a uniaxial press to 190 MPa, in the form of disks measuring a diameter of 10mm and 1.5 mm of thickness. The curve of the burning of the ceramic bodies consisted in a new calcination to 500°C for 4h (and/or to 800°C for 2h) and other consecutive to 1200°C for 4h. The samples were characterized by density and apparent porosity (Method of Arquimedes), composition of phases (by X - rays diffraction), Scanning Electric Microstructure (SEM) and electrical properties characterization (dielectric constant and capacitance). The ceramic bodies corresponding to the composition 0.75PZT-0.25PMN reached the largest density (7.09 ± 0.18 g/cm³) when calcined successively to 500°C and 800°C, with the largest values of capacitance (210 pF to 200 KHz) and dielectric constant (1000 in the frequency of 1 KHz), with smaller evidence of pyrochlore formation and larger of perovskte. The values of dielectric constant found are inside of the expected for the piezoelectric ceramics of the type PZT- PMN, approximately 1000 by frequencies of 1KHz.

Este trabalho investigou o sistema (1 - x )PZT - x PMN, avaliando a influência da composição química e dos parâmetros de sinterização na microestrutura e propriedades elétricas dos corpos cerâmicos obtidos pelo método convencional de mistura de óxidos. Os óxidos usados foram o Nb2O5, ZrO2, TiO2, PbO e MgCO3, cominuídos e homogeneizados em moinho de bolas, por 3 horas. Para o 0,65PZT - 0,35PMN, utilizou-se 28,58% de Nb2O5, 38,93% de ZrO2, 23,29% de TiO2 e 9,2% de MgCO3; para o 0,75PZT-0,25PMN, utilizou-se 20,9% de Nb2O5, 45,34% de ZrO2, 27,13% de TiO2 e 6,62% de MgCO3 e para o 0,85PZT-0,15PMN, usa-se 12,71% de Nb2O5, 52,09% de ZrO2, 31,16% de TiO2 e 4,04% de MgCO3. O pó obtido foi submetido a calcinação a 1200°C por 4 h e, então, acrescentado PbO com um excesso de 2% em massa.à mistura, a qual foi submetida a uma nova calcinação a 800°C durante 2 horas. O pó resultante da calcinação foi conformado por prensagem, utilizando uma prensa uniaxial a 190 MPa, na forma de discos medindo 10 mm de diâmetro e 1,5 mm de espessura. A curva de queima dos corpos cerâmicos consistiu em um novo patamar a 500°C por 4h (e/ou a 800°C por 2h) e outro consecutivo a 1200°C por 4h. As amostras foram caracterizadas pela sua densidade e porosidade aparente (método de Arquimedes), composição de fases (por difração de raio-X), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e caracterização elétrica (constante dielétrica e capacitância). Os corpos cerâmicos correspondentes à composição 0,75PZT-0,25PMN alcançaram a maior densidade (7,09 ± 0,18 g/cm³) quando calcinados sucessivamente a 500°C e a 800°C, com os maiores valores de capacitância (210 pF a 200 KHz) e de constante dielétrica (1000 na frequência de 1 KHz), com menor evidência de formação de pirocloro e maior de perovskita. Os valores de constante dielétrica encontrados estão dentro do esperado para materiais cerâmicos piezoelétricos do tipo PZT - PMN, aproximadamente 1000 para freqüências de 1KHz. / This work investigated the system (1 - x )PZT - x PMN, evaluating the influence of the chemical composition and the sintering parameters on the microstructure and the electric properties of ceramic bodies obtained by the conventional method of mixture of oxides. The used oxides were Nb2O5, ZrO2, TiO2, PbO e MgCO3, squeezed and homogenized in mill of balls, for 3 hours. For the 0.65PZT-0.35PMN, it was used 28.58% of Nb2O5, 38.93% of ZrO2, 23.29% of TiO2 and 9.2% of MgCO3; for the 0.75PZT-0.25PMN, it was used 20.9% of Nb2O5, 45.34% of ZrO2, 27.13% of TiO2 and 6.62% of MgCO3 and for the 0.85PZT-0.15PMN, it is used 12.71% of Nb2O5, 52.09% of ZrO2, 31.16% of TiO2 and 4.04% of MgCO3. The obtained powder was submitted the calcination for 1200°C for 4 h and, then, increased PbO with an excess of 2% in mass, which was submitted to a new calcination to 800°C for 2 hours. The calcinated powder was conformed by pressing, using a uniaxial press to 190 MPa, in the form of disks measuring a diameter of 10mm and 1.5 mm of thickness. The curve of the burning of the ceramic bodies consisted in a new calcination to 500°C for 4h (and/or to 800°C for 2h) and other consecutive to 1200°C for 4h. The samples were characterized by density and apparent porosity (Method of Arquimedes), composition of phases (by X - rays diffraction), Scanning Electric Microstructure (SEM) and electrical properties characterization (dielectric constant and capacitance). The ceramic bodies corresponding to the composition 0.75PZT-0.25PMN reached the largest density (7.09 ± 0.18 g/cm³) when calcined successively to 500°C and 800°C, with the largest values of capacitance (210 pF to 200 KHz) and dielectric constant (1000 in the frequency of 1 KHz), with smaller evidence of pyrochlore formation and larger of perovskte. The values of dielectric constant found are inside of the expected for the piezoelectric ceramics of the type PZT- PMN, approximately 1000 by frequencies of 1KHz.

Orientador: Eudes Borges de Araújo / Banca: Jean Richard Dasnoy Marinho / Banca: Fenelon Martinho Lima Pontes / Resumo: O presente trabalho realizou uma investigação acerca da síntese de filmes finos do sistema PMN-PT utilizando o método dos precursores óxidos, associado a uma resina polimérica resultado de uma reação de condensação entre o ácido cítrico e o etileno glicol, e algumas de suas variações a fim de investigar o impacto da rota de síntese empregada sobre as fases formadas nos filmes finos. O estudo do comportamento desta resina submetida a diversas temperaturas, através do uso da técnica de espectroscopia no infravermelho, apontou que para a rota de síntese proposta os metais são incorporados à resina polimérica através de fortes ligações coordenadas com os grupos carboxilas do ácido cítrico (COO-). Também mostrou que temperaturas acima de 400°C favorecem a decomposição da cadeia orgânica e a liberação destes metais, que podem reagir com o oxigênio formando uma fase cristalina. O uso da técnica de difratometria de raios-X para a investigação das fases formadas nos filmes finos produtos de diversas modificações na síntese, apontou principalmente a dificuldade em obter os filmes livres de fases secundárias, como pirocloro, MgNb2O3,67, Mg3Nb6O11 e Pb3O4. Os principais fatores levantados para o aparecimento destas fases são: sublimação de metais como Pb e Mg levando a mudanças na estequiometria, excesso de matéria orgânica que acarreta numa pirólise descontrolada da cadeia polimérica levando à formação de aglomerados. A composição do polímero (razão ácido cítrico:etilenoglicol) pode favorecer a formação da fase desejada. Salientando ainda que os tratamentos térmicos tem importante colaboração na formação de fases, pois a diminuição do tempo durante o qual a amostra fica exposta a uma determinada temperatura pode ajudar na formação da fase desejada. O estudo desta rota de síntese forneceu filmes finos com a fase perovskita, porém... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This study conducted a research on the synthesis of PMN-PT thin films using the method of precursor oxides and some of its variants to investigate the impact of the route of synthesis employed on the phases formed in thin films. The behavior of the polymeric resin, subjected to different heat treatments, was investigated by infrared spectroscopy, showed that for the proposed route of synthesis the metals are incorporated into the polymeric resin through strong coordinated bonds with the hydroxyl group of citric acid (COO-). Temperatures above 400°C promote the pyrolysis of polymer and the release of these metals, which react with oxygen and form a crystalline phase for investigation of phases formed in thin films from changes in the synthesis, the X-ray diffraction technique was used. Mainly pointed to the difficulty to get thin films free of secondary phases, as pyrochlore, MgNb2O3,67, Mg3Nb6O11 and Pb3O4. The major factors for the appearance of these phases are: sublimation of metals such as Pb and Mg leading to losses in the composition, uncontrolled pyrolysis of a polymer chain caused by excess of the organic matter, that lead to form clusters. The composition of the polymer (ratio citric acid: ethylene glycol) may promote the perovskite phase formation. Emphasizing, the heat treatment has an important relationship on formation of phases, because the decrease of the time which the sample is exposed to heat can lead to form the desired phase, as could be observed. These route of synthesis lead to formation of perovskite phase in thin films, but the secondary phases elimination, including pirocloro, still need to be more investigated. / Mestre

Este trabalho investigou o sistema (1 - x )PZT - x PMN, avaliando a influência da composição química e dos parâmetros de sinterização na microestrutura e propriedades elétricas dos corpos cerâmicos obtidos pelo método convencional de mistura de óxidos. Os óxidos usados foram o Nb2O5, ZrO2, TiO2, PbO e MgCO3, cominuídos e homogeneizados em moinho de bolas, por 3 horas. Para o 0,65PZT - 0,35PMN, utilizou-se 28,58% de Nb2O5, 38,93% de ZrO2, 23,29% de TiO2 e 9,2% de MgCO3; para o 0,75PZT-0,25PMN, utilizou-se 20,9% de Nb2O5, 45,34% de ZrO2, 27,13% de TiO2 e 6,62% de MgCO3 e para o 0,85PZT-0,15PMN, usa-se 12,71% de Nb2O5, 52,09% de ZrO2, 31,16% de TiO2 e 4,04% de MgCO3. O pó obtido foi submetido a calcinação a 1200°C por 4 h e, então, acrescentado PbO com um excesso de 2% em massa.à mistura, a qual foi submetida a uma nova calcinação a 800°C durante 2 horas. O pó resultante da calcinação foi conformado por prensagem, utilizando uma prensa uniaxial a 190 MPa, na forma de discos medindo 10 mm de diâmetro e 1,5 mm de espessura. A curva de queima dos corpos cerâmicos consistiu em um novo patamar a 500°C por 4h (e/ou a 800°C por 2h) e outro consecutivo a 1200°C por 4h. As amostras foram caracterizadas pela sua densidade e porosidade aparente (método de Arquimedes), composição de fases (por difração de raio-X), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e caracterização elétrica (constante dielétrica e capacitância). Os corpos cerâmicos correspondentes à composição 0,75PZT-0,25PMN alcançaram a maior densidade (7,09 ± 0,18 g/cm³) quando calcinados sucessivamente a 500°C e a 800°C, com os maiores valores de capacitância (210 pF a 200 KHz) e de constante dielétrica (1000 na frequência de 1 KHz), com menor evidência de formação de pirocloro e maior de perovskita. Os valores de constante dielétrica encontrados estão dentro do esperado para materiais cerâmicos piezoelétricos do tipo PZT - PMN, aproximadamente 1000 para freqüências de 1KHz. / This work investigated the system (1 - x )PZT - x PMN, evaluating the influence of the chemical composition and the sintering parameters on the microstructure and the electric properties of ceramic bodies obtained by the conventional method of mixture of oxides. The used oxides were Nb2O5, ZrO2, TiO2, PbO e MgCO3, squeezed and homogenized in mill of balls, for 3 hours. For the 0.65PZT-0.35PMN, it was used 28.58% of Nb2O5, 38.93% of ZrO2, 23.29% of TiO2 and 9.2% of MgCO3; for the 0.75PZT-0.25PMN, it was used 20.9% of Nb2O5, 45.34% of ZrO2, 27.13% of TiO2 and 6.62% of MgCO3 and for the 0.85PZT-0.15PMN, it is used 12.71% of Nb2O5, 52.09% of ZrO2, 31.16% of TiO2 and 4.04% of MgCO3. The obtained powder was submitted the calcination for 1200°C for 4 h and, then, increased PbO with an excess of 2% in mass, which was submitted to a new calcination to 800°C for 2 hours. The calcinated powder was conformed by pressing, using a uniaxial press to 190 MPa, in the form of disks measuring a diameter of 10mm and 1.5 mm of thickness. The curve of the burning of the ceramic bodies consisted in a new calcination to 500°C for 4h (and/or to 800°C for 2h) and other consecutive to 1200°C for 4h. The samples were characterized by density and apparent porosity (Method of Arquimedes), composition of phases (by X - rays diffraction), Scanning Electric Microstructure (SEM) and electrical properties characterization (dielectric constant and capacitance). The ceramic bodies corresponding to the composition 0.75PZT-0.25PMN reached the largest density (7.09 ± 0.18 g/cm³) when calcined successively to 500°C and 800°C, with the largest values of capacitance (210 pF to 200 KHz) and dielectric constant (1000 in the frequency of 1 KHz), with smaller evidence of pyrochlore formation and larger of perovskte. The values of dielectric constant found are inside of the expected for the piezoelectric ceramics of the type PZT- PMN, approximately 1000 by frequencies of 1KHz.

Sub-acute/chronic inflammatory diseases are often associated with altered inflammatory response, leading to increased host vulnerability to secondary inflammatory challenges. In the first study, by employing streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in mice, we further investigate mechanisms leading to enhanced polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) response under hyperglycemia. We show that existence of a proinflammatory state associated with broad increases of macrophages in various organs plays a dominant role in promoting PMN response in diabetic mice. Studies of PMN infiltration during zymosan-induced peritonitis reveal that hyperglycemia enhances PMN recruitment through increasing F4/80+ macrophages in the peritoneal cavity. Insulin reversal of hyperglycemia reduces peritoneal macrophage numbers and ameliorates PMN infiltration. Significantly increased macrophages are also observed in the liver, kidneys, and intestines under hyperglycemia, and are attributable to exacerbated nephropathy and colitis when respective inflammatory conditions are induced. We also find that significant monocytosis of inflammatory F4/80+Gr-1+ monocytes from the spleen and macrophage proliferation in situ synergistically contribute to the increased macrophage population under hyperglycemia. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that STZ-induced hyperglycemic/diabetic mice develop a systemic proinflammatory state mediated by broad infiltration of macrophages. In the second study, we focus on the identification of the carrier that binds to and delivers Shiga toxin 2(Stx2) to the target organ causing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). By employing a murine HUS model through co-injection of LPS-Stx2, we show that, adoptive transfer of CD11b+ leukocytes, but not CD11b- leukocytes, RBC, platelets or plasma, isolated from mice with HUS induces HUS in healthy recipients. Interestingly, we find that LPS priming of mice significantly promotes CD11b+ leukocytes binding to Stx2. Compared to CD11b+ leukocytes from mice without LPS priming, CD11b+ leukocytes isolated from mice after LPS priming demonstrate higher frequencies of toxin binding and augmented potency to induce HUS. In sum, our results demonstrate peripheral CD11b+ myeloid leukocytes act as effective Stx2 carriers that deliver toxin to kidneys causing HUS and that LPS-induced inflammation enhances the carrier capacity and aggravates HUS.

La maladie d’Alzheimer (MA) est un désordre neurologique progressif et irréversible caractérisé par l’accumulation de peptides β-amyloïdes, de plaques amyloïdes et de dégénérescence neurofibrillaires. L’inflammation et des altérations du système immunitaire ont été reliées à la MA, suggérant que le système immunitaire périphérique pourrait jouer un rôle pendant la phase asymptomatique de la maladie. Les lymphocytes natural killer et les neutrophiles (PMN) participent à la surveillance immune innée et leurs rôles demeurent controversés dans la MA. Nous avons étudié les changements phénotypiques et fonctionnels des cellules NK et des PMN du sang périphérique dans une cohorte de patients composée de personnes âgées en bonne santé, de patients amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) et de personnes atteintes de la MA à un stade léger (mMA). L’analyse phénotypique des lymphocytes NK a révélé des différences d’expression de CD16 (augmenté chez les patients mMA), de NKG2A (diminué chez les patients aMCI), et des TLR2 et TLR9 (tous deux diminués chez les patients mMA). Les tests fonctionnels ont révélé que l’activité cytotoxique des lymphocytes NK ainsi que leur capacité de dégranulation étaient inchangés dans les 3 groupes de patients. Au contraire, l’expression du récepteur CD95 était augmentée chez les aMCI et mMA et l’expression de granzyme B et la production de cytokines telles que TNFα et IFNγ étaient augmentées chez les aMCI mais pas chez les patients mMA. Le chimiotactisme induit par la chimiokine CCL19 et non par CC21 était diminué chez les aMCI et mMA, malgré l’augmentation de l’expression du CCR7 chez les patients aMCI. L’analyse des PMN révèle une augmentation spécifique de l’expression de CD177 chez les patients mMA. La stimulation à l’IL-8 entraine l’augmentation attendue de l’intégrine CD11b à la surface des PMN des patients âgés contrôles, mais les patients aMCI et mMA ne répondent pas. La baisse de l’expression des récepteurs CD14 et CD16 a été observée sur les PMN des patients mMA uniquement. Au contraire, seul les PMN des patients aMCI présentent une baisse de l’expression du marqueur CD88 et du TLR2. La phagocytose est différentiellement diminuée dans les PMN des patients aMCI et mMA tandis que l’ingestion de particules de Dextran est absente uniquement chez les patients mMA. Le killing contre Candida albicans est sévèrement diminué dans les groupes aMCI et mMA, alors que la production de radicaux libres est seulement diminuée au stade mMA. La production de cytokines inflammatoires (TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12p70) et de chimiokines (MIP-1α, MIP-1β, IL-8) en réponse à une stimulation au LPS est très basse chez les patients aMCI et absente chez les mMA. Ces résultats suggèrent un état d’activation des cellules NK chez les patients aMCI qui pourrait refléter une réponse immunitaire active dirigée contre une agression encore non identifiée. L’altération différentielle des capacités de réponse à des agressions pathologiques des PMN des patients aMCI et mMA pourrait se traduire par une baisse progressive de la réponse immune associée au développement de la MA.

Die Bedeutung von keramischen Materialien mit funktionalen Eigenschaften ist über die letzten Jahrzehnte kontinuierlich gestiegen. Ein besonderes Interesse liegt dabei in der elektronischen Speicherung von Informationen. Die Realisierung war jedoch lange Zeit problematisch, da die erforderlichen Feldstärken, die notwendig sind, um die Polarisation zu schalten, für Massivmaterialien zu hoch sind. Heutzutage ist dies dank moderner Dünnschichttechnologien kein Problem mehr, so dass nichtflüchtige ferroelektrische Datenspeicher kommerziell verfügbar sind. Aufgrund der ausgezeichneten dielektrischen und elektromechanischen Eigenschaften von ferroelektrischen Materialien werden diese auch für Anwendungen in Aktuatoren, Kondensatoren oder mikro-elektro-mechanischen Systemen verwendet. Neben den klassischen Ferroelektrika wie Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 spielen dabei vor allem Relaxor-Ferroelektrika wie Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3O3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) eine entscheidende Rolle. Eine weitere sehr interessante funktionale Eigenschaft von ferroelektrischen Materialien, die besonders in den letzten zehn Jahren das Forschungsinteresse geweckt hat, ist der elektrokalorische Effekt (electro caloric effect, ECE). Besonders hohe ECE konnten in der Vergangenheit mit Blei-basierenden Materialien, wie beispielsweise PMN-PT, erzielt werden. Um den Einfluss der Struktur auf die funktionalen Eigenschaften zu untersuchen ist es vorteilhaft, mit texturierten Schichten zu arbeiten. Als Materialsystem wurde in dieser Arbeit PMN-PT verwendet, da dieses besonders gute ferroelektrische und elektrokalorischen Eigenschaften zeigt und es aufgrund der vielfältigen veröffentlichten Untersuchungen als Modellsystem genutzt werden kann. Als geeignete Herstellungsmethode von Dünnschichten komplexer Oxide hat sich die gepulste Laserabscheidung herausgestellt, die auch in dieser Arbeit genutzt wurde. Die Schwerpunkte der strukturellen Untersuchungen beschäftigen sich mit der Stabilisierung der Perowskit-Phase des PMN-PT, der detaillierten Aufklärung des Gefüges sowie der Realisierung von Schichten mit unterschiedlicher Orientierung und auf verschiedenen Substratmaterialien. Hinsichtlich der funktionalen Eigenschaften wird auf den Einfluss der Pyrochlor-Phase auf die Ferroelektrizität, die Anisotropie der ferroelektrischen und elektrokalorischen Eigenschaften sowie auf eine Möglichkeit der direkten Messung der elektrokalorischen Temperaturänderung von PMN-PT Dünnschichten eingegangen.