Interest in the use of mass timber in building and construction is growing worldwide, this is due to the structural integrity and reduced environmental footprint of timber-based structures. Concerns associated with the biological and environmental degradation of mass timber necessitate the development of adequate protection strategies to ensure the durability of these products. Preservative treatment is a proven technique that increases the durability and performance of wood in-service and can also be applied to large-sized timber panels such as cross-laminated timber (CLT). Therefore, this study focused on investigating the feasibility of treating prefabricated 3- and 5-layer CLT panels with Copper-azole type C (CA-C) and micronized copper azole (MCA) preservatives. Further, we studied the effects of panel layup and thickness on the preservative impregnation in CLT. Based on the experimental results, we found adequate preservative penetration and retention in the treated 3- and 5-layer CLT panels, particularly in CA-C treated panels. Also, the lengthwise layup shows better treatment results in both CA-C and MCA-treated panels. In addition to the preservative-treatment of CLT panels, this dissertation covers the development of lignin-reinforced polyurethane adhesive (PUR) for bonding glue-laminated timber (Glulam). Herein, the glulam were fabricated and bonded using lignin-reinforced PUR at different wt% (1, 2, and 3) and tested for shear strength, wood failure and delamination. The lignin-treated PUR samples showed improved adhesion properties via high shear strength and reduced delamination compared to the control specimens. Thus, the lignin-reinforced PUR adhesive shows great potential as a bio-based and environment-friendly wood adhesive for producing glulam used in structural applications.

Thesis (PhD (Chemistry and Polymer Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Novel gold(I) trithiophosphite complexes were synthesised by utilising the ligands P(SR)3 (R = Me, Ph) and 1,2-bis(1,3,2-dithiaphospholan-2-ylthio)ethane (2L). Reaction with (tht)AuCl or (tht)AuC6F5 readily yielded the corresponding complexes (RS)3PAuX and 2L(AuX)2 (X = Cl, C6F5) as well as {Au[P(SMe)3]2}CF3SO3. Structural characterisation by X-ray diffraction revealed linear complexes in part associating by Au…Au and/or Au…S contacts, two polymorphs of one compound associating by either Au…S interactions or p-stacking was also obtained. (MeS)3PAuCl and (MeO)3PAuCl were found to be isostructural in the solid state. The complex chloro[tris(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)phosphane]gold, A, was used to probe the electronic influence tris(azol-2-yl)phosphanes exert upon gold(I) by substituting the chloride with various thiolates. In contrast to Ph3PAuCl, only NCS– and PhC(O)S– afforded stable compounds which could be attributed to a weaker donating capability of the tris- (azolyl)phosphane ligand class. The compounds A and chloro[tris(thiazol-2-yl)phosphane]- gold, B, were shown to crystallise in 4 new polymorphs and solvates bringing the total to an exceptional seven. Among the solid-state structures of A the rare instance of a polymorph and a thf solvate not exhibiting aurophilic interactions as opposed to the original structure were observed. Complex B was shown to crystallise in polymorphs where dimers are associated either by Au…Au or Au…Cl interactions but otherwise exhibit similar arrangements of the ligand, this set of polymorphs is unprecedented amongst gold complexes. An NMR experiment proved that tris(thiazolyl)phosphane complexes are subject to hydrolysis under alkaline conditions. A trimeric gold(I) heterometallacycle, obtained by reacting (tht)AuCl with 4,4-dimethyl-2-(2- thienyl)oxazoline deprotonated at C-5 of the thiophene ring, was structurally characterised. Intramolecular Au…S interactions were found to be present which precluded interaction of the gold atoms with other metal centres such as Me3CNCAuCl or AgNO3. A second solvate obtained additionally exhibits Au…Au interactions. The scope of uncommon bis-imine coordination to AuI was expanded by utilising 1,2-bis(1-imidazolylmethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene (2L) to synthesise the [Au2(μ-2L)2]2+ cation. The triflate salt forms the first porous crystal structure of gold and the co-crystallised solvent could be partially removed by evacuation at elevated temperatures. Utilising a ditopic phosphite ligand instead of the commonly used ditopic phosphane ligands, a new cationic species of the type [Au2(μ-2L)3]2+ was characterised in the solid state for the first time. Finally, employing 2-phenylthiazole and 1-(thiazol-2-yl)piperidine which can be deprotonated at C-5 of the thiazole ring, Fischer-type pentacarbonyltungsten carbeniate complexes were prepared and structurally characterised. Starting from these complexes, the analogous Fischertype methoxycarbene as well as carbyne complexes could be obtained by alkylation and formal oxide abstraction, respectively. The latter products readily formed dinuclear adducts with AuCl. A Fischer-type methoxycarbene could be transferred to AuI affording the first such gold(I) complex exhibiting Au…Au interactions in the solid state as well as a rare agostic Au…H interaction which was examined by low-temperature 1H NMR measurements. Transfer of the carbeniate ligand derived from 1-(thiazol-2-yl)piperidine to Ph3PAu+ afforded an aurated thiazole product (by an unprecedented loss of CO) which may be represented as a pseudoabnormal azolylidene complex owing to W(CO)5-coordination at a distant nitrogen. The carbeniate originating from 2-phenylthiazole, on the other hand, afforded, by rare W(CO)5- trapping and without CO-loss, a pseudo Fischer-type carbene complex. Carbene transfer to gold was complemented by the first transfers of rNHC ligands from chromium and tungsten to gold(I) affording a novel class of complexes, all of which were structurally characterised. This work bridges the unnatural divide created between Fischer and N-heterocyclic carbene complexes.

No description available.

The opportunistic fungus Candida albicans is a commensal member of the human microflora and is the most common causative agent of fungal-related disease with particular significance in immunocompromised individuals. Emerging drug resistance is a major problem in Candida, contributed by enzymes involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics and pharmacological agents. One such enzyme, cytochrome b5 reductase (cb5r), has a high pharmacological significance owing to its role in fatty acid elongation, ergosterol (or cholesterol in mammals) biosynthesis, and cytochrome P450-mediated detoxification of xenobiotics. We have compared the kinetic, biochemical, and pharmacological characteristics of C. albicans cb5r isoforms, Cbr1 and Mcr1, as compared to the mammalian control, rat cb5r. We have observed two key structural differences between the fungal and mammalian proteins that may account for decreased thermal stability and inhibitor specificity of C. albicans Cbr1. Substrate binding affinity and catalytic efficiencies, as well as investigation in the flavin-binding environment, were comparable between the fungal and rat enzymes. In S. cerevisiae, CBR1 and MCR1 knockout strains have been challenged with environmental stressors and subsequently shown to have a role in azole and amphotericin B resistance. Our results of potential protein interactions of C. albicans Cbr1 describe proteins involved in the weak acid stress response, implying a novel role of the protein in pathogenicity. Conclusively, this report describes potential inhibitors of the fungal protein, as well as elaborating upon its important role in ergosterol biosynthesis and possible mechanisms of CYP450-mediated drug detoxification.

Although A. fumigatus strains are generally susceptible to azoles, recently, acquired resistance to a number of antifungal compounds has been reported, especially to triazoles possibly due to widespread clinical use of triazoles or through exposure to azole fungicides in the environment. The significant clinical problem of azole resistance has led to study the antifungal resistance mechanisms for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Of 230 clinical A. fumigatus isolates submitted during 2008 and 2009 to the Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, UK (MRCM), 64 (28%) were azole resistant and 14% and 20% of patients had resistant isolates, respectively. Among the resistant isolates, 62 of 64 (97%) were itraconazole resistant, 2 of 64 (3%) were only voriconazole resistant and 78% were multi-azole resistant. The gene encoding 14-α sterol demethylase (cyp51A) was analyzed in 63 itraconazole resistant (ITR-R) and 16 ITR-susceptible clinical and environmental isolates of A. fumigatus respectively. Amino acid substitutions in the cyp51A, the commonest known mechanism of azole resistance in A. fumigatus, were found in some ITR-R isolates. Fifteen different amino acid substitutions were found in the cyp51A three of which, A284T, M220R and M220W, have not been previously reported. In addition, several mutations were found in the cyp51A gene in one of the A. fumigatus environmental isolates. Importantly, a remarkably increased frequency of azole-resistant isolates without cyp51A mutations was observed in 43% of isolates and 54% of patients. Other mechanisms of resistance must be responsible for resistance. In order to assess the contribution of transporters and other genes to resistance, particular resistant isolates that did not carry a cyp51A mutation were studied. The relative expression of three novel transporter genes; ABC11, MFS56 and M85 as well as cyp51A, cyp51B, AfuMDR1, AfuMDR2 AfuMDR3, AfuMDR4 and atrF were assessed using real-time RT-PCR in both azole susceptible and resistant isolates, without cyp51A mutations. Interestingly, deletion of ABC11, MFS56 and M85 from a wild-type strain increased A. fumigatus susceptibility to azoles and these genes showed changes in expression levels in many ITR-R isolates. Most ITR-R isolates without cyp51A mutations showed either constitutive high-level expression of the three novel genes or induction of expression upon exposure to itraconazole. One isolate highly over-expressed cyp51B, a novel finding. Our results are most consistent with over-expression of one or more of these genes in ITR-R A. fumigatus without cyp51A mutations being at least partially responsible for ITR resistance. Multiple concurrent possible resistance mechanisms were found in some isolates. My work probably explains the mechanism(s) of resistance in A. fumigatus isolates with cyp51A mutations. Other ITR resistance mechanisms are also possible. To determine taxonomic relationships among A. fumigatus clinical and environmental isolates, the sequences of the ITS, β-tubulin, actin and calmodulin gene of 23 clinical and 16 environmental isolates were analyzed phylogenetically. Actin and calmodulin sequences proved to be good for species differentiation of A. fumigatus while both ITS, β-tubulin regions did not, in this dataset. Many cryptic species of A. fumigates (complex) were found. All environmental A. fumigates complex isolates were ITR susceptible and no cross resistance was found.

Résumé<br />Candida albicans est le premier pathogène fongique de l'homme. Cette levure, habituellement<br />commensale, peut être à l'origine d'infections profondes mettant en jeu le pronostic<br />vital. L'incidence des candidoses profondes ne cesse d'augmenter parallèlement à<br />l'augmentation du nombre de patients à risque. La virulence de C. albicans s'explique par sa<br />capacité à coloniser puis envahir de nombreux tissus de l'organisme qui constituent autant de<br />microenvironnements différents. Les réponses adaptatives de la cellule aux modifications environnementales<br />sont déterminantes pour sa survie et conditionnent sa virulence. La voie<br />d'endocytose assure la dégradation ou le recyclage des protéines membranaires et joue un rôle<br />important dans la régulation des récepteurs. Elle est également impliquée dans l'activation de<br />la voie de signalisation du pH : la voie Rim.<br />Au début de ce travail, nous avons montré que la voie d'endocytose jouait un rôle majeur<br />dans la réponse au pH, la morphogenèse et la virulence de C. albicans, de façon à la fois<br />dépendante et indépendante de la voie Rim. Nous avons montré que les délétions de deux<br />gènes de la voie d'endocytose, VPS28 et VPS32, produisent non seulement les mêmes effets<br />que les délétions des gènes de la voie Rim, mais les aggravent.<br />Nous avons également mis en évidence le rôle de la voie Rim et des protéines Vps<br />dans la structure de la paroi et la résistance aux antifongiques azolés et aux échinocandines.<br />Là encore, la voie d'endocytose semble impliquée par son action spécifique dans la voie Rim<br />mais aussi par d'autres mécanismes indépendants de la voie Rim.<br />Enfin, nous avons caractérisé les mutants rim9 et rim21 et montré que les protéines<br />Rim9p et Rim21p sont toutes les deux indispensables à l'activation de la voie Rim chez C. albicans.<br />Ce résultat confirme que le mode d'activation de la voie Rim chez C. albicans est<br />proche de celui décrit chez S. cerevisiae et diffère sensiblement de celui d'Aspergillus nidulans<br />ou de Yarrowia lipolytica.<br />Nous avons montré que l'inhibition de la voie d'endocytose induit chez C. albicans<br />une réduction majeure de la virulence associée à une augmentation de la sensibilité aux antifongiques<br />azolés et aux échinocandines. En permettant la potentialisation de l'efficacité des<br />molécules existantes cette voie pourrait constituer une cible intéressante pour le développement<br />de nouveaux traitements antifongiques.

<p>In the past few decades, invasive mycosis has become a growing threat to global health, afflicting millions of people and claiming the lives of more than 1.5 million patients every year. Moreover, the economic burden of mycotic infections has become increasingly exhausting especially with the recent increases in the number of the high-risk population, the immunocompromised individuals. In the USA, the cost incurred by mycotic infections was estimated to be of more than $7.2 billion only in 2017. Of particular concern, <i>Candida</i> species are the most common fungal pathogens that infect humans, resulting in considerable morbidities and mortality rates that often exceed 50%. Unfortunately, the antifungal drug discovery is currently unable to keep pace with the urgent demand for more effective therapeutic options. Further complicating the situation is the recent emergence of multidrug-resistant species such as <i>Candida</i> <i>auris</i>, triggering outbreaks of deadly Candidemia across the globe. Given the risks inherent to the traditional de-novo drug discovery, combinatorial therapeutics stands out as a promising tool to hamper drug resistance and extend the clinical utility of the existing drugs. In this study, we assembled and screened ~3147 FDA-approved drugs and clinical molecules against fluconazole-resistant <i>C. albicans</i> and <i>C. auris</i> isolates, for the aim of restoring the antifungal activity of azole antifungals against drug-resistant <i>Candida </i>species. The screen revealed five promising hits: pitavastatin (antihyperlipidemic), ospemifene (estrogen receptor modulator), sulfa antibacterial drugs, lopinavir (antiviral), and aprepitant (antiemetic).</p> <p>All identified hits demonstrated variable azole chemosensitizing activities depending on the tested <i>Candida</i> species and the azole drug. Pitavastatin displayed broad-spectrum synergistic interactions with both fluconazole and voriconazole against isolates of <i>C. albicans</i>, <i>C. glabrata</i>, and <i>C. auris</i>. Ospemifene was able to interact synergistically with itraconazole against multiple fungal isolates including <i>Candida</i>, <i>Cryptococcus</i>, and <i>Aspergillus</i> species. Sulfa drugs displayed potent synergistic activities with different azoles against <i>C. albicans</i>, however, a limited efficacy was observed against efflux-hyperactive isolates such as <i>C. auris</i>. On the other hand, both lopinavir and aprepitant exerted potent and broad-spectrum synergistic activities with itraconazole and were effective against multiple <i>Candida</i> species including <i>C. albicans</i>, <i>C. auris</i>, <i>C. glabrata</i>, <i>C. krusie</i>, <i>C. tropicalis</i>, and <i>C. parapsilosis</i>. Furthermore, using <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> as an infection model, all drug combinations significantly reduced the fungal burden in the infected nematodes and significantly prolonged their survival as compared to single-drug treatments. Multiple phenotypic and molecular assays indicted that the identified hit compounds use distinct mechanisms to enhance the antifungal activity of azole drugs. These mechanisms include efflux pump inhibition, interference with the folate biosynthesis and disturbance of iron homeostasis. Taken together, this study reveals novel and potent azole chemosensitizing agents effective against multiple azole-resistant isolates and opens the door for more investigations to assess their clinical potential in human medicine as promising antifungal adjuvants.</p>

Introduction: The pathogenesis and treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), severe asthma-non fungal sensitised (SANFS) and severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) is poorly understood. IL-17A, IgE and microbiome may be associated with pathogenesis of asthma, but their role in fungal-associated asthma is uncertain. Further, the efficacy of voriconazole, posaconazole and nebulised amphotericin B (NAB) in ABPA and SAFS has not been fully studied. Aims and objectives: The aim of this PhD thesis was to evaluate the role of IL-17A, IgE and lung microbiome in patients with SANFS, SAFS and ABPA. We also studied the efficacy and safety of NAB, voriconazole and posaconazole. Methods: Airway lymphocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with ABPA (n=16), SAFS (n=15), SANFS (n=11), mild asthma (MA) (n=6) and NH (n=11) were characterized by flow cytometric analysis (FACS) to determine the % of CD (+) IL-17A expressing cells. We also evaluated microbiome population using culture and PCR plus sequencing from BAL of these patients. In chapter 3, we analysed total and specific IgE in blood from adult cohorts of SAFS (n=34) and ABPA (n=48) using ImmunoCAP 100. In chapter 5 we studied the efficacy of voriconazole and posaconazole and in chapter 6; we studied the efficacy of NAB.Results: %CD4+IL-17A expressing cells were significantly higher in patients with severe asthma and correlated positively with serum neutrophil and presence of fungi in the airways. ABPA, SAFS and SANFS were similar but all were significantly higher than MA and NH. There were no differences in IL-17A expression between blood and the lung. Fungi were more frequently associated with severe asthma and low FEV1. Steroid treatment significantly increased airway fungal load. IgE against staphylococcal aureus (SE-IgE) correlated positively with FEV1 and OCS dose. Voriconazole and posaconazole improved asthma severity and radiological abnormalities. NAB was associated bronchospasm, but was extrely effective in the few patients (n=3) that took treatment for >12 months. These responders had unique characteristics. Conclusions: IL-17A, SE-IgE, and lung microbiome are associated with asthma severity. Steroid use in these patients may increase airway fungal load. Whereas voriconazole and posaconazole are efficacious, the use of NAB is associated with significant bronchospasm. SE-IgE -high asthma patients may be a distinct asthma phenotype. Larger studies are needed.

Leaky buildings are those that show elevated moisture contents of the framing timber, which can subsequently lead to the establishment of fungal and bacterial decay. Prior to this study, the causative agents of the decay in these leaky buildings were unknown, though it was suspected to be one or more species of decay fungi. Therefore, the overall goal of this multi-disciplinary PhD thesis research was to determine the causative agents of decay in leaky buildings of New Zealand in an effort to develop solutions for both their remediation and future prevention. Use of molecular biology methodology and classical mycological techniques based on morphology enabled identification of decay fungi from framing timber and air samples of leaky New Zealand buildings and provided insight into relative importance based on isolation frequency. In most cases, fungi colonising Pinus radiata D. Don were isolated to produce pure cultures. Mycelia from these cultures on agar media were collected to extract DNA. To identify the fungi to the species level, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with fungal specific DNA primer pairs were performed followed by DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Identification was by BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) search on sequences in known GenBanks. In total, 421 samples from leaky buildings were processed, predominately untreated P. radiata decayed framing timber and also fibre cement boards and building paper. From these, sixty-eight fungal identifications were made. The only taxa that were isolated with significant frequency were identified as 4 basidiomycete species, as follows, along with the number of times they were isolated from the 421 samples: • Gloeophyllum sepiarium (Wulf.: Fr.) Karst. 13x • Oligoporus placenta (Fries 1865) Gilb. In Ryv.1985 11x • Antrodia sinuosa (Fr.) Karst. 8x • Gloeophyllum trabeum (Fr.) Murr. 4x Although these species were identified repeatedly, in total they represent less than 10% of the total samples and, therefore, it is concluded that the leaky building decay samples represent high fungal biodiversity. An aerial spore study of internal air, wall cavity air and exterior air of leaky buildings was carried out using a Merck MAS-100 instrument which collects spores directly onto selective media plates. Viable fungal aerial spores were detected at every sampling location tested at the leaky buildings, by the criteria of culturing, with a highest mean of 3714 colony-forming units (CFU) per cubic metre found in the cavities of water-damaged walls. This aerial spore study in conjunction with isolation from decayed wood samples from the same leaky buildings enabled identification of G. sepiarium and A. sinuosa at the same test site. The use of carboxymethylcellulose medium further demonstrated the presence of potential cellulose-degrading fungi within and around the location. Overall, the combination of direct sampling of timber and air sampling proved useful for detection of fungal species variability at a multi-unit building. Four decay fungi isolated from New Zealand leaky buildings and two standard control decay fungi (Coniophora puteana and Serpula lacrymans) were submitted to laboratory wood block testing to determine the effectiveness of currently used wood framing preservatives under laboratory conditions before and after a standard leaching regime. P. radiata blocks were treated with water based boron copper azole and solvent based IPBC propiconazole plus tebuconazole (1:1) preservatives and exposed to the basidiomycetes for 12 weeks. Mass loss for the fungal decay-infected samples was recorded of up to 55% for preservative-treated samples, up to 62% mass loss for leached samples and up to 58% mass loss for un-preservative treated samples. Additionally, well defined dosage responses and approximate toxic thresholds were obtained for all preservatives tested. Results suggested that the minimum IPBC retention specified by Hazard Class 1.2 of NZS3640:2003 (0.025% m/m) is on the low side, and demonstrated after the 2 week leaching regime complete loss of efficacy of boron at 0.4% m/m boric acid equivalent (BAE). This PhD research gave a first overview of fungi occurring in New Zealand leaky buildings, and it demonstrated the following key aspects of wood preservation: 1. The isolated test fungus Antrodia sinuosa was more difficult to control with propiconazole plus tebuconazole at retention 0.007% m/m than the known tolerant fungus Oligoporus placenta; 2. Boron at Hazard Class 1.2 retention of 0.4% m/m BAE was not toxic to Oligoporus placenta; 3. Serpula lacrymans exhibited tolerance to the highest retention of 0.06 %m/m tebuconazole plus propiconazole; and 4. Gloeophyllum species appeared susceptible to all wood preservatives. In order to correlate fungal colonisation and wood decay, colonised wood blocks were studied using light microscopy (LM) and field- emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Microscopic observations of P. radiata wood blocks following a standard wood decay test of twelve weeks of fungal colonisation by Serpula lacrymans, Antrodia sinuosa, Oligoporus placenta and Gloeophyllum sepiarium revealed that the two microscopic techniques employed were complementary by allowing features such as pit membranes, chlamydospores or S3/S2 compound middle lamella interface to be photographed in greater detail, allowing for more precise analyses and interpretation of key findings, as follows: 1. Brown rot fungi directly target their apical growth towards degraded pit apetures; 2. Reliance on light microscopy and observed birefringence as a tool to record changes in cell wall crystallinity associated with brown rot decay alone could be misleading; 3. Presence of fine (≤ 1 m) to wide (≥ 3.5 m) bore-hole and hyphal size ranges, and nearly unchanged cell wall thickness of all wood/test fungal combinations, confirmed active decay at moderate to late stages; 4. Some ray parenchyma cells for Antrodia sinuosa, Oligoporus placenta and Gloeophyllum sepiarium colonised blocks were intact throughout late stages of decay, outlining that they were not preferentially degraded early in the brown rot decay process, and 5. Presence of bore-holes, clamp and medallion clamp formation and resting spores (chlamydospores and arthrospores) are fungal specific, can aid in their differentiation and identification, and should be recorded during wood decay studies, as especially resting spores are an important factor when planning remediation strategies. In summary, this PhD thesis research provided the first comprehensive investigation into the biodiversity of fungi from leaky New Zealand buildings, identified the dominant species and presented details about their micromorphology and their decay patterns. It also demonstrated substantial differences in efficacy of preservative formulations currently (December 2008) approved for framing treatments in New Zealand and possible deficiencies where framing may be subjected to severe leaching. This study also provided the first comparative analyses of viable fungal aerial spores between leaky wall cavities and the surrounding air environment. Subsequently, this research added to the knowledge of the decay fungal species diversity in and around New Zealand leaky buildings, outlined their capabilities to degrade treated and un-treated P. radiata framing timber and illustrated the efficacy of New Zealand approved wood preservatives for their potential as remedial treatment and future prevention.

No description available.