O objetivo do presente trabalho é analisar os componentes celulares e de fibras do tecido conjuntivo nas hiperplasias inflamatórias (HI), nos fibromas (F) e na fibromatose gengival hereditária (FGH), além de investigar a imunocompetência e efetuar análises moleculares de pacientes com FGH. Para atingir os objetivos foram desenvolvidos 4 artigos, com diferentes metodologias e universos amostrais. No 1º artigo, pretendeu-se estabelecer critérios microscópicos válidos para diferenciar F e HI. Foram avaliadas em microscópio óptico 136 lesões coradas pela Hematoxilina-eosina (HE) e pelo Tricrômico de Masson quanto às características microscópicas. Os resultados mostraram que uma área central de fibras colágenas dispostas de forma enovelada e mais densa, circundada por uma camada de fibras dispostas de forma paralela são características dos F, enquanto a presença de hiperplasia epitelial, infiltrado inflamatório e fibras colágenas organizadas de forma paralela são características das HI. Tais resultados motivaram o 2º artigo, no qual estudamos 18 lesões de F e 13 de HI, que foram preparadas histologicamente e coradas pelo picrosírius red e pelo direct blue para avaliação quantitativa das fibras colágenas e de fibras do sistema elástico, respectivamente, em microscopia a laser confocal. Os resultados confirmaram a disposição estrutural das fibras colágenas observada no 1º artigo, além de apontarem diferenças nas áreas ocupadas pelas fibras colágenas em todas as regiões estudadas. A fim de proceder a uma avaliação dos componentes fibroso e celular das 3 lesões fibrosas, foi desenvolvido o 3º artigo. Espécimes das 3 lesões foram estudados em microscopia ótica, a fim de avaliar suas populações de fibroblastos e de células inflamatórias e os seguintes componentes fibrosos do tecido conjuntivo: fibras colágenas, sistema de fibras elásticas, fibras reticulares e fibras oxitalânicas. Os resultados mostraram disposição e concentração diferente das fibras colágenas nas 3 lesões e uma maior concentração de fibras reticulares na FGH. A análise dos componentes celulares mostrou um maior número de fibroblastos no F e uma maior contagem de células inflamatórias na HI. A partir do encaminhamento de uma família com FGH, optouse por inclui-la no estudo, tendo em vista serem lesões do mesmo grupo. Com isso, foi desenvolvido um 4º estudo, que utilizou uma avaliação morfológica semelhante à dos 2 artigos anteriormente descritos. Dos pacientes com FGH foi obtido sangue periférico para avaliação da proliferação celular de linfócitos através do teste do MTT e para o sequenciamento do gene SOS-1. Os resultados mostraram hiperplasia epitelial na porção externa da gengiva dos pacientes com FGH, maior concentração de fibras colágenas e poucas células inflamatórias. Os 3 pacientes com FGH não mostraram diferenças no seu índice de proliferação de linfócitos em relação aos controles e não apresentaram a mutação descrita no gene SOS-1 de outras famílias com FGH. Pode se concluir que as 3 lesões apresentam estrutura conjuntiva diferente tanto no aspecto quantitativo quanto na disposição estrutural de seus componentes. / The objective of this study was to analyze the cellular and fibrous components of connective tissue in inflammatory hyperplasia (IH), oral fibroma (OF) and hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF), and to investigate the immunocompetence and to perform molecular analysis in HGF patients. To achieve the goals were developed 4 articles, with different methodologies and sample universes. In the 1st article, we intended to establish microscopic criteria to differentiate F and IH. The microscopic characteristics of the lesions (n=136) stained by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson trichrome were evaluated in an optical microscope. The results showed that a central area of wound collagen fibers and arranged in a higher density, surrounded by a layer of parallel fibers are characteristic of F, while the presence of epithelial hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltrate and parallel collagen fibers are characteristics of HI. These results led the 2nd article, which studied 18 F and 13 and IH, histologically prepared and stained by picrosírius red and direct blue for the direct quantitative assessment of collagen fibers and elastic fibers of the system, respectively, in the confocal laser microscope. The results confirmed the structural arrangement of collagen fibers found in Article 1, and indicate differences in the areas of collagen fibers in all regions studied. In order to evaluate the cellular and fibrous components of the 3 fibrous lesions, was developed the 3rd article. Specimens of the 3 lesions were studied in optical microscopy, to assess their populations of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells and the following components of fibrous connective tissue: collagen fibers, elastic fiber system, reticular fibers and oxytalan fibers. The results showed different arrangement and concentration of collagen fibers in the 3 lesions and a higher concentration of reticular fibers in HGF. The analysis of cellular components showed a greater number of fibroblasts in F and a higher count of inflammatory cells in IH. With the identification of a family with HGF, we chose to include it in the study because the lesions belong to the group of benign fibrous lesions. With that, it developed a 4th study, which used a similar morphologic evaluation of the 2 articles described above. Periferic blood was extracted from the HGF patients in order to determine the proliferative capacity of the peripheral lymphocytes, by the MTT test, and in order to sequence the SOS1 gene. The 3 HGF affected patients did not present the described mutation for the SOS1 gene, and the lymphocyte proliferative capacity in HGF patients was similar to those on controls. The results showed epithelial hyperplasia in the outer portion of the gingiva of patients with HGF, greater concentration of collagen fibers and few inflammatory cells. We can conclude that the 3 lesions present a different connective structure, considering both the quantitative aspect and the architectural disposition of their components.

O objetivo do presente trabalho é analisar os componentes celulares e de fibras do tecido conjuntivo nas hiperplasias inflamatórias (HI), nos fibromas (F) e na fibromatose gengival hereditária (FGH), além de investigar a imunocompetência e efetuar análises moleculares de pacientes com FGH. Para atingir os objetivos foram desenvolvidos 4 artigos, com diferentes metodologias e universos amostrais. No 1º artigo, pretendeu-se estabelecer critérios microscópicos válidos para diferenciar F e HI. Foram avaliadas em microscópio óptico 136 lesões coradas pela Hematoxilina-eosina (HE) e pelo Tricrômico de Masson quanto às características microscópicas. Os resultados mostraram que uma área central de fibras colágenas dispostas de forma enovelada e mais densa, circundada por uma camada de fibras dispostas de forma paralela são características dos F, enquanto a presença de hiperplasia epitelial, infiltrado inflamatório e fibras colágenas organizadas de forma paralela são características das HI. Tais resultados motivaram o 2º artigo, no qual estudamos 18 lesões de F e 13 de HI, que foram preparadas histologicamente e coradas pelo picrosírius red e pelo direct blue para avaliação quantitativa das fibras colágenas e de fibras do sistema elástico, respectivamente, em microscopia a laser confocal. Os resultados confirmaram a disposição estrutural das fibras colágenas observada no 1º artigo, além de apontarem diferenças nas áreas ocupadas pelas fibras colágenas em todas as regiões estudadas. A fim de proceder a uma avaliação dos componentes fibroso e celular das 3 lesões fibrosas, foi desenvolvido o 3º artigo. Espécimes das 3 lesões foram estudados em microscopia ótica, a fim de avaliar suas populações de fibroblastos e de células inflamatórias e os seguintes componentes fibrosos do tecido conjuntivo: fibras colágenas, sistema de fibras elásticas, fibras reticulares e fibras oxitalânicas. Os resultados mostraram disposição e concentração diferente das fibras colágenas nas 3 lesões e uma maior concentração de fibras reticulares na FGH. A análise dos componentes celulares mostrou um maior número de fibroblastos no F e uma maior contagem de células inflamatórias na HI. A partir do encaminhamento de uma família com FGH, optouse por inclui-la no estudo, tendo em vista serem lesões do mesmo grupo. Com isso, foi desenvolvido um 4º estudo, que utilizou uma avaliação morfológica semelhante à dos 2 artigos anteriormente descritos. Dos pacientes com FGH foi obtido sangue periférico para avaliação da proliferação celular de linfócitos através do teste do MTT e para o sequenciamento do gene SOS-1. Os resultados mostraram hiperplasia epitelial na porção externa da gengiva dos pacientes com FGH, maior concentração de fibras colágenas e poucas células inflamatórias. Os 3 pacientes com FGH não mostraram diferenças no seu índice de proliferação de linfócitos em relação aos controles e não apresentaram a mutação descrita no gene SOS-1 de outras famílias com FGH. Pode se concluir que as 3 lesões apresentam estrutura conjuntiva diferente tanto no aspecto quantitativo quanto na disposição estrutural de seus componentes. / The objective of this study was to analyze the cellular and fibrous components of connective tissue in inflammatory hyperplasia (IH), oral fibroma (OF) and hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF), and to investigate the immunocompetence and to perform molecular analysis in HGF patients. To achieve the goals were developed 4 articles, with different methodologies and sample universes. In the 1st article, we intended to establish microscopic criteria to differentiate F and IH. The microscopic characteristics of the lesions (n=136) stained by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson trichrome were evaluated in an optical microscope. The results showed that a central area of wound collagen fibers and arranged in a higher density, surrounded by a layer of parallel fibers are characteristic of F, while the presence of epithelial hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltrate and parallel collagen fibers are characteristics of HI. These results led the 2nd article, which studied 18 F and 13 and IH, histologically prepared and stained by picrosírius red and direct blue for the direct quantitative assessment of collagen fibers and elastic fibers of the system, respectively, in the confocal laser microscope. The results confirmed the structural arrangement of collagen fibers found in Article 1, and indicate differences in the areas of collagen fibers in all regions studied. In order to evaluate the cellular and fibrous components of the 3 fibrous lesions, was developed the 3rd article. Specimens of the 3 lesions were studied in optical microscopy, to assess their populations of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells and the following components of fibrous connective tissue: collagen fibers, elastic fiber system, reticular fibers and oxytalan fibers. The results showed different arrangement and concentration of collagen fibers in the 3 lesions and a higher concentration of reticular fibers in HGF. The analysis of cellular components showed a greater number of fibroblasts in F and a higher count of inflammatory cells in IH. With the identification of a family with HGF, we chose to include it in the study because the lesions belong to the group of benign fibrous lesions. With that, it developed a 4th study, which used a similar morphologic evaluation of the 2 articles described above. Periferic blood was extracted from the HGF patients in order to determine the proliferative capacity of the peripheral lymphocytes, by the MTT test, and in order to sequence the SOS1 gene. The 3 HGF affected patients did not present the described mutation for the SOS1 gene, and the lymphocyte proliferative capacity in HGF patients was similar to those on controls. The results showed epithelial hyperplasia in the outer portion of the gingiva of patients with HGF, greater concentration of collagen fibers and few inflammatory cells. We can conclude that the 3 lesions present a different connective structure, considering both the quantitative aspect and the architectural disposition of their components.

O objetivo do presente trabalho é analisar os componentes celulares e de fibras do tecido conjuntivo nas hiperplasias inflamatórias (HI), nos fibromas (F) e na fibromatose gengival hereditária (FGH), além de investigar a imunocompetência e efetuar análises moleculares de pacientes com FGH. Para atingir os objetivos foram desenvolvidos 4 artigos, com diferentes metodologias e universos amostrais. No 1º artigo, pretendeu-se estabelecer critérios microscópicos válidos para diferenciar F e HI. Foram avaliadas em microscópio óptico 136 lesões coradas pela Hematoxilina-eosina (HE) e pelo Tricrômico de Masson quanto às características microscópicas. Os resultados mostraram que uma área central de fibras colágenas dispostas de forma enovelada e mais densa, circundada por uma camada de fibras dispostas de forma paralela são características dos F, enquanto a presença de hiperplasia epitelial, infiltrado inflamatório e fibras colágenas organizadas de forma paralela são características das HI. Tais resultados motivaram o 2º artigo, no qual estudamos 18 lesões de F e 13 de HI, que foram preparadas histologicamente e coradas pelo picrosírius red e pelo direct blue para avaliação quantitativa das fibras colágenas e de fibras do sistema elástico, respectivamente, em microscopia a laser confocal. Os resultados confirmaram a disposição estrutural das fibras colágenas observada no 1º artigo, além de apontarem diferenças nas áreas ocupadas pelas fibras colágenas em todas as regiões estudadas. A fim de proceder a uma avaliação dos componentes fibroso e celular das 3 lesões fibrosas, foi desenvolvido o 3º artigo. Espécimes das 3 lesões foram estudados em microscopia ótica, a fim de avaliar suas populações de fibroblastos e de células inflamatórias e os seguintes componentes fibrosos do tecido conjuntivo: fibras colágenas, sistema de fibras elásticas, fibras reticulares e fibras oxitalânicas. Os resultados mostraram disposição e concentração diferente das fibras colágenas nas 3 lesões e uma maior concentração de fibras reticulares na FGH. A análise dos componentes celulares mostrou um maior número de fibroblastos no F e uma maior contagem de células inflamatórias na HI. A partir do encaminhamento de uma família com FGH, optouse por inclui-la no estudo, tendo em vista serem lesões do mesmo grupo. Com isso, foi desenvolvido um 4º estudo, que utilizou uma avaliação morfológica semelhante à dos 2 artigos anteriormente descritos. Dos pacientes com FGH foi obtido sangue periférico para avaliação da proliferação celular de linfócitos através do teste do MTT e para o sequenciamento do gene SOS-1. Os resultados mostraram hiperplasia epitelial na porção externa da gengiva dos pacientes com FGH, maior concentração de fibras colágenas e poucas células inflamatórias. Os 3 pacientes com FGH não mostraram diferenças no seu índice de proliferação de linfócitos em relação aos controles e não apresentaram a mutação descrita no gene SOS-1 de outras famílias com FGH. Pode se concluir que as 3 lesões apresentam estrutura conjuntiva diferente tanto no aspecto quantitativo quanto na disposição estrutural de seus componentes. / The objective of this study was to analyze the cellular and fibrous components of connective tissue in inflammatory hyperplasia (IH), oral fibroma (OF) and hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF), and to investigate the immunocompetence and to perform molecular analysis in HGF patients. To achieve the goals were developed 4 articles, with different methodologies and sample universes. In the 1st article, we intended to establish microscopic criteria to differentiate F and IH. The microscopic characteristics of the lesions (n=136) stained by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson trichrome were evaluated in an optical microscope. The results showed that a central area of wound collagen fibers and arranged in a higher density, surrounded by a layer of parallel fibers are characteristic of F, while the presence of epithelial hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltrate and parallel collagen fibers are characteristics of HI. These results led the 2nd article, which studied 18 F and 13 and IH, histologically prepared and stained by picrosírius red and direct blue for the direct quantitative assessment of collagen fibers and elastic fibers of the system, respectively, in the confocal laser microscope. The results confirmed the structural arrangement of collagen fibers found in Article 1, and indicate differences in the areas of collagen fibers in all regions studied. In order to evaluate the cellular and fibrous components of the 3 fibrous lesions, was developed the 3rd article. Specimens of the 3 lesions were studied in optical microscopy, to assess their populations of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells and the following components of fibrous connective tissue: collagen fibers, elastic fiber system, reticular fibers and oxytalan fibers. The results showed different arrangement and concentration of collagen fibers in the 3 lesions and a higher concentration of reticular fibers in HGF. The analysis of cellular components showed a greater number of fibroblasts in F and a higher count of inflammatory cells in IH. With the identification of a family with HGF, we chose to include it in the study because the lesions belong to the group of benign fibrous lesions. With that, it developed a 4th study, which used a similar morphologic evaluation of the 2 articles described above. Periferic blood was extracted from the HGF patients in order to determine the proliferative capacity of the peripheral lymphocytes, by the MTT test, and in order to sequence the SOS1 gene. The 3 HGF affected patients did not present the described mutation for the SOS1 gene, and the lymphocyte proliferative capacity in HGF patients was similar to those on controls. The results showed epithelial hyperplasia in the outer portion of the gingiva of patients with HGF, greater concentration of collagen fibers and few inflammatory cells. We can conclude that the 3 lesions present a different connective structure, considering both the quantitative aspect and the architectural disposition of their components.

The functions of sleep remain enigmatic. One of the dominant, yet more contentious hypotheses is that sleep is involved in memory consolidation. A large body of evidence supports the role of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in memory consolidation, especially in rodents. In humans, the role of REM sleep in memory consolidation has also been investigated, however it is unclear if it supports only one type of memory, or consolidation for several memory systems. Recent evidence suggests that non-REM is also involved in memory consolidation. The role of theta activity during REM and sleep spindles during non-REM may provide electrophysiological signatures reflecting memory consolidation processes. The studies presented here attempt to further investigate the electrophysiological characteristics of the learning-dependent changes in REM and slow wave sleep (SWS) in rats. A 2-stage model of memory consolidation is outlined here, and both steps of the model were investigated. Consistent with previous studies, REM increases were observed following avoidance training. During this period, theta power during REM sleep was increased compared to non-learning rats. Increased sleep spindle density during SWS was observed following REM increases. When REM sleep was suppressed by infusing the GABAB agonist baclofen into the pedunculopontine nucleus, avoidance performance acquisition was impaired. Baseline sleep spindles predicted whether rats were able to learn to make avoidance responses. Results suggest that both REM and SWS may be sequentially involved in memory consolidation processes. Discrete periods (windows) exist for REM and SWS when memory consolidation processes appear to take place. Theta activity during REM sleep from 17- 20 h on the first post-training day and sleep spindles during SWS from 21-24 h on the first post- training day are increased in learning rats and are related to memory performance. / Thesis (Ph.D, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2009-10-26 12:07:47.515

This dissertation explores the role of brainstem structures in the development and expression of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The functional consequences of brainstem seizures are investigated using the kindling paradigm in order to understand the behavioral and cognitive effects of generalized seizures. <BR><BR> I begin by investigating the general characteristics of brainstem kindling. The first experiment demonstrates that certain brainstem sites are indeed susceptible to kindling and begins to delineate the features that distinguish brainstem seizures from those evoked at other brain regions. Further investigation of the EEG signal features using wavelet analysis reveals that changes in the spectral properties of the electrographic activity during kindling include significant changes to high-frequency activity and organized low-frequency activity. I also identify transitions that include frequency sweeps and abrupt seizure terminations. The changing spectral features are shown to be critically associated with the evolution of the kindled seizures and may have important functional consequences. The surprising responsiveness of some brainstem structures to kindling forces us to reconsider the overall role of these structures in epileptogenesis as well as in the healthy dynamical functioning of the brain. <BR><BR> In order to study the functional consequences, a series of experiments examines the changes in behavior, cognition and affect that follow these brainstem seizures. Although the results show no effects on spatial learning or memory, there are significant and complex effects on anxiety- and depression-like behavior that appear to be related to motivation. In order to further study the cognitive effects, a second set of behavioral experiments considers how context (i.e., the environment) interacts with the behavioral changes. The results indicate that changes in affect may only be apparent when choice between seizure-related and seizure-free contexts is given, suggesting that the environment and choice can play key roles in the behavioral consequences of seizures. This thesis also includes an appendix that applies synchrotron imaging to investigate the anatomical consequences of electrode implantation in kindling and shows that significantly increased iron depositions occur even with purportedly biocompatible electrodes widely used in research and clinical settings. <BR><BR> Examination of the role of brainstem structures in generalized seizures in this dissertation offers new perspectives and insights to epileptogenesis and the behavioral effects of epilepsy. The changes in EEG features, behavior, affect and motivation observed after brainstem seizures and kindling may have important clinical implications. For example, the results suggest a need to reexamine the concept of psychogenic seizures, a potential connection to Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), and the contribution of environmental factors. It is hoped that these findings will help elucidate the complex issues involved in understanding and improving the quality of life for people with epilepsy.

This dissertation explores the role of brainstem structures in the development and expression of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The functional consequences of brainstem seizures are investigated using the kindling paradigm in order to understand the behavioral and cognitive effects of generalized seizures. <BR><BR> I begin by investigating the general characteristics of brainstem kindling. The first experiment demonstrates that certain brainstem sites are indeed susceptible to kindling and begins to delineate the features that distinguish brainstem seizures from those evoked at other brain regions. Further investigation of the EEG signal features using wavelet analysis reveals that changes in the spectral properties of the electrographic activity during kindling include significant changes to high-frequency activity and organized low-frequency activity. I also identify transitions that include frequency sweeps and abrupt seizure terminations. The changing spectral features are shown to be critically associated with the evolution of the kindled seizures and may have important functional consequences. The surprising responsiveness of some brainstem structures to kindling forces us to reconsider the overall role of these structures in epileptogenesis as well as in the healthy dynamical functioning of the brain. <BR><BR> In order to study the functional consequences, a series of experiments examines the changes in behavior, cognition and affect that follow these brainstem seizures. Although the results show no effects on spatial learning or memory, there are significant and complex effects on anxiety- and depression-like behavior that appear to be related to motivation. In order to further study the cognitive effects, a second set of behavioral experiments considers how context (i.e., the environment) interacts with the behavioral changes. The results indicate that changes in affect may only be apparent when choice between seizure-related and seizure-free contexts is given, suggesting that the environment and choice can play key roles in the behavioral consequences of seizures. This thesis also includes an appendix that applies synchrotron imaging to investigate the anatomical consequences of electrode implantation in kindling and shows that significantly increased iron depositions occur even with purportedly biocompatible electrodes widely used in research and clinical settings. <BR><BR> Examination of the role of brainstem structures in generalized seizures in this dissertation offers new perspectives and insights to epileptogenesis and the behavioral effects of epilepsy. The changes in EEG features, behavior, affect and motivation observed after brainstem seizures and kindling may have important clinical implications. For example, the results suggest a need to reexamine the concept of psychogenic seizures, a potential connection to Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), and the contribution of environmental factors. It is hoped that these findings will help elucidate the complex issues involved in understanding and improving the quality of life for people with epilepsy.

La compréhension des mécanismes physiologiques et physiopathologiques du contrôle la locomotion et de ses troubles, constitue un enjeu majeur de la recherche biomédicale, pour améliorer la qualité et l'espérance de vie des patients atteints de la maladie de Parkinson. A partir de données expérimentales, la stimulation cérébrale profonde de la formation réticulée mésencéphalique (FRM), incluant les noyaux pédonculopontins et cunéiformes, a été proposée en 2005 comme nouvelle stratégie thérapeutique pour traiter le freezing de la marche. Cependant, au regard de résultats cliniques très hétérogènes, de nombreuses interrogations se posent concernant les connaissances anatomiques et fonctionnelles de la FRM, marquées notamment par un nombre limité de données expérimentales chez le primate non-humain. Cette étude s'inscrit dans une approche translationnelle associant des données cliniques et pré-cliniques. Dans un premier temps, un modèle de locomotion bipède chez le primate non-humain a été développé puis validé à partir de données cinématiques. Une approche IRM multi-séquences a été développée pour permettre un suivi longitudinal du protocole et la construction d'un atlas du tronc cérébral de Macaca fascicularis. Un mapping électrophysiologique de la FRM a ensuite été réalisé chez deux primates éveillés, qui a permis de mettre en évidence pour la première fois, des activités neuronales qui répondaient à la locomotion, confirmant ainsi l'existence d'une région locomotrice mésencéphalique chez le primate. Après intoxication au MPTP, seule une modification du pattern de décharge des neurones de la FRM a été observée, ainsi que des arguments en faveur d'un dysfonctionnement de l'activité de certains neurones de la FRM durant le blocage du pas. Enfin, des enregistrements électrophysiologiques durant des phases de locomotion puis d'endormissement naturel, suggèrent une double implication de populations neuronales dans le contrôle de la locomotion et du niveau de vigilance. La réalisation d'un nouveau système de coordonnées adapté au tronc cérébral humain a permis de réaliser une étude de corrélations anatomo-cliniques des effets de la stimulation cérébrale profonde du noyau pédonculopontin et de proposer une cible probabiliste pour l'implantation d'électrodes dans la FRM pour traiter le freezing de la marche dans le contexte parkinsonien. / The comprehension of the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the control of locomotion and gait troubles remains a major challenge for biomedical research in order to improve quality and expectancy of life in parkinsonian patient. On the basis of experimental data, deep brain stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF), including the pedunculopontine and cuneiform nuclei, was proposed in 2005 as a new target to treat freezing of gait. However, regarding the heterogeneity of the clinical results, different questions now raise concerning the lack of anatomical and functional data of the MRF especially in non-human primate. The present study falls within a translational approach using clinical and pre-clinical data. First, a non-human primate model of bipedal locomotion was developed and validated on the basis of kinematic data. Multi-sequences MRI methodology was developed, allowing a longitudinal monitoring of the primate protocol and to construct a brainstem atlas of Macaca fascicularis. Then, an electrophysiological mapping of the MRF was performed in two behaving primates during rest and locomotion periods. For the first time, neurons within the MRF were found to respond to locomotion confirming the existence of a mesencephalic locomotor region in primate. After MPTP intoxication, only changes in neuronal discharge pattern were observed and arguments in favor of a misfunctioning of some MRF neurons during gait blockage. Finally, electrophysiological recordings during locomotion and natural transition from wakefulness to sleep suggest a dual function of some MRF neurons in the control of locomotion and arousal. The development of a new coordinate system adapted to human brainstem anatomy allowed to perform an anatomo-clinical evaluation of deep brain stimulation of the pedunculopontine nucleus and to provide a probabilist target for electrode implantation in the MRF to treat freezing of gait in the parkinsonian context.

Tesis por compendio / [ES] Esta memoria de tesis presenta una contribución al estudio de la funcionalización de sustratos textiles mediante la encapsulación de diferentes compuestos empleando la técnica del electrohilado. La variabilidad de la electrohilatura, tanto a nivel del equipo empleado como del propio proceso de electrohilado, permite la posibilidad de obtener morfologías y composiciones de nanofibras completamente distintas. En este trabajo se han abordado dos técnicas de preparación de la solución polimérica a emplear durante el proceso, los métodos de emulsión y dispersión. Ambas técnicas han posibilitado la adición de varios compuestos que han aportados nuevas características a nanofibras de PVA electrohiladas. Tras analizar los resultados obtenidos de las nanofibras extruidas a partir de la solución por emulsión, se ha demostrado la capacidad de encapsular aceites esenciales, tomillo y salvia, mediante electrohilatura. La caracterización realizada a los velos nanofibrosos demuestran la aparición de microcápsulas a lo largo de la sección longitudinal de las fibras debido a la encapsulación del aceite en su interior. Por otro lado, el método de dispersión ha sido evaluado mediante la adición de cúrcuma, compuesto no soluble en agua, a una solución de PVA. Los datos resultantes de las caracterizaciones han evidenciado la capacidad de la cúrcuma de actuar como sensor halocrómico aún estando encapsulada en el interior de las nanofibras electrohiladas. Al mismo tiempo, se ha examinado si esta capacidad halocrómica se mantiene cuando las nanofibras de PVA, que inicialmente son solubles en agua, se someten a un proceso de reticulación con ácido cítrico para su insolubilización. Los resultados han demostrado la continuidad del halocromismo, aunque difiere en la tonalidad del color resultante. Finalmente, se concluye con una comparativa por adición de materia colorante mediante los dos métodos explicados a una solución polimérica. Los velos nanofibrosos fabricados a partir de la solución dispersada presentaban una notable coloración en su superficie, mientras que las nanofibras producidas a partir de la solución por emulsión no presentaban color, lo cual vuelve a justificar la encapsulación del aceite coloreado en el interior de la nanofibra. / [CA] Aquesta memòria de tesi presenta una contribució a l'estudi de la funcionalització de substrats tèxtils mitjançant l'encapsulació de diferents compostos emprant la tècnica de l'electrofilat. La variabilitat de l'electrofilatura, tant a nivell de l'equip emprat com del procés d'electrofilat propi, permet la possibilitat d'obtenir morfologies i composicions de nanofibres completament diferents. En aquest treball s'han abordat dues tècniques de preparació de la solució polimèrica a emprar durant el procés, els mètodes d'emulsió i de dispersió. Ambdues tècniques han possibilitat l'addició de diversos compostos que han aportat noves característiques a nanofibres de PVA electrofilades. Després d'analitzar els resultats obtinguts de les nanofibres extruïdes a partir de la solució per emulsió, s'ha demostrat la capacitat d'encapsular olis essencials, farigola i sàlvia, mitjançant electrofil·latura. La caracterització realitzada a les estores nanofibroses demostren l'aparició de microcàpsules al llarg de la secció longitudinal de les fibres a causa de l'encapsulació de l'oli al seu interior. D'altra banda, el mètode de dispersió s'ha avaluat mitjançant l'addició de cúrcuma, compost no soluble en aigua, a una solució de PVA. Les dades resultants de les caracteritzacions han evidenciat la capacitat de la cúrcuma d'actuar com a sensor halocròmic encara estant encapsulada a l'interior de les nanofibres electrofilades. Alhora, s'ha examinat si aquesta capacitat halocròmica es manté quan les nanofibres de PVA, que inicialment són solubles en aigua, se sotmeten a un procés de reticulació amb àcid cítric per a la seua insolubilització. Els resultats han demostrat la continuïtat de l'halocromisme encara que difereix en la tonalitat del color resultant. Finalment, es conclou amb una comparativa per addició de matèria colorant mitjançant els dos mètodes explicats a una solució polimèrica. Els vels nanofibrosos fabricats a partir de la solució dispersada presentaven una notable coloració a la superfície, mentre que les nanofibres produïdes a partir de la solució per emulsió no presentaven color, la qual cosa torna a justificar l'encapsulació de l'oli acolorit a l'interior de la nanofibra. / [EN] This thesis report presents a contribution to the study of the functionalisation of textile substrates through the encapsulation of different compounds using the electrospinning technique. The variability of electrospinning, both at the level of the equipment used and of the electrospinning process itself, allows the possibility of obtaining completely different morphologies and compositions of nanofibres. In this work, two techniques for the preparation of the polymer solution to be used during the process have been addressed, the emulsion and dispersion methods. Both techniques have allowed the addition of several compounds that have provided new properties to electrospun PVA nanofibres. After analysing the results obtained from the nanofibres extruded from the emulsion solution, the ability to encapsulate essential oils, thyme and sage, by electrospinning was demonstrated. The characterisation of the nanofibrous mats shows the appearance of microcapsules along the longitudinal section of the fibres, due to the encapsulation of the oil inside them. On the other hand, the dispersion method was evaluated by adding turmeric, a non-water soluble compound, to a PVA solution. The data obtained from the characterisations have showed the ability of turmeric to act as a halochromic sensor even when encapsulated in the electrospun nanofibres. At the same time, it was investigaed whether this halochromic capacity is maintained when the PVA nanofibres, which are initially soluble in water, undergo a cross-linking process with citric acid to insolubilise them. The results have shown the continuity of the halochromism, although the resulting shade is different. Finally, we compare the addition of dyes to a polymer solution using the two methods described above. The nanofibrous veils produced from the dispersed solution showed a noticeable colouration on their surface, whereas the nanofibres produced from the emulsion solution were colourless, which again justifies the encapsulation of the coloured oil inside the nanofibre. / Mínguez García, D. (2024). Funcionalización de textiles mediante encapsulación por electrohilatura [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/202719 / Compendio

Die Entzündungsreaktion der Arthrose wird als eine sekundäre Reaktion auf einen degenerativen Prozeß des Gelenkknorpels angesehen. Die Ursache für die Degeneration kann im Mißverhältnis zwischen Belastbarkeit und Beanspruchung liegen, es können metabolische Störungen (Urämie, Diabetes mellitus) verantwortlich gemacht werden, weswegen von sekundärer Arthrose gesprochen wird. Die Ursache der primären Arthrose bleibt unbekannt. Es kann als bewiesen angesehen werden der Zusammenhang mit Alter und Geschlecht der Patienten, denn Arthrose ist in der Regel eine Erkrankung jenseits des fünfzigsten Lebensjahres und betrifft vornehmlich Frauen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die Synovialis von 20 Patienten aufgearbeitet und hinsichtlich des enthaltenen entzündlichen Infiltrates untersucht. Unter Anwendung der indirekten Immunperoxidase Technik und der indirekten Immunfluoreszenz Technik wurde die Expression der Antigene CD 20, CD 23, CD 40, CD 27, IgG, IgA, IgM, Kappa, Lambda, CD 3, CD 4, CD 8, Ki M4, CD 68, Ki 67 sowie die Expression der Cytokine IL 2 und IL 10 analysiert. Die Synovialmembran zeigte histologisch eine Verbreiterung der Deckzellschicht, Knorpelfragmente innerhalb der Synovialmembran und ein insgesamt schwach ausgeprägtes entzündliches Infiltrat. In lediglich drei von 20 Fällen fand sich eine stärkere entzündliche Infiltration. Diese entzündlichen Infiltrate wiesen eine perivaskuläre Verteilung auf. Am häufigsten wurden in gefäßnahen Regionen B Lymphozyten identifiziert, Plasmazellen wiesen in der Regel einen deutlich größeren Abstand zum Gefäß auf. Unter den nachgewiesenen Plasmazellen fand sich eine prädominante Expression an IgG bei ausgewogener Anwesenheit sowohl der Kappa- als auch der Lambda- Leichtketten. T Lymphozyten waren ebenfalls zirkulär um die Gefäße anzutreffen und zeigten eine prädominante Interleukin 10 Expression. Lymphozytäre Aggregate, mit follikelähnlicher Struktur ließen sich in lediglich in 4 von 20 Fällen nachweisen. Makrophagen waren sowohl perivaskulär als auch in der Deckzellschicht nachweisbar. Ki M4 positive Retikulumzellen (FDC) waren dagegen nur in einem von 20 Fällen nachweisbar. Alle Zellpopulationen der Membrana synovialis wiesen nur eine schwache Proliferationsaktivität auf. Das Fehlen von dem Keimzentrum des Lymphfollikels vergleichbaren Strukturen, die deutliche Abwesenheit von Ki M4 positiver FDC's sowie die schwache Expression von Ki 67, sprechen trotz Anwesenheit der ebenfalls zur Antigenpräsentation befähigten Makrophagen gegen eine Einwanderung und Maturation nativer B Lymphozyten in die Membrana Synovialis. Wandern dagegen Gedächtniszellen in die Membrana synovialis ein, so ist eine Maturation mit Follikelbildung nicht mehr notwendig. Unter der Mithilfe von T Lymphozyten und Makrophagen können die B Lymphozyten zu Plasmazellen differenzieren. T Lymphozyten zeichnen sich ebenfalls durch eine starke perivaskuläre Verteilung aus. Dabei ist die Expression von IL 10 prädominant, was sich als eine Immunantwort von TH2-Typus interpretieren läßt. Diese ermöglicht eine Differenzierung der B Lymphozyten zu Plasmazellen. Reife B Lymphozyten, die unter dem Einfluß einer TH2 Subpopulation von CD 4 positiven T Lymphozyten ohne Keimzentrum zu Plasmazellen differenzieren, könnten ein Grund dafür sein, daß follikuläre Strukturen fehlen. Vorgereifte B Lymphozyten benötigen auch keine inflammatorisch hochpotenten Zytokine um eine schnelle Reifung und eine Immunantwort zu ermöglichen. Dies könnte ein Grund sein, warum die entzündliche Reaktion bei Arthrose so schwach ausgeprägt ist. / Inflammation in osteoarthritis is a secondary reaction to a degenerating process of the articular cartilage. Cause of Degeneration can be a disproportion of mechanical stress and resistance or metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus. This kind of osteoarthritis is called "secondary osteoarthritis". Primary osteoarthritis has an unknown cause. Age and sex of the patient are a predictor for osteoarthritis, hense it is a disease of people above the age of 50 and more often it is found in women than in men. This paper investigated the synovial membranes of twenty patients to characterize the inflammatory Infiltrate. It characterized the cell surface antigen CD 20, CD 23, CD 40, CD 27, CD 3, CD 4, CD 8, Ki M4, CD 68, the antibodies IgG, IgA, IgM, Kappa, Lambda, the proliferating antigen Ki 67 and the expression profile of the cytokines IL 2 and IL 10 by using immunohistochemical staining (indirect immunoperoxidase technique and indirect immunofluorescence technique) with monoclonal antibodies. The synovial membrane shows in histology a dissemination of cover cells, fragments of cartilage and a slight expression of inflammatory infiltrate with a perivascular allocation. In only three of twenty cases we detected stronger inflammatory infiltrates. Most of the perivascular cells express CD 20. They are B lymphocytes. Plasma cells have more distance to the blood vessels and showed a predominant expression of IgG. T-lymphocytes were also detected perivascular. The expression of IL 10 was predominant. Lymphocytes aggregates like lymph follicle were detected in four of twenty cases. Macrophages were proved perivascular as well as in the cover cells. Ki M4 positive reticulum cells were found in only one of twenty cases. All kind of cells in the synovial membrane showed a low proliferation activity. The absence of germinal centers or comparable structures, the low expression of Ki M4 and Ki 67 speak against the immigration and maturation of native B lymphocytes in the synovial membrane. Memory B-lymphocytes don't need germinal centers or compatible structures for maturation, they can mature to plasma cells by help of T-lymphocytes, macrophages or other B-lymphocytes. It is more probably that the detected B lymphocytes are memory cells. The perivascular T lymphocytes in combination with the predominant expression of IL 10 may be interpreted as a TH2 immune reaction. This supports the maturation of B-lymphocytes to plasma cells. The maturation of memory B-lymphocytes under influence of TH2 immune reaction can be the reason for the missing of germinal centers or comparable structures. Matured B-lymphocytes don't need high-grade inflammatory cytokines for quick immune response. This is the possible reason for the low-grade inflammatory reaction of osteoarthritis.

Detection of early pathophysiological changes of breathing in children with chronic respiratory disease MD. Vaclav Koucky - Ph.D. thesis Abstract Introduction: Currently, there are different methods for infant pulmonary function testing (iPFT) and morphological assessment of microscopic changes in endobronchial biopsy samples (EBB). In research setting, they allow detection of early pathophysiological changes of breathing in small children with chronic respiratory disease, respectively in risk of its development. Their clinical significance, however, is not fully acknowledged. The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the safety, feasibility and clinical significance of iPFT and EBB in infants younger than 2 years of age. In addition, the relationship between functional and morphological changes of respiratory tract and the function of peripheral chemoreceptors was studied in selected patients' subgroups. Methods: Fifty-five infants with cystic fibrosis (CF), 35 physician-confirmed recurrent wheezers (AB), 9 infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 7 with interstitial lung disease (chILD) and 3 with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) were enrolled. All infants underwent iPFT and relevant clinical history data were recorded. Based on patients' age, CF group was divided into CFmalí (< 6 months) and CFvelcí (>...