Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1980.

Thesis (Ph.D)--Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2009. / Committee Chair: Fu, Rong; Committee Member: Dickinson, Robert E.; Committee Member: Nenes, Athanasios; Committee Member: Webster,Peter J.; Committee Member: Yu, Hongbin. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.

Fire, a natural disturbance, regulates species composition in Fescue Prairie. However, little is known about the contribution of different regeneration strategies in altering species composition after burning in Fescue Prairie. The present study was conducted to determine if and how fire and associated fire cues regulate species composition in Fescue Prairie through their effects on seedling recruitment. The effects of fire and various fire cues, including smoke, ash, and smoke plus ash on seedlings emerging in the field and/or from litter, 0-1 cm, and 1-5 cm layers of the soil seed banks were therefore examined. These studies were complimented by a study of testing effects of smoke originated from different plant materials on seed germination and seedling growth of species from Fescue Prairie. Chemical analyses were also conducted to determine whether different active compounds existed in smoke made from different materials, which in turn affect germination and seedling growth differently. Burning increased densities, richness, and diversity of seedlings emerging in the field. This was possibly attributed to direct fire cues of burning. Seedling densities of native forbs and non-native graminoids emerging from the soil seed bank were increased and decreased by burning, respectively. Ash and smoke plus ash increased density of forbs emerging from the soil seed bank. Species composition of seedlings emerging in the field and from the soil seed bank was altered by burning. Complex responses were observed for the effects of smoke on seedling establishment, which depended on the type and dilution of smoke solutions, as well as germination conditions. Smoke solutions partly substituted light requirement for germination of Artemisia ludoviciana. Germination of Cirsium arvense and Conyza canadensis only responded to smoke solutions at 25/15°C, but not at 10/0 °C. Diluted smoke solutions increased radical length of Artemisia ludoviciana. Karrikinolide (KAR1) was in the smoke made from prairie hay and wheat straw, but not in that made from alfalfa. This is the first report that different active compounds existed in smoke made from different materials. Highly concentrated smoke solutions made from alfalfa increased germination and radical length of Conyza canadensis, while the same concentrated smoke solutions made from prairie hay and wheat straw reduced germination of Conyza canadensis at 25/15 °C in darkness. Priming in KAR1 solutions and active fractions obtained from prairie hay and/or wheat straw increased germination of Artemisia frigida, Artemisia ludoviciana, and Conyza canadensis at certain germination conditions. In summary, fire and direct fire cues, smoke and ash specifically, stimulated recruitment of some species, especially early seral species and native forbs, contributing to potential changes in species composition of the Fescue Prairie. Different compounds existed in smoke solutions made from alfalfa as compared with those from prairie hay and wheat straw, showing different effects on seed germination and seedling growth. KAR1, the most important active compound discovered in smoke, was present in the smoke made from prairie hay and wheat straw, but was not in that made from alfalfa.

Thesis (MSc (Plant Biotechnology))--University of Stellenboscg, 2010. / Includes bibliography. / Title page: Dept. of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Novel plant growth regulating substances (PGRs) are emerging as a useful tool to investigate important growth traits in plants. This study reports on growth promotion pathways leading to enhanced biomass accumulation in two PGRs sharing a common α, β-unsaturated furanone moiety. Growth promotion by GR24, a synthetic strigolactone, and an aqueous smoke solution (including the active compound, KAR1) in physiologically normal seedlings was characterized by enhanced biomass accumulation and higher seedling vigour. Root architecture (lateral root number and root length) and shoot size (fresh and dry shoot weight and leaf area) were also dramatically improved following GR24 and smoke/KAR1 treatment. Despite these apparent similarities, parallel transcript and phytohormone profiling identified only a limited number of overlapping entities. Four common up-regulated and nineteen down-regulated mRNA transcripts were identified; whilst amongst the phytohormones that were analyzed, only ABA and JA levels were commonly increased between the treatments. This suggests that, whilst the phenotypic end response(s) was similar, it was attained via distinct pathways. The limited number of co-expressed transcripts between these treatments, as well as repressed biomass accumulation when combining GR24 and aqueous smoke in a single treatment suggests, however, that a certain degree of cross-talk in either signal perception/transduction and/or biomass regulation could not be ruled out. In light of the structural similarity between the strigolactone and KAR1 molecules and the degree of redundancy between these treatments, it is possible that these two molecules might share a common receptor/perception pathway. Two silencing vectors were constructed, specifically aimed at silencing Nicotiana benthamiana genes MAX4 and MAX2 which are known to function in the strigolactone biosynthesis pathway and signal transduction pathway, respectively. Transgenes designed to express single- or double-stranded-self- complementary hairpin RNA have a post translational gene silencing effect. The pHELLSGATE2 plasmid a binary vector that incorporates GATEWAY cloning technology which makes use of λ-phage-based site specific recombination, rather than restriction endonucleases and ligation, was used to construct these gene silencing vectors. These constructs can in future be used to produce Nicotiana plants with impaired strigolactone production and perception abilities and may provide evidence as to whether the signaling cascade of KAR1 and strigolactone share a degree of crosstalk. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Aanvraag na plantmateriaal is besig om toe te neem, hetsy vir gebruik as mens- en diervoeding of vir die produksie van biobrandstof. Om aan hierdie behoefte te voldoen, word verskeie pogings geloods wat fokus op die optimisering van plantproduksiestelsels. Om plantgroei te stimuleer/verbeter, is ’n ingewikkelde proses en is oor die algemeen moeilik om te begryp. Die produksie van plantbiomassa is nou gekoppel aan primêre metabolisme en enige verandering in hierdie biochemiese padweë kan lei tot ongewenste newe-effekte. Gevolglik word primêre metabolisme streng beheer deur reguleringsmeganismes. ’n Nuttige alternatief tot metaboliese wysiging is deur bio-aktiewe agente te karakteriseer op grond van die veranderinge aan plantgroei wat waargeneem word. Nuwe stowwe met biologiese aktiwiteite in plantontwikkeling word elke dag ontdek en speel ’n belangrike rol in die studie van plantgroei en -ontwikkeling. Hier word verslag gelewer van twee plantgroei-stimulerende stowwe wat albei lei tot die aktivering van verbeterde plantbiomassa-akkumulasie-padweë. Swaarder plantjies met ’n verhoogde oorlewingsvermoё is waargeneem in fisiologies normale saailinge wat met ’n sintetiese strigolaktoon (GR24) of met rookwater (met aktiewe bestanddeel, KAR1) behandel is. Behandeling met hierdie twee stowwe het gelei tot soortgelyke plantbiomassa-akkummulasie- vermoё. Hierdie twee stowwe (GR24 en KAR1) deel ’n ooreenstemmende molekulêre struktuur in die vorm van ’n α, β-onversadigde furanone-moieteit. Ten spyte van die groeiverbeteringsooreenkomste, gesien in saalinge behandel met GR24 en rook/KAR1, dui verskille in transkripsie- en hormoonprofiel op twee verskillende groeistimuleringspadweë. Saailinge wat gelyktydig behandel is met ’n kombinasie van die twee stowwe het egter ’n stremming in groei getoon in vergelyking met die kontroleplantjies. Dit is egter waargeneem dat daar wel ’n mate van oorvleueling in die aantal transkripte was tussen die drie behandelinge, wat daarop dui dat die groei-regulerende padweë nie in totale onafhanklikheid funksioneer nie, maar wel sekere stappe deel. Na aanleiding van die strukturele ooreenkomste tussen die strigolaktoon (GR24) en KAR1 molekules en die mate van molekulêre kommunikasieoorvleueling word gepostuleer dat hierdie twee molekules dalk aan dieselfde reseptormodule kan bind of stimuleer. Om hierdie rede is twee geendempingsvektors geskep wat daarop gemik is om twee gene, MAX2 en MAX4, in Nicotiana benthamiana uit te doof. Die MAX2 geenproduk is betrokke in die kommunikasie en waarneming van die strigolaktoon en die MAX4 geenproduk is betrokke by die vervaardiging van die hormoon. Oordraagbare geen-kostruksies wat daarop gemik is om enkel- en dubbelstring selfkomplimentêre haarnaald-RNS te vorm, besit die vermoë om getranskribeerde geenprodukte te vernietig. Die pHELLSGATE2 plasmied is ’n binêre vektor wat GATEWAY kloneringstegnologie gebruik, waar λ-faag gebaseerde setelspesifieke rekombinasie eerder as die tradisionele ligeringsreaksie gebruik word. Hierdie konstrukte kan gebruik word om transgeniese plantjies te skep waar die vermoë om strigolaktoon te maak of waar te neem, verloor of onderdruk is. Hierdie transgeniese plantjies kan gebruik word om te bepaal of die plantgroei-stimulerende vermoë van GR24 en rook/KAR1 wel dieselfde padweë gebruik.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-17T14:49:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1556222 bytes, checksum: ff5f5ab067a6252f9aef5be2f52b8e69 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-31 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The Brazilian production of marine shrimp is mainly focused on the domestic market, which better absorbs the headless and peeled product, which generates significant amount of agro-industrial waste. The objective of this research was to develop biodegradable films of chitosan from the exoskeleton of marine shrimp vannamei Litopeanaeus added liquid smoke for use in sausages. For characterization of chitosan obtained from the exoskeleton of shrimp were employed methodologies for determining viscosity , conductometry , spectroscopy in the infrared and x-ray diffraction to characterize the polymer and performed tests of tensile strength , elastic modulus , solubility , opacity and thickness to characterize the films . The results were efficient for the determination of chitosan, and consistent with the literature regarding the characterization of polymeric films of origin. Microbiological analyzes were performed on the sausages before and after preparation according to ANVISA Resolution on January 12, 2001, in the chitosan films with and without plasticizer added to liquid smoke for coating sausages in order to increase the shelf life of the product the antimicrobial activity of the films was determined by the agar diffusion method on bacterial strains: Escherichia coli active, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus coagulase positive. In the results , not presence of coliforms at 45 º C , coagulase Staphyilococcus positive , were observed Clostridium sulfite reducer was not detected the presence of Salmonella sp, as the antimicrobial activity , inhibition zones were found in biofilm added liquid smoke , only to Escherichia coli. As for the sensory properties of sausages packaged in three types of biodegradable chitosan film extracted from the exoskeleton of marine shrimp were differentiated by the addition of liquid smoke concentrations: 5 %, 7% and 10%. A nine-point hedonic scale was used to analyze the difference of control and acceptance testing were assessed using internal preference mapping (MEDPRF). The results indicated a significant difference between the control, conventional polyethylene film and biodegradable chitosan film plus smoke. By Preference Mapping revealed that the coated film containing sausages with liquid smoke in concentrations of 5 % and 7 %, no statistical differences obtained for the attributes: Appearance, Aroma, Taste, texture and overall acceptance levels in the addition of adding smoke compared to the control sample and 10 % ¨ smoke. It was observed in this work that the mechanical analyzes of biodegradable chitosan film is presented as a low elasticity and high tensile strength , and acceptable as opacity, solubility and thickness and that more research needs to be conducted in order to prepare chitosan films more flexible and resistant. / A produção brasileira de camarão marinho está voltada principalmente para o mercado interno, que absorve melhor o produto descabeçado e descascado, o que gera quantidade relevante de resíduos agroindustriais. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi o desenvolvimento de filmes biodegradáveis de quitosana a partir do exoesqueleto do camarão marinho Litopeanaeus vannamei adicionados de fumaça líquida, para aplicação em salsichas. Para caracterização da quitosana foram empregadas as metodologias de determinação da viscosidade, condutimetria, espectroscopia na região do infravermelho e difração de raio-x para caracterização do polímero e realizados os testes de resistência a tração, módulo elásticos, solubilidade, opacidade e espessura para caracterização dos filmes. As análises microbiológicas foram realizadas nas salsichas antes e após acondicionamento segundo a Resolução da ANVISA no 12 de janeiro de 2001, nos de filmes de quitosana com e sem plastificante adicionada de fumaça liquida, para o recobrimento de salsichas visando o aumento da vida de prateleira do produto ,a atividade antimicrobiana dos filmes foi determinada mediante teste de difusão em ágar sobre as cepas bacterianas: Escherichia coli ativa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Staphylococcus coagulase positiva. Nos resultados, não foram observadas presença de coliformes a 45 ºC, Staphyilococcus coagulase positiva, Clostridium sulfito redutor e não foi detectada a presença de Salmonella sp, quanto à ação antimicrobiana, foram encontrados halos de inibição no biofilme adicionado de fumaça liquida, apenas para Escherichia coli. Quanto às propriedades sensoriais de salsichas embaladas com três tipos de filme biodegradável de quitosana foram diferenciadas pela adição de fumaça liquida nas concentrações de 5%, 7% e 10%. Uma escala hedônica de nove pontos foi empregada para analise de diferença de controle e os testes de aceitação foram analisados pela metodologia de Mapa de Preferência Interno (MEDPRF). Os resultados indicaram que houve diferença significativa entre o controle, filme convencional de polietileno e os filmes biodegradável de quitosana acrescidos de fumaça líquida. Pela análise do Mapa de Preferência observou-se que as salsichas recobertas com filme contendo fumaça liquida nas concentrações de 5% e 7%, não diferenças estatísticas obteve para os atributos: Aparência, Aroma, Sabor, Textura e Aceitação global na adição teores de adição de fumaça, quando comparados com a amostra controle e 10¨% de fumaça. Foi possível observar que as análises mecânicas do filme biodegradável de quitosana apresentaram-se como de baixa elasticidade e alta resistência a tração, e aceitáveis quanto a opacidade, solubilidade e espessura e que mais pesquisas precisam ser realizadas a fim de elaborar filmes de quitosana mais flexíveis e resistentes. Concluímos que os resultados encontrados foram eficientes para determinação da quitosana, e compatíveis com a literatura quanto à caracterização de filmes de origem polimérica.

Resumo: A exposição à fumaça do cigarro resulta em remodelação cardíaca e está relacionada com disfunção ventricular. A atenuação da remodelação cardíaca pode ser importante para melhor prognóstico cardiovascular. A vitamina D (VD) tem se destacado por seu papel na função cardíaca e por atenuar a remodelação cardíaca em modelos de sobrecarga de pressão ou de volume. Objetivo: avaliar a influência da suplementação de VD sobre a remodelação cardíaca induzida pela exposição à fumaça do cigarro (EFC) em ratos, se a VD atua de forma dose dependente e verificar se esta atuação é por mecanismos anti-inflamatórios ou antioxidantes. Métodos: Ratos machos Wistar com 200 a 250g foram alocados em seis grupos: 1) VD0-NEFC, sem suplementação de VD e não EFC; 2) VD1-NEFC, suplementação de 1000 UI VD/kg de ração e não EFC (n=8); 3) VD3-NEFC, suplementação com 3000 UI VD/kg de ração e não EFC; 4) VD0-EFC, sem suplementação de VD e EFC; 5) VD1-EFC, suplementação de 1000 UI VD/kg de ração e EFC; 6) VD3-EFC, suplementação de 3000 UI VD/kg de ração e EFC. Após dois meses, os animais foram submetidos à ecocardiografia e eutanasiados para coleta de material biológico. Foram avaliados porcentagem de colágeno, área seccional do miócito (ASM), estresse oxidativo e marcadores inflamatórios no tecido cardíaco e dosagens sanguíneas de cálcio, fósforo e do metabólito 25-hidroxicolecalciferol. Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA de duas vias e apresentados em media ± erro-padrão. Foi utilizado teste de tendência (correlação de Spearman) para avaliar a resposta de dose dependência. Resultados: a EFC promoveu maior valor de parede posterior do ventrículo esquerdo (EFC = 1,38 ± 0,03; NEFC = 1,26 ± 0,03; p = 0,009), maior diâmetro diastólico do VE corrigido pela tíbia (EFC = 17,7 ± 0,20; NEFC = 17,0 ± 0,002; p = 0,033), maior massa do VE (MVE) ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Exposure to tobacco smoke (ETS) results in cardiac remodeling and it is associated with ventricular dysfunction. Attenuation of cardiac remodeling may be important for better cardiovascular prognosis. Vitamin D (VD) has become known for its role in cardiac function and VD supplementation attenuate cardiac remodeling in models of pressure or volume overload in previous studies. Objective: To evaluate the influence of VD supplementation on cardiac remodeling induced by ETS in rats and whether VD actions are dose-dependent and if these actions involve anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. Methods: Male Wistar rats with 200 to 250g were allocated into six groups: 1) VD0- NETS, with no supplementation of VD and no ETS, 2)-VD1-NETS, supplementation with 1000 IU VD/kg of diet and no ETS (n = 8); 3) VD3-NETS, supplemented with 3000 IU VD/kg of diet and no ETS, 4) VD0-ETS, no supplementation of VD and ETS, 5)VD1-ETS, VD supplementation with 1000 IU/kg of diet and ETS, 6) VD3-ETS, VD supplementation of 3000 IU/kg of diet and ETS. After two months, the animals underwent echocardiography and euthanized for tissue collection. The collagen percentage, myocyte cross-sectional area (MCA), oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in cardiac tissue were determined. Blood levels of calcium, phosphorus and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol were also evaluated. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and presented as mean ± standard error. Spearman correlation test was used to evaluate the dose dependent response. Results: ETS promoted greater value of left ventricular posterior wall (ETS = 1.38 ± 0.03; NETS = 1.26 ± 0.03, p = 0.009), LV diastolic diameter corrected by the tibia (ETS = 17.7 ± 0.20, 17.0 ± NETS = 0.002, p = 0.033), higher LV mass (LVM) (ETS = 603 ± 23; NETS = 509 ± 25, p = 0.007), higher LMV index (ETS = 1.8 ± 0.06; NETS = 1.5 ± 0.07, p = 0.004), increased MCA ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Orientador: Sergio Alberto Rupp de Paiva / Coorientador: Leonardo Antonio Mamede Zornoff / Banca: Lilian Cuppari Valle / Banca: Daniela de Rezende Duarte Maksymczuk / Mestre

Introdução: Muitos estudos relacionam o tabagismo materno durante a gestação com o aumento do risco de desfechos adversos para o feto, como o baixo peso ao nascer e restrição de crescimento intrauterino. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: estabelecer um modelo animal de exposição ao tabaco durante a prenhez, usando como marcador de exposição a cotinina e a carboxihemoglobina; investigar os efeitos da exposição pré-natal ao tabaco sobre a biometria fetal e parâmetros bioquímicos; e investigar a programação fetal e suas repercussões na vida adulta. Métodos: Ratas Wistar foram randomicamente divididas em 3 grupos de exposição ao tabaco durante a gestação: controle (C), controle manipulado (CM) e tabaco (T). No grupo T as ratas foram expostas a fumaça de um cigarro 2x/dia, durante 21 dias. O grupo CM passou pela mesma intervenção do grupo T, porém sem sofrer exposição à fumaça do cigarro. O grupo C permaneceu na caixa-moradia sem qualquer tipo de interferência. O protocolo do presente estudo foi dividido em 2 experimentos. Experimento 1: no 22º dia de gestação um grupo de ratas genitoras foi submetida à cirurgia cesariana para a retirada dos filhotes. O sangue do tronco das genitoras foi coletado e o peso da placenta, bem como o comprimento e o peso dos filhotes foram medidos. Experimento 2: no 22º dia de gestação, um outro grupo de genitoras tiveram seus filhotes nascidos de parto normal e as ninhadas foram padronizadas em 8 filhotes. O peso dos filhotes foi aferido semanalmente até a vida adulta, quando foram realizados o teste de tolerância à glicose, o teste de corticosterona em resposta ao estresse e a medida da gordura abdominal. Para a medida da carboxihemoglobina (COHb) nas genitoras o sangue foi coletado imediatamente após a exposição a fumaça do cigarro. Resultados: O grupo exposto ao tabaco de forma aguda apresentou níveis mais elevados de COHb que o grupo CM. A exposição repetida ao tabaco aumentou substancialmente os níveis de cotinina, enquanto os grupos CM e C apresentaram níveis de cotinina abaixo do limite de detecção do método. Foi observado que os filhotes expostos ao tabaco no período intrauterino nasceram com menor peso e menores níveis de insulina e glicemia. Em relação ao experimento 2, o acompanhamento do ganho de peso até a vida adulta não diferiu entre os grupos, somente entre os sexos, assim como a adiposidade. O teste de tolerância à glicose na vida adulta mostrou que o grupo exposto ao tabaco durante o período intrauterino apresentou resistência à ação da insulina. Conclusão: O modelo animal utilizado para expor ao tabaco durante a prenhez foi capaz de induzir a restrição do crescimento intrauterino (RCIU) e de programar o metabolismo na vida adulta. Este modelo animal mostra-se útil na investigação de outros desfechos e mecanismos relacionados à exposição tabágica durante a gestação. / Introduction: Many studies have linked maternal smoking during pregnancy with increased risk of adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to establish an animal model of tobacco exposure during pregnancy, using as a marker of exposure to cotinine and carboxyhemoglobin. Also, investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke on fetal biometry and biochemical parameters. It also aimed to investigate the fetal programming and its repercussions in adulthood. Methodology: Repeated exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy: The animals were randomly assigned to three groups: control (C), manipulated control (MC) and tobacco (T). The animals were exposed to a one cigarette twice a day for 21 days. The manipulated control group went through the same intervention group T, without suffering smoke exposure. The group C remained intact in the home cage. Experiment 1: on 22nd day of pregnancy was performed a cesarean section. The trunk blood was collected of the pregnant rats and fetal biometry measured. Experiment 2: on the 22nd day of pregnancy the pups were born by natural delivery and the litters were standardized to eight pups per litter. The weight of offspring was measured weekly until adulthood. At this stage we evaluated the glucose tolerance test and, at the time of sacrifice, the adiposity. Immediately after the intervention, the trunk blood was collected for carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) measurement. Results: the animals exposed to tobacco acutely showed higher levels of COHb that the MC group. Repeated exposure to tobacco increased substantially cotinine levels, whereas in MC and C groups cotinine levels were below the limit of detection. It was observed that pups exposed to tobacco intrauterine period were born with lower weight and lower levels of insulin and glucose. Regarding the second experiment, monitoring of weight gain until adulthood did not differ between groups, only gender, and adiposity. The glucose tolerance test in adult life showed that the group exposed to tobacco during the intrauterine period showed resistance to insulin action. Conclusion: The animal model used to expose the tobacco during pregnancy was able to induce intrauterine growth restriction and programming metabolism in later life. This animal model shown to be useful for studies on other outcomes, and mechanisms related to tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy.

A fumaça ambiental de tabaco antes de ser um problema de saúde, o qual se torna quando é inalada, é um problema de engenharia, envolvendo fenômenos de transporte e saneamento ambiental, mecânica de fluidos e qualidade do ar. Este trabalho versou o problema da qualidade do ar de ambientes onde o fumo é permitido. Objetivou compilar uma base científica sobre a questão ventilação e poluição tabagística ambiental para embasar argumentações para o estabelecimento de leis de ambientes interiores livres de fumo. Mostrou-se que a fumaça do tabaco é agente cancerígeno em humanos, não havendo nível seguro de exposição a ela, e que a ventilação não soluciona o problema da exposição, sendo a abordagem eficiente no controle da qualidade do ar de ambientes interiores a proibição do fumo. A revisão das leis e normas brasileiras referentes à qualidade do ar de ambientes interiores onde o fumo é permitido mostrou que elas não estão alinhadas à base científica sobre a questão. Por modelagem física e experimentação em escala reduzida, o sistema de separação de áreas para fumantes e não-fumantes por ventilação proposto pelo projeto Convivência em Harmonia foi analisado, e mostrou-se que tal separação por ventilação não impede a dispersão da fumaça da área para fumantes para a área para não-fumantes. As metodologias de amostragem de ar indicadas para o levantamento de dados de poluição tabagística ambiental para a mobilização para a implementação de leis de ambientes livres de fumo foram avaliadas e algumas questões técnicas foram apontadas, bem como a necessidade da especificação de um instrumento em conformidade com a norma para material particulado da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, que pode ser considerada o processo nacional de amostragem do ar para estudos de poluição tabagística ambiental. / Environmental tobacco smoke, before becoming a health issue, which becomes when it is inhaled, is an engineering issue, involving transport phenomena and environment, fluid mechanics and air quality. This research approached the problem of air quality of places where smoking is allowed. The objective was to compile a scientific basis on the issue ventilation and environmental tobacco smoke to support arguments for the establishment of smoke-free laws. It was shown that tobacco smoke is carcinogenic to humans, with no safe level of exposure, and that ventilation does not solve the problem imposed by exposure, being the efficient approach on the control of indoor air quality the prohibition of smoking. The review of Brazilian laws and norms related to the indoor air quality of places where smoking is allowed showed that they are not aligned to the scientific basis of the issue. By physical modeling and experimentation on reduced-scale, the system of separation of smoking and non-smoking areas by ventilation proposed by the Courtesy of Choice project was analyzed, and it was shown that such separation by ventilation does not prevent the dispersion of smoke from smoking to non-smoking areas. The air sampling methodologies indicated for the collection of environmental tobacco smoke data for mobilizing the implementation of smokefree environments were evaluated and some technical issues were raised, as well as the need to specify an instrument in conformity with the particulate matter norm of the National Health Surveillance Agency, that may be considered the national air sampling process for environmental tobacco smoke studies.

The aim in this thesis is to provide a comparison of smoke levels among John Deere 6 Family four-cylinder tractors. The comparison group consisted of 5 tractors, each with a different year of production. The aim is to ascertain if the systems provided in new John Deere tractors show higher efficiency in reducing emissions than those in older tractors. Further, the thesis deals with particular substances emitted by compression ignition engines and their influence on humans and the environment. Furthermore, basic information is provided about European and US standards as well as ways to reduce to the minimum these harmful substance emissions from compression ignition engines to the atmosphere. Diagnostic instruments for measuring exhaust gas emissions from compression ignition engines are described. Further, the thesis contains characteristics of tractors in the study group and results of measurements, arranged in tables and in graphs. Lastly, the results are evaluated and conclusions are made for practice.

Submitted by Ana Carolina Cardoso null (acarolcardoso@yahoo.com.br) on 2016-03-13T21:55:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Defesa Ana Carolina.pdf: 1609720 bytes, checksum: c7e6bedc8bf6136a5993b58b03f8e932 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Grisoto (grisotoana@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-03-15T12:03:37Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 cardoso_ac_me_bot.pdf: 1609720 bytes, checksum: c7e6bedc8bf6136a5993b58b03f8e932 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-15T12:03:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 cardoso_ac_me_bot.pdf: 1609720 bytes, checksum: c7e6bedc8bf6136a5993b58b03f8e932 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Introdução: A exposição à fumaça do cigarro (EFC) promove alterações morfológicas e funcionais no coração, conhecidas pelo nome de remodelação cardíaca. O metabolismo energético, o estresse oxidativo e a inflamação são alguns dos mecanismos que modulam este processo, assim, torna-se relevante identificar medidas que possam atenuá-los. Neste contexto, o açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pode ser útil, principalmente, devido suas propriedades antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórias. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da suplementação de polpa de açaí sobre a remodelação cardíaca em ratos EFC, por meio da análise de variáveis morfológicas, funcionais, bioquímicas e moleculares cardíacas. Material e Métodos: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos, pesando aproximadamente entre 200 e 250g. Os animais foram alocados em 6 grupos: 1) Grupo não EFC e alimentado com ração comercial (NEFCA0, n=10); 2) Grupo não EFC e alimentado com ração comercial suplementada com 2% de polpa de açaí (NEFCA2, n=10); 3) Grupo não EFC e alimentado com ração comercial suplementada com 5% de polpa de açaí (NEFCA5, n=11); 4) Grupo EFC e alimentado com ração comercial (EFCA0, n=9); 5) Grupo EFC e alimentado com ração comercial suplementada com 2% de polpa de açaí (EFCA2, n=10) e 6) Grupo EFC e alimentado com ração comercial suplementada com 5% de polpa de açaí (EFCA5, n=9). Após 2 meses, foram realizados: aferição da pressão arterial sistólica, estudo ecocardiográfico, eutanásia para coleta do material biológico e estudo morfométrico. Amostras de soro foram utilizadas para dosar cotinina e amostras de ventrículo esquerdo (VE) foram utilizadas para avaliação de: metabolismo energético [β hidroxiacil Coenzima A desidrogenase (β-OH-acil CoA-DH), citrato sintase (CS), complexo I, complexo II, ATP sintase, fosfofrutoquinase (PFK), lactato desidrogenase (LDH) e piruvato desidrogenase (PDH)], estresse oxidativo [hidroperóxido de lipídio (HL), catalase (CAT), superóxido dismutase (SOD), glutationa peroxidase (GSH-Px) e fator nuclear derivado de eritróide 2 (Nrf2)], inflamação [fator nuclear-κB (NF-κB)] e morte celular [Caspase-3]. Os valores são apresentados como média ± erro padrão e as comparações entre os grupos foram realizadas pelo teste ANOVA de duas vias, com nível de significância adotado de 5%. Resultados: Os animais EFC apresentaram maior concentração de cotinina sérica; maiores valores de diâmetro diastólico do VE, diâmetro sistólico do VE, massa do VE e índice de massa do VE nos dados ecocardiográficos; maior peso do VE nos dados morfométricos; menor atividade de β-OH-acil CoA-DH, CS, complexos I e II e ATP sintase, além de maior atividade de LDH nos dados de metabolismo energético; e, por fim, maior concentração de HL e menor atividade de CAT, SOD e GSH-Px nos dados de estresse oxidativo. Em relação à influência da suplementação de polpa de açaí nos animais EFC, o grupo EFCA5 apresentou maior atividade da CAT do que os grupos EFCA2 e EFCA0 de forma dose-dependente. Além disso, a ação da suplementação de polpa de açaí foi observada nos ratos (EFC e NEFC) que receberam a dose de 2% e apresentaram menor atividade do complexo II quando comparados com os animais que não receberam suplementação. Já os ratos (EFC e NEFC) que foram suplementados com 5% de polpa de açaí apresentaram menor concentração de HL do que os animais que receberam as outras duas dietas. Por fim, a influência da suplementação de polpa de açaí nos animais NEFC foi observada no grupo NEFCA5 que apresentou maior atividade da CS do que os grupos NEFCA2 e NEFCA0 de forma dose-dependente. Conclusão: A EFC induz remodelação cardíaca nos animais e a suplementação de polpa de açaí parece atenuar os efeitos do cigarro no estresse oxidativo cardíaco de forma dose-dependente. / Background: Exposure to tobacco smoke (ETS) promotes morphological and functional changes in the heart, known by the name of cardiac remodeling. The energy metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation are some of the mechanisms involved in this process, so it becomes important to identify measures that can mitigate them. In this context, açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) may be useful, primarily, because its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: To evaluate the influence of açaí pulp supplementation on cardiac remodeling in rats ETS, through the analysis of morphological, functional, biochemical and molecular heart variables. Methods: Wistar rats were used, weighing approximately 200 to 250g. The animals were allocated into 6 groups: 1) no ETS and fed with commercial chow (NETSA0, n = 10); 2) no ETS and fed with commercial chow supplemented with 2% açaí pulp (NETSA2, n = 10); 3) no ETS and fed with commercial chow supplemented with 5% açaí pulp (NETSA5, n = 11); 4) ETS and fed with commercial chow (ETSA0, n = 9); 5) ETS and fed with commercial chow supplemented with 2% açaí pulp (ETSA2, n = 10) and 6) ETS and fed with commercial chow supplemented with 5% açaí pulp (ETSA5, n = 9). After two months, measurement of systolic blood pressure, echocardiography, euthanasia for collection of biological material and morphometric study were performed. Serum samples were used to dose cotinine and left ventricular (LV) samples were used to evaluate: energy metabolism [β hydroxyacyl Coenzyme A dehydrogenase (β-OH-acyl CoA-DH), citrate synthase (CS), complex I, complex II, ATP synthase, phosphofructokinase (PFK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH)], oxidative stress [lipid hydroperoxide (LH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)], inflammation [nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)] and cell death [Caspase-3]. The values are presented as mean ± standard error and comparisons among groups were performed by two-way ANOVA, with significance level of 5%. Results: The ETS animals presented higher serum cotinine concentration; higher LV diastolic diameter, LV systolic diameter, LV mass and LV mass index in echocardiographic data; higher LV weight in morphometric data; lower activity of β-OH-acyl CoA-DH, CS, complexes I and II and ATP synthase, in addition to increased LDH activity in the energy metabolism data; and, finally, increased LH concentration and lower CAT, SOD and GSH-Px activity in oxidative stress data. Regarding the açaí pulp supplementation influence in ETS animals, ETSA5 group presented higher CAT activity than ETSA2 and ETSA0 groups in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the açaí pulp supplementation action was observed in rats (ETS and NETS) fed with 2% dose and showed lower complex II activity when compared to animals that received no supplementation. Already rats (ETS and NETS) which were supplemented with 5% açaí pulp had lower LH concentration than the animals that received the other two diets. Finally, the açaí pulp supplementation influence in NETS animals was observed in NETSA5 group with higher CS activity than NETSA2 and NETSA0 groups in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: ETS induces cardiac remodeling in animals and açaí pulp supplementation appears to mitigate the effects of smoking on cardiac oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. / CAPES: 40500004