Photodynamic therapy (PDT) derives its tumour selectivity from preferential photosensitizer accumulation and short light penetration in tissue. However, additional strategies are needed to improve the therapeutic index of PDT in oncological applications where light is delivered interstitially to large volumes (e.g. prostate), or when adjacent normal tissue is extremely sensitive (e.g. brain). Much research to improve PDT's selectivity is directed towards developing targeted photosensitizers. Here, I present two alternative strategies to improve PDT's selectivity, without compromising its efficacy. For interstitial delivery, I investigated whether customizable cylindrical diffusers can be used to deliver light doses that conform better to target geometries, specifically the prostate. Additionally, I examined whether the neuroprotectant erythropoietin, used as an adjuvant to PDT for brain tumours, can reduce the sensitivity of normal tissue, thereby improving treatment selectivity. To determine if tailored diffusers constitute an improvement over conventional ones, I introduce a novel optimization algorithm for treatment planning. I also analyze the sensitivity of the resulting plans to changes in the optical properties and diffuser placement. These results are contextualized by a mathematical formalism to characterize the light dose distributions arising from tailored diffusers. In parallel, I investigate the neuroprotective effects of erythropoietin in PDT of primary cortical neurons in culture and normal rat brain in vivo. I show that the most important parameter determining prostate coverage is the number of diffusers employed. Moreover, while tailored diffusers do offer an improvement over conventional ones, the improvement is likely masked by perturbations introduced by the uncertainties of light delivery. Although these results largely discard the use of tailored diffusers in prostate PDT, significant insight has been gained into PDT treatment planning, and tailored diffusers may still be advantageous in more complicated geometries. Additionally, I show that erythropoietin does not improve survival of PDT-treated neurons PDT, nor reduces the volume of necrosis in vivo, for the ranges of conditions and doses studied. To our knowledge, this is the first time this strategy has been tested in brain PDT and deserves to be investigated further, by using later time-points, functional outcomes, and other neuroprotectants.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) derives its tumour selectivity from preferential photosensitizer accumulation and short light penetration in tissue. However, additional strategies are needed to improve the therapeutic index of PDT in oncological applications where light is delivered interstitially to large volumes (e.g. prostate), or when adjacent normal tissue is extremely sensitive (e.g. brain). Much research to improve PDT's selectivity is directed towards developing targeted photosensitizers. Here, I present two alternative strategies to improve PDT's selectivity, without compromising its efficacy. For interstitial delivery, I investigated whether customizable cylindrical diffusers can be used to deliver light doses that conform better to target geometries, specifically the prostate. Additionally, I examined whether the neuroprotectant erythropoietin, used as an adjuvant to PDT for brain tumours, can reduce the sensitivity of normal tissue, thereby improving treatment selectivity. To determine if tailored diffusers constitute an improvement over conventional ones, I introduce a novel optimization algorithm for treatment planning. I also analyze the sensitivity of the resulting plans to changes in the optical properties and diffuser placement. These results are contextualized by a mathematical formalism to characterize the light dose distributions arising from tailored diffusers. In parallel, I investigate the neuroprotective effects of erythropoietin in PDT of primary cortical neurons in culture and normal rat brain in vivo. I show that the most important parameter determining prostate coverage is the number of diffusers employed. Moreover, while tailored diffusers do offer an improvement over conventional ones, the improvement is likely masked by perturbations introduced by the uncertainties of light delivery. Although these results largely discard the use of tailored diffusers in prostate PDT, significant insight has been gained into PDT treatment planning, and tailored diffusers may still be advantageous in more complicated geometries. Additionally, I show that erythropoietin does not improve survival of PDT-treated neurons PDT, nor reduces the volume of necrosis in vivo, for the ranges of conditions and doses studied. To our knowledge, this is the first time this strategy has been tested in brain PDT and deserves to be investigated further, by using later time-points, functional outcomes, and other neuroprotectants.

La recherche de nouvelles molécules bioactives utilisables en thérapeutique est un enjeu majeur de santé publique en particulier dans le traitement de certaines maladies telle que les infections bactériennes.La résistance naturelle des bactéries et la surutilisation des antibiotiques ont entraîné la sélection de bactéries pathogènes résistantes à de multiples médicaments. Depuis les dernières décennies, la résistance aux antibiotiques conventionnels a limité les options thérapeutiques, entraînant une augmentation significative de la mortalité et de la morbidité dans les hôpitaux. En outre, depuis 1970, seules deux nouvelles classes d'antibiotiques ont été mises sur le marché. Les venins constituent une source riche de substances naturelles pharmacologiquement actives uniques et novatrices, tels que les peptides antimicrobiens (PAMs) qui représentent une alternative originale pour remédier à ce problème de santé publique.Dans notre étude, parmi les 200 venins d’animaux étudiés pour leurs propriétés antibactériennes, au moins six PAMs ont été isolés à partir d’un venin d’insecte. Le peptide 1 original inhibe la croissance des bactéries Gram positives et négatives mais présente une forte hémotoxicité (IT = 1,6-3,2). La synthèse en phase solide d’analogues structuraux a permis d’identifier R1W8 et I1N11, moins toxiques (IT = 18 et >800 respectivement). Les résultats préliminaires de l’étude du mécanisme d’action suggèrent que ces peptides agissent contre les bactéries par perméabilisation de leur membrane cytoplasmique. Ces peptides peuvent servir de modèles pour l’élaboration de nouveaux agents antimicrobiens. / The research for new bioactive molecules which can be used in therapeutic is a major public health issue, particularly in the treatment of certain diseases such as bacterial infections.The natural resistance of bacteria consecutive to overuse of antibiotics have resulted in the selection of pathogenic multi-drug resistant bacteria. Over the last few decades, resistance to conventional antibiotics has limited treatment options, resulting in a significant increase in mortality and morbidity in hospitals. Moreover, since 1970, only two new classes of antibiotics have been placed on the market. Venoms are known to be a rich source of unique and innovative pharmacologically active substances, such as antimicrobial peptides (PAMs), which represent an original alternative to small molecules for the development of new active and non-resistance inducing antibiotics.In our study, among the 200 venoms of animals studied for their antibacterial properties, at least six PAMs were isolated from an insect venom. The original peptide 1 inhibits the growth of Gram positive and negative bacteria but shows a high hemotoxicity (TI = 1,6-3,2). The solid phase synthesis of structural analogs allowed to identify R1W8 and I1N11, less toxic (TI = 18 et >800 respectively). The preliminary results of the action mechanism study suggest that these peptides have a pore-forming action on bacteria cytoplasmic membrane. These peptides can be used as models for the development of new antimicrobial agents.

Siauro terapinio indekso vaistų vartojimas ir farmakokinetikos tyrimų interpretavimas reikalauja specialių farmakokinetikos žinių. Mokslinės literatūros šaltiniuose teigiama, jog gydymo procese dalyvaujant klinikiniams vaistininkams vaistų vartojimas yra optimizuojamas. Lietuvoje panašios vaistininkų veiklos nėra, todėl tyrimo tikslas buvo įvertinti siauro terapinio indekso vaistų vartojimo racionalumą ir nustatyti klinikinės farmacijos paslaugos poreikį stacionarinio gydymo įstaigoje. Darbo uždaviniai: nustatyti ir įvertinti farmakoterapinių problemų, siejamų su siauro terapinio indekso vaistų (vankomicino, ciklosporino, digoksino, gentamicino) vartojimu, paplitimą tretinio lygio ligoninėje; kiekybiškai ir kokybiškai įvertinti nustatytų farmakoterapinių problemų rizikos veiksnius; įvertinti vankomicino farmakokinetikos stebėsenos praktiką ligoninės skyriuose; įvertinti farmacininko konsultacijos įtaką vankomicino farmakokinetikos stebėsenai. Tyrimui pasirinktų siauro terapinio indekso vaistų farmakokinetikos tyrimų analizė atskleidė klinikinės farmacijos paslaugos poreikį optimizuojant tokių vaistų vartojimą Lietuvos ligoninėse. Nustatytų farmakoterapinių problemų rizikos veiksnių analizė identifikavo praktikoje dar visuotinai nepripažintą padidintą inkstų klirensą ir jo reikšmingą įtaką vaistų veiksmingumui. / The prescription of narrow therapeutic index drugs (NTID) and interpretation of pharmacokinetic measurements require special pharmacokinetic knowledge. Scientific publications report that active participation of clinical pharmacists in the treatment process results in optimization of the drugs use. In Lithuania, there are no similar services provided by pharmacists up till now. Aim of the study: to evaluate the rationality of the use of NTIDs and to determine the demand for clinical pharmacy services in hospitals. Objectives of the study: to identify and evaluate the prevalence of drug-related problems associated with the use of NTIDs (vancomycin, cyclosporine, digoxin, and gentamicin) in the tertiary-level hospital; to perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of risk factors for the identified drug-related problems; to evaluate the practice of pharmacokinetic vancomycin monitoring in hospital departments; to evaluate the influence of pharmacist intervention on pharma¬cokinetic vancomycin monitoring. The analysis of pharmacokinetic measurements of NTIDs selected for this study revealed the demand for clinical pharmacy services while optimizing NTIDs use in the Lithuanian hospitals. The analysis of risk factors associated with the identified drug-related problems identified augmented renal clearance, which is not widely acknowledged in practice, and its significant impact on the effectiveness of drugs.

Guatemalan medicinal plants were collected and screened for the presence of essential oils using steam distillation. Oil was found in 63 species from 24 families and was tested in tube dilution assays for activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans. Several essential oils were highly active with 20 instances of oils inhibiting the microbes at an MIC of 0.31 µl/ml. Oils were also tested against cancerous and established cell lines using a 15% (v/v) agar-media which was developed to improve essential oil solubility. Assays were performed against three cancer lines: Stomach (AGS: CRL-1739), Skin (A375: CRL-1619), Tongue (CAL27: CRL-2095) and an established Monkey Kidney cell line (Vero C 1008: CRL-1586). Assessment of viability was performed using the Neutral Red assay with results indicating that many of the oils significantly inhibited cancer cell lines in vitro with 24 individual instances producing an IC50 of 0.20 µl/ml or less. Therapeutic indices indicated that many of the highly inhibitory oils were more cytotoxic to cancerous cell lines than to the established cell line.

?rea de concentra??o: Qu?mica anal?tica. / Submitted by Jos? Henrique Henrique (jose.neves@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2016-12-21T13:02:41Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) glauber_antonio_reis_andrade.pdf: 2400963 bytes, checksum: 99ec593844d6ba3a1107158d86656739 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Rodrigo Martins Cruz (rodrigo.cruz@ufvjm.edu.br) on 2017-01-21T11:09:00Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 9 bytes, checksum: 42dd12a06de379d3ffa39b67dc9c7aff (MD5) glauber_antonio_reis_andrade.pdf: 2400963 bytes, checksum: 99ec593844d6ba3a1107158d86656739 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-21T11:09:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 9 bytes, checksum: 42dd12a06de379d3ffa39b67dc9c7aff (MD5) glauber_antonio_reis_andrade.pdf: 2400963 bytes, checksum: 99ec593844d6ba3a1107158d86656739 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016 / A Teofilina (TF), Clindamicina (CM), Varfarina (VF) e Verapamil (VP) s?o f?rmacos de baixo ?ndice terap?utico que necessitam de um controle de qualidade rigoroso na elabora??o de suas formula??es. O desenvolvimento de m?todos mais simples e r?pidos para doseamento desses medicamentos ? de grande interesse no setor farmac?utico. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho apresenta uma nova metodologia para determina??o desses f?rmacos por amperometria de m?ltiplos pulsos (MPA) acoplada ao sistema de an?lise por inje??o em batelada (BIA), utilizando o eletrodo de Diamante dopado com Boro (DDB). A an?lise em BIA foi realizada em uma c?lula eletroqu?mica do tipo Wall Jet, onde as inje??es foram realizadas por meio de uma micropipeta autom?tica ou, manualmente, por uma seringa descart?vel para TF, CM e VF, mostrando a possibilidade de diminuir custo do sistema de an?lise. O comportamento eletroqu?mico da TF, CM, VF e VP foi investigado por voltametria c?clica e os eletr?litos suportes escolhidos foram o ?cido sulf?rico 0,1 mol L-1, tamp?o fosfato 0,1 mol L-1 (pH 7,0), tamp?o fosfato 0,1 mol L-1 (pH 7,0) com 10% de ?lcool et?lico e ?cido sulf?rico 0,2 mol L-1, respectivamente. Nesses eletr?litos tr?s f?rmacos apresentaram um ?nico processo de oxida??o: a TF em +1,33V, a CM em +1,18 V e a VF em +0,90 V. J? o VP apresentou tr?s processos de oxida??o entre +1,2V e +1,5V, al?m de um processo de redu??o em +0,2V depende das oxida??es. A detec??o MPA-BIA foi baseada na aplica??o de um pulso de potencial de detec??o e outro de limpeza do DDB para tr?s f?rmacos. Neste caso, os pulsos de potencial para detec??o da TF, CM e VF foram todos aplicados por 100ms em +1,5V, +1,6V e +1,2V, respectivamente. Para determina??o do VP foram utilizados tr?s pulsos de potencial, um para oxida??o do VP (gerador) em +1,6V/50ms, um para redu??o do produto gerado (coletor) e quantifica??o do VP em -0,1V/30ms, e um terceiro em +1,1V/100ms para limpeza da superf?cie do DDB. A velocidade de inje??o da MA foi otimizada em 100?L s-1, exceto para VP que foi de 47?Ls-1, e com a SD a velocidade de inje??o foi de aproximadamente 107 ?Ls-1 pra a TF, CM e VF, proporcionando uma frequ?ncia anal?tica te?rica de pelo menos 53 determina??es por hora desses f?rmacos. Um baixo desvio padr?o relativo (10 medidas) foi obtido para todos os f?rmacos, n?o ultrapassando 3,0% tanto pela inje??o autom?tica quanto pela manual. As curvas anal?ticas foram estabelecidas e uma boa faixa linear foi obtida para todos os f?rmacos com pelo menos duas ordens de concentra??o. Os coeficientes de correla??o linear para todas as regress?es foram maiores que 0,992 em todos os estudos. Os estudos de adi??o e recupera??o mostraram valores pr?ximos a 100 % para todas as amostras farmac?uticas analisadas. O m?todo proposto usando a inje??o autom?tica e manual foi devidamente validado pelo m?todo oficial para cada um dos f?rmacos avaliados. Portanto, a detec??o MPA-BIA usando o eletrodo de DDB mostrou ser uma alternativa mais simples e r?pida para determina??o da TF, CM, VF e VP em formula??es farmac?uticas, possibilitando ainda uma diminui??o do custo do sistema BIA pela substitui??o da micropipeta autom?tica por uma seringa descart?vel. / Disserta??o (Mestrado) ? Programa de P?s-Gradua??o em Qu?mica, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, 2016. / Theophylline (TF), Clindamycin (CM), Warfarin (VF) and Verapamil (VP) are drugs of narrow therapeutic index that require a strict quality control in the preparation of their formulations. Thus, the development of simple and rapid methods for determination of these drugs is very important in the pharmaceutical industry. In this sense, this paper presents a new methodology for determination of these drugs by multiple-pulse amperometry (MPA) coupled to batch injection analysis (BIA), using the boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode. The analysis in BIA system was performed in an electrochemical cell (Wall Jet), where the injections were performed by automatic micropipette or manually by an disposable syringe for TF, CM and VF, showing a possibility to reduction of the analysis cost. The electrochemical behavior of the analytes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and the support electrolytes were chosen for TF, CM, VF and VP in medium of sulfuric acid 0.1 mol L-1, phosphate buffer 0.1 mol L-1 (pH 7.0), phosphate buffer 0.1 mol L-1 (pH 7.0) with 10% ethyl alcohol and sulfuric acid 0.2 mol L-1, respectively. In these conditions, three drugs exhibited a single oxidation process: TF in +1.33V, the CM in +1.18V and the VF in +0.90V (vs Ag/AgCl). Already the VP presented three oxidation processes between +1.2V and +1.5V, besides a reduction process in +0.20 V that depends on the oxidation. The MPA-BIA detection for three drugs (TF, CM, VF) was based on the application of two potential pulses, one for detection and other for cleaning BDD electrode. In this case, the potential pulses to detection the TF, CM and VF were all applied for 100ms at +1.5V, +1.2V and +1.6 V, respectively. In determination of the VP, were used three potential pulses, one for oxidation of VP (generator potential pulse) in +1.6V/50ms, one for reducing the generated product (collector potential pulse) and performed quantification of VP in -0.1V/30ms, and a third potential pulse at +1.1V/100ms for cleaning BDD electrode. The injection speed using automatic micropipette was 100?L s-1, except for VP that was 47?Ls-1, and injection speed by insulin syringe was approximately 107?Ls-1, which provide theoretical analytical frequency of at least 53 determinations per hour of these drugs. A low standard relative deviation (10 measures) was obtained for all drugs, not extending beyond 3.0% by both injections systems. The analytical curves were established and a good linear range was obtained for all drugs with at least two orders of concentration. The linear correlation coefficients for all regressions were higher than 0.992. The addition and recovery studies show values close to 100% for all drug samples analyzed. The proposed method using automatic and manual injection was validated by official method for each analyte. Therefore, this paper presented a fast and simple method for the determination of TF, CM, VF and VP in pharmaceutical formulations using BIA-MPA detection with BBD electrode. Moreover, this work demonstrated an inexpensive method for application in routine analysis of narrow therapeutic index drugs, mainly using a manual injection in BIA system by an disposable syringe.