Magnesium phosphate cement are materials prepared by reacting magnesium oxide with water-soluble phosphates such as mono-ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, which solidified at ambient temperature through the formation of hydrated phases in the material. However, MgO has a high reactivity and requires calcination to reduce its surface area, facilitating the practical application of magnesium phosphate cement. Because it is a process with large energy consumption, the sintering cost is very high when implemented at a large scale. Since the final stages of solid-state reaction are rarely reached, the addition of some components is beneficial from a calcination point of view, as they can lead to the formation of low melting liquid phases. In this study, effects of the inorganic activation of MgO on the properties of cements in terms of phase formation, microstructure, setting time, pore size distribution and mechanical properties were evaluated. The additivation considerably improved the properties of MgO powders, and Na2O-PbO-SiO2-Bi2O3-B2O3 was the most efficient additive to reduce de BET surface area (about 5-6 times). Cements produced using doped MgO without calcination at high temperatures or the use of higher levels of retarding and dispersing additives, showed better physical (porosity approximately 5 times lower and density approximately 38% higher) and mechanical properties (approximately 9 times higher) than the pastes produced with MgO calcined without additives (traditional method).

Resumo A carbonatação tem sido alvo de preocupação de construtores e pesquisadores, pois, ao diminuir o pH da solução intersticial do concreto, pode favorecer a despassivação e posterior corrosão das armaduras do concreto armado. Dentre os fatores que influenciam a carbonatação está a utilização de materiais pozolânicos, como o metacaulim. Entretanto, não há um consenso quanto à contribuição positiva ou negativa da presença destas adições. O presente trabalho avaliou a influência do metacaulim nas propriedades mecânicas, na porosidade e, principalmente, na carbonatação do concreto, a partir da adição de 0%, 5%, 10% e 15% de metacaulim, em relação à massa do cimento. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, observou-se que a adição de metacaulim, apesar de não ter influenciado significativamente na porosidade, conferiu ao concreto uma maior resistência à compressão axial, uma diminuição da absorção capilar e retardou o avanço da frente de carbonatação no concreto.

Abstract Carbonation has been a concern of constructors and researchers because, by lowering the pH of the interstitial solution of the concrete, it can favor the post-deposition and subsequent corrosion of reinforced concrete reinforcement. Among the factors that influence carbonation is the use of pozzolanic materials, such as metakaolin. However, there is no consensus as to the positive or negative contribution of these additions. This work evaluated the influence of metakaolin on the mechanical properties, porosity and in particular on the carbonation of concrete, from the addition of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of metakaolin, in relation to the cement mass. From the results, it was observed that the addition of metakaolin, while not significantly influencing the porosity, gave the concrete a greater resistance to axial compression, a decrease in the capillary absorption and delayed the advance of the carbonation front in the concrete.

Resistance training evokes myocardial adaptation; however, the effects of a single resistance exercise session on cardiac performance are poorly understood or investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single resistance exercise session on the myocardial contractility of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Male 3-month-old SHRs were divided into two groups: control (Ct) and exercise (Ex). Control animals were submitted to sham exercise. Blood pressure was measured in conscious rats before the exercise session to confirm the presence of arterial hypertension. Ten minutes after the exercise session, the animals were anesthetized and killed, and the hearts were removed. Cardiac contractility was evaluated in the whole heart by the Langendorff technique and by isometric contractions of isolated left ventricular papillary muscles. SERCA2a, phospholamban (PLB), and phosphorylated PLB expression were investigated by Western blot. Exercise increased force development of isolated papillary muscles (Ex=1.0±0.1 g/mg vs Ct=0.63±0.2 g/mg, P<0.05). Post-rest contraction was greater in the exercised animals (Ex=4.1±0.4% vs Ct=1.7±0.2%, P<0.05). Papillary muscles of exercised animals developed greater force under increasing isoproterenol concentrations (P<0.05). In the isolated heart, exercise increased left ventricular isovolumetric systolic pressure (LVISP; Δ +39 mmHg; P<0.05) from baseline conditions. Hearts from the exercised rats presented a greater response to increasing diastolic pressure. Positive inotropic intervention to calcium and isoproterenol resulted in greater LVISP in exercised animals (P<0.05). The results demonstrated that a single resistance exercise session improved myocardial contractility in SHRs.

ResumoEntre as técnicas mais utilizadas para a avaliação e estudo da corrosão em concreto armado estão as técnicas eletroquímicas, entre elas a espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIE). A EIE é uma técnica poderosa para a caracterização de uma grande variedade de sistemas eletroquímicos e para a determinação da contribuição de processos individuais de eletrodo ou eletrólito nestes sistemas. A análise dos resultados de EIE em amostras de concreto armado é de alta complexidade, devido à sobreposição de arcos provenientes de fenômenos simultâneos e a ruídos da medida, associados, evidentemente, à heterogeneidade das amostras e que dificultam de forma considerável esta análise. Assim, o presente trabalho propõe uma nova forma de análise, baseada na frequência angular de relaxação característica, w, de cada fenômeno e associando às capacitâncias e frequências típicas.

AbstractElectrochemical techniques are among the most commonly techniques used for the evaluation and study of corrosion in reinforced concrete, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a powerful technique for characterizing a wide variety of electrochemical systems and for determining the contribution of electrode or electrolytic processes in these systems. The analysis of EIS results on samples of concrete is highly complex due to overlapping arcs from simultaneous phenomena and noise measurement, of course, associated with the heterogeneity of the samples and that complicate the analysis considerably. Thus, this paper proposes a new form of analysis based on the characteristic relaxation angular frequency, w, of each phenomenon and associating the typical capacitances and frequencies.

We studied the effects of the acute administration of small doses of lead over time on hemodynamic parameters in anesthetized rats to determine if myocardial contractility changes are dependent or not on the development of hypertension. Male Wistar rats received 320 µg/kg lead acetateiv once, and their hemodynamic parameters were measured for 2 h. Cardiac contractility was evaluated in vitro using left ventricular papillary muscles as were Na+,K+-ATPase and myosin Ca2+-ATPase activities. Lead increased left- (control: 112 ± 3.7 vs lead: 129 ± 3.2 mmHg) and right-ventricular systolic pressures (control: 28 ± 1.2vs lead: 34 ± 1.2 mmHg) significantly without modifying heart rate. Papillary muscles were exposed to 8 µM lead acetate and evaluated 60 min later. Isometric contractions increased (control: 0.546 ± 0.07 vs lead: 0.608 ± 0.06 g/mg) and time to peak tension decreased (control: 268 ± 13vs lead: 227 ± 5.58 ms), but relaxation time was unchanged. Post-pause potentiation was similar between groups (n = 6 per group), suggesting no change in sarcoplasmic reticulum activity, evaluated indirectly by this protocol. After 1-h exposure to lead acetate, the papillary muscles became hyperactive in response to a β-adrenergic agonist (10 µM isoproterenol). In addition, post-rest contractions decreased, suggesting a reduction in sarcolemmal calcium influx. The heart samples treated with 8 µM lead acetate presented increased Na+,K+-ATPase (approximately 140%, P < 0.05 for control vs lead) and myosin ATPase (approximately 30%, P < 0.05 for control vs lead) activity. Our results indicated that acute exposure to low lead concentrations produces direct positive inotropic and lusitropic effects on myocardial contractility and increases the right and left ventricular systolic pressure, thus potentially contributing to the early development of hypertension.

A lama vermelha é um resíduo sólido gerado no processo de beneficiamento da bauxita e, devido a seu elevado pH, é considerado "perigoso". O elevado pH da lama vermelha proporciona uma maior proteção à armadura do concreto, o que é refletido no baixo potencial de corrosão da armadura e elevada resistividade elétrica (efeito filler) do concreto. O potencial de corrosão foi monitorado por medidas eletroquímicas e a resistividade elétrica foi avaliada com o uso de sensores embutidos nas amostras de concreto. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a adição da lama vermelha é benéfica ao concreto, reduzindo o potencial de corrosão e aumentando a resistividade elétrica. Assim, a lama vermelha apresenta-se como uma promissora adição ao concreto armado, no intuito de inibir o processo corrosivo.

Red mud, the main waste generated in aluminum and alumina production from bauxite ore by the Bayer process, is considered "hazardous" due to its high pH. The high pH also provides greater protection of rebars, which is reflected in the low corrosion potential and high electrical resistivity (filler effect) of concrete. The corrosion potential was monitored by electrochemical measurements and the electrical resistivity was evaluated using sensors embedded in concrete test specimens. The results showed that the addition of red mud is beneficial to concrete, reducing its corrosion potential and increasing its electrical resistivity. Red mud proved to be a promising additive for concrete to inhibit the corrosion process.

A lama vermelha é um resíduo sólido gerado no processo de produção de alumina e, devido a seu elevado pH, é considerado "perigoso". A característica de elevada alcalinidade associada à presença de aluminossilicatos facilitam a assimilação e formação de compostos pela reação com os íons cloreto. No presente estudo, a concentração de cloretos foi monitorada por meio da medida da condutividade do anólito, que inicialmente era água destilada. Adicionalmente, foram estimados os coeficientes de difusão nos estados estacionário e não-estacionário, obtidos através do "time lag" e do "tempo equivalente" de medida. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a adição da lama vermelha é benéfica ao concreto, reduzindo a taxa migração dos cloretos (coeficientes de difusão) devido à elevada finura da lama vermelha (efeito filler) e à ação dos aluminossilicatos.

Red mud is a solid waste produced in the alumina production process and, due to its high pH, is classified as hazardous. Its incorporation in concrete mixtures, acting as filler due to the particles fineness, might be an interesting reuse alternative. The focus of this paper is to study the chloride diffusivity of concrete mixtures containing red-mud. The concentration of chlorides was monitored by measuring the conductivity of the anolyte, which was distilled water initially. In addition, the estimation of the chloride ions diffusion coefficients in steady and non-steady conditions, Ds and Dns, was obtained from the ''time-lag'' and ''equivalent time'' between diffusion and migration experiments. Due to superfine particle-size distribution and the "filler" effect, the red mud addition seems to assure lower chloride diffusivity.

Myocardial infarction leads to compensatory ventricular remodeling. Disturbances in myocardial contractility depend on the active transport of Ca2+ and Na+, which are regulated by Na+-K+ ATPase. Inappropriate regulation of Na+-K+ ATPase activity leads to excessive loss of K+ and gain of Na+ by the cell. We determined the participation of Na+-K+ ATPase in ventricular performance early and late after myocardial infarction. Wistar rats (8-10 per group) underwent left coronary artery ligation (infarcted, Inf) or sham-operation (Sham). Ventricular performance was measured at 3 and 30 days after surgery using the Langendorff technique. Left ventricular systolic pressure was obtained under different ventricular diastolic pressures and increased extracellular Ca2+ concentrations (Ca2+e) and after low and high ouabain concentrations. The baseline coronary perfusion pressure increased 3 days after myocardial infarction and normalized by 30 days (Sham 3 = 88 ± 6; Inf 3 = 130 ± 9; Inf 30 = 92 ± 7 mmHg; P < 0.05). The inotropic response to Ca2+e and ouabain was reduced at 3 and 30 days after myocardial infarction (Ca2+ = 1.25 mM; Sham 3 = 70 ± 3; Inf 3 = 45 ± 2; Inf 30 = 29 ± 3 mmHg; P < 0.05), while the Frank-Starling mechanism was preserved. At 3 and 30 days after myocardial infarction, ventricular Na+-K+ ATPase activity and contractility were reduced. This Na+-K+ ATPase hypoactivity may modify the Na+, K+ and Ca2+ transport across the sarcolemma resulting in ventricular dysfunction.

Avaliou-se a variabilidade genética dos estoques de reprodutores e dos peixes jovens de Piaractus mesopotamicus de três pisciculturas do estado do Paraná, utilizadas no programa de aumento de estoque de peixes no rio Paranapanema. Foi utilizado o marcador RAPD para avaliar as amostras do estoque de reprodutores e dos peixes jovens das pisciculturas de Palotina, Cambará e Andirá. A porcentagem de fragmentos polimórficos e o índice de diversidade genética de Shannon dos estoques de reprodutores variaram de 75,0% a 71,4% e de 0,434 a 0,376, respectivamente. Os peixes jovens das pisciculturas apresentaram valores mais elevados para ambos os parâmetros, com exceção da piscicultura de Palotina, na qual o índice de diversidade genética de Shannon foi semelhante. Os estoques de reprodutores apresentaram alta variabilidade genética, e esta foi mantida nos peixes jovens.

The genetic variability of broodstocks and juveniles of Piaractus mesopotamicus raised in three hatchery stations in Parana state, that were used in the fish stock enhancement program of the Paranapanema River, was estimated. The RAPD marker was used to evaluate samples taken from broodstocks and juveniles in the hatchery stations of Palotina, Cambará, and Andirá cities. The percentage of polymorphic fragments and the Shannon genetic diversity index of broodstocks ranged from 75.0% to 71.4% and from 0.434 to 0.376, respectively. The juveniles of the hatchery stations presented higher values for both parameters, except in the hatchery station of Palotina in which the Shannon genetic diversity index was similar. The broodstocks presented high genetic variability, and this was maintained in the juveniles.

Fanconi anemia is a rare hereditary disease showing genetic heterogeneity due to a variety of mutations in genes involved in DNA repair pathways, which may lead to different clinical manifestations. Phenotypic variability makes diagnosis difficult based only on clinical manifestations, therefore laboratory tests are necessary. New advances in molecular pathogenesis of this disease led researchers to develop a diagnostic test based on Western blot for FANCD2. The objective of the present study was to determine the efficacy of this method for the diagnosis of 84 Brazilian patients with Fanconi anemia, all of whom tested positive for the diepoxybutane test, and 98 healthy controls. The FANCD2 monoubiquitinated isoform (FANCDS+/FANCD2L-) was not detected in 77 patients (91.7%). In 2 patients (2.4%), there was an absence of both the monoubiquitinated and the non-ubiquitinated proteins (FANCD2S-/FANCD2L-) and 5 patients (5.9%) had both isoforms (FANCD2S+/FANCD2L+). This last phenotype suggests downstream subtypes or mosaicism. All controls were diepoxybutane negative and were also negative on the FANCD2 Western blot. The Western blot for FANCD2 presented a sensitivity of 94% (79/84) and specificity of 100% (98/98). This method was confirmed as an efficient approach to screen Brazilian patients with deleterious mutations on FANCD2 (FANCD2S-/FANCD2L-) or other upstream genes of the FA/BRCA pathway (FANCDS+/FANCD2L-), to confirm the chromosome breakage test and to classify patients according to the level of FA/BRCA pathway defects. However, patients showing both FANCD2 isoforms (FANCD2S+/FANCD2L+) require additional studies to confirm mutations on downstream Fanconi anemia genes or the presence of mosaicism.

Foram caracterizados geneticamente, utilizando-se cinco locos de microssatélites, 235 indivíduos de seis plantéis de tilápia (Ceará, Chitralada, Israel, Nilótica, Taiwan e Vermelha) da região Sudeste do Brasil. Verificou-se diferença genética entre os seis plantéis, obtida pelo cálculo do índice de fixação de alelos (Fst=0,3263). De modo geral, está ocorrendo perda de heterozigose nos plantéis, segundo mostrou a estimativa do coeficiente de endogamia intrapopulacional (Fis=0,0486). Os plantéis Israel e Nilótica foram os mais semelhantes geneticamente (Ig=0,6663). Os plantéis Chitralada e Taiwan foram os que menos apresentaram genes em comum (Ig=0,2463). O plantel denominado Vermelha foi o mais distinto entre todos.

Two hundred and thirty five individuals from six commercial stocks of tilapias (Ceará, Chitralada, Israel, Nilótica, Taiwan and Red) from the Southeastern region of the country were genetically characterized using five microsatellite loci. The results suggest large genetic difference among the stocks, estimated through the fixation allele index (Fst = 0.3263), and a considerable loss of heterozigosity accurs in most of the stocks, according to the population inbreeding coefficient (Fis=0.0486). The Israel and Nilótica stocks were genetically similar (Ig=0.6663), while Chitralada and Taiwan showed less genes in common (Ig=0.2463). The Red stock was the most distinct stock.

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease characterized by progressive bone marrow failure, susceptibility to cancer and multiple congenital anomalies. There is important clinical variability among patients and the knowledge of factors which might predict outcome would greatly help the decision making regarding the choices of treatment and the appropriate time to start it. Future studies of the possible correlation between specific mutations with specific clinical presentations will provide the answer to one of these factors. At our Center we standardized a rapid and precise screening test using a mismatch PCR assay for a specific mutation (3788-3790del in exon 38 of gene FANCA) in Brazilian FA patients. We present the results obtained after screening 80 non-consanguineous FA patients referred from all regions of Brazil with a clinical diagnosis of FA supported by cellular hypersensitivity to diepoxybutane. We were able to detect the 3788-3790del allele in 24 of the 80 (30%) FA patients studied. Thirteen of the 80 (16.25%) were homozygotes and 11 of the 80 (13.75%) were compound heterozygotes, thus confirming the high frequency of the FANCA 3788-3790del mutation in Brazilian FA patients. The identification of patients with specific mutations in the FA genes may lead to a better clinical description of this condition, also providing data for genotype-phenotype correlations, to a better understanding of the interaction of this specific mutation with other mutations in compound heterozygote patients, and ultimately to the right choices of treatment for each patient with improvement of the prognosis on future studies.