Abstract Reducing Portland cement consumption in concrete compositions, managing industrial waste, and conserving natural resources are contemporary challenges to achieving sustainable development. One solution has been the utilization of these industrial wastes as partial replacements for Portland cement or aggregates in concrete production. Due to the significant variability of these wastes, further research on this topic is necessary. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the properties of concrete mixtures containing porcelain polishing residue (PPR), scheelite residue (SR), and different types of Portland cement. The physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics of the wastes were determined. The fresh and hardened properties of the concretes, as well as the analysis of environmental impact, in terms of carbon dioxide emissions related to binder consumption, were investigated. The results showed that the utilization of these wastes resulted in reductions in consistency, water absorption, porosity, and compressive strength at 28 days by up to 33%, 16%, 13%, and 7%, respectively. Furthermore, improvements in microstructure, binder index, and CO2 index were observed. The wastes reduced the cement content and CO2 emissions per cubic meter of concrete to achieve 1 MPa by up to 12%. These findings suggested that the utilization of these wastes may be a viable and sustainable alternative to reduce Portland cement consumption and mitigate the environmental impact of the concrete industry. However, further research and studies are needed to assess other aspects, such as long-term durability and economic feasibility before their widespread adoption in the construction industry.

Resumo O dimorfismo sexual de Kinosternon scorpioides foi avaliado utilizando-se duas técnicas diferentes (morfometria linear e geométrica) a partir de imagens e medições lineares da carapaça e plastrão de adultos (machos e fêmeas). A morfometria linear indicou que as médias de altura da carapaça, largura da carapaça e plastrão são estatisticamente diferentes entre os sexos, sendo as fêmeas mais largas e altas. Na avaliação da morfometria geométrica, a ANOVA demonstrou que existe variação de tamanho do plastrão, e na forma da carapaça e do plastrão, expressando uma tendência de forma para cada sexo. O dimorfismo sexual, portanto, é verificado para esta espécie, notadamente pelo plastrão. Este trabalho indica uma ferramenta adicional para o conhecimento fenotípico dos animais, contribuindo no estudo de populações ameaçadas.

Abstract The sexual dimorphism of the Kinosternon scorpioides was evaluated using two different techniques (linear and geometric morphometry) from images and linear measurements of the carapace and plastron of adults (male and female). Linear morphometry indicated that the height and width of carapace and plastron are statistically different between sexes, with females being wider and taller. In the evaluation of geometric morphometry, ANOVA demonstrated variation in the size of the plastron and the shape of the carapace and plastron, expressing a tendency in shape for each sex. Sexual dimorphism, therefore, is verified for this species, notably by the plastron. This study indicates an additional tool for the phenotypic knowledge of animals, contributing to the study of threatened populations.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a introdução do laser de femtossegundo (FSL) para realizar etapas fundamentais da cirurgia de catarata tradicional e as dificuldades e segurança desta nova tecnologia na rotina de um centro cirúrgico no Brasil. Métodos: Um estudo retrospectivo foi realizado com os primeiros casos operados em um único centro usando a plataforma de laser LenSx/Alcon, sendo utilizado lentes de contato gelatinosa na interface do paciente. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a uma avaliação pré-operatória detalhada. Capsulotomia anterior, fragmentação nuclear e incisões na córnea foram criados com a FSL, em seguida, a cirurgia foi concluída com procedimento de facoemulsificação padrão. As principais medidas de desfecho foram dificuldades e complicações relacionadas à curva de aprendizado e análise da acuidade visual pós-operatória não corrigida à distância (UDVA). Resultados: Dos 31 pacientes (40 olhos), 9 realizaram cirurgia de catarata em ambos os olhos com FSL. A média de idade foi de 64 ± 12 anos (variando de 42 a 82), a média de classificação da catarata através da esclerose nuclear foi 2 ± 0,6 (variando de 1 a 4) e UDVA pré-operatória em logMAR foi de 0,4 ± 0,2 (variando de 0,1 a 1,3). A capsulotomia anterior foi completa em todos os pacientes e não precisou usar da pinça para cortar qualquer porção intacta. Incisões corneanas pós-operatórias não foram lineares, mostrando ainda algumas irregularidades. A facofragmentação a laser foi eficaz, com a divisão do núcleo em segmentos menores facilmente realizados antes da facoemulsificação. Após 1 mês de pós-operatório, UDVA em logMAR foi de 0,1 ± 0,1 (variando de 0,0 a 0,4) (P < 0,0001). Conclusão: Com o aumento do volume dos casos cirúrgicos e ganho de experiência, passos precisos da facoemulsificação são realizados com o pré-tratamento com o FSL, resultando em uma segura curva de aprendizagem.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the introduction of the femtosecond laser (FSL) to perform the key steps of the traditional cataract surgery process and the operational difficulties and safety of this new technology during routine use in an operating room in Brazil. Methods A retrospective study was conducted using the first cases operated on at a single center using the laser platform LenSx/Alcon with a soft contact lens patient interface.All patients underwent a detailed preoperative assessment.The anterior capsulotomy, nuclear fragmentation, and corneal incisions were created with the FSL; then, the surgery was completed following the standard phacoemulsification procedure. The main outcome measurements were difficulties and complications related to the learning curve and an analysis of postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA). Results: Of 31 patients (40 eyes), 9 patients had FSL cataract surgery in both eyes.The mean age was 64 ± 12 years (ranging from 42 to 82), the mean cataract nuclear sclerosis was grading 2 ± 0.6 (ranging from 1 to 4), and the preoperative mean UDVA in logMAR was 0.4 ± 0.2 (ranging from 0.1 to 1.3). Anterior capsulotomy was complete in all patients, and scissors were not needed to cut off any intact portion. The postoperative corneal incisions were not completely linear and showed some irregularities. Laser phaco-fragmentation was effective, with the division of the nucleus into smaller segments easily performed before phacoemulsification.After 1 month, the postoperative mean UDVA in logMAR was 0.1 ± 0.1 (ranging from 0.0 to 0.4) (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: With increasing surgical cases and experience, the phacoemulsification steps are performed precisely and effectively with FSL pretreatment, resulting in a safe learning curve.

Próteses parciais fixas são empregadas na reabilitação da forma e função de dentes parcial ou totalmente comprometidos e devem permanecer permanentemente unidas aos remanescentes dentários. O material mais utilizado na confecção de próteses odontológicas é a porcelana feldspática. Contudo, ela apresenta propriedades mecânicas limitadas para reposição de espaços edêntulos extensos. A associação da porcelana com sistemas metálicos de níquel-cromo (sistema metalocerâmico) permite que a infra-estrutura metálica compense a natureza frágil da porcelana, preservando-se tanto a isolação térmica como a estética desejáveis, além de reduzir a possibilidade do surgimento e crescimento de trincas durante os esforços mastigatórios. Falhas coesivas por baixa resistência mecânica da porcelana comunicam a estrutura metálica com o ambiente oral, caracterizado pela presença de uma solução eletrolítica (saliva), pela agressividade das variações cíclicas de temperatura, pH e por solicitações mecânicas. Este processo resulta na liberação de íons metálicos que podem desencadear respostas alérgicas ou inflamatórias, e/ou na degradação clínica precoce do sistema metalocerâmico. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito da presença de uma camada intermediária de titânio sobre o comportamento de sistemas metalocerâmicos dentários. A aplicação por plasma de um filme fino de titânio gera uma camada óxida passivante regular que protege o substrato metálico contra os efeitos corrosivos da saliva. Ensaios tribocorrosivos foram realizados para simular o ambiente oral, detectando precocemente a formação de trincas no sistema metalocerâmico, o que qualifica a aderência entre os componentes do referido sistema. Foram produzidas amostras planas nas quais suspensões de porcelana feldspática odontológica foram depositadas e queimadas sobre substratos metálicos modificados por filme fino de titânio, comparando-as com o sistema metalocerâmico convencional, sem titânio. O sistema modificado por titânio apresentou melhor comportamento, caracterizando-se pelo menor número de traços de fratura superficial adjacentes à área do ensaio tribocorrosivo.

Partial fixed prosthodontic restoration is used to rehabilitate both the form and function of partial or total compromised teeth and must remain permanently joined to the remaining teeth. The most useful material in prosthodontics is feldspar porcelain, commercialized as aluminosilicate powders. Dental porcelains depict limited mechanical strength to rehabilitate extensive spaces. The association of porcelain with Ni-Cr metallic infrastructures allows the metallic component to compensate for the brittle nature of porcelain, thus preserving the thermal insulation, aesthetics and, most important, reducing the possibility of cracking during mastication efforts. Cohesive flaws caused by low mechanical strength connect the metallic substructure to the oral environment, characterized by the presence of an electrolytic solution (saliva), aggressive temperature and pH cycles as well as mechanical demand. As a result, ions are released and can promote allergic or inflammatory responses, in addition to clinical degradation of the prosthodontic system. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of an intermediate titanium layer on the behavior of Ni-Cr/porcelain systems. Plasma deposition of titanium films were also carried out to create barrier layers capable of isolating the metallic substrate from the hazardous effects of the oral environment. Tribocorrosion tests were performed to simulate the oral environment and corresponding wear, making it possible to early detect crack formation and growth on metal-ceramic systems and estimate the adherence between the metal and ceramic components. Plain samples consisting of dental feldspar porcelain deposited onto metallic substrates coated or not with titanium were fired and characterized. The results showed that the deposition of titanium films improved the adherence of the system compared to conventional metal-ceramic systems, thus holding crack growth towards the metallic component.

Heart failure is a common endpoint for many forms of cardiovascular disease and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Chronic neurohumoral excitation (i.e., sympathetic hyperactivity) has been considered to be a hallmark of heart failure and is associated with a poor prognosis, cardiac dysfunction and remodeling, and skeletal myopathy. Aerobic exercise training is efficient in counteracting sympathetic hyperactivity and its toxic effects on cardiac and skeletal muscles. In this review, we describe the effects of aerobic exercise training on sympathetic hyperactivity, skeletal myopathy, as well as cardiac function and remodeling in human and animal heart failure. We also discuss the mechanisms underlying the effects of aerobic exercise training.

Neste trabalho foi avaliado o comportamento ingestivo de caprinos nativos do semiárido nordestino mantidos em confinamento. Foram utilizados 40 machos castrados, 20 da raça Moxotó e 20 Canindé, com peso médio inicial de 15,22 kg ± 1,78 kg, distribuídos aleatoriamente em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2 × 2, com duas raças e duas dietas. Foram avaliadas duas dietas experimentais: uma com menor nível energético (2,2 Mcal de EM/kg de MS), formulada com relação volumoso:concentrado 70:30; e outra com maior nível energético (2,7 Mcal de EM/kg de MS) e relação volumoso:concentrado de 35:65. Para o comportamento ingestivo, foram realizadas observações a cada cinco minutos, durante 24 horas, para determinação do tempo despendido em alimentação, ruminação e ócio. O consumo de matéria seca, o número de bolos ruminados e de mastigações merícicas por dia, o tempo de mastigação merícica por bolo, a frequência urinária e de procura por água e o consumo de água variaram significativamente entre as raças. Os animais da raça Moxotó apresentaram maior frequência urinária e menor procura por água ao longo do dia. Entretanto, recebendo a dieta com 2,7 Mcal de EM/kg de MS, excretaram menor quantidade de urina. Caprinos das raças Moxotó e Canindé são muito seletivos e têm maior preferência pelas partículas pequenas da dieta, independentemente do seu nível energético. O fornecimento de dietas com alto nível de energia favorece a eficiência alimentar e de ruminação de caprinos Moxotó e Canindé em confinamento.

In this work, it was evaluated the ingestive behavior of indigenous goats from the northeastern semiarid region, kept in feedlot. Forty castrated males, 20 from Moxotó and 20 from Caninde breeds, with average initial weight of 15.22 kg ± 1.78 kg, were used. The goats were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two breeds and two diets. Two experimental diets were evaluated: diet with lower energy level (2.2 Mcal ME/kg dry matter (DM)) formulated with 70:30 roughage:concentrate ratio;and another diet with higher energy level, (2.7 Mcal ME/kg DM) and roughage:concentrate ratio of 35:65. For ingestive behavior, observations were carried out at every five minutes for 24 hours to determine time spent on intake, rumination and idle. Dry matter intake, number of ruminated boli and ruminating chews per day, time of ruminating chews per boli, urinary frequency and frequency of search for water and water intake significantly differed among breeds. Moxoto breed animals showed higher urinary frequency and lower frequency for search for water during the day. However, when Moxoto animals received the diet with 2.7 Mcal ME/kg DM, they excreted less urine. Moxoto and Caninde goats are very selective with greater preference for small particles of the diets, regardless to its energy level. Supply of diets with high level of energy improves feed and rumination efficiency of Moxoto and Caninde goats in feedlot.

Meteor wind measurements obtained from São João do Cariri-PB (7.4° S, 36.5° W), Brazil, during 2005, have been used to examine the ultra-fast Kelvin wave characteristics in the mesopause and lower thermosphere region. The hourly winds were subjected to wavelet analysis and the results revealed the presence of 3-4 day oscillation in four episodes along the year. The observed parameters were used to check if the 3-4 days oscillations satisfy the dispersion relation for Kelvin waves. The results showed that only the oscillations that occurred in February-March and May-June (first and second events), are compatible with equatorial ultra-fast Kelvin wave propagation, with zonal wave number s=1. During these two events, the zonal wind amplitudes reached maximum values of 25 m/s and 20 m/s respectively. The vertical phase structure showed descending phase, compatible with ascending wave energy, and vertical wavelengths of about 40 km were found for both events.

Mediciones de vientos obtenidas con un radar de meteoros operando en São João do Cariri-PB (7.4° S, 36.5° O), Brasil, durante el año 2005, se han usado para estudiar las características de las ondas ultra rápidas Kelvin en la región de la mesopausa y la termosfera inferior. Un análisis de los datos, por la técnica de transformadas de wavelet, revela la ocurrencia de oscilaciones con periodos de 3 a 4 días en ese año. Parámetros observados fueron usados para confirmar si las oscilaciones de 3 a 4 días satisfacen la relación de dispersión para ondas Kelvin. Los resultados muestran que solamente las oscilaciones ocurridas (presentes) en los meses de febrero-marzo y mayo-junio (denominados primero y segundo eventos), son compatibles con ondas propagantes Kelvin ultra rápidas con un número de onda zonal s=1. En ambos eventos, la amplitud del viento zonal alcanzó valores máximos de 25 m/s y 20 m/s, respectivamente. La progresión vertical de la fase muestra una fase descendiente, compatible con una propagación de la energía de onda subiendo y una longitud de onda vertical de aproximadamente 40 km para ambos eventos.

The effect of swimming training (ST) on vagal and sympathetic cardiac effects was investigated in sedentary (S, N = 12) and trained (T, N = 12) male Wistar rats (200-220 g). ST consisted of 60-min swimming sessions 5 days/week for 8 weeks, with a 5% body weight load attached to the tail. The effect of the autonomic nervous system in generating training-induced resting bradycardia (RB) was examined indirectly after cardiac muscarinic and adrenergic receptor blockade. Cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by cardiac weight and myocyte morphometry. Plasma catecholamine concentrations and citrate synthase activity in soleus muscle were also determined in both groups. Resting heart rate was significantly reduced in T rats (355 ± 16 vs 330 ± 20 bpm). RB was associated with a significantly increased cardiac vagal effect in T rats (103 ± 25 vs 158 ± 40 bpm), since the sympathetic cardiac effect and intrinsic heart rate were similar for the two groups. Likewise, no significant difference was observed for plasma catecholamine concentrations between S and T rats. In T rats, left ventricle weight (13%) and myocyte dimension (21%) were significantly increased, suggesting cardiac hypertrophy. Skeletal muscle citrate synthase activity was significantly increased by 52% in T rats, indicating endurance conditioning. These data suggest that RB induced by ST is mainly mediated parasympathetically and differs from other training modes, like running, that seems to mainly decrease intrinsic heart rate in rats. The increased cardiac vagal activity associated with ST is of clinical relevance, since both are related to increased life expectancy and prevention of cardiac events.

Os principais objetivos deste estudo foram: 1) avaliar a estrutura, a diversidade e a composição de grupos tróficos funcionais das comunidades de macroinvertebrados bentônicos; 2) caracterizar a qualidade das águas nas cabeceiras da bacia do rio Doce, com base em parâmetros físicos, químicos e biológicos (macroinvertebrados bentônicos, coliformes fecais, bactérias heterotróficas e leveduras); e 3) contribuir para o conhecimento da estrutura e do funcionamento de gradientes longitudinais em ecossistemas lóticos no Brasil. No total, 60 taxa de macroinvertebrados bentônicos foram identificados, sendo os insetos aquáticos o grupo dominante, com 50 famílias distribuídas em 8 ordens. O período de seca apresentou os maiores valores de riqueza taxonômica e de densidade total de macroinvertebrados bentônicos. Foi observado gradiente decrescente nos valores dessas variáveis do trecho de 3ª ordem ao trecho de 6ª ordem. Os maiores valores do índice de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener foram encontrados no período de chuvas nos trechos de 3ª ordem, que apresentaram mata ciliar bem desenvolvida. Além dos trechos de 3ª ordem, os valores do índice de eqüitabilidade de Pielou também foram elevados no trecho de 6ª ordem. Os coletores, juntamente com os raspadores, predominaram nas comunidades de macroinvertebrados bentônicos, exceto nos trechos de 2ª, 4ª e 5ª ordens, durante o período de chuvas, quando houve o domínio de filtradores. Os fragmentadores apresentaram baixas densidades na maioria dos trechos de rio estudados. Todas as variáveis microbiológicas apresentaram baixos valores. Os trechos de rio estudados são impróprios quanto à potabilidade e próprios para balneabilidade, em decorrência das altas contagens de bactérias heterotróficas e coliformes. Os resultados sugerem que a estrutura, a diversidade e a composição das comunidades de macroinvertebrados bentônicos são influenciadas pela disponibilidade de recursos tróficos, pela sazonalidade e pela heterogeneidade do sedimento. Os resultados microbiológicos nos permitem inferir que as águas da Serra do Cipó apresentam potencial para uso recreacional e como fonte futura de água para abastecimento humano.

The main goals of this study were: 1) to evaluate the structure, diversity, and functional trophic group composition of benthic macroinvertebrate communities; 2) to characterize water quality in the headwaters of the Doce river watershed, based on physical, chemical, and biological parameters (benthic macroinvertebrates, fecal coliforms, heterotrophic bacteria, and yeasts); and 3) to contribute to the knowledge of the structure and function of longitudinal gradients in lotic ecosystems in Brazil. A total of 60 benthic macroinvertebrate taxa were identified, the dominant group being the aquatic insects, with 50 families distributed in 8 orders. The dry period presented higher values of taxonomic richness and total density of benthic macroinvertebrates. A decreasing gradient was observed in these variable values from the 3rd order stretch down to the 6th order stretch. The highest Shannon-Wiener diversity values were found in the rainy period in the 3rd order stretches, which presented well-developed riparian forest. Besides the 3rd order stretches, the Pielou evenness index values were also high in the 6th order stretch. The collectors, together with the scrapers, predominated in the benthic macroinvertebrate communities in all river stretches, except in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th order stretches in the rainy period, where communities were dominated by filterers. The shredders and predators presented low densities for all river stretches. All microbiological variables presented low levels. Due to the high counts of heterotrophic bacteria and coliforms, the studied river stretches presented inadequate potability but adequate balneability levels. The results suggest that the structure, diversity, and composition of the benthic macroinvertebrate communities are influenced by the trophic resource availability, seasonality, and sediment heterogeneity. The microbiological results of this study allow inferring that the waters from Serra do Cipó have excellent potential for recreational use and as future sources of water for human consumption.