Abstract In this study, a composite of bioactive glass (BG) and cordierite (BG-cord) was proposed to increase the strength and bioactivity of BG. Both BG and cordierite were separately synthesized with the method of glass melting, then, they were used to fabricate BG-cord with a variation of sintering temperature (600 to 1000 °C). The highest diametral tensile strength (DTS=30.54 MPa) was shown by the BG-cord with sintering temperature at 925 ºC. Bioactivity tests were conducted by soaking in Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS) for 7, 14, and 21 days. Apatite formation was examined by using a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the sample showed good bioactivity with regards to the formation of apatite on the samples, confirmed by the detection of carbonate (C-O) and phosphate (P-O) absorption peaks by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and crystalline peaks in the X-ray diffraction pattern.

Resumo A presença da água é uma das principais causas do surgimento e da disseminação de manifestações patológicas em revestimentos argamassados. Tal problema põe em risco a capacidade de proteção dos revestimentos e, consequentemente, sua durabilidade, permitindo a degradação precoce desses materiais. A utilização de aditivos impermeabilizantes, como os cristalizantes, visa à criação de uma barreira à penetração da água. Assim, a presente pesquisa avaliou argamassas estabilizadas de 36 h e de 72 h, com e sem a adição de tratamentos cristalizantes (líquido e em pó), para verificar seu comportamento quanto à ação de umidade no estado líquido e de vapor d’água. Para isso, foram avaliadas a resistência mecânica e a permeabilidade desses materiais. Pode-se concluir que as argamassas de 36 h apresentaram melhores resultados quando comparadas às argamassas de 72 h. A aplicação de tratamentos cristalizantes contribuiu para a redução da absorção de água e para o aumento da resistência mecânica. O cristalizante líquido demonstrou ser mais apropriado, enquanto o cristalizante em pó diminuiu a permeabilidade ao vapor d’água, o que causa prejuízos ao revestimento.

Abstract The presence of water in coating rendering mortar is the main cause of the onset and dissemination of pathological problems, compromising durability and the surface protection of walls under harsh weather. On the other hand, waterproofing treatments as crystallising admixtures are designed to create a barrier against water penetration. This research study assessed 36 hours’ and 72 hours’ ready-to-use mortars, with and without the application of crystallising admixtures (liquid and powder), in order to evaluate their behaviour in the presence of humidity in the liquid and vapour states. The mechanical strength and permeability were evaluated in hardened mortars. The conclusion was that the 36 h mortars had the best results. The treatment with crystallising admixtures reduced water absorption and increased mechanical strength. The liquid crystallising admixture proved to be more appropriate, since the powder crystallising admixture decreased vapour permeability, which causes damage to the coating.

ABSTRACT Background: Helicobacter pylori harbouring cag-pathogenicity island (cagPAI) which encodes type IV secretion system (T4SS) and cagA virulence gene are involved in inflammation of the gastric mucosa. We examined all the 27 cagPAI genes in 88 H. pylori isolates from patients of different ethnicities and examined the association of the intactness of cagPAI region with histopathological scores of the gastric mucosa. Results: 96.6% (n = 85) of H. pylori isolates were cagPAI-positive with 22.4% (19/85) having an intact cagPAI, whereas 77.6% (66/85) had a partial/rearranged cagPAI. The frequency of cag2 and cag14 were found to be significantly higher in H. pylori isolated from Malays, whereas cag4 was predominantly found in Chinese isolates. The cag24 was significantly found in higher proportions in Malay and Indian isolates than in Chinese isolates. The intactness of cagPAI region showed an association with histopathological scores of the gastric mucosa. Significant association was observed between H. pylori harbouring partial cagPAI with higher density of bacteria and neutrophil activity, whereas strains lacking cagPAI were associated with higher inflammatory score. Conclusions: The genotypes of H. pylori strains with various cagPAI rearrangement associated with patients' ethnicities and histopathological scores might contribute to the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection in a multi-ethnic population.

Resumo A argamassa estabilizada é uma mistura pronta que contém os aditivos incorporador de ar (AIA) e estabilizador de hidratação (AEH) em sua composição a fim de aumentar sua trabalhabilidade e o período de aplicação por até 72 h. O trabalho avaliou a ação desses aditivos em pastas de cimento Portland, empregados isoladamente e combinados, desprezando-se o efeito do agregado. No estado fresco foram determinadas viscosidade, densidade de massa, ar incorporado e tempo de pega. Foram avaliadas no estado endurecido capilaridade, densidade de massa e resistência mecânica. Os resultados demonstraram interferência e ação cruzada de efeitos entre os aditivos, demonstrando que o AEH também pode incorporar ar às pastas e que o AIA pode causar retardo no tempo de pega. A viscosidade demonstrou ter relação com a estabilidade das bolhas incorporadas, e não com o teor de ar. O AEH proporcionou maior fluxo de água por capilares, contrariamente ao AIA. A resistência mecânica das pastas com altos teores de AEH sofreu redução, indicando possível retardo na formação de compostos hidratados. Os teores intermediários de AEH demostraram ser mais adequados para misturas estabilizadas de cimento, podendo ser associados a teores mais elevados de AIA sem comprometer suas propriedades.

Abstract Ready-mix mortar is a ready-to-use mix containing air-entrained admixture (AEA) and hydration stabilising admixture (HSA) in its composition in order to increase workability and application time by up to 72 hours. This study evaluated the action of these admixtures in Portland cement pastes, employed both alone and in combination, isolating the aggregate’s effect.The properties of viscosity, specific gravity, entrained air and setting time were assessed in the fresh state. In the hardened state, capillarity, specific gravity and mechanical strength were evaluated. The results demonstrated interference and cross action between the admixtures, showing that HSA can also incorporate air into the paste and that AEA can delay setting time. Viscosity proved to be related to the stability of incorporated bubbles, but not to air content. The AEH provided greater capillary water flow, unlike the AIA. The mechanical strength of high content hydration stabilising admixture pastes decreased sharply, indicating possible delay in the formation of hydrated compounds. The intermediate AEH contents show to be more suitable for ready mix cement, which can be associated with higher AIA contents, without compromising its properties.

The study examined the effects of supplementing vitamin E on the fatty acid profile and breast meat quality of broilers fed diets containing an oil blend and L-Arginine. Two hundred sixteen Cobb 500 one-day-old broilers were randomly allocated to six treatments, namely T1: 6% palm oil (control); T2: blend of 4% palm oil and 2% sunflower oil + 0.25% L-Arginine (positive control); T3: T2 with 20 mg/kg vitamin E added; T4: T2 with 50 mg/kg vitamin E added; T5: T2 with 100 mg/kg vitamin E added; and T6: T2 supplemented with 150 mg/kg vitamin E. Relative to T1, the other diets increased growth rate and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) similarly. Linoleic, arachidonic, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were greater and palmitic and saturated fatty acids were lower in the meat of birds fed T2-T6 relative to T1. Supplementation of vitamin E reduced drip loss (DL) and increased redness, tenderness, free thiol content, and the oxidative stability of meat during storage at 4 °C. Regardless of diet, free thiol, redness and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) value decreased significantly, whereas the carbonyl content, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and DL of breast meat increased over the ageing period. In conclusion, relative to T1, the other diets were effective in improving growth performance and meat quality during post-mortem storage.

RESUMO CONTEXTO A doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) caracteriza-se por diversos sintomas. Há evidências de um componente genético para a doença de refluxo suportado pela agregação familiar desta doença. OBJETIVO Investigar se certos genes de antígeno de leucócito humano HLA-DRB1 são associados à DRGE. MÉTODOS Pacientes e indivíduos controles foram recrutados prospectivamente do centro GIT no Al-Kindy Hospital (Bagdá-Iraque) entre de 2014 janeiro e julho de 2016. Sessenta pacientes muçulmanos árabes iraquianos com uma história de azia e dispepsia foram comparados com 100 indivíduos controles. Todos os pacientes do estudo e grupos de controle foram submetidos a exames de endoscopia gastrointestinal alta e seus soros foram analisados para anticorpos CagA imunoglobulina G (IgG) para H. pylori. Genotipagem HLA-DRB1 foram feitas para ambos os grupos. RESULTADOS Um total de 60 pacientes com gastrite erosiva; GERD (grau II e III) foram avaliados, em conjunto com 100 controles. Houve aumento significativo de infecção pelo H. pylori (P=0,0001) em pacientes com DRGE em relação ao grupo controle. O HLA-DRB1* 15:01 aumentou significativamente em pacientes com DRGE em comparação com o grupo controle e houve uma maior frequência de HLADRB1* 11:01 no grupo controle em comparação com o grupo de pacientes com DRGE. CONCLUSÃO Há uma associação entre HLA-DRB1* 15:01 em pacientes com DRGE positivos para a infecção por H. pylori.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is characterized by diverse symptoms. There is an evidence for a genetic component to GERD as supported by familial aggregation of this disease. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether certain human leucocyte antigen genes HLA-DRB1 are associated with GERD. METHODS Patients and controls were prospectively recruited from GIT center at Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital (Baghdad-Iraq) between January 2014 and July 2016. Sixty Iraqi Arab Muslims patients with a history of heartburn and dyspepsia compared with 100 Iraqi Arab Muslims controls. All study patients and control groups underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examinations and their serums were analyzed for CagA antibodies Immunoglobulin G (IgG) for H. pylori. HLA-DRB1 genotyping were done to both groups. RESULTS A total of 60 patients with erosive gastritis; GERD (Grade II and III) were evaluated, together with 100 controls. There is a significant increase of H. pylori infection (P=0.0001) in GERD patients than control group. HLA-DRB1* 15:01 was significantly increased in GERD patients in comparison with control group and an increased frequency of HLADRB1*11:01 in control group compared with patients group. CONCLUSION There is an association between HLA-DRB1 *15:01 in GERD patients with H. pylori positive patients.

ABSTRACT Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely-used analgesic, while toxic doses of which induce liver injury. Inducible cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is derived prostaglandins which play an anti-inflammatory role in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Selective activation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR1, flt -1) on endothelial cells increased mRNA levels of hepatocyte mitogens (IL-6) and hepatocyte growth factor leading to prosurvival effects on hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to compare the hepatoprotective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC; the antidote for APAP) with that of α-Lipoic acid (ALA) and/or Thymoquinone (THQ) either alone or in combination on liver injury induced by APAP. APAP administration elevated most of the previously measured parameters and decreased GSH, SOD, and total protein levels compared with the control group. Liver sections of H&E demonstrate liver injury characterized by centrilobular hepatocellular necrosis, COX-2, and flt-1 expressions were also increased. Treatment with all fore mentioned antioxidants ameliorated most of the altered parameters compared to APAP-treated group. Treatment with the combination of ALA and THQ was the most effective therapy in the attenuation of liver injury assessed by a decrease in ALT and ALP activities and down-regulation of COX-2 and flt-1 expression. Section of liver from rat received APAP, ALA and THQ shows a marked improvement of hepatic degeneration which restricted to few hepatocytes with mild vacuolation of their cytoplasm while the nuclei appear normal mimic to control cells. It was concluded that the natural antioxidants such as ALA and THQ, may be considered as a potential antidote in combating liver injury induced by APAP.

Background: The paper reports on the utilization of palm kernel oil (PKO) as a low cost renewable substrate for medium-chain-length poly-3-hydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHA) production by Pseudomonas putida BET001. Investigation on the effects of selected key variables on growth, mixed free fatty acids consumption and mcl-PHA production by the bacterial culture in the shaken flask system were carried out along with its kinetic modeling. Results: The biomass production, fatty acids consumption and mcl-PHA production were found favorable when the strain was cultured in mineral medium at pH 6-7,28°C, aeration surface-to-volume ratio of 0.4 x 10(6) m-1, 250 rpm agitation rate for 48 h. Mcl-PHA production by this strain showed mixed growth and non-growth associated components as described by Luedeking-Piret kinetic model. Conclusion: The findings of this study provided add to the literature on key variables in for achieving good microbial growth and mcl-PHA production in shake flasks culture. In addition, suitable kinetic model to describe cultivation in this system was also presented.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of three feeds containing 6% oils: palm oil (PO), soybean oil (SO) and linseed oil (LO); and three calcium levels (NRC recommendation, 1.25% and 1.50%) on the fatty acid profile, lipid oxidation and cholesterol concentrations of broiler breast meat in a 3 χ 3 factorial experiment. A total of 378 one-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to the diets and fed for six weeks. Birds fed diet supplemented with LO, SO and PO had higher proportions of α-linolenic, linoleic and oleic acids, respectively. The LO diet increased the total n-3 fatty acids and decreased the n-6 : n-3 compared with the PO and SO diets. Birds fed the PO diet had higher oxidative stability and cholesterol compared with those fed the SO and LO diets. However, the level of cholesterol in all treatments was within the normal range. The level of calcium and interaction between source of oil and calcium level did not influence lipid oxidation, fatty acid profile and cholesterol level of broiler breast muscle. It can be concluded that dietary LO and SO enhanced n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively, while dietary PO enhanced the oleic acid and oxidative stability of broiler breast muscle. Thus, this study showed that PO can be used as an alternative oil source in broiler diets with a positive effect on the oxidative stability of chicken meat refrigerated at seven days when compared with vegetable oils that are rich in linoleic and α-linolenic acid.

Neste trabalho são apresentados os resultados experimentais sob compressão centrada de alvenaria estrutural de blocos cerâmicos. Foram estudadas quatro diferentes geometrias de blocos designados por A, B, C e D, sendo o primeiro e segundo (A e B) com septos arredondados com diferentes áreas líquidas, o terceiro bloco (C) com furos verticais no formato retangular e o último (D) com um duplo septo central. O programa experimental abrangeu os estudos de blocos, prismas e paredes. Os prismas e as paredes foram construídas com dois traços de argamassa 1:1:6 (tipo I) e 1:0,5:4 (tipo II) (proporções em volume de cimento:cal:areia). Para tanto, foram realizadas análises da resistência à compressão do bloco, prismas e paredes, construídas com essas geometrias em escala reduzida na proporção de 1:3 das dimensões reais. Com base na análise dos resultados experimentais, pode-se concluir que o bloco tipo D, que possui duplo septo central, é o bloco mais eficiente para o uso em alvenaria estrutural entre os blocos analisados. As paredes construídas com os blocos do tipo D apresentaram uma melhor capacidade de absorver esforços verticais, devido à coincidência dos septos entre as fiadas subseqüentes, provocadas pela existência de um duplo septo central. Além disso, não se verificou influência significativa da resistência da argamassa na resistência de prismas e paredes.

This paper presents the experimental results of a research program with ceramic block masonry under compression. Four different block geometries were investigated. Two of them had circular hollows with different net area. The third one had two rectangular hollow and the last block was with rectangular hollows and a double central webs. The prisms and walls were built with two mortar type 1:1:6 (I) and 1:0,5:4 (II) (proportions by volume of cement: lime: sand). One:three small scale blocks were used to test block, prisms and walls on compression. It was possible to conclude that the block with double central webs gave better results of compressive strength showing to be more efficient. The mortar didn't influenced the compressive strength of prisms and walls.

O principal objetivo deste trabalho é investigar o comportamento não linear de prismas de blocos de concreto a compressão, com ênfase na deformabilidade e modo de ruptura. Um total de dezoito (18) prismas com blocos sobrepostos foram testados, usando blocos vazados com uma única geometria e dois traços de argamassa. Para investigar o efeito da junta vertical utilizaram-se dois meios blocos na junta intermediária dos prismas. Utilizou-se o programa comercial DIANA para simular em elementos finitos o comportamento da alvenaria estrutural. As simulações numéricas foram realizadas usando um elemento bidimensional de oito (8) nós e o estado biaxial de tensões do material foi modelado pela combinação das condições de Rankine e Drucker-Prager. Foram comparados os resultados numéricos e experimentais para validar a capacidade de prever as deformações e a carga última do conjunto. Pode se perceber pelos resultados que um modelo analítico não pode ser formulado sem um entendimento das interações entre o bloco e argamassa. Foi observado que a não linearidade da alvenaria correspondeu a um aumento nas deformações laterais devido à extensiva fissuração do material e a um progressivo aumento nas proporções entre a deformação lateral e axial; as fissuras nos prismas de três blocos construídas com argamassa forte foram verticais em ambos os lados; os prismas construídos com argamassa mais fraca tiveram um modo de ruptura por esmagamento e, também, fissuras verticais devido à concentração de tensões em alguns pontos; a presença da junta vertical nos prismas levou a uma fissura de separação entre o bloco do meio e a junta vertical de argamassa.

The main goal of this work is to investigate the nonlinear behavior of concrete block masonry prisms under compression, with an emphasis in the prism deformability and the failure modes. A total of 18 stack-bonded prisms have been tested, using hollow blocks of a single geometry and two different mortar types. To investigate the effect of vertical joints, the bond pattern - stack and running bond - in the prism was varied, by using half units. Finite element analysis of hollow masonry prisms was done utilizing a commercial non-linear finite element code DIANA. The numerical simulation were carried out using non-linear two dimensional 8-node elements and the biaxial stress state material was modeled by a combination of the yield conditions of Rankine and Drucker-Prager. The numerical and experimental results were compared to validate the ability to predict deformation and peak load. The results show that an analytical model cannot be formulated without understanding the interaction between block and mortar. It was observed that: the non-linearities of the masonry correspond to an increase in the lateral strain due to extensive cracking of the material and a progressive increase in the ratio between lateral and axial strains.; the cracks in the three block stacked prisms constructed with a stronger mortar were vertical on both sides; the prisms constructed with a weaker mortar had, as a consequence of localized crushing, also vertical cracks due to stress concentration at some points; the presence of a vertical joint in the prism led to the appearance of separation cracks between the middle block and the vertical mortar joint.

Neste trabalho são apresentados os resultados experimentais sobre compressão centrada de alvenarias estruturais de blocos cerâmicos. Foram estudadas quatro diferentes geometrias de blocos designados como A, B, C e D, sendo o primeiro e segundo (A e B) com septos arredondados com diferentes áreas líquidas, o terceiro bloco (C) com furos verticais no formato retangular e o último (D) com um duplo septo central. O programa experimental abrangeu os estudos de produção de blocos, prismas e paredes. Os prismas e paredes foram construídos com dois traços de argamassa 1:1:6 (I) e 1:0,5:4 (II) (proporções em volume de cimento:cal:areia). Para tanto, foram realizadas análises de resistência à compressão do bloco, prismas e paredes, construídos com essas geometrias em escala reduzida na proporção de 1:3 das dimensões nominais. Com base na análise dos resultados, pode-se concluir que o bloco tipo D, que possui duplo septo central, é o bloco mais eficiente para o uso em alvenaria estrutural entre os blocos analisados. As paredes construídas com os blocos do tipo D apresentaram uma melhor capacidade de absorver esforços verticais, devido à coincidência dos septos entre as fiadas subsequentes, provocadas pela existência de um duplo septo central. Além disso, não houve influência significativa da resistência à compressão da argamassa na resistência à compressão dos prismas e paredes.

This paper presents the experimental results of a research program with ceramic block masonry under compression. Four different blocks geometries were investigated (A, B, C and D). Two of them had circular hollows (A and B) with different net area. The third one had two rectangular hollows (C) and the last block contained rectangular hollows and double central webs (D). The prisms and walls were built with two mortar types 1:1:6 (I) and 1:0,5:4 (II) (proportions by volume of cement: lime: sand). Thus, compressive strength analyses of the blocks, prisms and walls, built with these geometries on a small scale in the proportion of 1:3 of the nominal dimensions were made. It was possible to conclude that the block with double central webs gave better results of compressive strength showing to be more efficient. The walls built with blocks type D had a better ability to absorb vertical efforts due to the coincidence of the cross webs, because of the double central webs. Furthermore, the compressive strength of the mortar didn´t influence the compressive strength of the prisms and walls.

O objetivo principal deste trabalho é determinar as características físicas e mecânicas dos concretos vibro-compactados a seco para fins estruturais. Foram realizados ensaios para a determinação da área líquida, absorção de água, massa específica, resistência à tração e compressão, módulo de elasticidade, coeficiente de Poisson, modo de ruptura à compressão e tenacidade à fratura à tração e compressão. Além disso, procurou-se simular as distribuições das tensões por métodos numéricos computacionais lineares e não-lineares para verificar o nível das tensões, no intuito de reproduzir os resultados experimentais a fim de desenvolver componentes de melhor desempenho para fins estruturais. Pode-se concluir que, pelas análises nas deformações de compressão e tração, ocorreu uma maior dispersão de valores em função da propagação da fissura, em que a variação média do coeficiente de Poisson foi da ordem dos 60% e para o módulo de elasticidade foi de 13%. A resistência à tração característica do concreto vibro-compactado foi 1,91 MPa, calculada para um nível de confiança de 95%. A resistência à tração direta foi 0,58 vezes a resistência à tração na flexão. Nas simulações, o modelo proposto permitiu uma boa aproximação, para a previsão da resistência última, entre os resultados obtidos numericamente e os experimentais. Houve uma aproximação nos valores das deformações laterais do modelo numérico comparado ao experimental até, aproximadamente, 50% da resistência última. Já para as deformações axiais, não se conseguiu reproduzir os resultados experimentais, devido à rigidez medida nos modelos teóricos serem maiores que as experimentais. A mudança de parâmetros, como o módulo de elasticidade no modelo teórico, não produziu uma equivalência entre a tensão última obtida numericamente com a resistência à compressão experimental.

The aim of this work is to determine the physical and mechanical behavior of vibro-dry concrete for structural purposes. Tests have been made to determine the net area, water absorption, density, axial compression, elasticity modulus, Poisson ratio, failure mode under compression, tenacity under tensile and compression strain. After a sequence of tests made in the laboratory, it was possible to understand the mechanical properties of vibro-dry concrete block for developing new components for structural purpose. Furthermore, the results of a combined experimental program and numerical modeling to evaluate the linear and non-linear behavior of vibro-dry concrete block were done. For compression and tensile strain, it can be concluded from this work that there was an increasing on the dispersion values due to propagation of the failure. The average coefficient variation of Poisson's ratio was around 60% and for the elasticity modulus was 13%. Characteristic tensile strength of the vibro-compacted concrete was 1.91 MPa, calculated for a confidence level of 95%. The direct tensile strength was 0.58 times the flexural strength. The model proposed for numerical simulations gave a better approach between experimental and numerical results to predict the limit of compressive strength of a block. There was a good approach between numerical models and experimental results of lateral strain until 50% of the limit tensile strength. The numerical model was not being able to reproduce the axial strain on experimental results, due to stiffness measurement on the theoretical models being larger than the experimental ones. The changing of elasticity modulus did not produce difference on compressive strength of numerical model.

The adsorption of 4-amino-5-phenyl-4H-1, 2, 4-triazole-3-thiol (APTT) as a corrosion inhibitor on mild steel surface in hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution was studied using the weight loss technique. The surface coverage with the adsorbed APTT was used to calculate the free energy of adsorption, ΔGºads, of APTT using Bockris-Swinkels isotherm. The dependence of free energy of adsorption, ΔGºads, on the surface coverage, θ, is ascribed to the surface heterogeneity of the adsorbent. The effect of APTT was discussed from the adsorption model viewpoint. The adsorption of APTT molecules on the surface occurs without modifying the kinetic of corrosion process.