Abstract: This in vitro study evaluated the potential of CO2 laser (10.6 μm) combined with a stannous/fluoride-containing solution for preventing erosion in human/bovine enamel. Forty-eight samples of each substrate were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 12): W – distilled water; E – AmF/NaF/SnCl2 solution; L – CO2 laser; and LE – CO2 laser+AmF/NaF/SnCl2 solution. After surface treatments, samples were submitted to a 5-day erosive challenge, alternating immersions in 0.5% citric acid (2 minutes, 6x/day) and in artificial saliva. Optical profilometry (μm) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine surface loss and surface morphology, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). For human enamel, tissue loss was lower in group L (12.37 ± 4.46) than in group W (16.45 ± 2.76), and higher than in the groups treated with AmF/NaF/SnCl2 solution (E-5.44 ± 2.37; LE-5.55 ± 2.31). In group L, SEM images reveled a disorganized surface but fewer projections than in group W and LE showed fewer irregularities than W, E, and L. For bovine enamel, tissue loss in group L (13.90 ± 3.50) did not differ from that in group W (14.10 ± 2.98), and was higher than losses in groups E (5.70 ± 2.12) and LE (8.12 ± 2.56), which were statistically similar to each other. Groups W and L had similar aspects of demineralization, whereas groups E and LE showed homogenous surfaces. Surface-treated samples had no changes in their surfaces. CO2 laser was able to slightly prevent surface loss only on human enamel surface, but did not enhance the AmF/NaF/SnCl2 effect on the prevention of enamel erosion.

Urea’s thermal instability and burning on sensitive skin can cause problems for cosmetic formulations. To overcome these drawbacks, urea was incorporated into ordered mesoporous silica (SBA-15). SBA-15 was synthesized using tetraethyl orthosilicate and Pluronic® P123 in an acid medium. Urea (20 wt.%) was incorporated into calcined SBA-15 by the incipient wetness impregnation method. Several techniques were used to characterize the samples. Skin hydration and transepidermal water loss were measured using Corneometer® CM 825 PC and Tewameter® 300 TM. Results showed that the structural properties of SBA-15Urea were similar to pure SBA-15, indicating that SBA-15 remained structured even after urea incorporation. Nitrogen physisorption data showed the volume and surface area of the pores in SBA-15Urea were much lower than those in SBA-15, demonstrating that urea was deposited inside the mesopores. In vivo moisturization studies revealed that SBA-15Urea was not able to reduce transepidermal water loss compared to the other products and control, while forming a non-occlusive surface film on the skin. We conclude that incorporation of urea in the pores of the inorganic SBA-15 matrix is a promising approach to enhancing its stability and providing a prolonged moisturizing effect.

Resumo A incidência da erosão tem aumentado e o seu controle ainda é um desafio na prática clínica. Este estudo avaliou os efeitos do gel de TiF4 a 4% sobre a dentina humana erodida submetida a episódios erosivos/abrasivos in situ. Setenta e dois fragmentos de dentina previamente erodida (ácido cítrico 0,05 M, pH 2,3, 20 min) foram distribuídas em 6 grupos (n=12) de acordo com o tratamento a ser realizado durante a fase in situ e o número de ciclos erosivos/abrasivos, como descrito a seguir: gel de TiF4 a 4% aplicado uma (TiF41), duas (TiF42) ou três vezes (TiF43) seguido de 1, 2 e 3 ciclos erosivos/abrasivos, respectivamente. As aplicações dos géis foram realizadas antes do início do ciclo erosivo seguinte. Grupos controle foram submetidos a 1 (C1), 2 (C2) e 3 (C3) ciclos erosivos/abrasivos apenas. Um sétimo grupo (n=12) compreendia amostras sem erosão in vitro (UN) submetidas a 3 ciclos erosivos/abrasivos. Cada ciclo correspondia a 2 dias de desafios erosivos (ácido cítrico a 0,5%, pH 2,6, 6x/dia) e abrasivos (escova de dentes elétrica, 10 s/amostra, 1x/dia). As amostras foram avaliadas em perfilômetro e Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura Ambiental (MEV). Imagens de microscopia de força atômica (AFM) também foram capturadas (n=3). ANOVA a 2-fatores para medidas repetidas e o teste de Tukey (p<0,001) demonstraram que TiF42, que não diferiu do TiF41 e TiF43, revelou redução significativa na perda de superfície quando comparado a todos os grupos controle. TiF41 e TiF43 não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação ao C1, mas ambos os grupos demonstraram perda de superfície significativamente menor que C2 e C3. Micrografias de MEV e AFM sugeriram alterações nas superfícies tratadas quando comparadas a amostras dos grupos controle, apresentando redução no diâmetro das luzes dos túbulos dentinários. Portanto, o TiF4 foi capaz de reduzir a progressão das lesões erosivas/abrasivas.

Abstract Erosion incidence is increasing and its control is still a challenge in clinical practice. This study evaluated 4% TiF4-gel effects on eroded human dentin subjected to in situ erosive/abrasive episodes. Seventy-two previously eroded dentin slabs (0.05 M citric acid, pH 2.3, 20 min) were allocated to 6 groups (n=12) according to the treatment to be performed during the in situ phase and number of erosive/abrasive cycles, as follows: 4% TiF4-gel applied once (TiF41), twice (TiF42) or three times (TiF43) followed by 1, 2 and 3 erosive/abrasive cycles, respectively. Gel was applied before the beginning of the next cycle. Control groups were subjected to 1 (C1), 2 (C2) and 3 (C3) erosive/abrasive cycles only. A seventh group (n=12) comprised in vitro uneroded samples (UN) subjected to 3 erosive/abrasive cycles. Each cycle corresponded to 2 days of erosive (citric acid 0.5%, pH 2.6, 6x/day) and abrasive (electric toothbrush, 10 s/sample, 1 x/day) challenges. Samples were evaluated under profilometry and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Atomic force microscopy images (AFM) were also made (n=3). Repeated measures 2-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.001) showed that TiF42, which did not differ from TiF41 and TiF43, revealed a significant reduction in surface loss compared to all control groups. TiF41 and TiF43 showed no significant difference from C1, but both groups demonstrated significantly smaller surface loss than C2 and C3. ESEM and AFM micrographs suggested alterations on treated surfaces compared to samples from control groups, showing reduced diameters of dentinal tubules lumens. Therefore, TiF4 was able to reduce the progression of erosive/abrasive lesions.

Abstract This in situ study aimed to investigate the effect of a tin-containing fluoride solution in preventing enamel erosion. Also, its effects on the partly demineralized zone were assessed for the first time. Thirteen volunteers participated in this 2-phase study, wearing removable intra-oral appliances containing four sterilized bovine enamel slabs, for 8 days, where 2 treatment protocols were tested using samples in replicas (n = 13): CO - no treatment (negative control) and FL - AmF/NaF/SnCl2 solution (500 ppm F-, 800 ppm Sn2+, pH = 4.5). Samples were daily exposed to an erosive challenge (0.65% citric acid, pH 3.6, 4 min, 2x/day). In the 2nd phase, volunteers switched to the other treatment protocol. Samples were evaluated for surface loss using a profilometer (n = 13) and a cross-sectional nanohardness (CSNH) test (n = 13) was carried out in order to determine how deep the partly demineralized zone reaches below the erosive lesion. The data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA. Erosive challenges lead to smaller enamel surface loss (p < 0.001) in the FL group when compared to group CO. Data from CSNH showed that there was no significant difference in demineralized enamel zone underneath erosion lesions between the groups. An amorphous layer could be observed on the surface of enamel treated with tin-containing solution alone. Under the experimental conditions of this in situ study, it can be concluded that AmF/NaF/SnCl2 solution prevents enamel surface loss but does not change the hardness of the partly demineralized zone near-surface enamel.

RESUMO: Para avaliar o efeito tóxico de formulações comerciais de óleo de neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss, pré-pupas (PP), pupas jovens (PJ) e pupas velhas (PV) da Diatraea saccharalis F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) foram pulverizadas com o extrato diluído em água destilada, em concentrações de 0,0, 0,3, 0,5, 1,0 e 2,0%. O neem provocou diferentes efeitos sobre a mortalidade de pupas, dependendo da concentração. As pupas que não conseguiram emergir em adultos apresentaram anormalidades múltiplas. Quanto às pupas que emergiram em adultos (grupos PJ e PV), foi calculada a sua longevidade, que não diferiu da do grupo controle. As anormalidades encontradas em adultos estão relacionadas com a mortalidade em todos os tratamentos com exceção da concentração de 1,0%. A fecundidade foi avaliada de acordo com a oviposição de adultos fêmeas do grupo PJ, que não apresentaram anormalidades; dentro dos ovos depositados foi avaliado o número de ovos não desenvolvidos. Os resultados demonstraram redução no número de ovos depositados e aumento na porcentagem de ovos não desenvolvidos. Esses resultados mostraram que o óleo de neem tem elevado potencial para o controle do estágio mais resistente da broca da cana-de-açúcar, além de reduzir o aparecimento das fases subsequentes. Portanto, formulações comerciais de óleo de neem apresentam um efeito tóxico em pupas e adultos de D. Saccharalis.

ABSTRACT: To evaluate the toxic effect of commercial formulations of neem oil, Azadirachta indica A. Juss, pre-pupae (PP), young pupae (YP) and old pupae (OP) of Diatraea saccharalis F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) were sprayed with the diluted extract in distilled water at concentrations of 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%. The neem extract caused concentration-dependent effects on mortality of pupae, and the pupae that failed to emerge in adults had multiple abnormalities. The longevity of pupae that emerged in adults (YP and OP group) did not differ from the control group. The abnormalities found in adults were related to mortality in all treatments, except at the concentration of 1.0%. Fertility was assessed according to the oviposition of adult females from the YP group that showed no abnormalities, through the evaluation of the number of deposited eggs and the rate of undeveloped eggs. The results showed a reduction in the number of eggs laid and an increase in the percentage of undeveloped eggs. These results show that neem oil has a high potential to control the toughest stage of the sugarcane borer and also reduces the further development. Therefore, commercial formulations of neem oil have a toxic effect on pupae and adults of D. saccharalis.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a variabilidade espacial da umidade, da densidade e da porosidade de solo coeso cultivado com soja sob sistemas de manejo convencional e de plantio direto. Foram instaladas duas malhas regulares, uma para cada tipo de manejo. O solo foi coletado na profundidade de 0,00-0,20 m, e a variabilidade espacial de seus atributos foi analisada por meio de parâmetros do semivariograma e do interpolador geoestatístico krigagem ordinária. O solo apresentou maior densidade e conservação da umidade no plantio direto, e maior porosidade no manejo convencional.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the spatial variability of moisture content, bulk density, and porosity of a cohesive soil under conventional and no-tillage management systems. Two regular grids were installed, one for each management type. The soil was collected at the 0.00-0.20-m depth and the spatial variability of its attributes was analyzed by semivariogram parameters and ordinary kriging geostatistical interpolation. The soil showed greater bulk density and moisture conservation under no-tillage, and greater porosity under conventional tillage.

RESUMO O presente estudo objetivou caracterizar aspectos da obtenção de pinhão e sua importância como fonte de renda para comunidades locais. Para tanto, foram realizados estudos visando à produção de pinhão numa população natural (RGFC - Reserva Genética Florestal de Caçador) e num reflorestamento com araucária (FLONA - Floresta Nacional de Caçador); identificar o perfil dos coletores de pinhão no Distrito de Taquara Verde, seu conhecimento acerca do recurso e a importância dessa fonte de renda para eles. Para tanto, foram marcados 36 indivíduos femininos de araucária na Flona e 25 RGFC. A produção de pinhão foi estimada com base na contagem do número de plantas femininas num hectare, número de estróbilos por planta, número de sementes por estróbilo e peso de sementes. E os demais objetivos foram feitos por meio de entrevistas abertas e semi-estruturadas com os coletores da Taquara Verde. Encontrou-se na área da RGFC uma produção de 44,3kg.ha-1 e Flona uma produção de 24,6kg.ha-1, sendo as diferenças associadas à alta densidade da área da Flona e a diferença de idade das matrizes das áreas. Quanto à importância do pinhão, constatou-se que este é tido pela comunidade como importante fonte de renda e de alimento podendo assim separar os coletores em quatro perfis, sendo observado também que quanto mais dependente é a família do recurso como fonte de renda, maior é o número de pessoas envolvidas na atividade, maior é a frequência em que a atividade é praticada, mas não necessariamente o conhecimento a cerca do recurso é maior. Por fim, os resultados deste estudo indicaram um bom potencial desse recurso para o incremento da renda de comunidades carentes, reforçando a importância dos remanescentes florestais na exploração de pinhão e trazendo subsídios para o estabelecimento de políticas que possam efetivamente aliar uma valorização dos recursos florestais, o desenvolvimento destas comunidades junto com a conservação dos remanescentes florestais.

ABSTRACT The present study had as objective to characterize aspects of the attainment and commercialization of the Brazilian-pine nut, as a resource capable to contribute for attainment of income and conservation of FOM. For this, studies were carried out aiming at: checking Brazilian-pine production on a natural population (RGFC - Genetic and Forest Reserve of Caçador) and on a reforestation with Brazilian-pine (Flona- Caçador’s National Florest); identifying the profile of the Brazilian-pine nut’s collectors in the District of Taquara Verde, Caçador-SC - its knowledge about the resource and the importance of this resource as an income source. For this, 36 female Brazilian-pines were target in Flona and 25 in RGFC. Brazilian-pine nut production was estimated based on the number of female plants, number of cones per plant, number of nut per cone and nut weight. To the other objectives, interviews with the nut’s collectors were made. The production found at RGFC was 44.3kg.ha-1 and at Flona was 24.6kg.ha-1, the difference was attributed to the higher density found at Flona. About the importance of Brazilian-pine nut to the community, it could be found out that this resource is very important both as an income source and food, allowing us to separate the collectors in four kinds of profile. The families which were more dependent on this resource as income, more often they collect and more people in the family are involved in the collection of the Brazilian- pine nut, but not necessary they know more about it. The results of this study indicate a good potential of this resource to increase the household of poor communities, emphasizing the importance of natural areas to the exploration of Brazilian-pine nut and bringing subsidies for the establishment of politics that can effectively join a valuation of the forest resources, the communities’ development together with nature conservation.