The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different grazing pressures on the activity and diversity of soil bacteria. We performed a long-term experiment in Eldorado do Sul, southern Brazil, that assessed three levels of grazing pressure: high pressure (HP), with 4% herbage allowance (HA), moderate pressure (MP), with 12% HA, and low pressure (LP), with 16% HA. Two reference areas were also assessed, one of never-grazed native vegetation (NG) and another of regenerated vegetation after two years of grazing (RG). Soil samples were evaluated for microbial biomass and enzymatic (β-glucosidase, arylsulfatase and urease) activities. The structure of the bacterial community and the population of diazotrophic bacteria were evaluated by RFLP of the 16S rRNA and nifH genes, respectively. The diversity of diazotrophic bacteria was assessed by partial sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene. The presence of grazing animals increased soil microbial biomass in MP and HP. The structures of the bacterial community and the populations of diazotrophic bacteria were altered by the different grazing managements, with a greater diversity of diazotrophic bacteria in the LP treatment. Based on the characteristics evaluated, the MP treatment was the most appropriate for animal production and conservation of the Pampa biome.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Both dermabrasion and surgery have been used in the practice of tattoo removal. Currently, laser is also being used. The aim of this study is to evaluate tattoo removal with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Method: This is a retrospective study on patients treated by using Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The data were collected from medical records and patient photographs, and through phone or e-mail contact. Statistical tests were done through the analysis of distribution, multivariate regression, and logistic regression. Results: A total of 304 patients with an average age of 29.8 years (±7.86 years) were assessed. Of the total, 297 (97.69%) were classified as white (phototypes I, II, and III), 270 (88.81%) of whom had professional tattoos done. The oldest tattoo was 360 months old and the most recent was 1 month old, with an average of 64.56 months (±63.54 months). The tattoo size was, on average, 12.92 cm, with black being the predominant color (i.e., present in 291 [86.51%] tattoos). The average number of sessions per patient was 3.77 (±2.99), and the interval between sessions was 49.23 days. The therapist observed that 52.96% of the tattoos were partially removed, 21.38% were not removed, 86.51% showed normal healing, 8.55% developed a hypertrophic scar, and 3.29% developed a keloid. Of the 304 patients, 81 (26.64%) reported being satisfied and 179 (58.88%) reported being partially satisfied with the outcome. Hypochromia was present in 102 (33.55%) patients. Conclusions: Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective method for tattoo removal that results in a good degree of patient satisfaction and few undesirable effects.

RESUMO Introdução: Na prática da remoção de tatuagem, já foram utilizadas a dermoabrasão e a cirurgia. Atualmente, se utiliza o laser. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a remoção de tatuagens utilizando-se o laser Q-switched NdYAG. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, com pacientes tratados com laser Q-switched NdYAG. Foram coletados dados a partir de prontuários e fotos dos pacientes, e de contato por telefone ou e-mail. A análise estatística foi feita através da análise de distribuição, regressão multivariada e regressão logística. Resultados: Foram avaliados 304 pacientes com média de idade de 29,8 anos (±7,86), sendo que 297 (97,69%) foram classificados como brancos (fototipos I, II e III); destes, 270 (88,81%) haviam feito tatuagens profissionais. A tatuagem mais antiga tinha 360 meses e a mais recente, um mês, obtendo-se uma média de 64,56 meses (± 63,54). O tamanho das tatuagens foi, em média, de 12,92 cm, sendo preta a cor predominante, estando presente em 291(86,51%) tatuagens. A média de sessões por paciente foi de 3,77 sessões (±2,99) e o intervalo entre estas foi de 49,23 dias. Com isso, foi observado, pelo terapeuta, que 52,96% das tatuagens foram parcialmente removidas; 21,38%, não removidas; 86,51%, cicatrização normal; 8,55%, cicatriz hipertrófica, e 3,29%, queloide. Dos 304 pacientes, 26,64% (81) relataram estar satisfeitos e 58,88% (179) relataram estar parcialmente satisfeitos com o resultado. A hipocromia esteve presente em 33,55% (102) dos indivíduos. Conclusões: O laser Q-switched NdYAG é um método seguro e eficaz, apresentando bom grau de satisfação e poucos efeitos indesejáveis na remoção de tatuagem.