Forage peanut legume as a strategy for improving beef production without increasing livestock greenhouse gas emissions.

The transformation of pastures from a degraded state to sustainable productivity is a major challenge in tropical livestock production. Stoloniferous forage legumes such as Arachis pintoi (forage peanut) are one of the most promising alternatives for intensifying pasture-based beef livestock operations with reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This 2-year study assessed beef cattle performance, nutrient intake and digestibility, and balance of GHG emissions in three pasture types (PT): (1) mixed Palisade grass - Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster (syn. Brachiaria brizantha Stapf cv. Marandu) and forage peanut (A. pintoi Krapov. & W.C. Greg. cv. BRS Mandobi) pastures (Mixed), (2) monoculture Palisade grass pastures with 150 kg of N/ha per year (Fertilised), and (3) monoculture Palisade grass without N fertiliser (Control). Continuous stocking with a variable stocking rate was used in a randomised complete block design, with four replicates per treatment. The average daily gain and carcass gain were not influenced by the PT (P = 0.439 and P = 0.100, respectively) and were, on average, 0.433 kg/animal per day and 83.4 kg/animal, respectively. Fertilised and Mixed pastures increased by 102 and 31.5%, respectively, the liveweight gain per area (kg/ha/yr) compared to the Control pasture (P < 0.001). The heifers in the Mixed pasture had lower CH4 emissions (g/animal per day; P = 0.009), achieving a reduction of 12.6 and 10.1% when compared to the Fertilised and Control pastures, respectively. Annual (N2O) emissions (g/animal) and per kg carcass weight gain were 59.8 and 63.1% lower, respectively, in the Mixed pasture compared to the Fertilised pasture (P < 0.001). Mixed pasture mitigated approximately 23% of kg CO2eq/kg of carcass when substituting 150 kg of N/ha per year via fertiliser. Mixed pastures with forage peanut are a promising solution to recover degraded tropical pastures by providing increased animal production with lower GHG emissions.

Temporal trends and spatial clusters of high risk for maternal death due to COVID-19 pre and during COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil: a national population-based ecological study.

OBJECTIVE: This study comprehensively analyzed the temporal and spatial dynamics of COVID-19 cases and deaths within the obstetric population in Brazil, comparing the periods before and during mass COVID-19 vaccination. We explored the trends and geographical patterns of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths over time. We also examined their correlation with the SARS-CoV-2 variant circulating and the social determinants of health. STUDY DESIGN: This is a nationwide population-based ecological study. METHODS: We obtained data on COVID-19 cases, deaths, socioeconomic status, and vulnerability information for Brazil's 5570 municipalities for both the pre-COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination periods. A Bayesian model was used to mitigate indicator fluctuations. The spatial correlation of maternal cases and fatalities with socioeconomic and vulnerability indicators was assessed using bivariate Moran. RESULTS: From March 2020 to June 2023, a total of 23,823 cases and 1991 maternal fatalities were recorded among pregnant and postpartum women. The temporal trends in maternal incidence and mortality rates fluctuated over the study period, largely influenced by widespread COVID-19 vaccination and the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant. There was a significant reduction in maternal mortality due to COVID-19 following the introduction of vaccination. The geographical distribution of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths exhibited marked heterogeneity in both periods, with distinct spatial clusters predominantly observed in the North, Northeast, and Central West regions. Municipalities with the highest Human Development Index reported the highest incidence rates, while those with the highest levels of social vulnerability exhibited elevated mortality and fatality rates. CONCLUSION: Despite the circulation of highly transmissible variants of concern, maternal mortality due to COVID-19 was significantly reduced following the mass vaccination. There was a heterogeneous distribution of cases and fatalities in both periods (before and during mass vaccination). Smaller municipalities and those grappling with social vulnerability issues experienced the highest rates of maternal mortality and fatalities.

In-office Bleaching Activated With Violet LED: Effect on Pulpal and Tooth Temperature and Pulp Viability.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the influence of hydrogen peroxide (HP) with or without titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2) associated with violet LED (VL) regarding: a) the temperature change in the pulp chamber and facial surface; b) the decomposition of HP; and c) the cytotoxicity of the gels on pulp cells. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The experimental groups were: HP35 (35% HP/Whiteness HP, FGM); HP35+VL; HP35T (HP35+TiO2); HP35T+VL; HP7 (7.5% HP/White Class 7.5%, FGM); HP7+VL; HP7T (HP7+TiO2); and HP7T+VL. TiO2 was incorporated into the bleaching gels at 1%. Eighty bovine incisors were evaluated to determine temperature change in 8 experimental groups (n=10/group). A k-type thermocouple was used to evaluate the temperatures of the facial surface and in the pulp chamber, achieved by enabling endodontic access to the palatal surface, throughout the 30-minute session. HP decomposition (n=3) of gels was evaluated by using an automatic potentiometric titrator at the initial and 30-minute time points. Trans-enamel and trans-dentinal cell viability were assessed with a pulp chamber device as well as enamel and dentin discs (n=6), and the treatment extracts (culture medium + diffused components) were collected and applied to MDPC-23 odontoblast cells to evaluate cell viability according to the MTT test. RESULTS: A temperature increase in the pulp chamber was observed in the presence of VL at 30 minutes (p<0.05) (Mann-Whitney test). Also at 30 minutes, HP35 showed greater decomposition in the presence of VL rather than in its absence (p<0.05) (mixed linear models and the Tukey-Kramer test). HP7 provided greater cell viability than the groups treated with HP35 (p<0.05) (generalized linear models test). Cell viability was significantly lower for HP7 in the presence of VL (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Pulpal temperature increased with VL (maximum of 1.9°C), but did not exceed the critical limit to cause pulp damage. Less concentrated HP resulted in higher cell viability, even when associated with VL.

High population levels lead Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) to unrecorded feeding and oviposition behaviors on Eucalyptus urograndis plants

Abstract The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964 (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), an insect pest originating in Australia and which feeds only on Eucalyptus L'Hér. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) plants, has spread to several countries. The populations of this insect commonly reach high populations on Eucalyptus plants since its entry into Brazil, and also indicated an unrecorded behavioral. The objectives of this study were to describe a peculiar adaptation in the feeding habit of G. brimblecombei and to register the new habit. The oviposition and feeding by G. brimblecombei, commonly, on the leaves of Eucalyptus, started to occur, also, on lignified twigs. This suggests a not yet recorded adaptation of this insect to reduce insect × plant intraspecific competition.

Resumo O psilídeo de concha, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964 (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), um inseto praga originário da Austrália e que se alimenta apenas de plantas de Eucalyptus L'Hér. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), se espalhou por vários países. Esse inseto, geralmente, atinge grandes populações em plantas de Eucalyptus desde sua entrada no Brasil e, também, indicou um comportamento diferente. Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever uma adaptação peculiar no hábito alimentar de G. brimblecombei e registrar o novo hábito. A oviposição e alimentação por G. brimblecombei, geralmente, nas folhas de Eucalyptus, passaram a ocorrer, também, em ramos lignificados. Isso sugere uma adaptação diferente desse inseto para reduzir a competição intraespecífica inseto × planta.

Antifungal activity of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide: a new molecule with fungicidal and antibiofilm activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida spp

Abstract In the current context of emerging drug-resistant fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, discovery of new antifungal agents is an urgent matter. This research aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide against fluconazole-resistant clinical strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. The antifungal activity of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide was evaluated in vitro by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), inhibition of biofilm formation and its rupture, sorbitol and ergosterol assays, and association between this molecule and common antifungal drugs, amphotericin B and fluconazole. The test product inhibited all strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, with a MIC ranging from 128 to 256 µg.mL-1, and a MFC of 512-1,024 µg.mL-1. It also inhibited up to 92% of biofilm formation and rupture of up to 87% of preformed biofilm. 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide did not promote antifungal activity through binding to cellular membrane ergosterol nor it damages the fungal cell wall. Antagonism was observed when combining this substance with amphotericin B and fluconazole. The substance exhibited significant antifungal activity by inhibiting both planktonic cells and biofilm of fluconazole-resistant strains. Its combination with other antifungals should be avoided and its mechanism of action remains to be established.

Resumo No atual contexto de patógenos fúngicos resistentes emergentes tais como Candida albicans e Candida parapsilosis, a descoberta de novos agentes antifúngicos é uma questão urgente. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial antifúngico da 2-cloro-N-fenilacetamida contra cepas clínicas de C. albicans e C. parapsilosis resistentes a fluconazol. A atividade antifúngica da substância foi avaliada in vitro através da determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM), concentração fungicida mínima (CFM), ruptura e inibição da formação de biofilme, ensaios de sorbitol e ergosterol, e associação entre esta molécula e antifúngicos comuns, anfotericina B e fluconazol. O produto teste inibiu todas as cepas de C. albicans e C. parapsilosis, com uma CIM variando de 128 a 256 µg.mL-1, e uma CFM de 512-1,024 µg.mL-1. Também inibiu até 92% da formação de biofilme e causou a ruptura de até 87% de biofilme pré-formado. A 2-cloro-N-fenilacetamida não promoveu atividade antifúngica pela ligação ao ergosterol da membrana celular fúngica, tampouco danificou a parede celular. Antagonismo foi observado ao combinar esta substância com anfotericina B e fluconazol. A substância exibiu atividade antifúngica significativa ao inibir tanto as células planctônicas quanto o biofilme das cepas resistentes ao fluconazol. Sua combinação com outros antifúngicos deve ser evitada e seu mecanismo de ação deve ser estabelecido.

High population levels lead Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) to unrecorded feeding and oviposition behaviors on Eucalyptus urograndis plants / Altos níveis populacionais levam Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) a diferentes comportamentos de alimentação e oviposição em plantas de Eucalyptus urograndis

The red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964 (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), an insect pest originating in Australia and which feeds only on Eucalyptus L'Hér. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) plants, has spread to several countries. The populations of this insect commonly reach high populations on Eucalyptus plants since its entry into Brazil, and also indicated an unrecorded behavioral. The objectives of this study were to describe a peculiar adaptation in the feeding habit of G. brimblecombei and to register the new habit. The oviposition and feeding by G. brimblecombei, commonly, on the leaves of Eucalyptus, started to occur, also, on lignified twigs. This suggests a not yet recorded adaptation of this insect to reduce insect × plant intraspecific competition.

O psilídeo de concha, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964 (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), um inseto praga originário da Austrália e que se alimenta apenas de plantas de Eucalyptus L'Hér. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), se espalhou por vários países. Esse inseto, geralmente, atinge grandes populações em plantas de Eucalyptus desde sua entrada no Brasil e, também, indicou um comportamento diferente. Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever uma adaptação peculiar no hábito alimentar de G. brimblecombei e registrar o novo hábito. A oviposição e alimentação por G. brimblecombei, geralmente, nas folhas de Eucalyptus, passaram a ocorrer, também, em ramos lignificados. Isso sugere uma adaptação diferente desse inseto para reduzir a competição intraespecífica inseto × planta.

Antifungal activity of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide: a new molecule with fungicidal and antibiofilm activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida spp / Atividade antifúngica de 2-cloro-N-fenilacetamida: uma nova molécula com atividade fungicida e anti-biofilme contra Candida spp. resistentes a fluconazol

In the current context of emerging drug-resistant fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, discovery of new antifungal agents is an urgent matter. This research aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide against fluconazole-resistant clinical strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. The antifungal activity of 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide was evaluated in vitro by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), inhibition of biofilm formation and its rupture, sorbitol and ergosterol assays, and association between this molecule and common antifungal drugs, amphotericin B and fluconazole. The test product inhibited all strains of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, with a MIC ranging from 128 to 256 µg.mL-1, and a MFC of 512-1,024 µg.mL-1. It also inhibited up to 92% of biofilm formation and rupture of up to 87% of preformed biofilm. 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide did not promote antifungal activity through binding to cellular membrane ergosterol nor it damages the fungal cell wall. Antagonism was observed when combining this substance with amphotericin B and fluconazole. The substance exhibited significant antifungal activity by inhibiting both planktonic cells and biofilm of fluconazole-resistant strains. Its combination with other antifungals should be avoided and its mechanism of action remains to be established.

No atual contexto de patógenos fúngicos resistentes emergentes tais como Candida albicans e Candida parapsilosis, a descoberta de novos agentes antifúngicos é uma questão urgente. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial antifúngico da 2-cloro-N-fenilacetamida contra cepas clínicas de C. albicans e C. parapsilosis resistentes a fluconazol. A atividade antifúngica da substância foi avaliada in vitro através da determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM), concentração fungicida mínima (CFM), ruptura e inibição da formação de biofilme, ensaios de sorbitol e ergosterol, e associação entre esta molécula e antifúngicos comuns, anfotericina B e fluconazol. O produto teste inibiu todas as cepas de C. albicans e C. parapsilosis, com uma CIM variando de 128 a 256 µg.mL-1, e uma CFM de 512-1,024 µg.mL-1. Também inibiu até 92% da formação de biofilme e causou a ruptura de até 87% de biofilme pré-formado. A 2-cloro-N-fenilacetamida não promoveu atividade antifúngica pela ligação ao ergosterol da membrana celular fúngica, tampouco danificou a parede celular. Antagonismo foi observado ao combinar esta substância com anfotericina B e fluconazol. A substância exibiu atividade antifúngica significativa ao inibir tanto as células planctônicas quanto o biofilme das cepas resistentes ao fluconazol. Sua combinação com outros antifúngicos deve ser evitada e seu mecanismo de ação deve ser estabelecido.

Association study between ceftriaxone and a synthetic amide against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a non-lactose fermenting Gram-negative bacteria responsible for causing numerous nosocomial infections. The present research aimed to analyze the anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa potential of 2-Chloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)acetamide (A8). The antibacterial potential of A8 was evaluated from the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Association using the checkerboard method. MIC and MBC values were 512 µg/mL for all P. aeruginosa strains evaluated, demonstrating predominantly bactericidal activity. Furthermore, when A8 was associated with the drug ceftriaxone, pharmacological additivity and indifference were evidenced. In this sense, the synthetic amide was interesting, since it demonstrates the potential to become a possible candidate for an antimicrobial drug.

Ecological importance of lepidopteran defoliators on eucalyptus plantations based in faunistic and natural enemy analyses.

Areas planted with Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake variety platyphylla F. Muell. (Myrtaceae) expand annually in most regions of Brazil. Many lepidopteran species defoliate this plant, but with damage varying per species. The objective of this study was to identify the pest status of lepidopteran defoliators based in the faunistic analysis of these insects and of their natural enemies on E. urophylla variety platyphylla plantations in a representative producing region of Brazil. Adult moths of lepidopterans and of their natural enemies were captured using a light trap, installed every two weeks, from September 2016 to August 2018. A total of 183, 10, three and 139 lepidopteran species was captured and classified as primary, secondary, without defined importance to eucalypt plants and non-identified with 1,419, seven, 465 and 876 individuals, respectively. Two primary pest species were constants, two accessories and six accidentals and all secondary ones were accidentals. Six primary pest species were common and dominant and four non-dominants. Faunistic indices indicated the main lepidopteran species that should be monitored in pest management programs. Seven hymenopteran species (65 individuals), three dipterans (49 individuals) and two hemipterans (four individuals) were the natural enemies collected using light traps. The monitoring of lepidopteran pests with light traps can contribute to the management and to reduce damage and control costs for these species, besides identifying natural enemies for biological control programs in Eucalyptus plantations.

Standardizing an Experimental Murine Model of Extraparenchymal Neurocysticercosis That Immunologically Resembles Human Infection.

BACKGROUND: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is endemic in non-developed regions of the world. Two forms of NCC have been described, for which neurological morbidity depends on the location of the lesion, which can be either within the cerebral parenchyma or in extraparenchymal spaces. The extraparenchymal form (EXP-NCC) is considered the most severe form of NCC. EXP-NCC often requires several cycles of cysticidal treatment and the concomitant use of glucocorticoids to prevent increased inflammation, which could lead to intracranial hypertension and, in rare cases, to death. Thus, the improvement of EXP-NCC treatment is greatly needed. METHODS: An experimental murine model of EXP-NCC, as an adequate model to evaluate new therapeutic approaches, and the parameters that support it are described. EXP-NCC was established by injecting 30 Taenia crassiceps cysticerci, which are less than 0.5 mm in diameter, into the cisterna magna of male and female Wistar rats. RESULTS: Cyst implantation and infection progression were monitored by detecting the HP10 antigen and anti-cysticercal antibodies in the serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of infected rats and by magnetic resonance imaging. Higher HP10 levels were observed in CSF than in the sera, as in the case of human EXP-NCC. Low cell recruitment levels were observed surrounding established cysticerci in histological analysis, with a modest increase in GFAP and Iba1 expression in the parenchyma of female animals. Low cellularity in CSF and low levels of C-reactive protein are consistent with a weak inflammatory response to this infection. After 150 days of infection, EXP-NCC is accompanied by reduced levels of mononuclear cell proliferation, resembling the human disease. EXP-NCC does not affect the behavior or general status of the rats. CONCLUSIONS: This model will allow the evaluation of new approaches to control neuroinflammation and immunomodulatory treatments to restore and improve the specific anti-cysticercal immunity in EXP-NCC.

Relationship between primary vaccination coverage and booster coverage against COVID-19, socio-economic indicators, and healthcare structure in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between vaccination coverage and booster coverage against COVID-19, socio-economic indicators, and healthcare structure in Brazil. STUDY DESIGN: This is a nationwide population-based ecological study. METHODS: We have obtained data on COVID-19 vaccination for each Brazilian state until December 22, 2022. Our outcomes of interest were primary and booster vaccination coverage. The independent variables included: human development index (HDI); Gini index; population density; unemployment rate; percentage of the population covered by primary health care (PHC); percentage of the population covered by community health workers; number of family health teams; and number of public health establishments. Statistics were performed by using a multivariable linear regression model. RESULTS: Lower rates of primary vaccination coverage were found in states with lower HDI (P = 0.048), population covered by PHC (P = 0.006), and number of public health establishments (P = 0.004). Lower rates of booster coverage were also found in states with lower population density (first booster: P = 0.004; second booster: P = 0.022), PHC (first booster: P = 0.033; second booster: P = 0.042), and public health establishments (first booster: P < 0.001; second booster: P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed heterogeneity in access to vaccination against COVID-19 in Brazil, with lower vaccination coverage in localities with the worst socio-economic indicators and limited healthcare resources.

The combined effects of binder addition and different sintering methods on the mechanical properties of bovine hydroxyapatite.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) from bovine bones has been used as a biomaterial in dentistry due to its biocompatibility and bioactivity. However, dense HA bioceramics still present inadequate properties for applications that require high mechanical performance, such as infrastructure. Microstructural reinforcements and control of ceramic processing steps are methods to improve these shortcomings. The present study assessed the effects of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) addition in combination with two sintering methodologies (2-step and conventional), on the mechanical properties of polycrystalline bovine HA bioceramics. The samples were divided into four groups (with 15 samples per group): conventional sintering with binder (HBC) and without binder (HWC) and 2-step sintering with (HB2) and without binder (HW2). HA was extracted from bovine bones, turned into nanoparticles in a ball mill, and subjected to uniaxial and isostatic pressing into discs, according to ISO 6872 standards. All groups were characterized by x-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and relative density. Besides, mechanical analyses (biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and modulus of elasticity) were also performed. The characterization results demonstrated that adding agglutinants or the sintering method did not affect HA's chemical and structural characteristics. Even so, the HWC group showed the highest mechanical values for BFS and modulus of elasticity being 109.0 (98.0; 117.0) MPa and 105.17 ± 14.65 GPa, respectively. The HA ceramics submitted to conventional sintering and without the addition of binders achieved better mechanical properties than the other groups. The impacts of each variable were discussed and correlated to the final microstructures and mechanical properties.

Phase transitions of L-histidinium hydrogen oxalate crystal under high pressures investigated by Raman spectroscopy.

L-histidinium hydrogen oxalate (L-HisH)(HC2O4) crystal is formed from amino acid. L-histidine with oxalic acid whose vibrational high pressures behavior have not yet been investigated in the literature. Here we synthesized (L-HisH)(HC2O4) crystal by slow solvent evaporation method in a 1:1 ratio of L-histidine and oxalic acid. In addition, a vibrational study of (L-HisH)(HC2O4) crystal as a function of pressure was performed via Raman spectroscopy in the pressure range of 0.0-7.3 GPa. From analysis of the behavior of the bands within 1.5-2.8 GPa, characterized by the disappearance of lattice modes, the occurrence of a conformational phase transition was noted. A second phase transition, now from structural type, close to 5.1 GPa was observed due to the incidence of considerable changes in lattice and internal modes, mainly in vibrational modes related to imidazole ring motions.

Performance and enteric methane emissions from housed beef cattle fed silage produced on pastures with different forage profiles.

Methane (CH4) produced by ruminants is a significant source of greenhouse gases from agriculture in the United Kingdom (UK), accounting for approximately 50% of the emissions in this sector. Ration modification is linked to changes in rumen fermentation and can be an effective means of CH4 abatement. In temperate climate countries, forage silage represents a major feed component for cattle during the housing period. The objective of this study was, therefore, to compare enteric CH4 emission from cattle offered silage produced from different types of grassland. Beef cattle, steers (n = 89) and heifers (n = 88) with average liveweight (LW) of 328 ± 57.1 kg were evaluated during two housing seasons (2016-2017 and 2017-2018) from November to April, at the Rothamsted Research North Wyke Farm Platform (UK). The treatments corresponded to three diet types, comprising silage harvested from three different pastures: MRG, monoculture of perennial ryegrass (PRG, Lolium perenne L.cv. AberMagic), bred to express the high-sugar phenotype; RG-WC, a mixed sward comprised of the same perennial ryegrass cultivar with white clover (Trifolium repens L.) with a target clover proportion of 30% as land cover; and permanent pasture (PP) dominated by PRG and a small number of non-introduced species. MRG and PP received 160-200 kg N/ha/year. Cattle were weighed every 30 days, and the enteric CH4 emission was determined using GreenFeed automated systems. No significant differences in enteric CH4 emission per head or per kg LW were observed between treatments. However, emission expressed per average daily gain (ADG) in LW was greater (P < 0.001) for MRG compared with RG-WC and PP, at 270, 248 and 235 g CH4/kg ADG, respectively. This related to a lower ADG (P = 0.041) for the animals fed MRG silage compared with RG-WC and PP which were similar, with respective values of 0.67, 0.71 and 0.74 kg/day. The forages compared in this study showed little or no potential to reduce enteric CH4 emission when fed as silage to growing beef cattle during the winter housing period.

Development of Ti-Al-V alloys for usage as single-axis knee prostheses: evaluation of mechanical, corrosion, and tribocorrosion behaviors.

Single-axis knee prosthesis is an artificial biomechanical device that provides motion to amputees without the need for assistance appliances. Besides it is mainly composed of metallic materials, the current commercial materials did not group adequate properties for long-term usage or accessible cost. This study produced and characterized Ti-(10 -x)Al-xV (x = 0, 2, and 4 wt.%) alloys for potential use as single-axis knee prostheses. The samples exhibited a gradual decrease in the density values, with proper chemical mixing of the alloying elements on the micro-scale. The phase composition exhibited a primary α phase with a minor α' + ß phase for the Ti-8Al-2V and Ti-6Al-4V samples. Due to their different atomic radius compared to Ti, the addition of alloying elements changed the cell parameters. Their selected mechanical properties (Young's modulus, Vickers microhardness, and damping factor) performed better values than the CP-Ti grade 4. The samples also exhibited good corrosion properties against the simulated marine solution. The tribocorrosion resistance of the samples was better than the reference material, with the wear tracks composed of some tribolayers and grooves resulting from adhesive and abrasive wear. The Ti-10Al alloy displayed the best properties and estimated low cost to be used as single-axis knee prostheses.

Effects of Charcoal Toothpaste on the Surface Roughness, Color Stability, and Marginal Staining of Resin Composites.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of charcoal toothpaste on the surface roughness, color stability, and marginal staining of resin composite restorations. METHODS: A total of 100 bovine incisors was collected. The crowns were sectioned and randomly divided into 10 groups (n=10) according to two study factors: toothpaste groups and nanoparticle resin composite groups. Five toothpastes-Bianco Pro Clinical (Bianco Oral Care, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil) - Control group; Bianco Carbon (Bianco Oral Care); NAT, Natural Suavetex Carvão Ativado (Suavetex, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil); Nano Action Black Be Emotion (Polishop, Jundiaí, SP, Brazil); and BIW, Black is White (Curaprox, Curaden AG, Kriens, Switzerland)-and two resin composites-Z350XT (Filtek Z350XT, 3M Oral Care) and Vittra (Vittra APS FGM, Joinville, SC, Brazil)-were used. Circular cavities with a diameter of 4 mm and a depth of 1 mm were prepared on the buccal face of the tooth crowns and restored with resin composites. The specimens were subjected to three months of simulated toothbrushing. The surface roughness (right angle [Ra], in micrometers [µm]) of the resin composites was measured before and after toothbrushing in five areas per specimen. The resin composite color and luminosity changes (ΔE and ΔL, respectively) were measured using reflectance spectroscopy (Vita EasyShade). Macro photographs were taken before and after toothbrushing to qualitatively analyze the marginal staining (MSt) of the resin composite restorations. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed before and after the simulated toothbrushing. Ra data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures and the Tukey HSD test; MSt was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (α=0.05), and the resin composite color change was analyzed using the clinically unacceptable level of ΔE > 3.3. RESULTS: Simulated brushing increased Ra irrespective of the resin composite or toothpaste used. No significant differences were found in Ra between the control group and all groups on which the charcoal toothpastes were tested. A clinically unacceptable level of resin composite color change (ΔE>3.3) was found after the use of most charcoal toothpastes. Use of Bianco Carbon resulted in marginal staining similar to that of the control group and was lower than that of the other charcoal toothpastes. Vittra brushed with black toothpaste showed the highest marginal staining. CONCLUSION: Use of charcoal toothpaste resulted in Ra values of resin composites similar to those found with conventional toothpastes. Charcoal toothpaste generally resulted in clinical resin composite color changes (ΔE). All charcoal toothpastes, except Bianco Carbon, caused marginal staining of the resin composite restorations.