Surface Morphology and Spectroscopic Features of Homoepitaxial Diamond Films Prepared by MWPACVD at High CH4 Concentrations.

Single crystal diamond (SCD) is a promising material to satisfy emerging requirements of high-demand fields, such as microelectronics, beta batteries and wide-spectrum optical communication systems, due to its excellent optical characteristics, elevated breakdown voltage, high hardness and superior thermal conductivity. For such applications, it is essential to study the optically active defects in as-grown diamonds, namely three-dimensional defects (such as stacking faults and dislocations) and the inherent defects arising from the cultivation method. This paper reports the growth of SCD films on a commercial HPHT single-crystal diamond seed substrate using a 2.45 GHz microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (MWPACVD) technique by varying the methane (CH4) gas concentration from 6 to 12%, keeping the other parameters constant. The influence of the CH4 concentration on the properties, such as structural quality, morphology and thickness, of the highly oriented SCD films in the crystalline plane (004) was investigated and compared with those on the diamond substrate surface. The SCD film thickness is dependent on the CH4 concentration, and a high growth rate of up to 27 µm/h can be reached. Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution X-ray diffractometry (HRXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface profilometry and optical microscopic analyses showed that the produced homoepitaxial SCD films are of good quality with few macroscopic defects.

Plasma-Assisted Nanofabrication: The Potential and Challenges in Atomic Layer Deposition and Etching.

The growing need for increasingly miniaturized devices has placed high importance and demands on nanofabrication technologies with high-quality, low temperatures, and low-cost techniques. In the past few years, the development and recent advances in atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes boosted interest in their use in advanced electronic and nano/microelectromechanical systems (NEMS/MEMS) device manufacturing. In this context, non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology has been highlighted because it allowed the ALD technique to expand its process window and the fabrication of several nanomaterials at reduced temperatures, allowing thermosensitive substrates to be covered with good formability and uniformity. In this review article, we comprehensively describe how the NTP changed the ALD universe and expanded it in device fabrication for different applications. We also present an overview of the efforts and developed strategies to gather the NTP and ALD technologies with the consecutive formation of plasma-assisted ALD (PA-ALD) technique, which has been successfully applied in nanofabrication and surface modification. The advantages and limitations currently faced by this technique are presented and discussed. We conclude this review by showing the atomic layer etching (ALE) technique, another development of NTP and ALD junction that has gained more and more attention by allowing significant advancements in plasma-assisted nanofabrication.

The status and perspectives of nanostructured materials and fabrication processes for wearable piezoresistive sensors.

The wearable sensors have attracted a growing interest in different markets, including health, fitness, gaming, and entertainment, due to their outstanding characteristics of convenience, simplicity, accuracy, speed, and competitive price. The development of different types of wearable sensors was only possible due to advances in smart nanostructured materials with properties to detect changes in temperature, touch, pressure, movement, and humidity. Among the various sensing nanomaterials used in wearable sensors, the piezoresistive type has been extensively investigated and their potential have been demonstrated for different applications. In this review article, the current status and challenges of nanomaterials and fabrication processes for wearable piezoresistive sensors are presented in three parts. The first part focuses on the different types of sensing nanomaterials, namely, zero-dimensional (0D), one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) piezoresistive nanomaterials. Then, in second part, their fabrication processes and integration are discussed. Finally, the last part presents examples of wearable piezoresistive sensors and their applications.

Effect of Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition on Oxygen Overabundance and Its Influence on the Morphological, Optical, Structural, and Mechanical Properties of Al-Doped TiO2 Coating.

The chemical, structural, morphological, and optical properties of Al-doped TiO2 thin films, called TiO2/Al2O3 nanolaminates, grown by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) on p-type Si <100> and commercial SLG glass were discussed. High-quality PEALD TiO2/Al2O3 nanolaminates were produced in the amorphous and crystalline phases. All crystalline nanolaminates have an overabundance of oxygen, while amorphous ones lack oxygen. The superabundance of oxygen on the crystalline film surface was illustrated by a schematic representation that described this phenomenon observed for PEALD TiO2/Al2O3 nanolaminates. The transition from crystalline to amorphous phase increased the surface hardness and the optical gap and decreased the refractive index. Therefore, the doping effect of TiO2 by the insertion of Al2O3 monolayers showed that it is possible to adjust different parameters of the thin-film material and to control, for example, the mobility of the hole-electron pair in the metal-insulator-devices semiconductors, corrosion protection, and optical properties, which are crucial for application in a wide range of technological areas, such as those used to manufacture fluorescence biosensors, photodetectors, and solar cells, among other devices.

Diagnosis of ankyloglossia in newborns: is there any difference related to the screening method? / Diagnóstico de anquiloglossia em recém-nascidos: existe diferença em função do instrumento de avaliação?

PURPOSE: To diagnose ankyloglossia in newborns and compare two lingual frenulum assessment instruments. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, in 2018, with 147 mothers/newborns aged up to 30 days. The Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool and the Lingual Frenulum Evaluation Protocol for Infants were the instruments used. Sociodemographic data were also recorded. The two ankyloglossia diagnostic methods were compared using the McNemar test, obtaining the kappa agreement value and the confidence interval. RESULTS: Ankyloglossia was present in 4.8% when diagnosed with the Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool, and in 17.0% with the Tongue-Tie Test. Regarding sex, 53.1% of the newborns were males and 46.9% were females; however, there was no association between ankyloglossia and the newborn's sex in either of the assessment methods. CONCLUSION: The ankyloglossia diagnosis in newborns varied depending on the assessment instrument used.

OBJETIVO: Diagnosticar a anquiloglossia em recém-nascidos, comparando dois instrumentos de avaliação do frênulo lingual. MÉTODO: Tratou-se de um estudo transversal, realizado em Recife, PE, Brasil no ano de 2018, com 147 mães/recém-nascidos com idade de até 30 dias de vida. Foram utilizados o Instrumento Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool (BTAT) e o Protocolo de Avaliação do Frênulo da Língua para Bebês ("Teste da Linguinha"). Dados sociodemográficos também foram anotados. Para a comparação entre os dois métodos de diagnóstico da anquiloglossia, foi utilizado o teste de McNemar e foram obtidos o valor da concordância de Kappa e o respectivo intervalo de confiança. RESULTADOS: A presença de anquiloglossia foi de 4,8%, quando diagnosticada por meio do BTAT, e de 17,0%, quando utilizado o "Teste da Linguinha". Com relação ao sexo, 53,1% dos recém-nascidos eram do sexo masculino e 46,9% do sexo feminino; contudo, não houve associação entre a anquiloglossia e o sexo do recém-nascido nos dois métodos de avaliação. CONCLUSÃO: O diagnóstico da anquiloglossia em recém-nascidos variou em função do instrumento de avaliação utilizado.

Physicochemical Studies on the Surface of Polyamide 6.6 Fabrics Functionalized by DBD Plasmas Operated at Atmospheric and Sub-Atmospheric Pressures.

This work proposes the use of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor operating at atmospheric pressure (AP) using air and sub-atmospheric pressure (SAP) using air or argon to treat polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6) fabrics. Here, plasma dosages corresponding to 37.5 kW·min·m-2 for AP and 7.5 kW·min·m-2 for SAP in air or argon were used. The hydrophilicity aging effect property of untreated and DBD-treated PA6.6 samples was evaluated from the apparent contact angle. The surface changes in physical microstructure were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). To prove the changes in chemical functional groups in the fibers, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used, and the change in surface bonds was evaluated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, the whiteness effect was investigated by the color spectrophotometry (Datacolor) technique. The results showed that the increase in surface roughness by the SAP DBD treatment contributed to a decrease in and maintenance of the hydrophilicity of PA6.6 fabrics for longer. The SAP DBD in air treatment promoted an enhancement of the aging effect with a low plasma dosage (5-fold reduction compared with AP DBD treatment). Finally, the SAP DBD treatment using argon functionalizes the fabric surface more efficiently than DBD treatments in air.

Progresses in Synthesis and Application of SiC Films: From CVD to ALD and from MEMS to NEMS.

A search of the recent literature reveals that there is a continuous growth of scientific publications on the development of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes for silicon carbide (SiC) films and their promising applications in micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) devices. In recent years, considerable effort has been devoted to deposit high-quality SiC films on large areas enabling the low-cost fabrication methods of MEMS/NEMS sensors. The relatively high temperatures involved in CVD SiC growth are a drawback and studies have been made to develop low-temperature CVD processes. In this respect, atomic layer deposition (ALD), a modified CVD process promising for nanotechnology fabrication techniques, has attracted attention due to the deposition of thin films at low temperatures and additional benefits, such as excellent uniformity, conformability, good reproducibility, large area, and batch capability. This review article focuses on the recent advances in the strategies for the CVD of SiC films, with a special emphasis on low-temperature processes, as well as ALD. In addition, we summarize the applications of CVD SiC films in MEMS/NEMS devices and prospects for advancement of the CVD SiC technology.

Editorial for the Special Issue on SiC Based Miniaturized Devices.

The MEMS devices are found in many of today's electronic devices and systems, from air-bag sensors in cars to smart phones, embedded systems, etc [...].

MOS Capacitance Measurements for PEALD TiO2 Dielectric Films Grown under Different Conditions and the Impact of Al2O3 Partial-Monolayer Insertion.

In this paper, we report the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) of TiO2 and TiO2/Al2O3 nanolaminate films on p-Si(100) to fabricate metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors. In the PEALD process, we used titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) as a titanium precursor, trimethyl aluminum (TMA) as an aluminum precursor and O2 plasma as an oxidant, keeping the process temperature at 250 °C. The effects of PEALD process parameters, such as RF power, substrate exposure mode (direct or remote plasma exposure) and Al2O3 partial-monolayer insertion (generating a nanolaminate structure) on the physical and chemical properties of the TiO2 films were investigated by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), Raman spectroscopy, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques. The MOS capacitor structures were fabricated by evaporation of Al gates through mechanical mask on PEALD TiO2 thin film, followed by evaporation of an Al layer on the back side of the Si substrate. The capacitors were characterized by current density-voltage (J-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V) and conductance-voltage (G-V) measurements. Our results indicate that RF power and exposure mode promoted significant modifications on the characteristics of the PEALD TiO2 films, while the insertion of Al2O3 partial monolayers allows the synthesis of TiO2/Al2O3 nanolaminate with well-spaced crystalline TiO2 grains in an amorphous structure. The electrical characterization of the MOS structures evidenced a significant leakage current in the accumulation region in the PEALD TiO2 films, which could be reduced by the addition of partial-monolayers of Al2O3 in the bulk of TiO2 films or by reducing RF power.

Is the Occurrence of Ankyloglossia in Newborns Associated with Breastfeeding Difficulties?

Background: Ankyloglossia is characterized by abnormal tongue movements that can possibly interfere with breastfeeding due to incorrect latching, pain, nipple fissure, and ineffective suction. Objective: To determine the prevalence of ankyloglossia in newborns and its association with exclusive breastfeeding and early breastfeeding difficulties. Materials and Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in seven public maternity hospitals in the city of Recife, PE, Brazil. The study sample consisted of 822 mothers/newborns of both genders. The diagnosis of ankyloglossia was confirmed by comparing two previously standardized and validated lingual frenulum assessment tools. Information on the mother's socioeconomic profile and breastfeeding difficulties were also collected. The data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: The prevalence of ankyloglossia was 2.6% when using the Bristol Tool and 11.7% with the Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (Neonatal Tongue Screening Test-NTST). The agreement between the two assessment tools was 2.2%, with a significant difference between them (p < 0.001). There was an association between the occurrence of ankyloglossia and breastfeeding difficulties (odds ratio = 1.99), but no association with exclusive breastfeeding practice was found. Conclusions: The diagnostic tools used herein revealed different prevalence rates of ankyloglossia in newborns. This condition was associated with breastfeeding difficulties, and the NTST was more effective in determining such an association.

Ankyloglossia and breastfeeding: what is the evidence of association between them? / Anquiloglossia versus amamentação: qual a evidência de associação?

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the scientific evidence, in the literature, of the relationship between ankyloglossia and breastfeeding difficulties. Methods: an integrative review of the literature. The MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched, using the following descriptors in combination: "ankyloglossia", "newborn" and "breastfeeding". The searches included articles published between 2014 and 2019, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Original articles demonstrating an association between ankyloglossia and breastfeeding issues were selected. Results: a total of 31 articles was fully read in the analysis, 22 of which were excluded and 9 included in the review. There was a diversity of instruments used for the diagnosis of ankyloglossia. In four studies, no standardized evaluation instrument was used for the diagnosis of ankyloglossia, which may limit the analysis of the results. However, most studies have evidenced a possible influence of ankyloglossia on breastfeeding. According to the studies, babies with altered lingual frenulum were more likely to experience difficulties in sucking, showing early weaning, which shows the importance of neonatal screening as a routine protocol in maternity hospitals for the cases of ankyloglossia. Conclusions: ankyloglossia may be related to impaired breastfeeding. The standardization of instruments for the diagnosis of ankyloglossia is necessary to improve the evidence in future research.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar as evidências científicas na literatura sobre a relação entre a anquiloglossia e as dificuldades no aleitamento materno. Métodos: tratou-se de uma revisão integrativa. Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados Medline e Pubmed, utilizando os descritores em associação: "anquiloglossia", "recém-nascido" e "amamentação", entre 2014 e 2019, em português, inglês e espanhol. Foram selecionados artigos originais que relacionassem a anquiloglossia aos problemas de amamentação. Resultados: trinta e um artigos foram analisados pelo texto lido na íntegra, dentre os quais 22 foram excluídos e 09 selecionados para a revisão. Houve uma diversidade de instrumentos utilizados para o diagnóstico da anquiloglossia. Em quatro estudos não foi utilizado nenhum instrumento de avaliação padronizado para o diagnóstico da anquiloglossia, o que pode limitar a análise dos resultados. No entanto, a maioria dos estudos evidenciou a possível interferência da anquiloglossia na amamentação. De acordo com as publicações, bebês com frênulo lingual alterado apresentaram maiores chances de apresentar dificuldades na sucção e desmame precoce, o que demonstra a importância da triagem neonatal como rotina nas maternidades para os casos de anquiloglossia. Conclusões: a anquiloglossia pode estar relacionada com prejuízos na amamentação e a padronização dos instrumentos para diagnóstico da anquiloglossia é necessária para melhorar as evidências nas futuras pesquisas.

Análise do processo de dessalinização solar com ênfase no método de umidificação e desumidificação / Analysis of the process of solar desalination with emphasis in the humidification and dehumidification method

RESUMO A falta de água é um problema que afeta muitas regiões do nosso planeta, especialmente ilhas e locais de clima muito seco. Especialistas dizem que essa situação irá se agravar e que, em 2025, cerca de 1,8 bilhão de pessoas sofrerão com essa escassez. Embora métodos tradicionais de dessalinização sejam alternativas bem conhecidas e implantadas para obtenção de água potável, eles não são sustentáveis ambientalmente, porque são geralmente supridos por combustíveis não renováveis, cuja queima intensifica o efeito estufa, trazendo desequilíbrios ao meio ambiente. Outra opção que vem sendo desenvolvida ao longo dos anos é a dessalinização por energia solar. Como se trata de uma forma de energia limpa, abundante e renovável, esse método já é muito indicado em regiões isoladas, de baixa e média demanda. Algumas técnicas são apresentadas neste trabalho, que foca o método de dessalinização por umidificação e desumidificação (DSUD). Essa técnica tem se mostrado a mais eficiente, devido ao seu reaproveitamento de energia. Há ainda muito o que melhorar para viabilizar a sua implantação em grande escala, principalmente em termos de produção de água, energia específica requerida e custo específico de produção de água. Entretanto, a DSUD já se mostrou uma técnica sustentável, promissora, de custo razoável e funcionamento simples. Dessa forma, os autores incentivam maiores investimentos em pesquisas no Brasil na área de dessalinização solar e aproveitamento dos rejeitos do processo, visando à produção de água purificada nas regiões brasileiras que têm deficiência em água potável.

ABSTRACT The lack of water is a problem that affects many regions in our planet, specially in very dry places and isles. Experts say that this situation will worsen, and that by 2025 about 1.8 billion people will suffer with water scarcity. Although traditional desalination methods are well-known and implemented alternatives to obtain fresh drinking water, they are not environmentally sustainable, because they are generally supplied by non-renewable fuels, whose combustion intensifies the greenhouse effect, causing disequilibrium to the environment. Another option that has been developed along the years is the desalination by solar energy. Since it is a clean, abundant and renewable type of energy, it is already a good option to isolated regions, whose demand is low or medium. Some technics are shown in this work, which focuses on the humidification-dehumidification desalination method. This technique has shown to be the most efficient one, due to its energy reuse. There is still a long way to go in order to make it viable in large scale, especially in terms of water production, specific energy requirement and specific cost of water production. However, solar desalination by humidification-dehumidification has proven to be a sustainable, promising technic which is reasonably costly and simple to operate. Therefore, the authors encourage more investments in researches in Brazil in the area of solar desalination and use of its rejects, aiming at the production of fresh water in Brazilian regions lacking it.

The Influence of AlN Intermediate Layer on the Structural and Chemical Properties of SiC Thin Films Produced by High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering.

Many strategies have been developed for the synthesis of silicon carbide (SiC) thin films on silicon (Si) substrates by plasma-based deposition techniques, especially plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and magnetron sputtering, due to the importance of these materials for microelectronics and related fields. A drawback is the large lattice mismatch between SiC and Si. The insertion of an aluminum nitride (AlN) intermediate layer between them has been shown useful to overcome this problem. Herein, the high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) technique was used to grow SiC thin films on AlN/Si substrates. Furthermore, SiC films were also grown on Si substrates. A comparison of the structural and chemical properties of SiC thin films grown on the two types of substrate allowed us to evaluate the influence of the AlN layer on such properties. The chemical composition and stoichiometry of the samples were investigated by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and Raman spectroscopy, while the crystallinity was characterized by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). Our set of results evidenced the versatility of the HiPIMS technique to produce polycrystalline SiC thin films at near-room temperature by only varying the discharge power. In addition, this study opens up a feasible route for the deposition of crystalline SiC films with good structural quality using an AlN intermediate layer.

Atomic Layer Deposited TiO2 and Al2O3 Thin Films as Coatings for Aluminum Food Packaging Application.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) coatings have been investigated in a wide range of bio-applications due to their biodegradation and biocompatibility properties, that are key parameters for their use in the food packaging and biomedical devices fields. The present study evaluates and compares the electrochemical behavior of the non-coated, commercial resin-coated, TiO2-coated and Al2O3-coated aluminum in commercial beer electrolyte. For this, TiO2 and Al2O3 thin films were deposited on aluminum (Al) substrates using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The evaluation of the corrosion barrier layer properties was performed by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) during 10 min and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In addition, profilometry, grazing incidence X-ray diffractometry (GIXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses were performed to investigate the physical and chemical properties of the pristine and / or corroded samples. TiO2 and Al2O3 films presented an amorphous structure, a morphology that follows Al substrate surface, and a thickness of around 100 nm. Analysis of LSV data showed that ALD coatings promoted a considerable increase in corrosion barrier efficiency being 86.3% for TiO2-coated Al and 80% for Al2O3-coated Al in comparison with 7.1% of commercial resin-coated Al. This is mainly due to the lower electrochemical porosity, 11.4% for TiO2-coated Al and 20.4% for Al2O3-coated Al in comparison with 96% of the resin-coated Al, i.e. an increase of up to twofold in the protection of Al when coated with TiO2 compared to Al2O3. The EIS results allow us to complement the discussions about the reduced corrosion barrier efficiency of the Al2O3 film for beer electrolyte once SEM and FT-IR analyzes did not show drastic changes in both investigated ALD films after the corrosion assays. The above results indicate that ALD TiO2 and Al2O3 films may be a viable alternative to replace the synthetic resin coatings frequently used in aluminum cans of use in the food industry.

A Novel Method of Synthesizing Graphene for Electronic Device Applications.

This article reports a novel and efficient method to synthesize graphene using a thermal decomposition process. In this method, silicon carbide (SiC) thin films grown on Si(100) wafers with an AlN buffer layer were used as substrates. CO2 laser beam heating, without vacuum or controlled atmosphere, was applied for SiC thermal decomposition. The physical, chemical, morphological, and electrical properties of the laser-produced graphene were investigated for different laser energy densities. The results demonstrate that graphene was produced in the form of small islands with quality, density, and properties depending on the applied laser energy density. Furthermore, the produced graphene exhibited a sheet resistance characteristic similar to graphene grown on mono-crystalline SiC wafers, which indicates its potential for electronic device applications.

Avaliação da modificação da técnica de reconstrução das cartilagens alares de Max Pereira no protocolo de reconstrução nasal total do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre / Evaluation of Max Pereira alar reconstruction technique modification in the total nasal reconstruction protocol of the Hospital of Clinics of Porto Alegre

Introdução: A reconstrução nasal é a mais antiga das cirurgias plásticas. A anatomia nasal é complexa e necessita de uma associação de técnicas para a restauração da função e estética nasal adequada. Pereira et al. descreveram uma técnica que possibilita a reconstrução nasal total da cartilagem alar, com o uso de um enxerto da cartilagem auricular, com mínima deformidade auricular secundária à retirada do enxerto. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma modificação da técnica acima descrita, que possibilita reconstruir mais uma região anatômica do nariz, sem aumentar a morbidade, realizada por Collares et al., e a sua inserção no protocolo de reconstrução nasal total do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo. Avaliou-se a inserção da modificação da técnica em 10 pacientes que realizaram reconstrução nasal total. Resultados: Após a análise dos 10 casos, utilizando a modificação da técnica inserida no protocolo de reconstrução nasal total do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, encontramos uma melhoria da forma do nariz, a válvula nasal interna com preservação da função e sem sequelas secundárias à retirada do enxerto auricular. Conclusão: Nesta série de casos, a modificação da técnica de Max Pereira resultou em tratamento estético funcional adequado quando implementada no protocolo de reconstrução nasal total do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, sem aumentar a morbidade na área doadora.

Introduction: Nasal reconstruction is the oldest plastic surgery technique. The nasal anatomy is complex and requires an association of techniques for the restoration of function and adequate nasal esthetics. Pereira et al. described a technique that allows total nasal reconstruction of the alar cartilage through the use of an auricular cartilage graft, with minimal deformity secondary to the donor site. The objective of the present study is to present a modification, by Collares et al., of the technique described above, which allows the reconstruction of another anatomical region of the nose without increasing morbidity, and its insertion into the total nasal reconstruction protocol of Hospital de Clínicas of Porto Alegre. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. We evaluated technique modification in 10 patients who underwent total nasal reconstructions. Results: After examining the 10 patients who were treated with the modified total nasal reconstruction protocol at the Hospital de Clínicas of Porto Alegre, we observed an improvement in the nose shape and internal nasal valve with preservation of function, without sequelae secondary to auricular graft removal. Conclusion: In this case series, the modification of the Max Pereira technique resulted in adequate aestheticfunctional treatment when implemented in the total nasal reconstruction protocol of the Hospital de Clínicas of Porto Alegre, without increasing the morbidity in the donor area.

Neonatal Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis Reduces Cleft Palate Width and Lengthens Soft Palate, Influencing Palatoplasty in Patients With Pierre Robin Sequence.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of neonatal mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) on cleft dimensions and on early palatoplasty outcomes in patients with Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS). In a prospective cohort study that enrolled 24 nonsyndromic patients with PRS, 12 submitted to the MDO group and 12 patients not treated (non-MDO group), the authors compared patients for cleft palate dimensions through 7 morphometric measurements at the moment of palatoplasty and for early palatoplasty outcomes. At palatoplasty, the MDO group presented a significant shorter distance between the posterior nasal spines (PNS-PNS, P < 0.001) and between uvular bases (UB-UB, P < 0.001), representing a reduction in cleft palate width. They also had significant soft palate lengthening represented by a larger distance between UB and retromolar space (UB-RM, P < 0.001) and UB and PNS (UB-PNS, P = 0.014). Their UB moved away from the posterior wall of the nasopharynx (UB-NPH, P < 0.001). The MDO group had a length of operative time significantly shorter (P < 0.001) and no early palatoplasty complications compared with the non-MDO group. In conclusion, MDO acted as an orthopedic procedure that reduced cleft palate width and elongated the soft palate in patients with PRS. These modifications enabled a reduction of around 11% in the length of operative time of palatoplasty (P < 0.001).

Avaliação da resistência de união em dentina humana submetida a diferentes formas de armazenagem / Evaluation of bond strength of human dentin subjected to different forms of storage

.Introdução e objetivo: Dentes humanos são frequentemente utilizados em atividades laboratoriais e nas pesquisas científicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência de união em dentina humana submetida a diferentes formas de armazenagem. Material e métodos: Foram selecionados 15 terceiros molares hígidos, divididos em três grupos experimentais (n = 5): 1) esterilizados em autoclave por 15 minutos (121°C) e congelados em água destilada por 60 dias; 2) imersos em solução de glutaraldeído 2% por 24 horas e congelados em água destilada por 60 dias; 3) somente congelados em água destilada por 60 dias (controle). As amostras foram preparadas com disco diamantado sob refrigeração para obtenção de superfícies planas de dentina média, que sofreram a ação de lixas de carbeto de silício n.º 600 para criar lama dentária previamente à hibridização. O sistema adesivo convencional Adper Single Bond 2 e o compósito Filtek Z250 (3M Espe) foram utilizados de acordo com as instruções dos fabricantes. Matrizes transparentes Tygon foram posicionadas sobre cada amostra de dentina hibridizada e preenchidas em seu volume interno com o compósito. Após fotoativação, removeram-se as matrizes e expuseram-se os corpos de prova, que foram armazenados em água destilada a 37°C por 24 horas antes do ensaio de resistência de união ao microcisalhamento. Resultados: A resistência de união foi calculada em MPa±DP, e os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pela Anova e pelo teste de Tukey no nível de 5% de significância. As informações obtidas mostraram que o grupo controle apresentou resistência de união estatisticamente superior aos demais grupos experimentais. Conclusão: A esterilização em autoclave e a imersão em solução de glutaraldeído reduziram de modo significativo a resistência de união em dentina humana, quando se comparou aos dentes armazenados em água destilada congelada.

Introduction and objective: Human teeth are frequently used in laboratory and research activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of human dentin subjected to different forms of storage. Material and methods: Fifteen intact third molars were selected and divided into three experimental groups (n = 5): 1) teeth sterilized by autoclave for 15 minutes (121°C) and frozen in distilled water for 60 days; 2) teeth immersed in 2% glutaraldehyde solution for 24 hours and frozen in distilled water for 60 days; 3) only frozen in distilled water for 60 days (control). Samples were prepared with a diamond disk under cooling until obtaining flat surfaces of middle dentin, which were exposed by wet abrasion with 600-grit SiC paper in order to create smear layer prior to hybridization. The conventional adhesive system Adper Single Bond 2 and the composite Filtek Z250 (3M Espe) were used according to manufacturer?s instructions. Tygon tubing molds were placed on each sample and its internal volume was filled with the composite. After photoactivation, the molds were removed and the specimens were exposed and stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours before microshear bond strength test. Results: The bond strength was calculated in MPa±SD, and data were statistically analyzed by Anova and Tukey test at 5% significance level. Data showed that the control group presented bond strength statistically higher than the other experimental groups. Conclusion: The autoclaving and immersion in glutaraldehyde solution reduced significantly the bond strength in human dentin when compared to frozen teeth in distilled water.

Efeito de diferentes iscas na atração de califorídeos (diptera) no campus do Valonguinho, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brasil / Effect of differents baits as attractant for blowflies (diptera) at Valonguinho, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil

Foi realizado um estudo sobre califorideos no Campus do Valonguinho, Universidade Federal Fluminense. A pesquisa foi efetuada de dezembro de 2003 a novembro de 2004, com coletas feitas com armadilhas utilizando iscas à base de peixe (sardinha), fígado bovino, camarão e banana. Foram coletados 6015 califorideos, Chrysomya megacephala e Lucilia eximia foram as mais freqüentes (50,55 por cento e 21, 52 por cento, respectivamente). A isca mais atrativa foi peixe (38,32 por cento) com picos populacionais em fevereiro e março.

It was carried out a survey of blowflies in a área of the Campus (Valonguinho) of the Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. The collections were performed with traps, using baits of fish (sardine), bovine liver, shrimps and banana. Were collected 6015 flies, Chrysomya megacephala and Lucilia eximia were the most frequent (50.55 percent and 21.52 percent, respectively). The flies were more abundant in February and March and the most attractive bait was fish (38.32 percent).