Lyophilized Polyvinyl Alcohol and Chitosan Scaffolds Pre-Loaded with Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles for Tissue Regeneration.

Materials with a soft tissue regenerative capacity can be produced using biopolymer scaffolds and nanomaterials, which allow injured tissue to recover without any side effects or limitations. Four formulations were prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS), with silicon dioxide nanoparticles (NPs-SiO2) incorporated using the freeze-drying method at a temperature of -50 °C. TGA and DSC showed no change in thermal degradation, with glass transition temperatures around 74 °C and 77 °C. The interactions between the hydroxyl groups of PVA and CS remained stable. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the incorporation of NPs-SiO2 complemented the freeze-drying process, enabling the dispersion of the components on the polymeric matrix and obtaining structures with a small pore size (between 30 and 60 µm) and large pores (between 100 and 160 µm). The antimicrobial capacity analysis of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria revealed that the scaffolds inhibited around 99% of K. pneumoniae, E. cloacae, and S. aureus ATCC 55804. The subdermal implantation analysis demonstrated tissue growth and proliferation, with good biocompatibility, promoting the healing process for tissue restoration through the simultaneous degradation and formation of type I collagen fibers. All the results presented expand the boundaries in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by highlighting the crucial role of nanoparticles in optimizing scaffold properties.

Physical analysis of an acrylic resin modified by metal and ceramic nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: Nanoparticles (NPs) have gained significant attention in various fields due to their unique properties and potential applications. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is an acrylic resin widely used in dentistry and medicine. However, the effect of different types of NP fillers on the physical properties of PMMA-based resins has not been thoroughly explored in the literature. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 3 different types of NP fillers on the physical properties of an experimental PMMA-based resin as a function of the NP content and concentration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten groups (n = 10) were designed. The specimens were composed of an acrylic resin, silicon dioxide (SiO2), cerium dioxide (CeO2), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) at the following ratios (wt%): group 1 (G1) - control; group 2 (G2) - 0.5% SiO2; group 3 (G3) - 1% SiO2; group 4 (G4) - 3% SiO2; group 5 (G5) - 0.5% CeO2; group 6 (G6) - 1% CeO2; group 7 (G7) - 3% CeO2; group 8 (G8) - 0.5% TiO2; group 9 (G9) - 1% TiO2; and group 10 (G10) - 3% TiO2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to assess the quality of NP dispersion. Thermal stability was assessed with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The effects of the abovementioned NPs on the properties of the resin were evaluated using the Archimedes principle for density, the Vickers hardness (VH) test and the impact strength (IS) test. Data analysis employed the oneand two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan's post hoc test at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy showed partial NP dispersion. All types of NPs enhanced the mechanical properties of the acrylic resin except for IS, which was similar to that of the control group. Among the types of NPs, irrespective of the weight percentage, CeO2 showed higher thermal stability and higher IS for 0.5 wt% and 1 wt% as compared to other groups, as well as the highest values of density at 0.5 wt%, 1 wt% and 3 wt%. Titanium oxide at 1 wt% presented a higher VH as compared to other groups. The fracture pattern was the same for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating the tested NPs into the acrylic resin resulted in enhanced physical properties, primarily attributed to a lower NP content.

An Evaluation of the Impact of Air Pollution on the Lung Functions of High School Students Living in a Ceramic Industrial Park Zone.

Santa Gertrudes (SG) and Rio Claro (RC), Sao Paulo, Brazil, are located in a ceramic industrial park zone, and their particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 µm (PM10) concentration levels has been among the highest in recently monitored cities in Brazil. Local PM10 was mostly composed of silica. A cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the lung functions of public high school students in SG, RC, and São Pedro (SP) (control location), Brazil, in 2018. The prevalence of asthma, mean PM10, FVC (forced vital capacity), and FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second) were compared between the locations, and regression analyses were performed. A total of 450 students were included (SG: 158, RC: 153, and SP: 139). The mean FVC% (SG: 95.0% ± 11.8%, RC: 98.8% ± 12.9%, SP: 102.4% ± 13.8%, p < 0.05), the mean FEV1% (SG: 95.7% ± 10.4%, RC: 99.7% ± 12.0%, SP: 103.2% ± 12.0%, p < 0.05) and the mean PM10 (SG: 77.75 ± 38.08 µg/m3, RC: 42.59 ± 23.46 µg/m3, SP: 29.52 ± 9.87 µg/m3, p < 0.01) differed between locations. In regression models, each increase in PM10 by 10 µg/m3 was associated with a decrease in FVC% by 1.10% (95% CI 0.55%-1.65%) and a decrease in FEV1% by 1.27% (95% CI 0.75%-1.79%). Exposure to high levels of silica-rich environmental PM10 was found to be associated with lower FVC and FEV1.

The Effect of Colloidal Silica and Glaze Coatings on the Adhesion of Zirconia with Various Ytrria Concentration.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of coating traditional and translucent Y-TZP with an industrial nanometric colloidal silica or glaze before or after sintering on the adhesion of zirconia with various ytrria concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens of Y-TZP with 3% and 5% yttria were subdivided into 5 groups (n=10), according to the coating applied and moment of application (before or after Y-TZP sintering): Control (no coating), Colloidal Silica/Sintering, Sintering/Colloidal Silica, Glaze/Sintering, Sintering/ Glaze. Lithium disilicate (LD) was used as positive control. Except for Y-TZP controls, groups were conditioned with silane before cementation with a self-adhesive resin cement. After 24 hours, the shear bond strength and failure analysis were performed. Also, analysis of specimens' surface was accomplished with SEM-EDX. Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were applied to analyze differences between groups (p⟨0.05). RESULTS: Overall, the worst and best values of shear bond strength test were control and glaze after sintering groups. Different morphological and chemical aspects were observed in SEM-EDX analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Coating Y-TZP with colloidal silica showed unsatisfactory results. In 3Y-TZP, the surface treatment associated with the best adhesion values was the application of glaze after zirconia sintering. However, in 5Y-TZP, glaze application can be performed before or after the zirconia sintering to optimize clinical steps.

Does diatomaceous earth improve agronomic characteristics and induce resistance to arthropod pest in physalis? / Terra diatomácea melhora as características agronômicas e induz resistência a artrópodes-praga em physalis?

Physalis peruviana (Solanaceae) is an exotic fruit that is still little cultivated in Brazil when compared to other species. As a result, information related to management that can contribute to the development of the crop and pest control is scarce. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of spraying diatomaceous earth (DE) on the phytotechnical parameters of the crop and fruit quality, as well as on the induced resistance to arthropods pest in P. peruviana. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with five treatments, which refer to the concentrations of DE (T1 - 0 g L-1; T2 - 1 g L-1; T3 - 3 g L-1; T4 - 6 g L-1 and T5 - 9 g L-1) and eight blocks. Phytotechnical characteristics of the crop and quality (soluble solids) of the fruits were evaluated, as well as the induction of resistance by evaluating the incidence of arthropods pest. There was no significant difference between the DE concentrations for the phytotechnical and quality variables and those related to the feeding preference of herbivorous insects (number and percentage of leaves with holes). However, plants treated with DE were less preferred for oviposition by Bemisia tabaci and Lema bilineata, and fewer whitefly adults and L. bilineata larvae and adults were also recorded. Thus, it is concluded that DE has no effect on phytotechnical and quality parameters of physalis, but induces resistance against arthropods pest such as B. tabaci and L. bilineata.(AU)

Physalis peruviana (Solanaceae) é uma frutífera exótica ainda pouco cultivada no Brasil quando comparada a outras espécies. Em função disso, informações relacionadas ao manejo que possam contribuir para o desenvolvimento da cultura e controle de pragas são escassas. Assim, objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar os efeitos da pulverização da terra diatomácea (TD) nos parâmetros fitotécnicos da cultura e de qualidade dos frutos, bem como na resistência induzida a artrópodes-praga em P. peruviana. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos, que se referem as concentrações de TD (T1 - 0 g L-1; T2 - 1 g L-1; T3 - 3 g L-1; T4 - 6 g L-1 e T5 - 9 g L-1) e oito blocos. Foram avaliadas características fitotécnicas da cultura e de qualidade (sólidos solúveis) dos frutos, bem como a indução de resistência mediante avaliação da incidência dos artrópodes-praga. Não houve diferença significativa entre as concentrações de TD para as variáveis fitotécnicas, de qualidade e aquelas relacionadas à preferência alimentar dos insetos herbívoros (número e porcentagem de folhas com orifícios). Contudo, as plantas tratadas com TD foram menos preferidas para oviposição por Bemisia tabaci e Lema bilineata, sendo registrado também menor número de adultos da mosca-branca e de larvas e adultos de L. bilineata. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a TD não apresenta efeito nos parâmetros fitotécnicos e de qualidade da physalis, mas induz resistência contra artrópodes-praga como B. tabaci e L. bilineata.(AU)

Solid Nanomedicines of Nifurtimox and Benznidazole for the Oral Treatment of Chagas Disease.

Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic zoonosis endemic in Central and South America affecting nearly 10 million people, with 100 million people at high risk of contracting the disease. Treatment is only effective when received at the early stages of the disease and it involved two drugs (nifurtimox (NFX) and benznidazole (BNZ)). Both treatments require multiple daily administrations of high doses, suffer from variable efficacy and insufficient efficacy in chronic CD, many side effects, and a very long duration of treatment that results in poor compliance, while combined available therapies that lead to reduced duration of treatment are not available and polypharmacy reduces compliance and increases the cost further. Here we present self-nanoemulsified drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) able to produce easily scalable combined formulations of NFX and BNZ that can allow for tailoring of the dose and can be easily converted to oral solid dosage form by impregnation on mesoporous silica particles. SNEDDS demonstrated an enhanced solubilisation capacity for both drugs as demonstrated by flow-through studies and in vitro lipolysis studies. High loading of SNEDDS to Syloid 244 and 3050 silicas (2:1 w/w) allowed clinically translatable amounts of both NFX and BNZ to be loaded. Tablets prepared from NFX-BNZ combined SNEDDS loaded on Syloid 3050 silicas demonstration near complete dissolution in the flow through cell apparatus compared to NFX and BNZ commercial tablets respectively (Lampit® and Rochagan®). NFX-BNZ-SNEDDS demonstrated nanomolar efficacy in epimastigotes and amastigotes of T. cruzi with acceptable selectivity indexes and demonstrated enhanced survival and reduced parasitaemia in acute murine experimental models of CD. Thus, the results presented here illustrate the ability for an easily scalable and personalised combination oral therapy prepared from GRAS excipients, enabling treatment access worldwide for the treatment of CD.

Immobilization of Lipase from Candida antarctica B (CALB) by Sol-Gel Technique Using Rice Husk Ash as Silic Source and Ionic Liquid as Additive.

This work presents the immobilization in situ of commercial lipase from Candida antarctica B (CALB) by the sol-gel technique (xerogel) using silica from rice husk ash (RHA) as a source of silicon. It was used the Ionic Liquid (IL) 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (C8MI.Br) as additive. The immobilized derivatives were characterized per SEM, XRD, and per method BET. The enzymatic activity of xerogels was evaluated with different tests, these being the reactional thermal analysis, immobilization yield, and operational and storage stability. The XDR showed that the obtained xerogels have halos in the region between 15 and 35° (2θ) what characterizes it as amorphous materials. The SEM analysis of xerogel shows irregular particles with dimensions less than 20 µm. The immobilized presented an esterification activity (EA) with 263.2 and 213.8 U/g, with and without IL, respectively, higher than the free enzyme (169.6 U/g). The immobilized, with and without IL, presented a significant improvement in the activity performance in relation to free enzyme for the three reactional temperatures (40, 60, and 80 °C) evaluated. The operational stability demonstrated that is possible to use xerogel without ionic liquid for 17 recycles and 21 recycles in IL presence. This methodology allows the preparation of new highly active and selective enzyme catalysts using the rice husk ash as a source of silicon, and the ionic liquid [C8MI]Br as additive. Furthermore, the new materials can provide greater viability in the processes, ensuring longer catalyst life.

Evaluation of biofilm formation on acrylic resin surfaces coated with silicon dioxide: an in situ study

Abstract Biofilm on acrylic resin dental prostheses may cause gingival inflammation. This study evaluated the influence of a silicon dioxide coating layer applied onto acrylic resin on the adhesion of microorganisms. Blocks (5 x 5 x 3 mm) of acrylic resin were evaluated for surface roughness and divided into two groups: control (CG) and coated with silicon dioxide (LG group). The specimens were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (n = 1) and by contact angle analysis (n = 3). For the in situ study, 20 volunteers wore acrylic palatal devices containing three samples from each group (n = 60) for 2 days. The biofilm formed was quantified by metabolic activity and total biomass using the crystal violet assay. The results were subjected to Bartlett's normality test and Gamma model with random effect for the response variable (α = 5%). The mean contact angle of the coated group was significantly lower than that of the uncoated group (p < 0.05). The metabolic activity of microorganisms in the biofilm on the blocks treated with coating was significantly lower than that of control blocks (p = 0.02). Regarding the amount of extracellular matrix produced by the microorganisms, there was no difference between the CG and LG group (p = 0.05). The application of a silicon dioxide coating on acrylic resin reduced the activity of the polymicrobial biofilm formed in situ. This coating may be advantageous for patients with conventional complete dentures or implants made of acrylic resin and who have motor difficulties that prevent them from cleaning their prostheses properly.

Chitosan as a matrix of nanocomposites: A review on nanostructures, processes, properties, and applications.

Chitosan is a biopolymer that is natural, biodegradable, and relatively low price. Chitosan has been attracting interest as a matrix of nanocomposites due to new properties for various applications. This study presents a comprehensive overview of common and recent advances using chitosan as a nanocomposite matrix. The focus is to present alternative processes to produce embedded or coated nanoparticles, and the shaping techniques that have been employed (3D printing, electrospinning), as well as the nanocomposites emerging applications in medicine, tissue engineering, wastewater treatment, corrosion inhibition, among others. There are several reviews about single chitosan material and derivatives for diverse applications. However, there is not a study that focuses on chitosan as a nanocomposite matrix, explaining the possibility of nanomaterial additions, the interaction of the attached species, and the applications possibility following the techniques to combine chitosan with nanostructures. Finally, future directions are presented for expanding the applications of chitosan nanocomposites.

Silicon Stimulates Plant Growth and Metabolism in Rice Plants under Conventional and Osmotic Stress Conditions.

Exogenous silicon (Si) can enhance plant resistance to various abiotic factors causing osmotic stress. The objective of this research was to evaluate the application of 1 and 2 mM Si to plants under normal conditions and under osmotic stress. Morelos A-98 rice seedlings, were treated with 1 and 2 mM SiO2 for 28 d. Subsequently, half of the plants were subjected to osmotic stress with the addition of 10% polyethylene glycol (PEG) 8000; and continued with the addition of Si (0, 1 and 2 mM SiO2) for both conditions. The application of Si under both conditions increased chlorophyll b in leaves, root volume, as well as fresh and dry biomass of roots. Interestingly, the number of tillers, shoot fresh and dry biomass, shoot water content, concentration of total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a/b ratio, and the concentration of total sugars and proline in shoot increased with the addition of Si under osmotic stress conditions. The addition of Si under normal conditions decreased the concentration of sugars in the roots, K and Mn in roots, and increased the concentration of Fe and Zn in shoots. Therefore, Si can be used as a potent inorganic biostimulant in rice Morelos A-98 since it stimulates plant growth and modulates the concentration of vital biomolecules and essential nutrients.

Mesoporous molecularly imprinted polymer core@shell hybrid silica nanoparticles as adsorbent in microextraction by packed sorbent for multiresidue determination of pesticides in apple juice.

In this work, we report the synthesis of a mesoporous molecularly imprinted polymer on the surface of silica nanoparticles (core@mMIP) to be applied as adsorbent in microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) for selective determination of pesticides in apple juice. The core@mMIP was properly characterized, showing good adhesion of the polymer to the silica core. The best extraction conditions were: 200 µL of ultrapure water as washing solvent, 150 µL of acetonitrile as eluent, 100 µL of sample at pH 2.5, five draw-eject cycles and 8 mg of adsorbent. Thereby, recoveries of 96.12 ± 1.05%, 76.88 ± 6.18% and 76.18 ± 5.57% were obtained for pyriproxyfen (PPX), deltamethrin (DTM) and etofenprox (ETF), respectively. After validation, the method presented linearity in the range of 0.02-10 µg mL-1 (r > 0.99), limit of detection of 0.005 µg mL-1, satisfactory selectivity, and proper precision and accuracy. The method was successfully applied real samples of processed and fresh apple juice.

Astrocytes Are More Vulnerable than Neurons to Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticle Toxicity in Vitro.

Some studies have shown that silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) can reach different regions of the brain and cause toxicity; however, the consequences of SiO2-NPs exposure on the diverse brain cell lineages is limited. We aimed to investigate the neurotoxic effects of SiO2-NP (0-100 µg/mL) on rat astrocyte-rich cultures or neuron-rich cultures using scanning electron microscopy, Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), FTIR microspectroscopy mapping (IQ mapping), and cell viability tests. SiO2-NPs were amorphous particles and aggregated in saline and culture media. Both astrocytes and neurons treated with SiO2-NPs showed alterations in cell morphology and changes in the IR spectral regions corresponding to nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. The analysis by the second derivative revealed a significant decrease in the signal of the amide I (α-helix, parallel ß-strand, and random coil) at the concentration of 10 µg/mL in astrocytes but not in neurons. IQ mapping confirmed changes in nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids in astrocytes; cell death was higher in astrocytes than in neurons (10-100 µg/mL). We conclude that astrocytes were more vulnerable than neurons to SiO2-NPs toxicity. Therefore, the evaluation of human exposure to SiO2-NPs and possible neurotoxic effects must be followed up.

Effect of Silicon dioxide coating of acrylic resin surfaces on Candida albicans adhesion

Abstract Acrylic resin has been used in the manufacture of prostheses, however, in the oral cavity, this material starts to retain microorganisms capable of causing gingival inflammation due its porosities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the use of silicon dioxide as a coating layer applied onto acrylic resin, on the adhesion of Candida albicans (Ca). After the incubation period in Sabouraud Dextrose Broth, a total of 1 ml of the Ca suspension was added to plate wells, each well containing a specimen of acrylic resin. The adhesion ability of Ca on acrylic resin was determined by counting colonies. Three groups (n = 6) of acrylic resin were assessed: with polishing (RP); without polishing (RW); with polishing and coating layer of silicon dioxide (RPC). Ca deposited on the surface of the acrylic resin was also observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Statistical assessment by Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls Method were done (α = 2%). There was significant difference among the groups. The RPC group showed the lowest growth, with an average of 5.59 Log CFU/cm 2 ; there was a statistically significant difference in relation to group RW, which presented a growth of 6.07 Log CFU/cm 2 and to group RP with 5.91 Log CFU/cm 2 (p < 000.1). SEM images demonstrated that in the RP and RPC group, the surface of the resin had greater regularity, and smaller number of microorganisms. The application of silicon dioxide coating on acrylic resin appears to be a promising alternative, and its use can help in reducing the adhesion of Ca in prostheses.

An Optical Diffuse Reflectance Model for the Characterization of a Si Wafer with an Evaporated SiO2 Layer.

Thin films are a type of coating that have a very wide spectrum of applications. They may be used as single layers or composed in multilayer stacks, which significantly extend their applications. One of the most commonly used material for thin films is silicon dioxide, SiO2. Although there are other tools that can be used to measure the thickness of SiO2 films, these tools are very complex and sophisticated. In this article, we propose the use of an exponential two-layer light-material interaction model, throughout its diffuse reflectance spectra, as an alternative for the measurement of the thickness of evaporated SiO2 on Si wafers. The proposed model is evaluated experimentally by means of a 980-nm-thick SiO2 layer evaporated on a Si wafer. The results show that the proposed model has a strong correlation with the thickness measurements obtained using commercial equipment.

Micropatterned Silica Films with Nanohydroxyapatite for Y-TZP Implants.

This investigation aimed at developing micropatterned silica thin films (MSTFs) containing nanohydroxyapatite (nano-HA) microaggregates that were not completely covered by silica so that they could directly interact with the surrounding cells. The objectives were 1) to evaluate the effect of the presence of 2 films (MSTF with or without nano-HA addition) on the characteristic strength (σ0) and Weibull modulus ( m) of a yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) and 2) to evaluate the effect of these 2 films, as applied onto the Y-TZP surface, on the morphology, orientation, and proliferation of MG63 cells. Sol-gel process and soft lithography were used to apply the MSTF onto the Y-TZP specimens. Three experimental groups were produced: Y-TZP, Y-TZP + MSTF, and Y-TZP + MSTF + sprayed nano-HA. All surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and tested for 4-point flexural strength ( n = 30) in water at 37 °C. Weibull analysis was used to determine m and σ0 (maximum likelihood method). In vitro biological behavior was performed with human osteoblast-like cells (MG63). Y-TZP was successfully coated with MSFT and MSFT + nano-HA. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs indicated that the microaggregates of nano-HA were not entirely covered by the silica. There was no statistically significant difference among the experimental groups for σ0 and m. In the groups containing the films, the cells were elongated and aligned along the lines. The MSFT + nano-HA group showed significantly higher cell metabolic activity than that obtained for the Y-TZP group at day 7. This investigation was successful in producing an MSTF containing nano-HA microaggregates that remained exposed to the environment. The developed films did not jeopardize the structural reliability of a commercial Y-TZP, as confirmed by the Weibull statistics. The MG63 cells seeded over the films became elongated and aligned along the films' micropatterned lines. Y-TZP specimens coated with MSTF and nano-HA showed a higher cell metabolic activity and proliferation after 7 d of culture when compared with uncoated Y-TZP.

Efeito de duas técnicas de gradação da zircônia no limite de fadiga de próteses parciais fixas monolíticas de três elementos / Effect of two grading zirconia techniques on the fatigue limit of fullcontour 3-unit fixed dental prothesis

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de duas técnicas de gradação da zircônia no limite de fadiga de próteses parciais fixas (PPFs) de 03 elementos. Blocos pré-sinterizados de 3Y-TZP (zircônia policristalina parcialmente estabilizada por 3% mol de ítria) foram fresados para obter 69 PPFs, que foram divididas em 3 grupos (n = 23). O grupo controle (CTL) foi sinterizado e glazeado odedecendo os parâmetros usuais. Nos dois grupos experimentais as PPFs receberam sílica/vidro antes da sinterização. O grupo sílica sol-gel (SSG) foi graduado pela rota de processamento sol-gel, enquanto o grupo vidro-zircônia-vidro (GZG) foi graduado pela técnica de suspensão (slurry). Os grupos graduados não receberam a camada de glaze após a sinterização. Todas as PPFs foram cimentadas nos pilares de compósito com cimento resinoso de dupla polimerização, incluídas em poliuretano e armazenadas em água por cinco dias. A carga inicial do teste de fadiga foi calculada com base nos resultados do ensaio monotônico de três amostras de cada grupo. Para determinar o limite de fadiga 20 amostras de cada grupo foram submetidas ao método da escada ou staircase (100.000 ciclos/5 Hz). Os limites de fadiga (em Newton) foram: CTL = 1607,27; SSG = 1824,31; GZG = 2006,57 e o teste de Dixon e Mood indicou diferença estatística entre os grupos (intervalo de confiança de 95%). As infiltrações de sílica e vidro no corpo da zircônia, por dois diferentes métodos de gradação, aumentaram o limite de fadiga de PPFs em zircônia monolítica(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two grading zirconia techniques on the fatigue limit of 3-unit fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). Presintered blocks of 3YTZP (3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal) were milled to obtain sixty-nine 3-unit FDPs, which were divided into three groups (n = 23). The control group (CTL) was sintered and glazed following the usual parameters. In the two experimental groups presintered FDPs received silica/glass before sintering. Silica sol-gel group (SSG) was graded by the sol-gel processing route, while the glasszirconia-glass group (GZG) was graded by a slurry technique. Graded groups did not receive a glaze layer after sintering. All FDPs were then luted with a dual-curing resin cement on composite abutments, embedded in polyurethane and stored in water for five days. The initial load of the fatigue test was calculated based on the results of the monotonic testing applied on three specimens of each group. To determine the fatigue limit, 20 samples of each group were subjected to staircase testing (100,000 cycles/5 Hz). The fatigue limits (in Newtons) were CT = 1607.27, SSG = 1824.31, and GZG = 2006.57, and the Dixon and Mood test indicated statistically significant differences among groups (95% confidence interval). The infiltration of silica and glass on zirconia bulk, by two different grading methods, increased the fatigue limits of monolithic zirconia FDPs(AU)

Avaliação in situ e in vitro do efeito antimicrobiano de um nanofilme experimental de dióxido de silício com nanopartículas de prata / In situ and in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of an experimental nanofilm of silicon dioxide with silver nanoparticles

A difusão da nanotecnologia a fim de projetar novos materiais em escala nanométrica conduziu ao desenvolvimento de uma ampla variedade de nanopartículas fabricadas para aplicações comerciais. Tendo por objetivo buscar um produto que aprimore as características dos materiais dentários em voga, optou-se por pesquisar um novo material que não é utilizado em Odontologia, mas que tem uma extensa aplicabilidade em diversos campos, como na indústria alimentícia, na superfície de bancadas de hospitais, em instrumentais cirúrgicos, paredes, pisos, roupas e no setor automobilístico, de aviação e naval. Assim, buscou-se avaliar um nanofilme de dióxido de silício, comercializado como vidro líquido, e seu possível aperfeiçoamento com a incorporação de nanopartículas de prata à sua composição quanto ao seu comportamento microbiológico utilizando como substrato amostras de resina acrílica autopolimerizável. Primeiramente foram realizados ensaios para caracterização da solução do vidro líquido através da avaliação do teor de sólidos presentes e da sua densidade, além da superfície dos nanofilmes formados por meio de microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV) acoplado a espectrômetro de energia dispersiva (EDS). Depois, foi averiguado o comportamento microbiológico dos nanofilmes quanto à citotoxicidade e à formação de biofilme in vitro e in situ. Na caracterização do vidro líquido identificou-se uma pequena discrepância quanto ao teor de sólidos e a densidade obtida em relação aos dados do fabricante. Análises semiquantitativas por MEV e EDS confirmaram a presença da prata no nanofilme experimental e permitiu a observação da configuração de nanoaglomerados formados após a polimerização de ambos os filmes. O ensaio de citotoxicidade mostrou que após a formação do nanofilme este não é citotóxico, mas que as soluções de sílica e experimental apresentam citotoxicidade em baixas diluições. Quanto à formação de biofilme, independente do substrato e do tipo de ensaio, in situ ou in vitro, o nanofilme experimental inibiu a adesão bacteriana. Conclui-se então que o nanofilme experimental de sílica com nanopartículas de prata desenvolvido neste trabalho apresenta o potencial de diminuir o crescimento bacteriano em materiais dentários aplicados provisoriamente em áreas críticas onde é necessária a cicatrização tecidual

The propagation of nanotechnology in order to design new nanoscale materials led to the development of a wide variety of nanoparticles manufactured for commercial applications. With the objective of seeking a product that enhances the characteristics of dental materials in vogue, it was decided to search for a new material that is not used in dentistry, but has a wide applicability in various fields, such as in the food industry, surface countertops of hospitals, surgical instruments, walls, floors, clothing and automotive, aviation and shipbuilding industry. Thus, it sought to evaluate a silicon dioxide nanofilm, commercially available as liquid glass, and its possible improvement with the addition of silver nanoparticles to its composition using samples of acrylic resin as substrate. Initially tests were carried out to characterize the liquid glass solution by evaluating the solids content and their density, beyond the surface of nanofilms formed by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Then it was examined microbiological behavior of nanofilms for cytotoxicity and in vitro and in situ biofilm formation. In the liquid glass characterization it was identified a small discrepancy in the solids content and the density obtained compared to manufacturer's data. The SEM and EDS analysis confirmed the presence of silver in the experimental nanofilm and allowed the observation of the nanoclusters configuration formed after polymerization of both films. The cytotoxicity assay showed that after the formation of nanofilm this is not cytotoxic, but the silica and the experimental solutions exhibit cytotoxicity at lower dilutions. As to the formation of biofilm regardless of the type of substrate and the assay in situ or in vitro, experimental nanofilm inhibit bacterial adhesion. It follows then that the silica experimental nanofilm with silver nanoparticles developed in this work has the potential to reduce bacterial growth in dental materials provisionally applied in critical areas where tissue healing is required

Does Diatomaceous Earth Control Leaf-Cutter Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Eucalyptus Plantations?

Genus Atta includes some of the most important Formicidae leaf cutter ants which cause extensive damage to the eucalyptus plantations. Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, one of the chief pests in Brazilian reforestation, can restrict and reduce forest productivity by its intense and constant leaf-cutting activities on plants at all stages. Therefore, the demand for new products to control A. sexdens rubropilosa indicates the study of the utilization of the dry powder formulation of diatomaceous earth (DE) against this pest in the eucalyptus cultivars. The study was conducted using 120 colonies of A. sexdens rubropilosa in Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex. Maiden x Eucalyptus urophylla Blake (Myrtaceae) (urograndis) stand. The randomized block experimental design was used with six treatments (1, 10, 25, and 50 g/m2 of DE, 6.0 g/m2 sulfluramid bait per square meter of loose soil, and the control) with five replications, each with four colonies of this ant. Diatomaceous earth was applied to the active A. sexdens rubropilosa ant holes, and the sulfluramid bait was applied in bulk in a localized manner. The control efficacy of A. sexdens rubropilosa with DE was low, showing values similar to that of the control, and, for this reason, it cannot be used to control this ant. The bait with sulfluramid showed higher efficacy than those of the other treatments.

Influence of air-particle deposition protocols on the surface topography and adhesion of resin cement to zirconia.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the influence of air-particle abrasion protocols on the surface roughness (SR) of zirconia and the shear bond strength (SBS) of dual-polymerized resin cement to this ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sintered zirconia blocks (n = 115) (Lava, 3M ESPE) were embedded in acrylic resin and polished. The specimens were divided according to the 'particle type' (Al: 110 µm Al2O3; Si: 110 µm SiO2) and 'pressure' factors (2.5 or 3.5 bar) (n = 3 per group): (a) Control (no air-abrasion); (b) Al2.5; (c) Si2.5; (d) Al3.5; (e) Si3.5. SR (Ra) was measured 3-times from each specimen after 20 s of air-abrasion (distance: 10 mm) using a digital optical profilometer. Surface topography was evaluated under SEM analyses. For the SBS test, 'particle type', 'pressure' and 'thermocycling' (TC) factors were considered (n = 10; n = 10 per group): Control (no air-abrasion); Al2.5; Si2.5; Al3.5; Si3.5; ControlTC; Al2.5TC; Si2.5TC; Al3.5TC; Si3.5TC. After silane application, resin cement (Panavia F2.0) was bonded and polymerized. Specimens were thermocycled (6.000 cycles, 5-55°C) and subjected to SBS (1 mm/min). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey's and Dunnett tests (5%). RESULTS: 'Particle' (p = 0.0001) and 'pressure' (p = 0.0001) factors significantly affected the SR. All protocols significantly increased the SR (Al2.5: 0.45 ± 0.02; Si2.5: 0.39 ± 0.01; Al3.5: 0.80 ± 0.01; Si3.5: 0.64 ± 0.01 µm) compared to the control group (0.16 ± 0.01 µm). For SBS, only 'particle' factor significantly affected the results (p = 0.015). The SiO2 groups presented significantly higher SBS results than Al2O3 (Al2.5: 4.78 ± 1.86; Si2.5: 7.17 ± 2.62; Al3.5: 4.97 ± 3.74; Si3.5: 9.14 ± 4.09 MPa) and the control group (3.67 ± 3.0 MPa). All TC specimens presented spontaneous debondings. SEM analysis showed that Al2O3 created damage in zirconia in the form of grooves, different from those observed with SiO2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Air-abrasion with 110 µm Al2O3 resulted in higher roughness, but air-abrasion protocols with SiO2 promoted better adhesion.

Efeitos da terra diatomácea sobre Diabrotica speciosa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) em batata inglesa / Effects of diatomaceous earth on Diabrotica speciosa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in potato

A espécie Diabrotica speciosa é um crisomelídeo responsável por causar danos consideráveis à batateira, o que torna indispensável seu controle com inseticidas para minimizar os prejuízos causados à cultura. Assim, objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar os efeitos da terra diatomácea sobre o comportamento alimentar e a mortalidade de D. speciosa em batata inglesa em condições de laboratório. Adotou-se o DIC com três tratamentos e oito repetições, sendo: 1 - testemunha; 2 - TD polvilhada (0,5 g/vaso) e 3 - TD pulverizada a 1 por cento. As batateiras, cv. Emeraude, foram polvilhadas ou pulverizadas com TD, 30 dias após o plantio e, 24 horas após a aplicação, as plantas foram fornecidas aos insetos, sem e com chance de escolha. Houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos, sendo a menor porcentagem de folíolos com injúrias observada em plantas que receberam a aplicação de TD pulverizada (teste sem chance de escolha) e TD polvilhada ou pulverizada (teste com chance de escolha). Também houve redução do número de injúrias foliares às 24 e às 48 horas (TD polvilhada ou pulverizada) e, às 72 horas, a redução foi observada somente com a aplicação da TD polvilhada. Com relação à ação inseticida da TD, foi verificado seu efeito após 48 horas, tanto via polvilhamento, quanto via pulverização. Assim, a aplicação de TD pode auxiliar no manejo de D. speciosa, contribuindo para conferir proteção às plantas de batata inglesa e aumentar a mortalidade desse inseto-praga.

The species D. speciosa is a chrysomelid responsible for causing considerable damage on potato plant, making its control with insecticides essential to minimize the damage caused to this culture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diatomaceous earth (DE) on feeding behavior and mortality of D. speciosa in potato under laboratory conditions. A completely randomized design was used with three treatments and eight replicates being: 1 - control; 2 - sprinkled DE (0.5 g/vase) and 3 - 1 percent sprayed DE. The potato plants, cv. Emeraude, were sprinkled or sprayed with DE 30 days after the planting and 24 hours after the application, the plants were supplied to insects, with and without a chance of choice. There was significant difference among treatments with a lower leaflet with injury percentage observed in plants that received the application of powdered DE (tests without chance of choice) and sprinkled or powdered DE (tests without chance of choice). There was also reduction of the number of leaf injuries at 24 and 48 hours (sprinkled or powdered DE) and, at 72 hours, the reduction was only observed with the application of sprinkled DE. Regarding the insecticidal activity of TD, its effect was verified after 48 hours, through sprinkling or spraying. As a result, the application of DE may help in the management of D. speciosa, contributing to provide protection to potato plants and to increase the mortality of this insect pest.