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Effect of mouth rinses on roughness and optical properties of restorative materials for oral rehabilitation
No full textThe objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of mouth rinses on the roughness and optical properties of three polymeric restorative materials. Cylinders were obtained from Ivotion Dent, Ivotion Base, and Empress Direct. Nano-hybrid composite teeth were also investigated (SR Phonares II). Specimens were divided into four subgroups for mouth rinsing simulation according to the mouth rinse: (1) Distilled water; (2) Soft-Tissue; (3) Implants/Cosmetic; and (4) PerioGard. Roughness (Ra) and optical properties were evaluated before and at timepoints during mouth rinsing simulation. Roughness increased after rinsing simulation for Ivotion Dent and Ivotion Base after all mouth rinses. Soft-Tissue and Cosmetic increased the Ra of Empress Direct. Translucency parameter (TP) of Ivotion Dent and Empress Direct increased, while Contrast ratio (CR) values decreased after rinsing simulation, regardless of the solution used. Ivotion Base demonstrated higher TP after rinsing with Soft-Tissue and Implants mouth rinses compared to the control group, while no difference among them was observed for CR. The mouth rinses affected the roughness and optical properties of materials differently after the rinsing simulation.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology Bauru School of Dentistry University of São PauloBiomaterials Division New York University College of DentistryDepartment of Biological Sciences Bauru School of Dentistry University of São Paulo (USP)Department of Biological Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP)Department of Biological Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP)CNPq: 141255/2021-8FAPESP: 2019/08693-1FAPESP: 2020/12874-9FAPESP: 2021/06730-7FAPESP: 2021/07440-2FAPESP: 2021/08018-2FAPESP: 2022/07157-1FAPESP: 2022/13426-5FAPESP: 2023/00898-9FAPESP: 2023/07289-8CNPq: 307255/2021-
Short cervix and use of cervical pessary for preventing preterm birth in singleton and twin pregnancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textObjective: Preterm birth remains a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality. The use of cervical pessaries as an intervention for preventing preterm delivery in women with a short cervix has been a subject of interest. We evaluated the effectiveness of cervical pessary compared to standard care in preventing preterm delivery in women with a short cervix. Data source: Databases were systematically searched in PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases in December 2023. Study selection: Randomized clinical trials with the outcomes of interest were included. Data collect: We computed risk ratios for binary endpoints, with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Data were analyzed using R software (version 4.3.0). The primary outcomes of interest were preterm delivery before 37 weeks, and preterm delivery before 34 weeks. Data synthesis: Seventeen studies with 5,704 patients were included. The use of cervical pessary was associated with a decreased risk of preterm delivery before 37 (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.81-0.96) and 34 weeks (RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.63-0.99) of gestation in twin pregnancies as compared to standard care without progesterone. There were no significant differences in preterm delivery in singleton pregnancy, neonatal outcomes, preterm premature rupture of the membranes or chorioamnionitis. Conclusion: The use of cervical pessary was associated with a significant reduction in preterm delivery at 34 and 37 weeks of gestation in twin pregnancies among patients with a short cervix compared to no treatment. No significant difference was found in singleton pregnancies or maternal outcomes.Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, SPUniversidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, RJUniversidade Estadual Paulista, SPUniversidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, RSUniversidade Federal de Campina Grande, PBDepartment of Gynecologic and Obstetrics Universidade Federal de Goiás, GOUniversidade Estadual Paulista, S
Fuzzy inference system for environmental vulnerability assessment of protected areas: a case study of the Itupararanga environmental protection area in southeastern Brazil
No full textIn this paper, we present an environmental vulnerability index (EVI) based on the fuzzy inference system. The factors used for the formulation of the EVI were forest factor (FF), hydrological factor (HF) and environmental factor (EF), and used the Itupararanga environmental protection area (EPA) as a case study. The results showed that for the years studied (2012 and 2019), most forest fragments were classified as having a very low FF. Almost half of the water bodies presented a very low HF in 2012, which was also the case in 2019. Most areas of the EPA were classified as having a medium EF in 2012, while in 2019 they were classified as low. From these indices, in the two years, it was observed that most areas were classified with a very low EVI. Despite the very low EVI, it was observed that fragments with areas smaller than 50 hectares were suppressed. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage the creation of public policies aimed at the conservation of areas subject to anthropogenic pressure and restoration of forests in suppressed areas.Post-graduate Program in Environmental Sciences Environmental Science Federal University of São CarlosPost-graduate Program in Environmental Sciences São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”Department of Environmental Engineering Federal University of AmazonasDepartment of Environmental Sciences (DCAm) Federal University of São CarlosPost-graduate Program in Environmental Sciences São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho
Correlation between the heating value and the chemical characteristics of<i> Eucalyptus</i> biomass
No full textThe chemical characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass determine its suitability as an energy source, affecting its combustibility, flame stability, and overall energy efficiency. Therefore, this study assessed the correlation between the chemical characteristics and higher heating value (HHV) in Eucalyptus biomass components (wood, bark, branches, and leaves) of three species (E. benthamii, E. dunnii, and E. saligna). The results revealed varying chemical compositions among the components and species, which impacted the HHV differently. Notably, volatile materials positively influenced the HHV, whereas excessive ash content negatively affected the energy potential. Positive correlations with HHV were observed for the total extractives content in the bark, total lignin content in the leaves, volatile materials content in the bark, leaves, and stem, and fixed carbon content in the stem. Conversely, the holocellulose content reduced the bark HHV. Volatile materials, except in the branches, efficiently increased the HHV. None of the chemical characteristics had a significant impact on the branches HHV.Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Dept Ciencia Florestal Solos & Ambiente, BR-18610034 Botucatu, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Parana UFPR, Dept Engn & Tecnol Florestal, Curitiba, PR, BrazilUniv Fed Mato Grosso UFMT, Fac Engn Florestal, Cuiaba, MT, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista UNESP, Dept Ciencia Florestal Solos & Ambiente, BR-18610034 Botucatu, SP, Brazi
The small-scale fisheries sector in a developing country: assessing SWOT and recommendations for sustainability in Namibe (Angola)
No full textFishing activity has great socioeconomic importance and can be used as a tool to combat hunger and poverty, especially when considering developing countries. However, most of the fisheries’ catch in these places is still unrecorded. Namibe Province, located at the South Angolan Littoral, has a 450-km-long seafront, with several communities historically relying on fishing activity. In this context, the present study sought to gather available data about fisheries exploration in Namibe, apply a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis, and use semi-structured questionnaires to assess the status of fishing activity in the region. We acquired a 3-year catch series from the Gabinete Provincial das Pescas (Provincial Fisheries Office) and interviewed 329 actors involved in the activity. We also present a sector diagnosis where we report information regarding the main landed species and their seasonality, the most commonly used fishing gear, and a characterization of the fisheries market chain. Results show an urgent need for fisheries monitoring programs to produce data that can be used in robust sustainable management policies in the region. We also report on the professionals’ perceptions of the stock declines, which are mainly associated with illegal international fishing. Finally, this study provides valuable data about Namibe’s regional fisheries sector and discusses possible alternatives to address the problems faced by developing public policies based on scientific data.Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity of Coastal Environments São Paulo State University (Unesp): Institute of Biosciences, Praça Infante Dom Henrique, S/N - Parque Bitaru, São VicenteLaboratory of Ichthyology and Fishing Management of the Madeira River Valley LIOP Universidade Federal Do Amazonas, R. Vinte E Nove de Agosto, 786, AmazonasSanta Cecília University Environmental Science and Technology. R. Oswaldo Cruz, 277, Boqueirão, SantosPostgraduate Program in Biodiversity of Coastal Environments São Paulo State University (Unesp): Institute of Biosciences, Praça Infante Dom Henrique, S/N - Parque Bitaru, São Vicent
Investigating Pb Nanostructures with a Density-Functional Tight-Binding Approach: Slater-Koster Parameters
No full textIntercalation in epigraphene systems is an established technique widely used to modify the electronic structure of graphene and to synthesize otherwise unstable two-dimensional layers with exotic electronic properties. However, capturing the full symmetry of the heterostructure requires a large number of atoms, rendering traditional electronic-structure approaches computationally demanding. Density-functional-based tight-binding (DFTB) offers an efficient alternative, balancing accuracy and reduced computational cost. For heavy elements such as Pb, however, proper parameters for these types of calculations are not available in the open literature. In this work, we developed a Slater-Koster parameter set for the elements Si, C, and Pb, enabling the investigation of the electronic structure of various elemental and binary solid-state structures, such as graphene, plumbene, and silicon carbide. Our results obtained with DFTB for bulk Pb and Pb/SiC structures show good qualitative agreement with pure DFT calculations. Furthermore, the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) significantly modifies their electronic properties, aligning with DFT findings. These results underscore the capability of the optimized parameters to accurately model complex systems, allowing investigations of larger systems closer to experimental observations.Technische Universität Chemnitz Institut für PhysikDepartamento de Física Universidade Estadual Paulista Instituto de Geociências e Ciências ExatasDepartamento de Física Universidade Estadual Paulista Instituto de Geociências e Ciências Exata
Biochar from lignocellulosic waste as a sustainable alternative to anthracite carbon in water treatment
No full textPeanut shell samples were collected, submitted to simulation of torrefaction conditions by thermogravimetric analysis to assess its decomposition, stability and thus obtain parameters such as heating and resident temperature to produce biochar. A stability test in an aqueous medium was conducted to determine the optimal temperature for biochar production which indicated that a temperature of 280∘C was the most suitable. The biochar obtained was separated into fractions of 1 mm and 2 mm of granulometry, namely, CA1MM and CA2MM. These same conditions were applied to urban pruning biomass to produce CP1MM and CP2MM. All the biochars produced were compared to anthracite charcoal. Due to low column flow, the biochars with 1 mm were excluded from the following tests. CA2MM and CP2MM presented pH 7.34 and 6.98, zero charge point (ZCP) 4.63 and 6.39, apparent density 0.13 g cm3 and 0.17 g cm3, flow rate of 22.37 L h-1 and 13.88 L h-1 in column, COD effluent 18 mg L-1 and 11 mg L-1, iodine number of 187.60 mg g-1 and 247.59 mg g-1, and maximum adsorption capacity of methylene blue Qe 8.17 mg g-1 and 10.6 mg g-1, respectively. Anthracite charcoal CANT showed ZCP 4.60 and iodine number of 202.61 mg g-2 and Qe 11.3 mg g-1. The produced biochars and charcoal showed physisorption through Freundlich isotherm and adsorption on the monolayer according to the Langmuir isotherm classifying them as reusable. The elemental analysis and infrared spectra indicated the presence of negatively charged groups. According to the results, the CA2MM and CP2MM biochars can be used as a substitute for charcoal in water filtration in a water treatment and as a viable solution for the reuse of these residues.Department of Analytical Chemistry Chemistry Institute São Paulo State University Araraquara/SP Brasil, Av. Prof. Francisco Degni, 55 -Jardim Quitandinha, SPDepartment of Analytical Chemistry Chemistry Institute São Paulo State University Araraquara/SP Brasil, Av. Prof. Francisco Degni, 55 -Jardim Quitandinha, S
Can the interleukin TNF-α be used as a biomarker for pulp necrosis?
No full textDepartment of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry Discipline of Endodontics Araçatuba School of Dentistry São Paulo State University - UNESPDepartment of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo - USP, Bauru, Brazil; Division of Biomaterial and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University, OHSU, Portland, OR, USADepartment of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry Discipline of Endodontics Araçatuba School of Dentistry São Paulo State University - UNESP, Brazil. /Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry Discipline of Endodontics Araçatuba School of Dentistry São Paulo State University - UNESPDepartment of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry Discipline of Endodontics Araçatuba School of Dentistry São Paulo State University - UNESP, Brazil.
Population size, income and poor sanitation interact to explain widespread streamwater contamination by antidepressants in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo
No full textThe expansion of urban settlements over native environments may expose biodiversity to a host of emerging contaminants, with unintended ecological effects. This study evaluated patterns of contamination of streamwater by antidepressants in the Upper Tietê River Basin, a watershed of high social, economic and environmental relevance for comprising both the largest urban settlement in South America (the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo) and remnants of a globally important biodiversity hotspot (the Atlantic Rainforest). We sampled 53 third-order streams draining catchments regularly distributed across a gradient in urban cover. Antidepressant contamination was found to be widespread. Whereas no antidepressants were detected in any of the 11 streams draining entirely forested catchments, 39 of 42 remaining streams were contaminated with one to eight antidepressant molecules. Concentrations increased monotonically with urban cover and bracketed the entire range found in global freshwaters. Concentrations increased with the number of inhabitants in the catchment and with number of households with no sanitation, but only in catchments with higher mean per capita income. Although concentrations in the range of tens to hundreds of nanograms-per-liter as found may appear to be low, literature data demonstrate effects on individual performance, population growth rates, and even transgenerational effects in which short-term exposure at the embryonic stage may affect life history traits over three generations of descendants. These findings highlight the need to expand sanitation infrastructure and to adopt policies of urban planning that reconcile human settlement with biodiversity conservation in Latin America.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Escola de Artes Ciências e Humanidades Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida Arlindo Béttio 1000Centro de Engenharia Modelagem e Ciências Sociais Aplicadas Universidade Federal do ABC UFABC, Santo AndréUniversidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Instituto de BiociênciasInstitute of the Environment and Sustainability University of California (UCLA)Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Instituto de BiociênciasCNPq: 310333/2022-
Systematic review on the use of fiber-reinforced polymer laminated composites for the reinforcement of wooden columns
No full textIn general, pillars are fundamental elements for the stability of the structure, and the reinforcement of this element can have a significant impact on the structure and the environment in which the element is inserted. The use of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) is an external reinforcement solution with several studies demonstrating its efficiency, as it can also be adopted at the design stage. Despite this, the method is still not among the main topics covered in the literature, and it is essential to encourage the development of more research on the subject. This study consists of a systematic review of the literature on the use of FRP as reinforcement in timber columns. The low number of characterized wood properties indicates the difficulty in testing the material and requires the use of correlations to estimate its behaviour. It was possible to verify the types of tests and arrangements of the reinforcement, so that the synthesis of the content found can contribute to the identification of behavior patterns that enable the specification of this type of reinforcement.m geral, os pilares são elementos fundamentais para a estabilidade da estrutura, e o reforço desse elemento pode impactar significativamente na estrutura e no ambiente em que o elemento está inserido. O uso de polímeros reforçados com fibras (PRF) consiste em uma solução de reforço externo com diversas pesquisas demonstrando a eficiência de seu uso, pois pode também ser adotado na fase de projeto. Apesar disso, o método ainda não figura entre os principais temas abordados pela literatura, sendo fundamental o incentivo ao desenvolvimento de mais pesquisas sobre o tema. Este estudo consiste em uma revisão sistemática da literatura que abordou o uso do PRF como reforço em pilares de madeira. A baixa quantidade de propriedades caracterizadas da madeira indica a dificuldade em ensaiar o material e requer o uso de correlações para estimar seu comportamento. Foi possível verificar os tipos de ensaios e arranjos do reforço, de modo que a síntese do conteúdo encontrado pode contribuir para a identificação de padrões de comportamento que possibilitem a especificação deste tipo de reforço.Universidade Federal de RondôniaUniversidade Estadual PaulistaUniversidade de São PauloUniversidade Federal de São CarlosUniversidade Estadual Paulist