Comparison of Methods for Evaluating Mineral Loss: Hardness versus Synchrotron Microcomputed Tomography

This study analyzed degrees of demineralization in bovine enamel using synchrotron microcomputed tomography (SMCT) and hardness measurements (Knoop hardness number, KHN). For 5 days, 40 bovine enamel blocks were individually subjected to a pH cycling model and treatment with fluoride dentifrices (placebo, 275, 550 and 1,100 mu g F/g) diluted in deionized water twice a day. Surface hardness number and cross-sectional profiles of hardness and mineral concentration (by SMCT) were determined. Integrated hardness (KHN x mu m) for sound and demineralized specimens was calculated and subtracted to give the integrated loss of hardness (Delta KHN) for the lesions. Increasing fluoride concentration in the dentifrices led to higher values for surface hardness after pH cycling and mineral concentration (g(HAp) cm(-3)), and lower values for Delta KHN (p < 0.05). From the present results, it may be concluded that hardness measurements revealed demineralization in all groups, which was lower in groups treated with dentifrice with a higher F concentration. SMCT and hardness measurements gave similar results in areas with higher demineralization, but diverged in areas with lower demineralization. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

Nutrição mineral do mamoeiro(Carica papaya L.): IV - desenvolvimento dos frutos e exportação de nutrientes através da colheita

Os propósitos deste trabalho foram: avaliar o desenvolvimento do fruto do mamoeiro (Carica papaya L.), determinar as variações das concentrações dos nutrientes durante seu crescimento e calcular as quantidades de nutrientes exportados pela colheita dos frutos. Dentre os resultados obtidos constatou-se que, as quantidades de nutrientes exportadas através da colheita, por tonelada de frutos foram: N-1.770g- P - 220 g; K-2.120 g; Ca-350 g; Mg - 180 g; S-200g: B-989 mg; Cu-130 mg; Fe-3.364 mg; Mn -1.847 mg; Mo-8 mg e Zn-1.385 mg.

Nutrição mineral do mamoeiro (Carica papaya L.): II - deficiência de boro em condições de campo e casa de vegetação

Com o objetivo de caracterizar a deficiência de boro no mamoeiro (Carica papaya L.) em condições de casa de vegetação e correlacionar com o problema que ocorre em condições de campo, conhecido como careca do mamoeiro ou queda do chapéu, foram instalados dois ensaios. O primeiro foi conduzido em condições de campo no município de Botucatu, SP., em um solo pertencente ao grande grupo Terra Roxa Estruturada e de clima Cf.b.. O segundo ensaio foi conduzido em condições de casa de vegetação e soluções nutritivas. Os autores descrevem os sintomas de deficiência de boro em mamoeiro e correlacionam o problema conhecido como careca do mamoeiro, com a deficiência de boro.

Nutrição mineral do mamoeiro (Carica papaya L.): III - sintomatologia de carências nutricionais

Objetivando caracterizar as deficiências de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S em mamoeiro (Carica papaya L.) em condições de casa de vegetação e soluções nutritivas, desenvolveu-se o presente trabalho. Os autores descrevem os sintomas de carência dos macronutrientes, com exceção do enxofre, cujas plantas que receberam o tratamento deficiente neste nutriente, não mostraram sintomas, provavelmente por contaminação externa. Os níveis analíticos encontrados em folhas sadias e desnutridas, expressos em função da matéria seca foram: N-4,24% e 3,61%; P-0,52% e 0,14%; K-3,81% e 1,36%; Ca-1,29% e 0,28%; Mg-0,65 e 0,17%.

Nutrição mineral do mamoeiro (Carica papaya L.): V. marcha de absorção de nutrientes em condições de campo

A presente pesquisa foi conduzida em condições de campo, no município de Botucatu - SP, em um solo pertencente ao grande grupo - Terra Roxa Estruturada e de clima Cf.b. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a marcha de absorção dos seguintes nutrientes: N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo e Zn. Dentre os resultados obtidos constatouse que: a - a absorção de nutrientes pela parte aérea é crescente durante o primeiro ano da cultura, atingindo absorção máxima no décimo segundo mês. b - em cultura de um ano, a absorção de nutrientes pela parte aérea, por planta, obedece a seguinte ordem: N - 66,7g; K - 62,8g; Ca 24,8g; Mg - 10,3g; S - 7,3g; P - 6,3g; Fe - 229,8 mg; Mn - 149,lmg; Zn - 79,7mg B - 74,2mg; Cu - 20,0mg; Mo - 0,15mg.

Uso de esterco associado à adubação mineral na produção de mudas de mamoeiro (Carica papaya L.)

Na composição do substrato para produção de mudas de mamoeiro, recomenda-se o uso de adubação orgânica, que traz como vantagens a melhoria das características físicas, químicas e biológicas do solo, criando um ambiente favorável ao desenvolvimento inicial das mudas, bem como boa resposta do mamoeiro. Os materiais orgânicos desempenham ainda um importante papel na nutrição das plantas como fornecedores de nutrientes. Contudo, observa-se que existe uma grande variação nas recomendações e quase sempre a adubação orgânica está associada à adubação mineral. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi o de verificar os efeitos do uso de esterco de curral associado ou não à adubação mineral no substrato sobre a formação de mudas de mamoeiro. O Experimento foi conduzido na FEP/UNESP/Câmpus de Ilha Solteira-SP. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, sendo parcelas as cultivares e subparcelas os substratos. Cada parcela com 5 repetições e 10 plantas úteis por subparcela. Para a comparação das médias, utilizou-se o teste de Tukey. Com base nos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que: a) Na formação das mudas de mamoeiro, o esterco de curral pode ser utilizado sem a necessidade de adubação mineral com o superfosfato simples e o cloreto de potássio; b) O esterco de curral foi capaz de fornecer às mudas de mamoeiro os nutrientes N, P, K, Ca, Mg e Cu, necessários para seu desenvolvimento até o transplantio para o campo.

Oxidative dissolution of research-grade minerals by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Thiobacillus thiooxidans

Solution- and solid-phase changes associated with galena (PbS) and sphalerite (ZnS) oxidation by T. ferrooxidans and T. thiooxidans, were determined. In experiments with galena, anglesite (PbSO4) was detected as a solid-phase product in biotic and abiotic experiments. In T. ferrooxidans cultures supplemented with FeSO4, jarosite [MFe3 (SO4)(2) (OH)(6)] was also detected as a new solid phase product, whereas SO was not detected in the residues. In sphalerite experiments, minor amounts of SO accumulated in FeSO4-amended sphalerite media with or without T. ferrooxidans or T. thiooxidans. Jarosite was only detected in T. ferrooxidans culture with FeSO4. By comparison with T. thiooxidans, T. ferrooxidans was more efficient in the oxidation of galena and sphalerite.

Dietary vitamin or mineral mix removal during the finisher period on broiler chicken performance

The effect of dietary vitamin (VS) and mineral (MS) mix withdrawal between 42 and 49 d of age on broiler chicken performance was evaluated. The diets were formulated based on corn and soybean meal, and the experiments were conducted in floor pens using wood shavings as litter. Trial I evaluated withdrawal of VS and MS mix at 42, 45, and 49 d. The results of this trial showed that VS and MS mix withdrawal at 42 d of age did not impair feed intake (FI) or weight gain (WG), but feed conversion (FC) was improved (P = 0.043) when both mixes were maintained in the diets until 49 d of age. Trial 2 assessed the withdrawal of VS or MS mix at 42 d of age. FI and WG were not affected by withdrawal, but FC was poorer (P = 0.035) for the broilers fed the diet without VS. The relative liver weight was reduced by VS or MS mix withdrawal (P = 0.014 and P = 0.001, respectively). Carcass, breast, and leg yields were not affected by VS or MS mix withdrawals in either trial. The findings of the study suggested that VS mix withdrawal during the final period of broiler chicken growth was more deleterious than the withdrawal of MS mix, because it affected FC ratio. VS or MS withdrawal during this period did not affect carcass yield.

Mineral requirements for growth of Moxoto goats grazing in the semi-arid region of Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Alveolar process preservation at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets using deproteinized bovine bone mineral - an experimental study in dogs

Aim To evaluate the soft tissue and the dimensional changes of the alveolar bony crest at sites where deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particles, concomitantly with the placement of a collagen membrane, were used at implants installed into sockets immediately after tooth extraction. Material and methods The pulp tissue of the mesial roots of 3P3 was removed in six Labrador dogs, and the root canals were filled. Flaps were elevated bilaterally, the premolars hemi-sectioned, and the distal roots removed. Recipient sites were prepared in the distal alveolus, and implants were placed. At the test sites, DBBM particles were placed in the residual marginal defects concomitantly with the placement of a collagen membrane. No treatment augmentation was performed at the control sites. A non-submerged healing was allowed. Impressions were obtained at baseline and at the time of sacrifice performed 4 months after surgery. The cast models obtained were analyzed using an optical system to evaluate dimensional variations. Block sections of the implant sites were obtained for histological processing and soft tissue assessments. Results After 4 months of healing, no differences in soft tissue dimensions were found between the test and control sites based on the histological assessments. The location of the soft tissue at the buccal aspect was, however, more coronal at the test compared with the control sites (1.8 +/- 0.8 and 0.9 +/- 0.8 mm, respectively). At the three-dimensional evaluation, the margin of the soft tissues at the buccal aspect appeared to be located more apically and lingually. The vertical dislocation was 1 +/- 0.6 and 2.7 +/- 0.5 mm at the test and control sites, respectively. The area of the buccal shrinkage of the alveolar crest was significantly smaller at the test sites (5.9 +/- 2.4 mm2) compared with the control sites (11.5 +/- 1.7 mm2). Conclusion The use of DBBM particles concomitantly with the application of a collagen membrane used at implants placed into sockets immediately after tooth extraction contributed to the preservation of the alveolar process.

Deproteinized bovine bone mineral in marginal defects at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets: an experimental study in dogs

Aim: To evaluate the influence of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particles concomitant with the placement of a collagen membrane on alveolar ridge preservation and on osseointegration of implants placed into alveolar sockets immediately after tooth extraction. Material and methods: The pulp tissue of the mesial roots of 3P3 was removed in six Labrador dogs and the root canals were filled. Flaps were elevated in the right side of the mandible, and the buccal and lingual alveolar bony plates were exposed. The third premolar was hemi-sectioned and the distal root was removed. A recipient site was prepared and an implant was placed lingually. After implant installation, defects of about 0.6mm wide and 3.1mm depth resulted at the buccal aspects of the implant, both at the test and at the control sites. The same surgical procedures and measurements were performed on the left side of the mandible. However, DBBM particles with a size of 0.25-1mm were placed into the remaining defect concomitant with the placement of a collagen membrane. Results: All implants were integrated into mature bone. No residual DBBM particles were detected at the test sites after 4 months of healing. Both the test and the control sites showed buccal alveolar bone resorption, 1.8 +/- 1.1 and 2.1 +/- 1mm, respectively. The most coronal bone-to-implant contact at the buccal aspect was 2 +/- 1.1 an 2.8 +/- 1.3mm, at the test and the control sites, respectively. This difference in the distance was statistically significant. Conclusion: The application of DBBM concomitant with a collagen membrane to fill the marginal defects around implants placed into the alveolus immediately after tooth extraction contributed to improved bone regeneration in the defects. However, with regard to buccal bony crest preservation, a limited contribution of DBBM particles was achieved.