Dois novos crocodilos (Crocodyliformes, Mesoeucrocodylia) do Mato Grosso, Bacia dos Parecis : descrição e relações filogenéticas com os "Notossúquios"

São descritos dois novos táxons de Crocodyliformes do Cretáceo do Mato Grosso, que apresentam: crânios curtos; dentição heterodonte composta por dentes com lado labial mais convexo que o lado lingual e serrilhados; dentes anteriores do dentário procumbentes; presença de uma superfície distintamente lisa, acima da margem alveolar, na superfície lateral da maxila, acima da qual ocorrem forames neurovasculares; e vértebras anficélicas. Estes novos materiais foram informalmente chamados Crocodilo I e Crocodilo II. O Crocodilo I apresenta as seguintes características: fenestra pré-orbitária pequena; barra palatina posterolateral em forma de bastão; dente caniniforme hipertrofiado na pré-maxila; 6 dentes maxilares; dentes anteriores do dentário levemente voltados para trás; junta quadrado-articular localizada ventralmente à fileira dentária. O Crocodilo II, por sua vez, apresenta: focinho tubular em seção; amplo palato secundário; espleniais fusionados; 5 dentes maxilares; mandíbula com região sinfiseal alongada e espatulada. Em ambos os casos, a morfologia geral aponta muitas semelhanças com os “notossúquios”: postura elevada, regiões diferenciadas na coluna, dentição heterodonte, palato secundário relativamente amplo e cavidade nasal relativamente ampla. Para testar as relações filogenéticas dos dois táxons, bem como o próprio monofiletismo dos “notossúquios”, foi construída uma matriz de dados com 27 táxons (incluindo, tanto quanto possível, todos aqueles que já foram ou são considerados “notossúquios”) e 60 caracteres. Com base nos mesmos, foi efetuada uma análise de parcimônia utilizando Paup 3.1.1 (“stepwise addition” - “random”, com 100 repetições e “tree-bisection-reconnection”) e Nona 2.0 (algoritmo heurístico, com 10 replicações e TBR - mult*max*) que apontou uma relação dos dois novos táxons como grupos irmão sucessivos de Notosuchus e Mariliasuchus (Crocodilo II (Crocodilo I (Notosuchus, Mariliasuchus))). Em comparação com outros crocodiliformes do Cretáceo da América do Sul, África, Madagascar e China, é possível assumir que ambos são notossúquios (sensu Pol & Apesteguia, 2005). Em nossa análise, os notossúquios formam um grupo, à exceção de A. buitreraensis, mais proximamente relacionado aos Eusuchia. Na análise ordenada, A. buitreraensis, A. patagonicus e Anatosuchus aparecem mais proximamente relacionados a Eusuchia e Lybicosuchus aloca-se junto a Baurusuchus e Sebecus. Paralelamente, são discutidas análises filogenéticas prévias envolvendo notossúquios, nas quais foram introduzidas modificações, levando a diferentes topologias. A partir disso, propõe-se uma discussão acerca da influência das escolhas e procedimentos de cada autor no resultado final de análises filogenéticas.

Análise de falhas em martelos oscilantes dos desfibradores da indústria sucroalcooleira da Região Norte-Nordeste

The failure of materials is always an unwelcome event for several reasons: human lives are put in danger, economic losses, and interference in the availability of products and services. Although the causes of failures and behaviour of materials can be known, the prevention of such a condition is difficult to be guaranteed. Among the failures, wear abrasion by the low voltage is the kind of failure that occurs in more equipment and parts industry. The Plants Sucroalcooleiras suffer significant losses because of such attrition, this fact that motivated their choice for the development of this work. For both, were considered failures in the swing hammers desfibradores stopped soon after the exchange provided in accordance with tonnage of cane processed, then were analyzed by the level of wear testing of rubber wheel defined by the standard ASTM G65-91.The failures were classified as to the origin of the cause and mechanism, moreover, were prepared with samples of welding procedures according to ASME code, sec. IX as well, using the technique of thermal spraying to analyze the performance of these materials produced in laboratories, and compares them with the solder used in the plant. It was observed that the bodies-of-proof prepared by the procedure described as welding, and the thermal spraying the results of losing weight have been minimized significantly compared to the preparations in the plant. This is because the use of techniques more appropriate and more controlled conditions of the parameters of welding. As for the thermal spraying, this technique has presented a satisfactory result, but requires the use of these coatings in the best condition for real affirmation of the results

Análise e avaliação dos elementos de penetração no solo de equipamentos rodoviários após revestimento

The main objective is to analyze the abrasive wear resistance to the low stress of the elements that make up the organs of road machinery that are exposed directly to contact with abrasives. These samples were analyzed after these elements are coated superficially by the process of welding electrode coated with (SAER) and the manual process of coating type LVOF thermal spraying. As well, is to provide suggestions for a better recovery and return of these elements, which are reducing costs and avoiding downtime in the fronts of service. The samples were made from a substrate of carbon ABNT 1045 tempered steel, following the same specifications and composition of metals and alloys of constituents was followed the standard governing the dimensions of these samples and in accordance with the corresponding size. The results were evaluated by testing the hardness, abrasion resistance to wear by the low stress and the loss of volume involving the microstructure of coatings analyzed

Influência do número de refundições da liga Ni-Cr-Mo-Ti sobre as propriedades de próteses metalocerâmicas

A frequently encountered difficulty in oral prosthetics is associated with the loss of metallic alloys during the melting stage of the production of metal-ceramic replacement systems. Remelting such materials could impar their use in oral rehabilitation due to loss in esthetics, as well as in the chemical, physical, electrochemical and mechanical properties. Nowadays, the Ni-Cr-Mo-Ti alloy is widely used in metal-ceramic systems. Manufacturers state that this material can be remelted without significant alterations in its behavior, however little has been established as to the changes in the performance of this alloy after successive remelting, which is common practice in oral prosthetics. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate possible changes in the esthetics and associated properties of metalceramic samples consisting of Ni-Cr-Mo-Ti and dental porcelain. Three to five remelting steps were carried out. The results revealed that Ni-Cr-Mo-Ti can be safely used even after three remelting steps. Further remelting significantly affect the characteristics of the alloys and should not be recommended for the manufacture of metal-ceramic systems

Análise mecânica e microestrutural das ligas de cobalto-cromo de uso odontológico após sucessivas refundições

The cobalt-chromium alloy is extensively used in the Odontology for the confection of metallic scaffolding in partial removable denture. During the last few years, it has been reported an increasing number of premature imperfections, with a few months of prosthesis use. The manufacture of these components is made in prosthetic laboratories and normally involves recasting, using parts of casting alloy and parts of virgin alloy. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to analyze the mechanical properties of a commercial cobalt-chromium alloy of odontological use after successive recasting, searching information to guide the dental prosthesis laboratories in the correct manipulation of the cobalt-chromium alloy in the process of casting and the possible limits of recasting in the mechanical properties of this material. Seven sample groups were confectioned, each one containing five test bodies, divided in the following way: G1: casting only with virgin alloy; G2: casting with 50% of the alloy of the G1 + 50% of virgin alloy; G3: casting with 50% of the alloy of the G2 + 50% of virgin alloy; G4: casting with 50% of the alloy of the G3 + 50% of virgin alloy; G5: 50% of alloy of the G4 + 50% of virgin alloy; G6: 50% of alloy of the G5 + 50% of virgin alloy and finally the G7, only with recasting alloy. The modifications in the mechanical behavior of the alloy were evaluated. Moreover, it was carried the micro structural characterization of the material by optic and electronic scanning microscopy, and X ray diffraction.and fluorescence looking into the correlatation of the mechanical alterations with structural modifications of the material caused by successive recasting process. Generally the results showed alterations in the fracture energy of the alloy after successive recasting, resulting mainly of the increasing presence of pores and large voids, characteristic of the casting material. Thus, the interpretation of the results showed that the material did not reveal significant differences with respect to the tensile strength or elastic limit, as a function of successive recasting. The elastic modulus increased from the third recasting cycle on, indicating that the material can be recast only twice. The fracture energy of the material decreased, as the number of recasting cycles increased. With respect to the microhardness, the statistical analyses showedno significant differences. Electronic scanning microscopy revealed the presence of imperfections and defects, resulting of the recasting process. X ray diffraction and fluorescence did not show alterations in the composition of the alloy or the formation of crystalline phases between the analyzed groups. The optical micrographs showed an increasing number of voids and porosity as the material was recast. Therefore, the general conclusion of this study is that the successive recasting of of Co-Cr alloys affects the mechanical properties of the material, consequently leading to the failure of the prosthetic work. Based on the results, the best recommendadition is that the use of the material should be limited to two recasting cycles

Processamento e caracterização de compósitos Poli(METACRILATO DE METILA)/Sílica (PMMA/SiO2)

Currently the search for new materials with properties suitable for specific applications has increased the number of researches that aim to address market needs. The poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is one of the most important polymers of the family of polyacrylates and polymethacrylates, especially for its unique optical properties and weathering resistance, and exceptional hardness and gloss. The development of polymer composites by the addition of inorganic fillers to the PMMA matrix increases the potential use of this polymer in various fields of application. The most commonly used inorganic fillers are particles of silica (SiO2), modified clays, graphite and carbon nanotubes. The main objective of this work is the development of PMMA/SiO2 composites at different concentrations of SiO2, for new applications as engineering plastics. The composites were produced by extrusion of tubular film, and obtained via solution for application to commercial PMMA plates, and also by injection molding, for improved the abrasion and scratch resistance of PMMA without compromising transparency. The effects of the addition of silica particles in the polymer matrix properties were evaluated by the maximum tensile strength, hardness, abrasion and scratch resistance, in addition to preliminary characterization by torque rheometry and melt flow rate. The results indicated that it is possible to use silica particles in a PMMA matrix, and a higher silica concentration produced an increase of the abrasion and scratch resistance, hardness, and reduced tensile strength

Estudo da viabilidade do processo de reciclagem do material descartado do sistema Zirkonzanh® de produção de próteses dentárias

At present, the material of choice for performing aesthetic dental prosthetic work is in the ceramic. Among them, the ceramic base of stabilized zirconia with 3% yttria (3Y - TZP) stand out for having excellent physical and mechanical properties. During the machining of blocks of zirconia in the laboratory to prepare the various types of prostheses, much of the material is given off in the form of powder, which is subsequently discarded. The waste of this material results in financial loss, reflecting higher final cost treatment for patients, as well as damage to the environment, thanks to the processes involved in the manufacture and disposal of the ceramic. This research, pioneered the recycling of zirconium oxide powder obtained during milling of dental crowns and bridges, we highlight the social and environmental aspects and aims to establish a protocol for the reuse of waste (powder of zirconia Zirkonzahn® system) discarded to obtain a new block of compacted zirconia to maintain the same mechanical and microstructural properties of commercial high-cost imported material. To compare with the commercial material, samples were uniaxially (20 MPa) and isostatically (100 MPa), and its mechanical and microstructural characterization was performed through tests of density, porosity, dilatometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), hardness, fracture toughness, resistance to fracture electron microscopy (SEM) and analysis of grain size. The results observed in the samples were isostatically pressed similiares those obtained with samples from the commercial material demonstrating the viability of the process

Simulação em uso dos pisos de madeira de Eucalyptus sp e Corymbia maculata

A caracterização anatômica, física, mecânica e química da madeira fornece informações importantes para sua melhor utilização. Contudo, para que madeiras se tornem boa opção para o mercado de pisos, adicionalmente é necessária a realização de ensaios que simulem suas reais condições em serviço. Esses ensaios simulam o pisoteio executado pelos sapatos de salto com pequenas áreas de pressão, o arraste e a queda de objetos, a resistência à abrasão da superfície e o atrito oferecido durante o deslocamento de pessoas que caminham sobre ele. Grande dificuldade da seleção de novas madeiras para pisos está na ausência de valores de referência físico-mecânicos. O presente trabalho visou a caracterizar as madeiras de Eucalyptus clöeziana F. Muell, de Eucalyptus microcorys F. Muell e de Corymbia maculata Hook, para as propriedades de densidade básica, retratibilidade, aplicação de carga rolante, de atrito estático e dinâmico, endentação causada por cargas aplicadas em pequenas áreas, impacto da esfera de aço cadente e resistência à abrasão. Foi observado que as madeiras estudadas podem ser utilizadas para a confecção de pisos, de acordo com seus resultados obtidos e por meio de comparações com resultados de literatura.

Acesso aos serviços odontológicos e incidência de cárie em adolescentes e fatores de risco em município do Nordeste Brasileiro, 2006

The aims of this study were to analyze the access of dental services by child population, to determine the prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis and malocclusion in resident children from the municipal district of Sobral Ceará and to evaluate the incidence of the dental decay in adolescents associated with the factors related to socioeconomic condition, access to health services and self-perception. This study had as main factor the multidisciplinary represented by the participation of health professional (doctors, dentists, nurses) in the development of the survey's initial reference; student from Human Sciences area to apply the structured questionnaire in domiciliary visits; statistics professionals in the orientation of the analysis to be held and family health team (community health agents, dentists and dental clinic assistants) in the scheduling of domiciliary visits and the accomplishment of oral exam. The sample was determined from the domicile record that included children born between 1990 and 1994 to develop the research Children health conditions in the municipal district of Sobral Ceará . The first sample comprised 3425 parents of children from 5 to 9 years old, living in the urban area at the municipal district of Sobral Ceará, aiming at identifying the most important factors associated to the access to dental service. From this sample, 1021 children were selected in a systematic way, for the accomplishment to the epidemiological study of decay, gingivitis and malocclusion. In the study's third phase, in order to arrange the group to be followed, 688 adolescents were examined and interviewed, by means of the active search from the 1021 individuals that had been previously examined. It was observed that 50.9% of the children had access to dental service at least once in a lifetime. Of this total, 65.3% accomplished it during the last year, and 85.4% of these did in public services, what allows to identify the importance of this sector in the access to dental services. It was observed that the factors that most affected the access to dental 129 services were related to socioeconomic condition, such as the access to health plan, the possession of toothbrush, garbage collecting, mother s schooling, sewerage treatment and malnutrition. In relation to oral diseases, an increase in the DMF-T index according the age was observed, from 0.10 in five years old to 1.66 in the nine years old, while with the dmf-t index, the inverse happened, since the index decreased from 3.59 in five years old to 2.69 in nine years old. In relation to gingivitis, an average 32.7% of the children presented gum bleeding. In what concerns malocclusion, it was observed that 60.3% of the children didn't present any problem, 30.17% had light malocclusion and 9.5% severe malocclusion. The average incidence of dental caries was 1.86 teeth per youngster. Among the studied variables, tooth pain in the last six months, mother's income and school snack, adjusted by the perception about the need of treatment, the mother's schooling and the dentist's appointment at least once in a lifetime, were the variables that presented positive relationship with the high incidence of dental caries on this population by logistic regression. Variables of socioeconomic nature, related to the access to health services and behavior and biological variables presented a relationship with the high caries incidence. The study point out to the need of developing health actions in a humanized way, by an oral health team effectively bound to the population's interest, with the great objective to provide, with the public health services managers, adequate conditions to improve oral health

Avaliação in vitro da atividade antimicrobiana de diferentes soluções a base de hidróxido de cálcio

The science of Dentistry wishes obtains the ideal solution for the dental plaque chemical control. This research evaluated antimicrobial action capacity in calcium hydroxide and tergentol various solutions starting for the CHD 20, a root canals irrigating solution with a reason of 80% calcium hydroxide saturated solution and 20% tergentol detergent with the aim of evaluate this drug mouth rinse indication with prevention or combat objective for dental caries and periodontal diseases. Antibiogram disks and biofilm tests were accomplished for the microorganisms: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus sobrinus and Lactobacillus casei. Different reasons of detergent for the calcium hydroxide saturated solution, tergentol and distillated water solution, 0,12% clorhexydine digluconate solution was positive control and distillated water was negative control. The results showed better performance of clorhexydine in relation to calcium hydroxide directing to not accept this (CHD20) as mouth rinse solution

Efetividade do clareamento dentário com peróxido de carbamida a 10% e avaliação dos efeitos adversos sobre o esmalte dentário

The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness and adverse effects on dental enamel caused by nightguard vital bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide. This was accomplished through the interaction of researchers from different areas such as dentistry, materials engineering and physics. Fifty volunteers took part in the doubleblind randomized controlled clinical trial. They were allocated to an experimental group that used Opalescence PF 10% (OPA) and a control group that used a placebo gel (PLA). Fragments of human dental enamel from the vestibular surface of healthy premolars, extracted for orthodontic reasons, were fixed to the vestibular surface of the first upper molars of the volunteers for in situ observation. Bleaching was performed at night for 21 days. The observation periods included Baseline (BL), T0 (21 days), T30 (30 days after treatment) and T180 (180 days after treatment, only for the OPA group). Tooth color was assessed by comparing it with the Vita® scale and by the degree of satisfaction expressed by the volunteer. We also assessed adverse clinical effects, dental sensitivity and gingival bleeding. The study of adverse effects on enamel was conducted in vivo and in situ, using the DIAGNOdent® laser fluorescence device to detect mineral loss. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to check for superficial morphological alterations, energy dispersive spectrophotometry (EDS) to semiquantitatively assess chemical composition using the Ca/P ratio, and the x-ray diffraction (XRD) technique to observe alterations in enamel microstructure. The results showed that nightguard vital bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide was effective in 96% of the cases, versus 8% for the PLA group. Dental sensitivity was present in 36% (9/25) of the cases. There was no significant association between gingival bleeding and the type of gel used (p = 1.00). In vivo laser fluorescence analysis showed no difference in values for the control group, whereas in the OPA group there was a statistically significant difference between baseline values in relation to the subsequent periods (p<0.01), with lower mean values for post-bleaching times. There was a significant difference between the groups for times T0 and T30. Micrographic analysis showed no enamel surface alterations related to the treatment performed. No significant alteration in Ca/P ratio was observed in the OPA group (p = 0.624) or in the PLA group (p = 0.462) for each of the observation periods, nor between the groups studied (p=0.102). The XRD pattern for both groups showed the presence of three-phase Hydroxyapatite according to JCPDS files (9-0432[Ca5(PO4)3(OH)], 18-0303[Ca3(PO4)2.xH2O] and 25-0166[Ca5(PO4)3(OH, Cl, F)]). No other peak associated to other phases was found, independent of the group analyzed, which reveals there was no disappearance, nucleation or phase transformation. Neither was there any alteration in peak pattern location. With the methodology and protocol used in this study, nightguard vital bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide proved to be an effective and safe procedure for dental enamel

Efetividade do flúor e da escovação e eficácia dos materiais de colagem ionômero de vidro e resina composta na reversão das microporosidades criadas pelo condicionamento ácido no esmalte dentário

The objectives of this clinical study was to evaluate the use of the toothpaste with fluoride and without fluoride and the daily tooth brushing are effective in the reversion of the dental enamel conditioned by acid. Another objective of this clinical study was to evaluate if the positioning of orthodontic accessories with glass ionomer cement helps in the reversion of the dental enamel conditioned by acid, when compared to composed resin. One hundred and twenty teeth were selected with indication of extraction by orthodontic reasons. The 30 volunteers were divided, randomly, in two groups. A group used toothpaste without fluoride and the other with it. The teeth of the sample were shuffled, in each volunteer. The teeth were conditioned by the 37% orthophosphoric acid. One of the conditioned teeth stayed in the mouth and suffered action of the abrasion for the tooth brushing, in another teeth a stainless steel mesh protection was positioned with glass ionomer cement, in another tooth the screen was glued with composed resin, in a fourth tooth (the control) was only conditioned after the extractions, 60 days later. All the teeth were appraised through DIAGNOdent, MEVA and EDS. In the obtained data it was possible to observe that there were not statistic significant differences in any comparison, even in the group that did not have access to the fluoride in the toothpaste as in the other that had. According with the used methodology, it was possible to observe too that there was not statistic significant differences in any comparison, even in the group that had the stainless steel mesh positioned with glass ionomer cement as in the group that the stainless steel mesh was positioned with composed resin. However, it was observed that there was an improvement in the topography of the enamel in all the teeth. The accomplishment of this study was facilitated due to the participation of the researchers' of the health area (dentistry), materials engineer, physics and chemistry. The researchers were originating from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte and of the University of Queensland, in Australia. This interdisciplinary group was decisive in the accomplishment of the study. It can be concluded that the enamel tends to return to its initial aspect, even if the patient does not have access to fluoride. That is probably due the action of the abrasion for the tooth brushing and mastication. In spite of it not being significant, it is suggested that the conditioned enamel was more resistant to the abrasion in the group that had access to fluoride. It was also possible to conclude that the fluoride liberated by the glass ionomer was not enough to provide a significant difference in the enamel conditioned by the acid, when compared with the composed resin, even in the group that did not use fluoride in the toothpaste as in the group that used

Determinação da idade dental de crianças brasileiras nordestinas: novos valores de conversão de maturidade dental para população específica

Since Demirjian's system of estimating dental maturity was first described, many researchers from different countries have tested its accuracy among diverse populations. Some of these studies have pointed out a need to determine population-specific standards. In Brazil, the Northeast region is the one that most suffers the negative impact of exodus, specially related to the increase of abandoned children in the cities. The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of Demirjian's system for assessing the dental maturity of northeastern Brazilian children, so as to present a scale for maturity score conversion into dental age developed specifically for this population. This could be used for forensic, anthropological and legal matters, and also as a model for other countries attempting to formulate their own conversion scales. Panoramic radiographs of 1,491 children (821 females and 670 males), aged 7 to 13 years, from Ceará state, northeast Brazil, were assessed by a single observer to determine dental age (DA) according to Demirjian's system. The mean percentage of intra-observer agreement was 86.6%, with a mean Cohen's Kappa coefficient of 0.67 (substantial agreement). The DA was compared by paired t-test to subjects' chronological age (CA). The differences between CA and DA in all age groups were statistically significant (p<0.0001), demonstrating a great advancement in DA among Brazilians. Scatter plots were drawn for both genders, and the data were fitted to a growth curve, y = 100/ (1 + e-a(x b)). Graphs corresponding to the 50th percentile curves were produced. A table with new values for the conversion of maturity score into dental age for northeastern Brazilian children is presented. The great advancement in DA, as obtained by Demirjian's system in this population, justified the determination of specific scores for dental maturity assessment

Efetividade do uso tópico de fluoreto e da escovação no controle de cáries produzidas "in vivo"

The objective of this clinical study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the toothbrushing with and without fluoride and the daily fluoride rinse (NaF 0.05%) on produced white spot, in vivo. This was a clinical study, controlled, randomized and triple blind. Thirty patients were selected for orthodontics reasons from Orthodontics Specialization Course at the Brazilian Dental Association - Section of Rio Grande do Norte. In this study it was used 4 bicuspid upper and lower. They had orthodontic reason for extractions, in 35 days, at least. The sample had one hundred and twenty teeth that received orthodontic bands. The bands were fixed with polycarboxylate cement, and there was a space standardized between bands and one surface of teeth. The four bicuspid of each patients were randomized and nominated as A, B, C and D. These nominations determinated the sequence of the extractions and what was done in each tooth. All the patients had been submitted to the toothbrushing with or without fluoride for 35 days. After this period, the A tooth of each patient was extracted to serve as control. The others teeth (B, C and D) were extracted one by each week. The entire sample was analyzed through the clinical examination and by laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent®) in three different times: before orthodontic bands, 28 days after fixed and then removed the bands and, the last one, 07 days after one of the three treatments (toothbrushing with or without fluoride, tooth paste with fluoride and mouth rinse with fluoride). At the beginning all groups (A, B, C and D) had the same conditions, no significant difference was found. The same situation was found in a clinical examination. The results of the DIAGNOdent® for the groups that used tooth paste without fluoride, with fluoride and mouth rinse with fluoride, after 28 days, there was no significant difference. Clinically, the white spot was formed in all teeth after 28 days. When it was compared the three treated groups, the group without fluoride in tooth paste had worst result than the others groups. But there was no significant association between the number of active and inactive white spots and the type of treatment that the teeth had received. The demineralization of the enamel surface, under the orthodontic bands, it happened in a few weeks. The exposition of the white spots in oral environmental resulted in an improvement, but it was not enough to return to the values from the base line, either for the toothbrushing and/or the use of fluorite mouth rinse. Mouth rinse and toothpaste with fluoride have showed to reduce the incidence of demineralization in the enamel, but none seems to be superior to another one in an in vivo study