Objective: To assess the action of two types of fluorides over dental enamel surface. Materials and methods: Extracted molars were randomly divided into 8 groups, comprising 7 experimental groups and one control group. Each molars from the experimental groups was treated in a sterile small container with artificial saliva and lactic acid for 48 hours. Saliva was changed and the teeth were put in contact with gel and varnish fluoride at different periods of time (2, 24, 26, 50, 52 hours). The molars from the control group receive no treatment. Data from measurements of pH and calcium absorption (CCa) were collected from the artificial saliva of each group at different periods of time, in contact with lactic acid and with both fluorides, weight was also measured. This data was analyzed through ANOVA (p < 0, 05) and the Tukey test. Results: The contact with lactic acid produced a great l...

Latin America is the center of domestication and diversity of maize, the second most cultivated crop worldwide. In this region, maize landraces are fundamental for food security, livelihoods, and culture. Nevertheless, genetic erosion (i.e., the loss of genetic diversity and variation in a crop) threatens the continued cultivation and in situ conservation of landrace diversity that is crucial to climate change adaptation and diverse uses of maize. We provide an overview of maize diversity in Latin America before discussing factors associated with persistence of large in situ maize diversity, causes for maize landrace abandonment by farmers, and strategies to enhance the cultivation of landraces. Among other factors, maize diversity is linked with: (1) small-holder farming, (2) the production of traditional food products, (3) traditional cropping systems, (4) cultivation in marginal areas...