An international network to monitor the structure, composition and dynamics of Amazonian forests (RAINFOR)

The Amazon basin is likely to be increasingly affected by environmental changes: higher temperatures, changes in precipitation, CO2 fertilization and habitat fragmentation. To examine the important ecological and biogeochemical consequences of these changes, we are developing an international network, RAINFOR, which aims to monitor forest biomass and dynamics across Amazonia in a co-ordinated fashion in order to understand their relationship to soil and climate. The network will focus on sample plots established by independent researchers, some providing data extending back several decades. We will also conduct rapid transect studies of poorly monitored regions. Field expeditions analysed local soil and plant properties in the first phase (2001–2002). Initial results suggest that the network has the potential to reveal much information on the continental-scale relations between forest and environment. The network will also serve as a forum for discussion between researchers, with the aim of standardising sampling techniques and methodologies that will enable Amazonian forests to be monitored in a coherent manner in the coming decades

Marked non-compliance with deforestation embargoes in the Brazilian Amazon

Advances in monitoring capacity and strengthened law enforcement have helped to reduce deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon since the early 2000s. Embargoes imposed on the use of deforested land are important instruments for deterring deforestation and enabling forest recovery. However, the extent to which landowners respect embargoes in the Brazilian Amazon is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the current recovery status of embargoes due to deforestation imposed between 2008 and 2017 to conduct the first large-scale assessment of compliance with embargo regulations. We observed forest recovery in only 13.1% (±1.1%) of embargoed polygons, while agriculture and pasture activities were maintained in 86.9% (±1.8%) of embargoed polygons. Thus, landowners openly continue to disrespect environmental legislation in the majority of embargoed areas. We attribute the marked non-compliance observed to limited monitoring of embargoed areas, as environmental agents seldom return to verify the status of embargoed lands after they have been imposed. Recent advances in remote sensing provide low-cost ways to monitor compliance and should form the basis of concerted efforts to ensure that the law is observed and that those responsible for illegal deforestation do not benefit from it

Development of mouthwash with Rosmarinus officinalis extract

Rosmarinus officinalis, which belongs to the Lamiaceaefamily, is a species of medicinal flora with therapeutic properties. In order to exploit the benefits of these properties, a mouthwash formulation was developed, with careful selection of raw materials to meet pharmacotechnical requirements. Extracts of the plant were incorporated into a mouthwash, which was shown to have inhibitory action in vitro against the micro-organisms commonly found in periodontics. Controls for assessing the quality of the drugs were carried out, quantifying phenols and flavonoids as chemical markers. Mouthwash solutions were formulated containing 0.1, 5 and 10% ethanol extract of R. officinalis; and 0.05, 5 and 10% of the hexane fraction of R. officinalis. In order to evaluate synergism, ethanol extract and hexane fraction were also added to formulations containing 0.05% sodium fluoride and 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate. These formulations were assessed for inhibitory effect against the specific microorganisms involved in the process of bacterial plaque formation, S. mutans(ATCC25175) and C. albicans(ATCC 10231), frequently found in cases of oral infections. The agar diffusion method was used to evaluate the inhibitory activity of extracts and formulations. All mouthwash solutions displayed inhibitory activity having higher sensitivity to S. mutansfor the 5% ethanol extract+0.05% sodium fluoride, and greater sensitivity to C. albicansfor the 10% hexane fraction. Results were characterized by the appearance of a growth inhibition halo, justifying the utilization and association of extracts of R. officinalis