Effect of doxycycline doped nanoparticles on osteogenic/cementogenic and anti-inflammatory responses of human cells derived from the periodontal ligament.

OBJECTIVES: This work aimed to evaluate if doxycycline-doped polymeric nanoparticles possessed any anti-inflammatory effect and promote osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of stem cells from human periodontal ligament (PDLSCs). METHODS: The polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) were produced by a polymerization/precipitation process and doped with doxycycline (Dox-NPs). PDLSCs were cultured in the presence or absence of the NPs under osteogenic medium or IL-1ß treatment. Cells' differentiation was assessed by gene expression analysis of osteogenic/cementogenic markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). An anti-inflammatory effect was also ascertained by analyzing IL-1ß gene expression. Adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation was used to confirm the multipotency of PDLSCs. RESULTS: Gene expression of ALP and RUNX2 in PDLSCs was significantly upregulated by the osteogenic medium (ALP: p<0.001; RUNX2: p = 0.005) while Dox-NPs further enhanced ALP gene expression of PDLSCs treated with the osteogenic medium. Furthermore, Dox-NPs suppressed the up-regulation of IL-1ß when cells were subjected to an inflammatory challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Dox-NPs enhanced PDLSCs differentiation into osteoblasts/cementoblasts lineages while providing an anti-inflammatory effect. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Due to their biocompatibility as well as anti-inflammatory and osteogenic/cementogenic effects, Dox-NPs are potential candidates for being used in periodontal regeneration.

Dexamethasone-doped nanoparticles improve mineralization, crystallinity and collagen structure of human dentin.

OBJECTIVES: Bioactive materials have been used for functionalization of adhesives to promote dentin remineralization. This study aims to evaluate bonding ability and both mechanical and chemical behavior of demineralized dentin infiltrated with polymeric nanoparticles doped with dexamethasone (Dex-NPs). METHODS: Dentin conditioned surfaces were infiltrated with NPs, Dex-NPs or Dex-Zn-NPs. Bonded interfaces were also created and stored for 24 h or 21d, and then submitted to microtensile bond strength testing. Dentin remineralization was analyzed by Nanohardness, Young's modulus and Raman analysis. RESULTS: At 21d of storage, dentin treated with undoped-NPs attained the lowest nanohardness and Young's modulus. Dex-NPs and Zn-Dex-NPs increased dentin nanohardness and Young's modulus after 21d Raman analysis showed high remineralization, crystallinity, crosslinking and better structure of collagen when functionalized Dex-NPs were present at the dentin interface. CONCLUSIONS: Infiltration of dentin with Dex-NPs promoted functional remineralization as proved by nanomechanical and morpho-chemical evaluation tests. Dexamethasone in dentin facilitated crystallographic maturity, crystallinity and improved maturity and secondary structure of dentin collagen. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Using dexamethasone-functionalized NPs before resin infiltration is a clear option to obtain dentin remineralization, as these NPs produce the reinforcement of the dentin structure, which will lead to the improvement of the longevity of resin restorations.

Humanization of care in acute psychiatric hospitalization units: A scoping review.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Humanizing the world of health is a complex process that includes all the dimensions of the person. When a person has from a mental illness, the humanization of care becomes more important, as the disorder itself prevents the person to participate in their health process, even when showing self-harm or aggressive behaviours. These situations jointly with other factors related with professionals (insufficient ratio, inadequate treatment or lack of training) may cause the patient admitted to the acute psychiatric hospitalization unit to require the use of restrictive measures (involuntary admissions, mechanical restraints or forced administration of medication). WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: We identify the relevance of the perception the patient and family have regarding the care received, as well as the relevance of factors related to the professionals, among which the attitude, the staff ratio, the nursing time of direct dedication, and the therapeutic environment and safety of the patient and the professionals. All patients must be treated with dignity, respect, regardless of the aggressive manifestations caused by their pathology. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: A greater understanding of the care offered to admitted people affected by a mental disorder, their families and professionals who care for them in acute mental health units, giving greater importance to "caring" and not exclusively to "curing." ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Humanization in Mental Health refers to give the same relevance to the clinical needs and to the social, emotional and psychological needs. AIM: To identify the published knowledge on current care models related to the humanization of care in acute psychiatric units. METHOD: Scoping review based on the methodological model of Arksey and O'Malley, and PRISMA methodology. Database searches (Pubmed, Cinahl, Virtual Library, Cuiden, Academic Google and PsycInfo) with the terms: "Humanization," "Hospitals Psychiatric," "Emergency Psychiatric," "Psychiatric Service" and "Psychiatric intensive care units." RESULTS: Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Four thematic units were identified: aspects related to (i) patient perceptions; (ii) Government policies and hospitality organizational culture; (iii) external factors such as the environment, family or associations; and (iv) safety and security. DISCUSSION: Only one of the articles mentions the concept analysed, although all of them contribute with key aspects of healthcare humanization, such as the empowerment of the patient, the care model, the staff ratio, the therapeutic relationship, the nursing time of direct dedication to the patient, the therapeutic environment, safety and patient and staff perception of feeling safe. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The present study can help to improve the care offered in acute mental health units.

Dexamethasone and zinc loaded polymeric nanoparticles reinforce and remineralize coronal dentin. A morpho-histological and dynamic-biomechanical study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of novel polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) doped with dexamethasone (Dex) on viscoelasticity, crystallinity and ultra-nanostructure of the formed hydroxyapatite after NPs dentin infiltration. METHODS: Undoped-NPs, Dex-doped NPs (Dex-NPs) and zinc-doped-Dex-NPs (Zn-Dex-NPs) were tested at dentin, after 24 h and 21 d. A control group without NPs was included. Coronal dentin surfaces were studied by nano-dynamic mechanical analysis measurements, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Mean and standard deviation were analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). RESULTS: At 21 d of storage time, both groups doped with Dex exhibited the highest complex, storage and loss moduli among groups. Zn-Dex-NPs and Dex-NPs promoted the highest and lowest tan delta values, respectively. Dex-NPs contributed to increase the fibril diameters of dentin collagen over time. Dentin surfaces treated with Zn-Dex-NPs attained the lowest nano-roughness values, provoked the highest crystallinity, and produced the longest and shortest crystallite and grain size. These new crystals organized with randomly oriented lattices. Dex-NPs induced the highest microstrain. Crystalline and amorphous matter was present in the mineral precipitates of all groups, but Zn and Dex loaded NPs helped to increase crystallinity. SIGNIFICANCE: Dentin treated with Zn-Dex-NPs improved crystallographic and atomic order, providing structural stability, high mechanical performance and tissue maturation. Amorphous content was also present, so high hydroxyapatite solubility, bioactivity and remineralizing activity due to the high ion-rich environment took place in the infiltrated dentin.

Short versus standard implants at sinus augmented sites: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Short implants are proposed as a less invasive alternative with fewer complications than standard implants in combination with sinus lift. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to state the efficacy of placing short implants (≤ 6 mm) compared to standard-length implants (≥ 8 mm) performing sinus lift techniques in patients with edentulous posterior atrophic jaws. Efficacy will be evaluated through analyzing implant survival (IS) and maintenance of peri-implant bone (MBL). METHODS: Screening process was done using the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE by PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Oral Health, and Web of Science (WOS). The articles included were randomized controlled trials. Risk of bias was evaluated according to The Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Weighted means were calculated. Heterogeneity was determined using Higgins (I2). A random-effects model was applied. Secondary outcomes such as surgical time, patient satisfaction, mucositis and peri-implantitis, pain, and swelling were analyzed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies (597 patients and 901 implants) were evaluated. IS was 1.02 risk ratio, ranging from 1.00 to 1.05 (CI 95%) (p = 0.09), suggesting that IS was similar when both techniques were used. MBL was higher in patients with standard-length implants plus sinus lift elevation (p = 0.03). MBL was 0.11 (0.01-0.20) mm (p = 0.03) and 0.23 (0.07-0.39) mm (p = 0.005) before and after 1 year of follow-up, respectively, indicating that the marginal bone loss is greater for standard-length implants. DISCUSSION: Within the limitations of the present study, as relatively small sample size, short dental implants can be used as an alternative to standard-length implants plus sinus elevation in cases of atrophic posterior maxilla. Higher MBL was observed in the groups where standard-length implants were used, but implant survival was similar in both groups. Moreover, with short implants, it was observed a reduced postoperative discomfort, minimal invasiveness, shorter treatment time, and reduced costs. CLINICAL CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The low MBL promoted by short implants does contribute to a paradigm shift from sinus grafting with long implants to short implants. Further high-quality long-term studies are required to confirm these findings.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Systemic Antibiotic Therapy in the Treatment of Peri-Implantitis.

Research has been conducted into the advantages of the systemic administration of antibiotics. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of systemic antibiotic administration in the treatment of peri-implantitis in terms of bleeding on probing (BoP) and probing pocket depth (PPD). Literature searches were performed across PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) to identify randomized controlled trials and observational clinical studies. After peri-implantitis treatment, PPD was reduced by 0.1 mm (p = 0.58; IC 95% [-0.24, 0.47]), indicating a non-significant effect of antibiotic administration on PPD. The BoP odds ratio value was 1.15 (p = 0.5; IC 95% [0.75, 1.75]), indicating that the likelihood of bleeding is almost similar between the test and control groups. Secondary outcomes were found, such as reduced clinical attachment level, lower suppuration and recession, less bone loss, and a reduction in total bacterial counts. In the treatment of peri-implantitis, the systemic antibiotic application reduces neither PPD nor BoP. Therefore, the systemic administration of antibiotics, in the case of peri-implantitis, should be rethought in light of the present results, contributing to address the problem of increasing antibiotic resistance.

Zn-containing Adhesives Facilitate Collagen Protection and Remineralization at the Resin-Dentin Interface: A Narrative Review.

This is a narrative review of the literature assessing the potential effectiveness of doping dentin polymeric adhesives with zinc compounds in order to improve bonding efficacy, remineralization and protection against degradation. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, DIMDI and Web of Science. Through our search, we found literature demonstrating that Zn-doped dentin adhesives promote protection and remineralization of the resin-dentin interfaces. The increased bioactivity has also facilitated dentinal tubules' occlusion by crystals' precipitation contributing to improved sealing efficacy of restorations. Loading dentin adhesives with zinc gives rise to an increase of both crystallinity of mineral and crosslinking of collagen. The main role of zinc, in dentin adhesives, is to inhibit collagen proteolysis. We concluded that zinc exerts a protective effect through binding at the collagen-sensitive cleavage sites of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs), contributing to dentin matrix stabilization. Zinc may not only act as a MMPs inhibitor, but also influence signaling pathways and stimulate metabolic effects in dentin mineralization and remineralization processes. Zn-doped adhesives increase the longevity of dentin bonding through MMPs inhibition. Zn poses a remineralization strategy in demineralized dentin.

Melatonin-doped polymeric nanoparticles induce high crystalline apatite formation in root dentin.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of novel polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) doped with melatonin (ML) on nano-hardness, crystallinity and ultrastructure of the formed hydroxyapatite after endodontic treatment. METHODS: Undoped-NPs and ML-doped NPs (ML-NPs) were tested at radicular dentin, after 24 h and 6 m. A control group without NPs was included. Radicular cervical and apical dentin surfaces were studied by nano-hardness measurements, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Mean and standard deviation were analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Cervical dentin treated with undoped NPs maintained its nano-hardness values after 6 m of storage being [24 h: 0.29 (0.01); 6 m: 0.30 (0.02) GPa], but it decreased at apical dentin [24 h: 0.36 (0.01); 6 m: 0.28 (0.02) GPa]. When ML-NPs were used, nano-hardness was similar over time [24h: 0.31 (0.02); 6 m: 0.28 (0.03) GPa], at apical dentin. Root dentin treated with ML-NPs produced, in general, high crystallinity of new minerals and thicker crystals than those produced in the rest of the groups. After 6 m, crystals became organized in randomly oriented polyhedral, square polygonal block-like apatite or drop-like apatite polycrystalline lattices when ML-NPs were used. Undoped NPs generated poor crystallinity, with preferred orientation of small crystallite and increased microstrain. SIGNIFICANCE: New polycrystalline formations encountered in dentin treated with ML-NPs may produce structural dentin stability and high mechanical performance at the root. The decrease of mechanical properties over time in dentin treated without NPs indicates scarce remineralization potential, dentin demineralization and further potential degradation. The amorphous stage may provide high hydroxyapatite solubility and remineralizing activity.

Efficacy of local antibiotic therapy in the treatment of peri-implantitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to state the efficacy of local administration of antibiotics in the treatment of peri-implantitis in terms of peri-implant probing depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BoP) reduction. DATA, SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: Electronic and manual literature searches were conducted. Screening process was done using the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE by PubMed), Embase and the Cochrane Oral Health. Included articles were randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Weighted means were calculated. Heterogeneity was determined using Higgins (I2). Due to the encountered heterogeneity between the studies being combined, random-effects models were applied in order to analyze effect sizes. Twelve studies (365 patients and 463 implants) were included in the systematic review. After peri-implantitis treatment with local antibiotics, PPD was reduced 1.40 mm (95% confidence interval: 0.82-1.98). When local antibiotics were applied, a 0.30 mm higher reduction of PPD was obtained than in the control group (95% confidence interval: 0.07-0.53). BoP attained an odds ratio value of 1.82 (95% confidence interval: 1.09-3.04), indicating that the likehood of bleeding is almost two-fold when antibiotics are not locally administrated. Adverse effects were not found after applying local antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The local antibiotic administration does reduce, without adverse effects, both peri-implant probing depths and bleeding on probing in patients affected by peri-implantitis, if compared to control groups without local antibiotic application. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Patients with dental implants frequently suffer from peri-implantitis. Clinical features of peri-implantitis lesions include the presence of bleeding on probing and increased peri-implant probing depths. Both BoP and PPD have become reduced after local administration of antibiotics.

Zn-Containing Membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration in Dentistry.

Barrier membranes are employed in guided bone regeneration (GBR) to facilitate bone in-growth. A bioactive and biomimetic Zn-doped membrane with the ability to participate in bone healing and regeneration is necessary. The aim of the present study is to state the effect of doping the membranes for GBR with zinc compounds in the improvement of bone regeneration. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, DIMDI, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. A narrative exploratory review was undertaken, focusing on the antibacterial effects, physicochemical and biological properties of Zn-loaded membranes. Bioactivity, bone formation and cytotoxicity were analyzed. Microstructure and mechanical properties of these membranes were also determined. Zn-doped membranes have inhibited in vivo and in vitro bacterial colonization. Zn-alloy and Zn-doped membranes attained good biocompatibility and were found to be non-toxic to cells. The Zn-doped matrices showed feasible mechanical properties, such as flexibility, strength, complex modulus and tan delta. Zn incorporation in polymeric membranes provided the highest regenerative efficiency for bone healing in experimental animals, potentiating osteogenesis, angiogenesis, biological activity and a balanced remodeling. Zn-loaded membranes doped with SiO2 nanoparticles have performed as bioactive modulators provoking an M2 macrophage increase and are a potential biomaterial for promoting bone repair. Zn-doped membranes have promoted pro-healing phenotypes.

Polymeric zinc-doped nanoparticles for high performance in restorative dentistry.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to state the different applications and the effectiveness of polymeric zinc-doped nanoparticles to achieve dentin remineralization. DATA, SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: Literature search was conducted using electronic databases, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, DIMDI, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. A narrative exploratory review was undertaken. CONCLUSIONS: Polymeric nanospheres (NPs) were efficiently loaded with zinc. NPs sequestered calcium and phosphate in the presence of silicon, and remained effectively embedded at the hybrid layer. NPs incorporation did not alter bond strength and inhibited MMP-mediated dentin collagen degradation. Zn-loaded NPs remineralized the hybrid layer inducing a generalized low-carbonate substitute apatite precipitation, chemically crystalline with some amorphous components, and an increase in mechanical properties was also promoted. Viscoelastic analysis determined that dentin infiltrated with Zn-NPs released the stress by breaking the resin-dentin interface and creating specific mineral formations in response to the energy dissipation. Bacteria were scarcely encountered at the resin-dentin interface. The combined antibacterial and remineralizing effects, when Zn-NPs were applied, reduced biofilm formation. Zn-NPs application at both cervical and radicular dentin attained the lowest microleakage and also promoted durable sealing ability. The new zinc-based salt minerals generated covered the dentin surface totally occluding cracks, porosities and dentinal tubules. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Zinc-doped NPs are proposed for effective dentin remineralization and tubular occlusion. This offers new strategies for regeneration of eroded cervical dentin, effective treatment of dentin hypersensitivity and in endodontically treated teeth previous to the canal filling. Zn-NPs also do reduce biofilm formation due to antibacterial properties.

State of the Art on Biomaterials for Soft Tissue Augmentation in the Oral Cavity. Part I: Natural Polymers-Based Biomaterials.

Oral soft tissue thickening or grafting procedures are often necessary to cover tooth recession, re-establish an adequate width of keratinized tissue, correct mucogingival deformities improving esthetics, prepare a site for an implant or prosthetics, for ridge preservation procedures, and soft tissue contouring around dental implants. Gingival recession and root or implant exposure are commonly associated and have led to mucogingival deficiencies that have traditionally been treated with free gingival grafts and autogenous soft tissue grafts. The latter represents the gold standard in acquiring a functionally adequate zone of keratinized attached gingiva. However, soft tissue substitutes are more usually employed because they lessen morbidity and abbreviate surgical time. This review is aimed at assessing oral soft tissue augmentation techniques and biomaterials used from existing literature, principally concerning scaffolds from both human and animal-based tissue derivatives matrices. In order to avoid the use of human donor tissue, the xenogenic collagen matrices are proposed for soft tissue augmentation. In general, all of them have provided the remodeling processes and enhanced the formation of new connective tissue within the matrix body.

Sleep study in Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder and Bipolar children.

INTRODUCTION: Decreased need for sleep has been proposed as a core symptom of mania and it has been associated with the pathogenesis of Bipolar Disorder. The emergence of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) as a new diagnostic has been controversial and much has been speculated about its relationship with the bipolar spectrum. REM sleep fragmentation could be a biomarker of affective disorders and it would help us to differentiate them from other disorders. METHOD: Polysomnographic cross-sectional study of children with DMDD, bipolar disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). All participants underwent a psychiatric semi-structured interview to obtain the diagnosis, comorbidities and primary sleep disorders. DMDD’s sample was performed following DSM5 criteria. GOALS: Perform polysomnography in a sample of bipolar, DMDD and ADHD children and compare their profiles to provide more evidence about the differences or similarities between bipolar disorder and DMDD. RESULTS: Bipolar group had the highest REM density values while ADHD had the lowest. REM density was not statiscally different between bipolar phenotypes. REM density was associated with antidepressant treatment, episodes of REM and their interaction. REM latency was associated with antipsychotic treatment and school performance. Bipolar patients had higher scores on the depression scale than DMDD and ADHD groups. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences between the two compared affective disorders were found. However there were differences in REM density between bipolar and ADHD groups. REM sleep study could provide a new theoretical framework to better understand the pathogenesis of pediatric bipolar disorder.

Estudio del sueño en niños con Trastorno de Disregulación Disruptivo del Estado de Ánimo y Bipolares / Sleep study in Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder and Bipolar children

Introducción. La disminución de la necesidad de sueño ha sido propuesta como síntoma nuclear de manía y ha sido relacionada con la etiopatogenia del Trastorno Bipolar. La irrupción del Trastorno de Disregulación Disruptivo del Estado de Ánimo (TDDEA) como nueva categoría diagnóstica en el DSM5 ha sido controvertida y mucho se ha especulado acerca de su relación con el espectro bipolar. La fragmentación del sueño REM podría ser un biomarcador de los trastornos afectivos y ayudarnos a diferenciarlos de otros trastornos. Metodología. Estudio transversal polisomnográfico en niños con TDDEA, bipolaridad y con Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad (TDAH). A todos los participantes se les realizó una entrevista psiquiátrica semi-estructurada para la obtención del diagnóstico, la detección de posibles comorbilidades y de los trastornos primarios del sueño. La obtención de la muestra TDDEA se realizó siguiendo los criterios recomendados por el DSM5. Objetivos. Realizar un estudio polisomnográfico en una muestra de niños TDDEA, Trastorno Bipolar Pediátrico (TBP) y TDAH y comparar sus perfiles, para aportar mayor evidencia acerca de las diferencias o semejanzas entre el TBP y el TDDEA. Resultados. El grupo bipolar presentó los valores más altos de densidad REM mientras que el grupo TDAH presentó los más bajos. La densidad REM no presentó diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los distintos fenotipos bipolares. La densidad REM se asoció con el tratamiento antidepresivo, los episodios de REM y su interacción. La latencia REM se asoció con el tratamiento antipsicótico y el rendimiento escolar. Los pacientes bipolares presentaron mayores puntuaciones en la escala de depresión que los grupos TDDEA y TDAH. Conclusiones. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los dos trastornos afectivos comparados aunque sí se hallaron diferencias en la densidad REM entre los grupos bipolar y TDAH. El estudio del sueño REM podría proporcionar un nuevo marco teórico para comprender mejor la etiopatogenia del trastorno bipolar pediátrico

Introduction. Decreased need for sleep has been proposed as a core symptom of mania and it has been associated with the pathogenesis of Bipolar Disorder. The emergence of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) as a new diagnostic has been controversial and much has been speculated about its relationship with the bipolar spectrum. REM sleep fragmentation could be a biomarker of affective disorders and it would help us to differentiate them from other disorders. Method. Polysomnographic cross-sectional study of children with DMDD, bipolar disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). All participants underwent a psychiatric semi-structured interview to obtain the diagnosis, comorbidities and primary sleep disorders. DMDD’s sample was performed following DSM5 criteria. Goals. Perform polysomnography in a sample of bipolar, DMDD and ADHD children and compare their profiles to provide more evidence about the differences or similarities between bipolar disorder and DMDD. Results. Bipolar group had the highest REM density values while ADHD had the lowest. REM density was not statiscally different between bipolar phenotypes. REM density was associated with antidepressant treatment, episodes of REM and their interaction. REM latency was associated with antipsychotic treatment and school performance. Bipolar patients had higher scores on the depression scale than DMDD and ADHD groups. Conclusions. No significant differences between the two compared affective disorders were found. However there were differences in REM density between bipolar and ADHD groups. REM sleep study could provide a new theoretical framework to better understand the pathogenesis of pediatric bipolar disorder

Nutrient composition and technological quality of meat from alpacas reared in Peru.

The aim of this study was to increase the knowledge on alpaca meat quality characteristics. Twenty Huacaya breed alpacas, reared under a traditional unspecialized production system at the Andean region of Peru, were slaughtered at ages between 18 and 24months. Analyses were carried out on Longissimus thoracis and lumborum muscle (LTLM), unless otherwise specified. These included composition parameters: moisture, fat, protein, ash, minerals, amino acids, fatty acid profile (of both LTLM and perirenal fat), retinol and tocopherol concentrations and myoglobin and collagen contents. Other meat quality parameters were evaluated: pH, colour, water holding capacity and Warner-Bratzler shear-force. Alpaca LTLM was characterized by a low intramuscular fat content and mineral and amino acid compositions, polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio and conjugated linoleic acid content comparable to those found for beef and sheep meat. However, specifically, alpaca meat showed a relatively high n-6 to n-3 (3.7) ratio and low vitamin E concentration. Values of alpaca meat technological quality parameters were in the ranges reported for more conventional red meats, the exception being a lower b(∗) value.