Evaluation of bone repair with platelet-rich fibrin following the extraction of impacted third molars - randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate postoperative effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in wound and bone healing, pain, swelling and periodontal complications outcomes after impacted third molars extraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized, split-mouth, double-blind clinical trial was conducted. PRF was placed within sockets following tooth removal and before suturing mucoperiosteal flap while no treatment was performed on control group's sockets. Patients were evaluated considering bone volume which was obtained in the 90-day postoperative period. Other variables included trabecular thickness, trabecular distance and grey values, pain, swelling, and wound healing. A Wilcoxon test and a t-Student test were used at a 5% significance level and a Friedman test was used to multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Forty-four surgeries were performed in the present study. The patients' mean age was 22.41 (± 2.75 years) and 72.73% were women. PRF was associated to increased trabecular thickness and bone volume means (p < 0.001). The experimental group had significantly lower pain scores at 4h, 6h, 8h, 16h, 24h, and 72h (p ˂ 0.05). Mean swelling was lower on the experimental group (p < 0.001). The PRF group showed significant higher wound healing (p ˂ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Alveolar filling with PRF improves wound and bone healing after extractions while also decreasing pain and swelling in the postoperative period.

Tropical grass and legume pastures may alter lamb meat physical and chemical characteristics.

The present study assessed the influence of the type of the tropical pastures on lamb body weight (BW) gain and meat quality. Fifty-four lambs were allocated to three grazing pastures: (1) AG - Aruana grass (Panicum maximum cv. IZ-5); (2) PP - pigeon pea legume (Cajanus cajan cv. Anão); and (3) CS - contiguous swards, half of the paddock with AG and half with PP. After 92 days of grazing, the lambs were slaughtered. Carcasses were evaluated and the longissimus muscle was collected to determine color, lipid profile, tocopherol concentrations, and lipid oxidation. Although the pastures present differences in the characteristics of nutritional quality, the animals did not show difference in BW gain. The results show that all forage presented similar concentration of alpha-tocopherol (137 ± 14.37 mg kg-1 of fresh matter), whereas total and condensed tannin contents were greater in PP, intermediate in CS, and the lowest in AG treatment (P = 0.0001). Meat α-tocopherol content was similar among treatments (P = 0.1392), with an average concentration close to the optimal level to reduce the meat oxidation. Meat from AG treatment had 45 and 25% lower n-6/n-3 ratio than meat from PP and CS treatments, respectively. The legume increases the unsaturated fatty acids and the grass can reduce the n6/n3 ratio. The level of condensed tannin concentration did show to have important effect on meat characteristics. Both tropical pastures studied can provide a high amount of alpha-tocopherol, generating a great potential to increase the concentration of this antioxidant in lamb's meat.

Calvarial graft resorption index in the reconstruction of the maxillary sinus in patients with atrophic maxillas: a prospective clinical study.

The objective of this study was to assess the resorption index of particulate calvarial grafts in maxillary sinuses of patients undergoing total reconstruction of an atrophic maxilla with residual alveolar bone that was less than, or equal to, 3mm thick. Twenty-one maxillary sinus floor elevations were carried out using particulate calvarial grafts in 11 individuals with totally edentulous maxillas. All patients had computed tomography (CT) before (T0), and 48hours (T1) and six months after surgery (T2). For each CT scan, linear measurements were taken of sections of the anterior, medial, and posterior regions of the maxillary sinus. There was a significant increase in the height of the maxillary sinus floor when T0 was compared with T1 (p=0.001). There was a statistically significant reduction in all maxillary sinus measurements when T1 was compared with T2; the mean height reduction being 2.36mm (16.87%) in the anterior region, 3.53mm (22.47%) in the medial region, and 2.21mm (22.78%) in the posterior region (p=0.001). Mean resorption was 20.7%. Autogenous calvarial bone used alone is an option for graft material in pneumatised maxillary sinuses and in cases where there is limited alveolar bone.

IL-22 increases the production of sFRP3 by FLS in inflammatory joint diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are inflammatory diseases with different bone remodeling patterns. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are cells involved in the transition from an acute and reparable phase to a chronic and persistent stage in these diseases. The distinction of joint phenotypes involves inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-22 directly or through key signaling pathways such as Wnt. To evaluate the role of FLS as the source of Wnt antagonists (sFRP3/FRZB and Dkk1) in the synovia, levels of TNF- α, IL-17, IL-22, Dkk1, and sFRP3 were measured by ELISA directly in the synovial fluid of patients with RA, PsA, or AS. Dkk1 and sFRP3 were also measured in the FLS culture supernatants after different inflammatory stimulus. sFRP3 and Dkk1 are constitutively expressed by FLS. IL-22 and sFRP3 were positively correlated (r=0.76; P<0.01) in synovial fluid. The stimulation of FLS with IL-22, but not TNF-alpha and IL-17, increased the production of sFRP3. No stimulus altered the basal expression of Dkk1. These results showed, for the first time, the ability of IL-22 to increase the expression of sFRP3/FRZB by human FLS in both in vitro and ex vivo models. This finding linked IL-22 to local inhibition of Wnt signaling and possibly to blockade of osteogenesis. Furthermore, FLS presented as a source of this inhibitor in synovial fluid, assigning to this cell a bone injury mechanism.

High fructose-containing drinking water-induced steatohepatitis in rats is prevented by the nicotinamide-mediated modulation of redox homeostasis and NADPH-producing enzymes.

An imbalance in the redox state, increased levels of lipid precursors and overactivation of de novo lipogenesis determine the development of fibrosis during nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We evaluated the modulation of NADPH-producing enzymes associated with the antifibrotic, antioxidant and antilipemic effects of nicotinamide (NAM) in a model of NASH induced by excess fructose consumption. Male rats were provided drinking water containing 40% fructose for 16 weeks. During the last 12 weeks of fructose administration, water containing NAM was provided to some of the rats for 5 h/day. The biochemical profiles and the ghrelin, leptin, lipoperoxidation and TNF-α levels in serum and the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), malic enzyme (ME) and NADP+-dependent isocitric dehydrogenase (IDP) levels, the reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) and reduced/oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+) ratios, and the levels of various lipogenic and fibrotic markers in the liver were evaluated. The results showed that hepatic fibrosis induced by fructose consumption was associated with weight gain, hunger-satiety system dysregulation, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, lipoperoxidation and inflammation. Moreover, increased levels of hepatic G6PD and ME activity and expression, the NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+ ratios, and GSSG concentration and increased expression of lipogenic and fibrotic markers were detected, and these alterations were attenuated by NAM administration. Specifically, NAM diminished the activity and expression of G6PD and ME, and this effect was associated with a decrease in the NADPH/NADP+ ratios, increased GSH levels and decreased lipoperoxidation and inflammation, ameliorating fibrosis and NASH development. NAM reduces liver steatosis and fibrosis by regulating redox homeostasis through a G6PD- and ME-dependent mechanism.

Magnetic field induced vortices in graphene quantum dots.

The energy spectrum and local current patterns in graphene quantum dots (QD) are investigated for different geometries in the presence of an external perpendicular magnetic field. Our results demonstrate that, for specific geometries and edge configurations, the QD exhibits vortex and anti-vortex patterns in the local current density, in close analogy to the vortex patterns observed in the probability density current of semiconductor QD, as well as in the order parameter of mesoscopic superconductors.

IL-22 increases the production of sFRP3 by FLS in inflammatory joint diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are inflammatory diseases with different bone remodeling patterns. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are cells involved in the transition from an acute and reparable phase to a chronic and persistent stage in these diseases. The distinction of joint phenotypes involves inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-22 directly or through key signaling pathways such as Wnt. To evaluate the role of FLS as the source of Wnt antagonists (sFRP3/FRZB and Dkk1) in the synovia, levels of TNF- α, IL-17, IL-22, Dkk1, and sFRP3 were measured by ELISA directly in the synovial fluid of patients with RA, PsA, or AS. Dkk1 and sFRP3 were also measured in the FLS culture supernatants after different inflammatory stimulus. sFRP3 and Dkk1 are constitutively expressed by FLS. IL-22 and sFRP3 were positively correlated (r=0.76; P<0.01) in synovial fluid. The stimulation of FLS with IL-22, but not TNF-alpha and IL-17, increased the production of sFRP3. No stimulus altered the basal expression of Dkk1. These results showed, for the first time, the ability of IL-22 to increase the expression of sFRP3/FRZB by human FLS in both in vitro and ex vivo models. This finding linked IL-22 to local inhibition of Wnt signaling and possibly to blockade of osteogenesis. Furthermore, FLS presented as a source of this inhibitor in synovial fluid, assigning to this cell a bone injury mechanism.

Emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents with lower urinary tract dysfunction: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: An association has been found between lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and emotional and behavioral problems, particularly in cases of urinary incontinence. Other associated symptoms and the coexistence of functional constipation require further investigation. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether emotional and behavioral problems are more common in children and adolescents with LUTD. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter, cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in public places. Parents answered questions on urinary and psychological symptoms in their children aged 5-14 years. Children/adolescents with neurological problems or anatomical urinary tract abnormalities were excluded. The Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System was used for assessing urinary symptoms, the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for evaluating bowel symptoms, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for evaluating emotional and behavioral problems. RESULTS: Of the 806 children/adolescents included, 53% were female. The mean age was 9.1 ± 2.7 years. The prevalence of LUTD was 16.4%. Overall, 26.2% had abnormal scores in the overall SDQ scale, 29.2% in the emotional problems subscale, and 30% in the conduct problems subscale. Of the children with LUTD, 40.5% screened positive for emotional/behavioral problems, with a significant association being found for the overall SDQ scale (P < 0.001) and for the emotional problems (P < 0.001), conduct problems (P < 0.001), and hyperactivity (P = 0.037) subscales. Urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, and voiding postponement were significantly associated with a greater prevalence of abnormalities in the overall SDQ score (P = 0.05; P = 0.004, and P = 0.012, respectively). Bladder and bowel dysfunction was an aggravator of emotional and behavioral problems, with more intense symptoms, both in the overall SDQ scale and in the subscales. In the multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with the presence of emotional and behavioral problems were LUTD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.91), constipation (OR = 1.7), studying in a government-funded school (OR = 2.2), and poor education of the head of the family (OR = 1.9). CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with LUTD have more emotional and behavioral problems, with bladder and bowel dysfunction being an aggravating factor for this association.

Evaluation of the Direct and Enrichment Iso 10272 Methods for the Detection of Campylobacter Spp. in Chicken Meat

In 2006, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published two standard protocols for the detection and enumeration of Campylobacter spp. in foods: the ISO 10272-2(direct method) and the ISO 10272-1 (enrichment method). The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of these two methods in the detection of Campylobacter spp. and propose a modification in the enrichment method. Compared with the enrichment method, the direct method yielded a higher number of positive results for Campylobacter spp. and, consequently, presented higher sensitivity percentage. The isolation of Campylobacter spp. was more difficult when 10 mL of rinse was used in the enrichment method, which is currently recommended by the ISO protocol. Therefore, different rinse volumes were tested (2.5 and 5 mL). The most efficient recovery of Campylobacter spp. occurred when 2.5 mL of rinse were used in the enrichment method, most likely due to a lower number of microbial contaminants than that present in the 5 or 10 mL rinses. The proposed modification of the enrichment method will contribute to the food analysis by improving the detection of Campylobacter spp. in chicken carcass.

Evaluation of the Direct and Enrichment Iso 10272 Methods for the Detection of Campylobacter Spp. in Chicken Meat

In 2006, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published two standard protocols for the detection and enumeration of Campylobacter spp. in foods: the ISO 10272-2(direct method) and the ISO 10272-1 (enrichment method). The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of these two methods in the detection of Campylobacter spp. and propose a modification in the enrichment method. Compared with the enrichment method, the direct method yielded a higher number of positive results for Campylobacter spp. and, consequently, presented higher sensitivity percentage. The isolation of Campylobacter spp. was more difficult when 10 mL of rinse was used in the enrichment method, which is currently recommended by the ISO protocol. Therefore, different rinse volumes were tested (2.5 and 5 mL). The most efficient recovery of Campylobacter spp. occurred when 2.5 mL of rinse were used in the enrichment method, most likely due to a lower number of microbial contaminants than that present in the 5 or 10 mL rinses. The proposed modification of the enrichment method will contribute to the food analysis by improving the detection of Campylobacter spp. in chicken carcass.(AU)

Oviposition Site Selection Structures Niche Partitioning Among Coccinellid Species in a Tropical Ecosystem.

The competitive exclusion hypothesis suggests that coexisting related species using similar resources in nature should partition their realized niches. This hypothesis has direct implications for conservation strategies using biological control, taking into consideration the shifts caused by the introduction of natural enemies in a local community. Such introductions typically lead to disruptions in species interactions and interfere with community structure. In this study, we asked whether community structure of aphidophagous lady beetles is determined by the distribution of specific plants and aphids. To answer this question, we describe the distribution patterns of lady beetles (adults, larvae, and egg clusters) relative to plants and aphids in eight crop ecosystems in a central region of Brazil. We used canonical correspondence analysis to evaluate lady beetle distribution relative to selected habitat variables. Cycloneda sanguinea L., Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, Harmonia axyridis Pallas, and Eriopis connexa Germar (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) differed in their use of plants and aphids. The association of egg clusters with specific plants/aphids was stronger than that of larvae or adults. In conclusion, lady beetle species occupied different niches, indicating different patterns of habitat use that may facilitate their coexistence in crop ecosystems. Furthermore, immature individuals had more specific environmental associations than adults, likely because female choice of oviposition sites influences their distribution and thus lady beetle community structure.

Ação antibacteriana de cimentos resinosos sobre micro-organismos do biofilme dental / Antibacterial action of resin cements on microorganisms of dental biofilm

Objetivo: objetivou-se analisar a ação antibacteriana de cimentos resinosos duais sobre micro-organismos do biofilme dental. Materiais e método: foram selecionados três cimentos resinosos (Panavia® F2.0, Fill Magic Dual Cement® e Enforce®) além das linhagens bacterianas de Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus sobrinus e Lactobacillus casei. O teste de difusão em ágar, por meio das técnicas do poço e da superfície, foi utilizado com os cimentos no estado fresco e fotopolimerizado. Após 24 horas de incubação, foram realizadas as leituras dos halos de inibição. Resultados: o cimento Panavi® F2.0 produziu halos deinibição sobre todas as linhagens bacterianas, independente do estado ou da técnica empregada. O Fill Magic Dual Cement®, no estado fresco, apresentou ação antibacteriana sobre todas as linhagens estudadas, no entanto, no estado fotopolimerizado, produziu ação antibacteriana apenas sobre as linhagens S. sanguis e L. casei. Já o cimento resinoso Enforce® não produziu halos sobre nenhuma linhagem bacteriana. Conclusão:o Panavi® F2.0 foi o cimento resinoso que apresentou maior ação antibacteriana, seguido do Fill Magic Dual Cement®. Já o cimento Enforce® não apresentou nenhuma ação antibacteriana sobre os micro-organismos do biofilme dental.

Hyperglycemia promotes p53-Mdm2 interaction but reduces p53 ubiquitination in RINm5F cells.

The apoptosis of ß cells induced by hyperglycemia has been associated with p53 mobilization to mitochondria and p53 phosphorylation. Murine double minute 2 (Mdm2) induces the degradation of p53 and thereby protects cells from apoptosis. We studied the effect of glucose at high concentration on the ability of Mdm2 to ubiquitinate p53 and promote its degradation. RINm5F cells were grown in RPMI-1640 medium with 5 or 30 mM glucose for varying periods of time. After this treatment, the expression of Mdm2 was measured using real-time PCR. The phosphorylation of Mdm2 at Ser166, p53 at Ser15, and the kinases Akt and ATM were measured by Western blotting. The formation of the p53-Mdm2 complex and p53 ubiquitination was assessed by p53 immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. Our results showed that high glucose reduced Mdm2 mRNA expression and protein concentration and increased Mdm2 and Akt phosphorylation, albeit with slower kinetics for Akt. It also promoted p53-Mdm2 complex formation, whereas p53 ubiquitination was suppressed. Furthermore, phosphorylation of both p53 Ser15 and ATM was increased in the presence of 30 mM glucose. These data indicate that high concentration glucose decrease the mRNA expression and cytosolic concentration of Mdm2. However, although the increase in glucose promoted the phosphorylation of Mdm2, it also decreased p53 ubiquitination, thus avoiding p53 degradation. In hyperglycemic conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, the reduction of pancreatic ß cells mass is favored by stabilization of p53 in association with low p53 ubiquitination and reduced expression of Mdm2.

Evaluation of antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. isolated from broiler carcasses.

1. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter strains (C. jejuni, C. coli and C. lari) isolated from broiler carcasses processed in the State of Paraná, Brazil. 2. Rates of microbial resistance and susceptibility were assessed by both Disk Diffusion (DD) and Etest (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) techniques. Antibiotics were tested using DD (12 antibiotics) and/or MIC (7 antibiotics) methods. 3. A total of 95.8% of the strains were resistant to at least two agents. In terms of multidrug resistance, 75% of strains were resistant to three or more groups of antibiotics. The highest rates of resistance were detected for cefalotin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and nalidixic acid. A high rate of susceptibility of the strains to erythromycin (95.8%) was found confirming that this is considered the agent of choice for treating campylobacteriosis. Comparison of the microbial resistance and susceptibility, as determined simultaneously by the two methods, found the techniques to be statistically equivalent for 5 out of the 6 antibiotics tested. 4. The results of this study suggest the need for adopting measures to control the use of antibiotics in broiler production to prevent multidrug resistance of Campylobacter strains and reduce the risk of serious human diseases caused by the consumption of contaminated chicken meat.

Effects of chronic resveratrol supplementation in military firefighters undergo a physical fitness test--a placebo-controlled, double blind study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the plasma metabolic response and certain indicators of oxidative stress (antioxidant system and oxidative stress biomarkers) in plasma and erythrocytes of Brazilian military firefighters supplemented or not with resveratrol (RES) for 90 days (100 mg/day). The analyses were performed before and after a typical physical fitness test (FT) used to induce oxidative stress. METHODS/RESULTS: In this placebo-controlled double-blinded study, we observed that RES supplementation did not present hepatic consequences compared with the placebo group following analysis of AST, ALT and GGT plasma activities. Plasma glucose and triglycerides levels were increased after the FT in firefighters supplemented with RES but were not elevated at baseline. Neither total nor cholesterol fractions were modified by RES supplementation. CK levels were increased after the firefighters performed the FT; however, no differences were determined between the placebo and RES groups. Ferric-reducing ability of plasma as well as uric acid was increased after the FT, but was not modified by RES supplementation. Plasma oxidative stress biomarkers, such as thiol content, 8-isoprostane and 8OHdG, showed no modifications, while IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased in the RES group after the FT. Among antioxidant enzyme activities determined in erythrocytes from the firefighters, only GPx activity was reduced by RES supplementation both before and after the FT. CONCLUSION: In summary, the most pronounced effect of RES supplementation is its anti-inflammatory effect, which reduced IL-6 and TNF-α level. The FT applied to Brazilian military firefighters was not sufficient to challenge the antioxidant defense systems, and, therefore, 100mg of RES for three months did not induce significant effects.

Risk factor for death in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: are biomarkers useful to foresee the prognosis in this population of patients?

BACKGROUND: The morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) occur due to infectious complications and constitute the major clinical problems in HSCT recipients. The role of the use of biomarkers in post-HSCT patients is still controversial. OBJECTIVES: To assess the serum values of biomarkers interleukin 6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and risk factors for post-HSCT death. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective study conducted in patients submitted to HSCT at a university hospital. Biomarkers (IL-6, PCT and CRP) were assessed on the day afebrile neutropenia was detected, in the febrile event, 24 and 72 h after fever onset and 48 h or 5 days if fever persisted. Patients were compared as to the death outcome within 30 days from the HSCT. Variables with p < 0.15 were included in the multivariate analysis model (MVA) that were performed for all patients included in the study and separated for autologous and allogeneic HSCT patients. RESULTS: 296 patients with ages ranging between 15 and 70 years, neutropenic, submitted to HSCT, being 216 (73%) autologous and 80 (20%) allogeneic were assessed. One hundred and ninety (64.2%) patients presented fever after the transplantation and infection microbiologically controlled in 78 (26.4%). Twenty-three cases (7.8%) evolved to death. The risk factors associated with death in the bivariate analysis were age, allogeneic transplantation, unrelated transplantation, GVHD, bloodstream infection by Gram-negative, IL-6 >140 pg/mL and CRP ≥ 120 mg/L and the protective ones were lymphoma and hospital outpatient support. The independent variables in the MVA associated with death were allogeneic and unrelated transplantation, blood stream infection (BSI) by Gram-negative, LDH ≥ 390 UI/L, urea ≥ 25 mg/dL and CRP ≥ 120 mg/L for HSCT transplanted patients and BSI due to Gram-negative and CRP ≥ 120 mg/L for allogeneic HSCT, however, CRP ≥ 120 mg/L did not remain in the model when urea ≥ 25 mg/L was included. No independent risk factor was found for autologous patients. CONCLUSIONS: Out of the biomarkers assessed, only CRP ≥ 120 mg/L was independently associated with death. Other risk factors found were: type of transplantation (allogeneic and unrelated), bloodstream infection by Gram-negative, LDH ≥ 390 UI/L and urea ≥ 25 mg/dL. For allogeneic patients only CRP ≥ 120 mg/L and BSI due to Gram-negative were risk factors for death; however, CRP did not remain in the model when urea ≥ 25 mg/L was included.

Ten years' evaluation of potential pancreas donors in São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Pancreas transplantation is a treatment for advanced type 1 diabetes and offers significant improvement in quality of life. Recent advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppression regimes lead to good outcomes. However, despite significant higher rates of multiorgan donors in Brazil, pancreas transplantation seems to have remained stable. This study aimed to investigate the acceptance rate of potential pancreas donors in the past 10 years in São Paulo State. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated potential pancreas donors characteristics and its acceptance rate in São Paulo State in the past 10 years. We divided this period into 2 eras: 1st era from January 2003 to January 2008; and 2nd era from January 2008 to January 2013. Data were obtained from São Paulo's government official website. RESULTS: During the whole period, 5,005 deceased donors of all ages were available for pancreas transplantation. According to eras, we had 1,588 donors in the 1st and 3,417 in the 2nd era. In the 2nd era, donors >49 years old were significantly more common (P < .001). Blood test abnormalities, donor comorbidities, and high dosage of vasopressors also were significantly higher in the 2nd era. Rate of graft acceptance had a significant decrease in the 2nd era, from 46.4% to 25% (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite greater organ availability, pancreas transplantations performed in São Paulo State remained stable. Rate of graft acceptance is dramatically lower in more recent years.

Historical cohort with diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation and associated factors of its development in adult patients of a transplantation reference center in the State of Ceará, Brazil.

Post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is an important complication related to kidney transplantation (KT), and its occurrence is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, KT is considered to be the most effective treatment option that offers better quality of life for patients with end-stage kidney disease. This study aimed to describe the occurrence of PTDM and the risk factors associated with its development in kidney transplant patients of a transplantation reference center in the State of Ceará (Brazil). This historical cohort study, based on medical records data, included adult patients undergoing KT from January 2006 to December 2010 in a public tertiary hospital. Multivariate analysis was performed with the use of a logistic regression model, with PTDM presence as dependent variable and the possible risk factors under study as independent variables. Throughout the evaluated period, 430 KTs were performed; 92 patients were excluded. Diabetes mellitus was already present in 9.2% of patients before KT. Hyperglycemia during the 1st month after transplantation occurred in 34.5% of recipients, and the occurrence of PTDM to the end of study was 19.9%. Factors associated with PTDM development were: fasting plasma glucose 1 month after KT (P < .001; odds ratio [OR] 1.05), deceased-donor KT (P = .015; OR 3.53), impaired fasting glucose before transplantation (P = .014; OR 4.10), and acute rejection occurrence (P = .003; OR 6.43). High PTDM occurrence was found, in accordance with the literature. Identification of factors associated with PTDM development, as well as its early diagnosis, could result in long-term improvement in patient and graft survivals.

Atributos de qualidade da carne de paca (Agouti paca): perfil sensorial e força de cisalhamento / Quality attributes of paca meat (Agouti paca): sensory profile and shear force

Avaliaram-se as características sensoriais e determinou-se a força de cisalhamento de cortes de carne de paca (Agouti paca). As análises foram realizadas nos cortes desossados de paleta, lombo e pernil de nove pacas, preparados por cocção até a temperatura interna de 70ºC. A avaliação de aspecto, cor, sabor, odor e maciez foi realizada pela aplicação de teste afetivo a 146 provadores, utilizando-se escala hedônica, e a força de cisalhamento foi determinada pela técnica Warner Bratzler. Na avaliação sensorial, os cortes de paleta, lombo e pernil de paca mostraram diferença significativa (p<0,05) para os atributos de aspecto e cor. A paleta obteve pontuação mais baixa para o aspecto e mostrou coloração mais forte em relação aos demais cortes. Para a força de cisalhamento, não houve diferença (p>0,05) entre os cortes, que se mostraram igualmente macios. A carne de paca apresentou-se sensorialmente semelhante à carne suína e com boa aceitação pelos consumidores. O estudo evidenciou o potencial da paca como uma espécie silvestre para a produção comercial de carne para o mercado de carnes vermelhas ou exóticas.

Sensory characteristics and shear force of paca meat (Agouti paca) were assessed in this study. Analyses were performed in the bonelessshoulder,loin andhamobtained from nine paca carcassesprepared by cookinguntil reaching the internal temperatureof 70°C. The evaluation of flavor, aroma, color, appearance and tenderness was carried out by the application of an affective test using the hedonic scaleand a 146 consumer panel. Shear force was determined by the Warner-Bratzler technique. Shoulder, loin and ham had significant differences (p<0.05) in appearance and color. Shoulder presented the lowest score for appearance and showed darker color compared to the other cuts. Shear force values had no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the cuts, which were similarly tender. Paca meat was found to resemble pork meat in sensory evaluation and had good acceptance by consumers. This study showed the potential of paca (Agouti paca) asa wild species for meat production in the red or exotic meat market.