Low cost and easy acquisition: corn grain in microsurgery training.

OBJECTIVES: develop an easily accessible model for training the initial motor practice in microsurgery using corn kernels. METHODS: ten corn kernels (Zea mays) were used. A 7mm longitudinal cut was made on one side of the corn grain. The training consisted of performing 4 simple knots between the edges of the incision, using 10-0 mononylon thread. The parameters analyzed were 1) cost of the model; 2) assembly time of the model test system; 3) time for performing the knots; 4) distance between the knots. RESULTS: in all corn kernels tested, it was possible to perform the proposed microsurgical suture training, without any difficulty in the procedure. The average time to perform the 4 knots was 6.51±1.18 minutes. The total cost of the simulator model was R$3.59. The average distance between the knots was 1.7±0.3mm. The model developed from corn grains has an extremely low cost when compared to the use of animals or high-tech simulators. Other advantages are the easy availability of canned corn kernels and the possibility of making more than four knots along the 7mm incision. CONCLUSION: the training model developed has low cost, is easy to acquire and viable for training basic manual skills in microsurgery.

Incisional hernia repair in rats: description of the sublay technique under videomagnification system.

PURPOSE: To describe the technique of sublay correction of incisional hernia in Wistar rats under videomagnification system. METHODS: Five male rats of the species Rattus norvegicus, of the Wistar lineage, with body weight between 250-350 g and 60 days old were used. Incisional hernia was inducted in all animals. After that, the incisional hernia was immediately corrected by the sublay method. RESULTS: There were no cases of recurrence of the incisional hernia after placement of the polypropylene mesh using the sublay technique. No postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The technique is suitable for execution in Wistar rats.

Incisional hernia repair in rats: description of the sublay technique under videomagnification system

Purpose: To describe the technique of sublay correction of incisional hernia in Wistar rats under videomagnification system. Methods: Five male rats of the species Rattus norvegicus, of the Wistar lineage, with body weight between 250­350 g and 60 days old were used. Incisional hernia was inducted in all animals. After that, the incisional hernia was immediately corrected by the sublay method. Results: There were no cases of recurrence of the incisional hernia after placement of the polypropylene mesh using the sublay technique. No postoperative complications were observed. Conclusions: The technique is suitable for execution in Wistar rats.

Low cost and easy acquisition: corn grain in microsurgery training / Baixo custo e fácil aquisição: grãos de milho no treinamento microcirúrgico

ABSTRACT Objectives: develop an easily accessible model for training the initial motor practice in microsurgery using corn kernels. Methods: ten corn kernels (Zea mays) were used. A 7mm longitudinal cut was made on one side of the corn grain. The training consisted of performing 4 simple knots between the edges of the incision, using 10-0 mononylon thread. The parameters analyzed were 1) cost of the model; 2) assembly time of the model test system; 3) time for performing the knots; 4) distance between the knots. Results: in all corn kernels tested, it was possible to perform the proposed microsurgical suture training, without any difficulty in the procedure. The average time to perform the 4 knots was 6.51±1.18 minutes. The total cost of the simulator model was R$3.59. The average distance between the knots was 1.7±0.3mm. The model developed from corn grains has an extremely low cost when compared to the use of animals or high-tech simulators. Other advantages are the easy availability of canned corn kernels and the possibility of making more than four knots along the 7mm incision. Conclusion: the training model developed has low cost, is easy to acquire and viable for training basic manual skills in microsurgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: desenvolver um modelo facilmente acessível para o treinamento da prática motora inicial em microcirurgia a partir da utilização de grãos de milho. Métodos: foram utilizados dez grãos de milho (Zea mays). Realizou-se um corte longitudinal de 7mm em uma das faces do grão de milho. O treinamento consistiu na realização de 4 pontos simples entre as bordas da incisão, utilizando fio de mononáilon 10-0. Os parâmetros analisados foram 1) custo do modelo; 2) tempo de montagem do sistema de teste do modelo; 3) tempo de realização dos nós; 4) distância entre os pontos. Resultados: em todos os grãos testados foi possível realizar o treinamento de sutura microcirúrgica proposto, sem dificuldade ao procedimento. O tempo médio para a realização dos 4 pontos foi de 6,51±1,18 minutos. O custo total do modelo simulatório foi de R$3,59. A distância média entre os pontos foi de 1,7±0,3mm. O modelo desenvolvido a partir de grãos de milhos apresenta custo extremamente baixo quando comparado ao uso de animais ou de simuladores de alta tecnologia. Outras vantagens são fácil disponibilidade de grãos de milho em conserva e possibilidade de serem realizados mais de quatro pontos ao longo da incisão de 7mm. Conclusão: o modelo de treinamento desenvolvido é de baixo custo, de fácil aquisição e viável para o treinamento de habilidades manuais básicas em microcirurgia.

What came first: the egg or the microsurgery training? An ophthalmic model for developing basic skills in microsurgery / O que veio primeiro: o ovo ou o treinamento microcirúrgico? Um modelo oftalmológico para desenvolver habilidades básicas em microcirurgia

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe a new accessible model of ophthalmological training using chicken eggs. Methods: With the aid of a spherical drill, the external calcified layer and the cuticle of the chicken eggshell were removed in a 2cm diameter circle. Using a video-magnification system, the film was dissected and cut to approximately 1.5 cm diameters. The film was removed and repositioned to make interrupted 12-0 nylon microsutures. The parameters analyzed were: cost, facility of acquisition and handling, time for making the model and the microsutures and number of possible uses. Results: In all simulators, it was possible to carry out separated and equidistant micro-sutures in the egg membrane, without the need for reintervention. Conclusion: The new chicken-egg model for ophthalmic surgery training is low-cost, easy to acquire and handle, and viable for the development of basic microsurgery skills.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever um novo modelo acessível de treinamento oftalmológico com ovo de galinha. Métodos: Com o auxílio de uma broca esférica, a camada calcificada externa e a cutícula da casca do ovo de galinha foram retiradas em um círculo 2 cm de diâmetro. Mediante um sistema de videomagnificação, a película foi dissecada e cortada em formato aproximado de 1,5 cm de diâmetro. A película foi removida e reposicionada para a confecção de microssuturas interrompidas com nylon 12-0. Os parâmetros analisados foram: custo, facilidade de aquisição e manuseio, tempo para confecção do modelo e para a confecção das microssuturas e número de utilizações possíveis. Resultados: Em todos os simuladores foi possível realizar microssuturas separadas e equidistantes na membrana do ovo, sem necessidade de reintervenção. Conclusão: O novo modelo com ovo de galinha para o treinamento de cirurgia oftalmológica é de baixo custo, fácil aquisição e manuseio, além de ser viável no desenvolvimento de habilidades básicas em microcirurgia.

Os periódicos médicos brasileiros referenciam artigos nacionais? Um estudo transversal / Do Brazilian medical journals reference Brazilian articles? A cross-sectional study

Resumo Contexto A produção científica brasileira cresce de forma quantitativa e qualitativa a cada década. Entretanto, há uma desvalorização dos periódicos brasileiros demonstrada através da baixa quantidade de citações em comparação a textos de revistas internacionais, com justificativa subentendida de que há superioridade qualitativa de artigos estrangeiros. Objetivos Verificar a diferença entre o número de citações de periódicos nacionais e internacionais em três revistas brasileiras no período de 2016 a 2020. Métodos Foram analisados todos os artigos publicados na Revista do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões, no Jornal Vascular Brasileiro e na Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira no intervalo de 2016 a 2020. Os estudos selecionados tiveram suas referências avaliadas, sendo contabilizado o número total de citações e se eram provenientes de periódicos brasileiros ou de periódicos estrangeiros. Resultados Foram analisados 902 artigos, totalizando 23.394 referências, com média de 25,81 ± 8,59 por artigo. Nesse contexto, 2.680 (11,45%) eram nacionais, correspondentes a uma média de 2,95 ± 3,79 referências brasileiras por artigo. Conclusões Faz-se necessária a maior valorização dos periódicos brasileiros, em especial por parte dos pesquisadores nacionais e das instituições responsáveis pelo fomento da ciência.

Abstract Background The quantity and quality of Brazilian scientific output increases decade by decade. However, there is a tendency to undervalue Brazilian journals, illustrated by the low number of citations compared with texts in international journals, with the tacit justification that foreign articles are of superior quality. Objectives To investigate the differences in numbers of citations of Brazilian and international periodicals in three Brazilian journals from 2016 to 2020. Methods All articles published in the Journal of the Brazilian College of Surgeons, in the Jornal Vascular Brasileiro, and in Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira from 2016 to 2020 were analyzed. The references of these studies were analyzed, summing the total number of citations and classifying them as published in Brazilian or foreign journals. Results A total of 902 articles were analyzed, totaling 23,394 references, with a mean of 25.81 ± 8.59 references per article. Of these, 2,680 (11.45%) were Brazilian, equating to a mean of 2.95 ± 3.79 Brazilian references per article. Conclusions It is necessary to improve appreciation of Brazilian periodicals, especially among Brazilian researchers and institutions responsible for science funding.

Se a vida lhe der tomates, treine microcirurgia / If lives gives you tomatoes, training microsurgery

Resumo Objetivo: Desenvolver um modelo treinamento utilizando tomates para aquisição de habilidades microcirúrgicas oftalmológicas. Métodos: Duas espécies de tomates (Tomate longa vida e cereja) foram utilizados, sendo utilizados tomates verdolengos e maduros. Delimitou-se com marcador permanente um círculo de raio de 0,5cm. Sob magnificação de um sistema de vídeo, foi realizado a separação da casca, tentando evitar lesionar a fruta. Após a dissecção, foi realizado a rafia da região removida com fio de mononáilon 10-0. Resultados: Os modelos utilizados mostraram-se viáveis para a realização do treinamento de dissecção microcirúrgica independente da espécie. O custo médio de cada simulador foi de menos de R$2,00. O tempo médio de dissecção foi de 10,40 ±1,84 minutos no tomate maduro e 15,20 ±2,25 minutos no verdolengos. Apenas nos tomates verdolengos foi possível realizar a rafia. Conclusão: O modelo de treinamento desenvolvido mostrou-se adequado para o treinamento inicial de várias habilidades oftalmológicas. Além disso, apresenta um baixo custo e fácil aquisição e confecção.

Abstract Objectives: Develop a training model using tomatoes to acquire ophthalmic microsurgical skills. Methods: Two species of immature and mature tomatoes (long life and cherry tomato) were used. A 0.5cm radius circle was delimited with a permanent marker. Under a magnification by a video system, the peel was separated, trying to avoid damaging the fruit. After dissection, it was performed the raffia of the peel with 10-0 mononylon thread. Results: The models used proved to be viable for training in microsurgical dissection, regardless of the species. The average cost of each simulator was less than U$ 1.00. The average dissection time was 10.40 ± 1.84 minutes for ripe tomatoes and 15.20 ± 2.25 minutes for greens. Only in immature tomatoes was it possible to make the raffia. Conclusion: The training model developed proved to be suitable for the initial training of many ophthalmic skills. In addition, it has a low cost and is easy to purchase and manufacture.

Criteria for assessing peripheral nerve injury. Behavioral and functional assessment in non-operated Wistar rats.

Purpose To evaluate the normality pattern in functional tests of peripheral nerves. Methods Sixty female and sixty male Wistar rats were submitted to vibrissae movement and nictitating reflex for facial nerve; grooming test and grasping test for brachial plexus; and walking tracking test and horizontal ladder test for lumbar plexus. The tests were performed separately, with an interval of seven days between each. Results All animals showed the best score in vibrissae movement, nictitating reflex, grooming test, and horizontal ladder test. The best score was acquired for the first time in more than 90% of animals. The mean of strength on the grasping test was 133.46±12.08g for the right and 121.74±8.73g for the left anterior paw. There was a difference between the right and left sides. There was no difference between the groups according to sex. There is no statistical difference comparing all functional indexes between sex, independent of the side analyzed. The peroneal functional index showed higher levels than the sciatic and tibial functional index on both sides and sex. Conclusions The behavioral and functional assessment of peripheral nerve regeneration are low-cost, easy to perform, and reliable tests. However, they need to be performed by experienced researchers to avoid misinterpretation.

Criteria for assessing peripheral nerve injury. Behavioral and functional assessment in non-operated Wistar rats

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the normality pattern in functional tests of peripheral nerves. Methods Sixty female and sixty male Wistar rats were submitted to vibrissae movement and nictitating reflex for facial nerve; grooming test and grasping test for brachial plexus; and walking tracking test and horizontal ladder test for lumbar plexus. The tests were performed separately, with an interval of seven days between each. Results All animals showed the best score in vibrissae movement, nictitating reflex, grooming test, and horizontal ladder test. The best score was acquired for the first time in more than 90% of animals. The mean of strength on the grasping test was 133.46±12.08g for the right and 121.74±8.73g for the left anterior paw. There was a difference between the right and left sides. There was no difference between the groups according to sex. There is no statistical difference comparing all functional indexes between sex, independent of the side analyzed. The peroneal functional index showed higher levels than the sciatic and tibial functional index on both sides and sex. Conclusions The behavioral and functional assessment of peripheral nerve regeneration are low-cost, easy to perform, and reliable tests. However, they need to be performed by experienced researchers to avoid misinterpretation.