Ocular perfusion pressure and color Doppler imaging of the external ophthalmic artery of rabbits treated with sildenafil citrate.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that sildenafil citrate can increase ocular blood flow, and that this property can be used to treat ocular disorders that involve reflex vasoconstriction. This study therefore proposes to ascertain the vasodilator effect of the drug on retrobulbar circulation in healthy rabbits. For this matter rabbits treated with sildenafil citrate or saline solution had their intraocular pressure (IOP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) and color Doppler imaging of the external ophthalmic artery measured prior to treatment and on days one (moment M1), seven (when M2), fourteen (moment M3), twenty-one (moment M4), and thirty (moment M5) of treatment. RESULTS: The MAP and OPP values of treated group were lower than those of control group at all times, and the mean values differed statistically at moments M1 (S = 71.52 mmHg, C = 84.76 mmHg, p = 0.0356) and M5 (S = 71.38 mmHg, C = 85.52 mmHg, p = 0.0252). The IOP and color Doppler values of the external ophthalmic artery did not differ between tested groups. CONCLUSIONS: The dose of 10 mg of sildenafil citrate administered to healthy rabbits causes systemic vasodilation and consequently lower values of MAP and OPP. However, it does not induce changes in IOP and retrobulbar hemodynamics identifiable by color Doppler assessment of the external ophthalmic artery.

Assessing heavy metal sources in sugarcane Brazilian soils: an approach using multivariate analysis.

Brazil is the world's largest sugarcane producer and soils in the northeastern part of the country have been cultivated with the crop for over 450 years. However, so far, there has been no study on the status of heavy metal accumulation in these long-history cultivated soils. To fill the gap, we collect soil samples from 60 sugarcane fields in order to determine the contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. We used multivariate analysis to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic sources of these metals in soils. Analytical determinations were performed in ICP-OES after microwave acid solution digestion. Mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 1.9, 18.8, 6.4, 4.9, 11.2, and 16.2 mg kg(-1), respectively. The principal component one was associated with lithogenic origin and comprised the metals Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn. Cluster analysis confirmed that 68 % of the evaluated sites have soil heavy metal concentrations close to the natural background. The Cd concentration (principal component two) was clearly associated with anthropogenic sources with P fertilization being the most likely source of Cd to soils. On the other hand, the third component (Pb concentration) indicates a mixed origin for this metal (natural and anthropogenic); hence, Pb concentrations are probably related not only to the soil parent material but also to industrial emissions and urbanization in the vicinity of the agricultural areas.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR BRAZILIAN ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS.

Objective: To report on the experience and impressions of the Brazilian orthopedic trauma surgeons attending the Leadership Development Program (LDP) hosted by the Sociedade Brasileira do Trauma Ortopédico (SBTO) in Sao Paulo, Brazil on November 4, 2022. Methods: Forty-eight orthopedic trauma surgeons from five different regions throughout Brazil were provided a link to complete The Big Five Test, a validated online personality assessment. The questionnaire was available in Portuguese and was intended to provide a background on individual personality traits and their influence on interpersonal interactions. The LDP integrated content from literature reviews specific to Latin America, established leadership programs from leading business schools, and various subject matter experts. Prior to the start of the LDP, participants received a pre-course survey evaluating demographic information, a needs assessment, and the prioritization of leadership topics utilizing a 5-point Likert-scale. Attendees participated in the one-day, interactive LDP focusing on the fundamental principles of leadership development, communication, personal development, emotional intelligence and negotiation. Following the LDP, a post-course evaluation was administered to determine the participants' overall experience, and suggestions for LDP improvement. Results: Forty-one of the forty-eight course participants completed the pre-course evaluation, whereas forty-six of the forty-eight participants completed the post-course evaluations. Overwhelmingly, the lack of opportunity was most prevalently reported as the main obstacle to attending a leadership course, as cited by 56% of respondents. Conclusion: Expanding the accessibility, diversity, and customizability of leadership programs can facilitate the development of personal tools needed to move healthcare forward. Critical topics include emotional intelligence and other differentiating leadership qualities that distinguish true transformational and servant leaders. Advancing leadership skills can stimulate networking, expose learners to experiential learning styles, inspire others to create positive change, and engender creative solutions for systematic improvements and health outcomes. Level of Evidence III; Individual Case-Control Studies.

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência e as impressões de cirurgiões de trauma ortopédico brasileiros participantes do Programa de Desenvolvimento de Liderança (PDL), organizado pela Sociedade Brasileira do Trauma Ortopédico (SBTO), em São Paulo, Brasil, em 4 de novembro de 2022. Métodos: Quarenta e oito cirurgiões de trauma ortopédico de cinco regiões diferentes do Brasil receberam um link para preencher o The Big Five Test, uma avaliação de personalidade on-line validada. O questionário estava disponível em português e pretendia fornecer informações básicas sobre traços de personalidade individuais e sua influência nas interações interpessoais. O PDL integrou conteúdo de análises de literatura específicas da América Latina, e programas de liderança estabelecidos pelas principais escolas de negócios e por vários especialistas no assunto. Antes do início do PDL, os participantes receberam uma pesquisa pré-curso solicitando informações demográficas, uma avaliação de necessidades e a priorização de tópicos de liderança utilizando uma escala Likert de 5 pontos. Os participantes participaram do PDL interativo de um dia com foco nos princípios fundamentais de desenvolvimento de liderança, comunicação, desenvolvimento pessoal, inteligência emocional e negociação. Após o PDL, foi realizada uma avaliação pós-curso para determinar a experiência geral dos participantes e sugestões para melhoria do PDL. Resultados: Quarenta e um dos quarenta e oito participantes do curso concluíram a avaliação pré-curso, enquanto quarenta e seis dos quarenta e oito participantes concluíram a avaliação pós-curso. A falta de oportunidade foi relatada com maior prevalência como o principal obstáculo para frequentar um curso de liderança, conforme citado por 56% dos entrevistados. Conclusão: Expandir a acessibilidade, a diversidade e a personalização dos programas de liderança podem facilitar o desenvolvimento de ferramentas pessoais necessárias para fazer avançar os cuidados de saúde. Os tópicos críticos incluem inteligência emocional e outras qualidades de liderança diferenciadas, que distinguem verdadeiros líderes transformacionais e servidores O avanço das competências de liderança pode estimular o networking, expor os alunos a estilos de aprendizagem experiencial, inspirar outros a criar mudanças positivas e gerar soluções criativas para melhorias sistemáticas dos resultados na saúde. Nível de Evidência III; Estudos de caso-controle individuais.

Comparison of sacroiliac screw techniques for unstable sacroiliac joint disruptions: a finite element model analysis.

Vertically unstable pelvic injuries associated with sacroiliac disruption are challenging. Although percutaneous iliosacral fixation using two screws at S1 vertebral body has been shown beneficial, the use of two transiliac screws at S1 has been proposed to increase the fixation strength of the construct. In the herein study, the finite element method (FEM) was performed to analyse the biomechanical behaviour of five different constructions using iliosacral screws only, transiliac screws only, and combining an iliosacral and a transiliac screw. A vertically unstable AO 61C1.2 type pelvic injury was produced for the evaluation of the posterior pelvic displacement and implant stress, and the anterior implant stress using FEM. The symphysis pubis was fixed with a 3.5-mm reconstruction plate in all cases. The model was axially loaded with 800N applied in the centre of S1 body, perpendicular to the ground (Y-axis), simulating the bipodal stance moment. There was a statistically significant reduction in both posterior displacement and implant stresses in the groups fixed with at least one transiliac screw compared to the groups fixed with iliosacral screws. In our FEM study, the construct using two transiliac screws in S1 is biomechanically superior for stabilizing the sacroiliac joint in vertically unstable pelvic ring injuries compared to the other configurations. Lateral displacement, posterior displacement, and von Mises stress were reduced with this construct. A good option can be the use of one iliosacral screw and one transiliac screw in S1.

Protective effect of exogenous melatonin on testicular histopathology and histomorphometry of adult rats with domperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia.

Hyperprolactinemia is a pathological condition resulting from increased prolactin that directly affects reproduction, as this condition inhibits the release of LH, FSH and gonadal steroidogenesis, bringing several negative clinical associations in reproduction. In contrast, melatonin (MEL) plays an important role in the regulation of steroidogenesis and modulates damages to the process of spermatogenesis. The objective was to analyze the protective effects of exogenous melatonin on the testis of hyperprolactinemic adult rats. Forty-eight male rats were used, divided into two treatment periods: 30 and 60 days, each treatment was subdivided into three groups: Control, Hyper (hyperprolactinemia), and Hyper+MEL (hyperprolactinemia and melatonin). Treatment with melatonin was 200 µg/100 g, subcutaneously. Induction of hyperprolactinemia was obtained with a dose of 4 mg/kg of domperidone, subcutaneously. The results of the histopathology demonstrated that the animals in the Hyper group presented degeneration of germ cells when compared to the control. In addition, the degenerations were presented in smaller quantities in the Hyper+MEL, in both treatment periods, evidencing the benefits of the melatonin in gonadal regeneration. The Hyper group of both treatment periods showed a decrease in tubular diameter, epithelium height, and tubular area, in addition to a decrease in Sertoli cells, when compared to the control and the Hyper+MEL group. In conclusion, the hyperprolactinemia can affect the germinal epithelium and testicular microstructure; the exogenous melatonin has a protective effect against hyperprolactinemia, reducing testicular damage.

Deposition of graphene nanoparticles associated with tannic acid in microfiltration membrane for removal of food colouring.

A modified microfiltration (MF) membrane was prepared by flow-through coating method. First the sulfuric acid solution was vacuum filtered on the polyethersulfone (PES) MF membrane, providing the introduction of a sulfonic acid group to the backbone of PES. Sequentially, the polyethyleneimine solution was vacuum filtered to provide amine groups on the membrane surface. Finally, the graphene oxide solution, functionalized with different masses of tannic acid, was vacuum filtered on the membrane surface, producing the cross-linked modified membranes. These were efficient in the removal of anionic food colouring, achieving high removal rates and low fouling, compared to unmodified membrane. The best membrane in terms of bright blue dye removal was the MF PEI5GO1TA4, capable of removing all the feed solution, and demonstrating its possibility of reuse in five cycles of operation.

Application of the Z-scan technique for the detection of CFCDNA (cell-free circulating DNA) and urine DNA (uDNA) in patients with bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients with BC have a higher amount of cell-free circulating DNA (CFCDNA) in the blood and urine than healthy people. We aimed to verify if the Z-Scan method could analyze the concentrations of uDNA (urinary) and pDNA (plasma) in relation to the time of collection during treatment for patients with bladder cancer. METHODS: Peripheral blood and urine samples were obtained from 30 patients with BC at the time of diagnosis, 45, 90 and 180 days after initiating treatment; 5 µL of k-DNA (k = u or p) was added in 250 µL a solution of 1:1000 Ethidium Bromide dye (EtBr) in water. Continum laser Nd:YVO4, wavelength λ = 532 nm was used. Samples of uDNA and pDNA in water were submitted to the laser with an incident power of 84.5 mW and an exposure time of 30 ms. RESULTS: There was a different concentration of pDNA and uDNA during the treatment of patients using both optical techniques. However, the reaction rate of pDNA and uDNA was similar with spectrophotometry, whereas the z-scan technique presented different values. CONCLUSION: Z-scan technique has potential for use in the differentiation of pDNA and uDNA concentrations, which are distinct in patients with BC and healthy people.

Sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of detomidine constant rate infusion in sheep.

The use of sheep in experiments is widespread and is increasing worldwide, and so is the need to develop species-specific anaesthetic techniques to ensure animal safety. Previous studies have mentioned several protocols involving the administration of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists in sheep; however, assessment of the efficacy and safety of these infusion techniques is still relatively new. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of detomidine constant rate infusion (CRI) in sheep by measuring the cardiovascular and respiratory parameters, blood gas variables and sedation scores. Eight adult female Santa Inês sheep received 20 µg/kg of detomidine hydrochloride intravenously as a bolus loading dose, followed by an infusion rate of 60 µg/kg/h. The heart rates and respiratory rates changed continuously during the CRI period. No arrhythmias were observed. The reduction in arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) was not significant, but one animal showed signs of hypoxaemia (minimum PaO2 of 66.9 mmHg). The arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) increased, but the animals did not become hypercapnic. The bicarbonate (HCO3-), pH and base excess (BE) tended towards metabolic alkalosis. The cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (CI) and ejection fraction (EF%) showed no significant changes. The fractional shortening (FS%) decreased slightly, starting at T45min. Sedation scores varied between 3 (0/10) after sedation and during recovery and 7 (0/10) during CRI. We concluded that administering detomidine at an infusion rate of 60 µg/kg/h in Santa Inês sheep is a simple technique that produces satisfactory sedation for minimally invasive procedures.

Does the position of the scapula in relation to the glenopolar angle change the preferred treatment of extra-articular fractures?

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the glenopolar angle (GPA) at different inclinations of the scapula using 3D CT, to test the hypothesis that the result could change the indication from conservative treatment to surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of 30 3D CT images of patients' scapulae, measuring the GPA. The GPA was measured with scapulae at 0° and at 20° and 30° of internal and external rotation. Angles were compared by age, sex and examiner for the different angles of rotation of the scapulae. RESULTS: The GPA of scapulae in rotation tended to be smaller than the GPA without rotation, and the larger the degree of rotation, the more the angle was underestimated. Additionally, for the same degree of rotation, internal rotation was associated with greater underestimation of the GPA than external rotation. Two different examiners achieved an excellent level of agreement between angle measurements. The GPA with the scapula at 0° was significantly higher among elderly patients. The variation in GPA with the scapula in rotation (20° and 30°) in relation to the GPA without rotation was significantly greater for female patients. CONCLUSIONS: As the rotation of the scapula was displaced from the scapula in the coronal position (GPA 0°), both in internal rotation and in external rotation, the GPA reduced. Therefore, rotational displacement may lead to an error in GPA measurement, resulting in incorrect indication of treatment. It is recommended that whenever possible, GPA measurements should be taken in neutral rotation, with the scapula in a neutral position at 0°.

Objective assessment of plaster cast quality in pediatric distal forearm fractures: Is there an optimal index?

BACKGROUND: Several so-called casting indices are available for objective evaluation of plaster cast quality. The present study sought to investigate four of these indices (gap index, padding index, Canterbury index, and three-point index) as compared to a reference standard (cast index) for evaluation of plaster cast quality after closed reduction of pediatric displaced distal forearm fractures. METHODS: Forty-three radiographs from patients with displaced distal forearm fractures requiring manipulation were reviewed. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, false-positive probability, false-negative probability, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were calculated for each of the tested indices. RESULTS: Comparison among indices revealed diagnostic agreement in only 4.7% of cases. The strongest correlation with the cast index was found for the gap index, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.94. The gap index also displayed the best agreement with the cast index, with both indices yielding the same result in 79.1% of assessments. CONCLUSION: When seeking to assess plaster cast quality, the cast index and gap index should be calculated; if both indices agree, a decision on quality can be made. If the cast and gap indices disagree, the padding index can be calculated as a tiebreaker, and the decision based on the most frequent of the three results. Calculation of the three-point index and Canterbury index appears unnecessary.

Where is the true location of the femoral piriform fossa?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze knowledge of the anatomic location of the piriform fossa using a questionnaire with anatomic figures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants taking AO Trauma Brasil courses were requested to complete a questionnaire containing a photograph of the superior surface and a photograph of the lateral surface of the femur and answer a question asking which of four numbered points corresponded to the piriform fossa. RESULTS: Just 4.5% of respondents correctly chose point 2 (the piriform fossa) in both images, while 75.4% of respondents chose point 4 (the trochanteric fossa) as the correct anatomic structure. The subset of 4th-year residents' answers was significantly different from those of the other subsets, with 7.5% of correct answers. CONCLUSIONS: The low rate of correct answers indicates a tendency for the respondents to be influenced by illustrations in text books or examples in scientific publications that indicate the site of the piriform fossa incorrectly. Interest in the specialty of traumatology is possibly the reason why the subset of 4th-year residents had a better- than-average rate of correct answers.

Effect of bio-regulator and foliar fertilizers on chemical composition and yield of soybean.

Current study evaluates the effects of bio-regulator associated with foliar fertilizers on the yield components, productivity and chemical composition of soybean. The experimental design was entirely randomized blocks, with four replications. The treatments consisted of: T1-absolute control, T2-application of 0.25 L h(-1) Stimulate in R1 stage of development, T3-application of 0.25 L h(-1) Stimulate and 3 L h(-1) Sett in R1, T4-application of 0.25 L h(-1) Stimulate and 3 L h(-1) Sett in R1 and 0.25 L h(-1) Stimulate and 2 L h(-1) Mover in R5.1; T5-application of 0.25 L h(-1) Stimulate and 3 L h(-1) Sett in R1 and 2 L h(-1) Mover in R5.1, T6-application of 3 L h(-1) Sett in R1 and 0.25 L h(-1) Stimulate and 2 L h(-1) Mover in R5.1 and T7-application of 0.25 L h(-1) Stimulate and 2 L h(-1) Mover in R1. Application of Sett and Mover is a potentially efficient handling as it favors the soybean agronomic performance in R1 stage. Chemical composition of processed grains has influence with applying bio-regulator and foliar fertilizers.

La construcción de la imagen de los entrenadores en internet: un estudio de caso en un sitio de noticias deportivas / The construction of the sports coach's image in the internet: a case study in a sports news website / A construção da imagem de treinadores desportivos na internet: estudo de caso em um site de notícias esportivas

RESUMEN: Objetivo: comprobar cómo se construye la imagen de los entrenadores, a través del análisis de un sitio de noticias deportivas de gran acceso. Método: los datos se obtuvieron a partir de la recopilación de todas las noticias relativas a los entrenadores, durante un mes (15 de agosto a 15 de septiembre de 2011). Las noticias fueron clasificadas por modalidad, y de la lectura de la totalidad de la misma, se elaboraron las categorías que representan el modo en que este medio transmite la imagen de los entrenadores. De todas las noticias sobre el deporte (un total de 7894) fueron seleccionadas 1048 noticias alusivas a los entrenadores. De estos, 987 se referían a entrenadores de fútbol masculino de los clubes grandes, y sólo 62 a entrenadores de otras modalidades. Resultados: los periodistas del medio analizado tienen prioridad en producir noticias que tratan a los técnicos deportivos como competentes o incompetentes.

RESUMO: Objetivo: verificar como se constrói a imagem dos treinadores esportivos, através da análise de um site de notícias esportivas de grande acesso. Metodologia: os dados se obtiveram a partir da coleta de todas as notícias relativas aos treinadores durante um mês (de 15 de agosto a 15 de setembro de 2011). As notícias se classificaram por modalidade e, a partir da leitura na íntegra das mesmas, elaboraram-se categorias que representassem o modo pelo qual essa mídia transmitia a imagem dos treinadores. De todas as notícias sobre esporte (total de 7894) foram selecionadas 1048 notícias alusivas aos treinadores. Dessas, 987 se relacionavam a treinadores de futebol masculino de grandes clubes e apenas 62 sobre treinadores de outras modalidades. Resultados: os jornalistas da mídia analisada se caracterizam por produzir notícias que tratam os técnicos esportivos como competentes ou incompetentes.

Objective: To check how the sports coaches' image is built through the analyses of a sports news website of major access. Method: The data were obtained from the compilation of all news regarding coaches for a month (from 15th August to 15th September 2011). The news were classified by modality; and from its reading, categories that represent the way in which this media broadcast sports coaches' image were elaborated. From a total of all these sports news (7894), 1048 about sports coaches were selected to be analyzed. Out of these news, 987 were about male soccer coaches of important clubs, and only 62 news were about coaches of other sports modalities. Results: The main priority of journalists of the analyzed media is producing news that qualify sports coaches as competent or incompetent.