Analytical Formalism for Data Representation and Object Detection with 2D LiDAR: Application in Mobile Robotics.

In mobile robotics, LASER scanners have a wide spectrum of indoor and outdoor applications, both in structured and unstructured environments, due to their accuracy and precision. Most works that use this sensor have their own data representation and their own case-specific modeling strategies, and no common formalism is adopted. To address this issue, this manuscript presents an analytical approach for the identification and localization of objects using 2D LiDARs. Our main contribution lies in formally defining LASER sensor measurements and their representation, the identification of objects, their main properties, and their location in a scene. We validate our proposal with experiments in generic semi-structured environments common in autonomous navigation, and we demonstrate its feasibility in multiple object detection and identification, strictly following its analytical representation. Finally, our proposal further encourages and facilitates the design, modeling, and implementation of other applications that use LASER scanners as a distance sensor.

A Hybrid Path-Planning Strategy for Mobile Robots with Limited Sensor Capabilities.

This paper introduces a strategy for the path planning problem for platforms with limited sensor and processing capabilities. The proposed algorithm does not require any prior information but assumes that a mapping algorithm is used. If enough information is available, a global path planner finds sub-optimal collision-free paths within the known map. For the real time obstacle avoidance task, a simple and cost-efficient local planner is used, making the algorithm a hybrid global and local planning solution. The strategy was tested in a real, cluttered environment experiment using the Pioneer P3-DX and the Xbox 360 kinect sensor, to validate and evaluate the algorithm efficiency.

Prophylactic catheterization of uterine arteries with temporary blood flow occlusion in patients at high risk of pospartum hemorrhage: is it a safe technique?

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta is an important factor in maternal morbidity and mortality and is responsible for approximately 64% of emergency hysterectomy cases and about 2/3 of cases of puerperal bleeding. OBJECTIVES: To describe a series of cases of prophylactic uterine catheterization performed to prevent significant postpartum bleeding or during caesarean delivery in pregnant women with a previous diagnosis of accretion. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of medical records of cases of uterine artery catheterization performed during elective or emergency caesarean sections of patients at high risk of postpartum bleeding. RESULTS: The catheterization of uterine arteries procedure was performed in fourteen patients. Mean duration of surgery and hospital stay were 214.64 minutes (± 42.16) and 7 days, respectively. All patients underwent obstetric hysterectomy. No patient required embolization. There was no bleeding or need to revisit any patient and there were no complications related to puncture. There was one fetal death and no maternal deaths. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, prophylactic uterine artery catheterization with temporary occlusion of blood flow proved to be a safe technique with low fetal mortality, no maternal mortality, and a low rate of blood transfusion and can be considered an important and effective therapeutic strategy for reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in pregnant women with anomalous placental attachment. Furthermore, the possibility of uterine preservation with the use of this method is an excellent contribution to therapeutic management of this group of patients. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of routine use of the technique.

RehabGesture: An Alternative Tool for Measuring Human Movement.

BACKGROUND: Systems for range of motion (ROM) measurement such as OptoTrak, Motion Capture, Motion Analysis, Vicon, and Visual 3D are so expensive that they become impracticable in public health systems and even in private rehabilitation clinics. Telerehabilitation is a branch within telemedicine intended to offer ways to increase motor and/or cognitive stimuli, aimed at faster and more effective recovery of given disabilities, and to measure kinematic data such as the improvement in ROM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the development of the RehabGesture tool, we used the gesture recognition sensor Kinect(®) (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) and the concepts of Natural User Interface and Open Natural Interaction. RESULTS: RehabGesture can measure and record the ROM during rehabilitation sessions while the user interacts with the virtual reality environment. The software allows the measurement of the ROM (in the coronal plane) from 0° extension to 145° flexion of the elbow joint, as well as from 0° adduction to 180° abduction of the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint, leaving the standing position. The proposed tool has application in the fields of training and physical evaluation of professional and amateur athletes in clubs and gyms and may have application in rehabilitation and physiotherapy clinics for patients with compromised motor abilities. CONCLUSIONS: RehabGesture represents a low-cost solution to measure the movement of the upper limbs, as well as to stimulate the process of teaching and learning in disciplines related to the study of human movement, such as kinesiology.

Graph analysis of cortical reorganization after virtual reality-based rehabilitation following stroke: a pilot randomized study.

Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of functional disability worldwide. With the increase of the global population, motor rehabilitation of stroke survivors is of ever-increasing importance. In the last decade, virtual reality (VR) technologies for rehabilitation have been extensively studied, to be used instead of or together with conventional treatments such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the GestureCollection VR-based rehabilitation tool in terms of the brain changes and clinical outcomes of the patients. Methods: Two groups of chronic patients underwent a rehabilitation treatment with (experimental) or without (control) complementation with GestureCollection. Functional magnetic resonance imaging exams and clinical assessments were performed before and after the treatment. A functional connectivity graph-based analysis was used to assess differences between the connections and in the network parameters strength and clustering coefficient. Results: Patients in both groups showed improvement in clinical scales, but there were more increases in functional connectivity in the experimental group than in the control group. Discussion: The experimental group presented changes in the connections between the frontoparietal and the somatomotor networks, associative cerebellum and basal ganglia, which are regions associated with reward-based motor learning. On the other hand, the control group also had results in the somatomotor network, in its ipsilateral connections with the thalamus and with the motor cerebellum, which are regions more related to a purely mechanical activity. Thus, the use of the GestureCollection system was successfully shown to promote neuroplasticity in several motor-related areas.

Avoiding obstacles in cooperative load transportation.

This work deals with load transportation by quadrotors, when the load is attached to the vehicles through flexible cables. More specifically, two quadrotors are used to carry a single load, which is attached to both vehicles, through such kind of cables. The idea of using two quadrotors working cooperatively to carry the load is adopted to suppress any load oscillation in the direction of movement, what would happen if just one UAV were used. As a consequence of using two UAVs (or more than two) it can happen collisions between the vehicles when carrying the load, caused by the forces the load exert on the two vehicles, whose tendency is to bring the vehicles closer one to the other when they accelerate forward. The paper proposes a strategy to avoid such collisions and any collision with obstacles eventually present in the working space as well. Simulated results are shown and discussed, using two AR.Drone®2.0 quadrotor to carry the load, which validate the proposed strategy.

Reproducibility and Validity of the 6-Minute Stationary Walk Test Associated With Virtual Reality in Subjects With COPD.

BACKGROUND: The importance of evaluating the functional capacity of patients with COPD is well known, and there is a wide range of tests described in the literature. The 6-min stationary walk test associated with virtual reality (STVR-6) was created in light of the current limitations of evaluation tests. It does not require a large physical space or sophisticated equipment, and it is not costly; furthermore, it can be performed by a single rater. The objective of this study was to evaluate intra- and inter-rater reproducibility and to verify the criterion validity of the STVR-6. METHODS: 50 subjects with COPD were evaluated over the course of 3 d. The execution order of the tests was randomized; the STVR-6 was performed over 2 d, and the 6-min walk test was performed in 1 d. The 6-min walk distance variables and number of steps in the STVR-6 were obtained with a gas analysis performed for both tests. RESULTS: Relative reproducibility was found for intraclass correlation coefficient values (0.57-0.94, P < .001) between the number of steps and the highest value of oxygen consumption during the test (V̇O2 peak), intra- and inter-rater. In terms of absolute reproducibility, the standard error of measurement and minimum detectable difference values were verified. In the Bland-Altman analysis, the intra- and inter-rater mean difference values were 21 and 17 steps and 0.002 and 0.242 mL/min/kg, respectively. Pearson correlation values were 0.57-0.75 (P < .001) between the number of steps and V̇O2 peak. CONCLUSIONS: STVR-6 had excellent intra-rater reproducibility and excellent to good inter-rater reproducibility, but the high values of error measures demonstrated that there is a learning effect and a need to perform at least 2 tests. In addition, there was high to moderate correlation between the STVR-6 and the 6-min walk test. Therefore, the STVR-6 proved to be reproducible and valid for evaluating the functional capacity of subjects with COPD.

Cheilitis granulomatosa associated with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) consists of persistent or recurrent orofacial edema, relapsing facial palsy and fissured tongue. The complete triad of symptoms is uncommon, varying from 8 to 25%. The presentation of only one symptom is more common. The most frequent complaint is facial edema and enlargement of the lips. We describe a case of a 17-year-old Brazilian girl with limited edema of the lower lip and fissured tongue due to MRS. Her complaints had started two years before. She referred previous clinical treatments without success. We proposed intralesional injection of triamcinolone at 20 mg every 15 days associated with oral clofazimine at 50 mg/day for three months. The lip became normal after four triamcinolone injections. Recent studies have considered MRS a granulomatous disease, and possibly the initial presentation of Crohn's disease in orofacial area of some patients. MRS patients, therefore, should be screened and monitored for gastrointestinal symptoms. Corticosteroid treatment seems to be effective in reducing lip enlargement. We discuss the clinical features of this disease, the treatment, and the importance of corticosteroid therapy in cases of MRS-related facial palsy.

Intervenção por realidade virtual e exercício físico em idosos / Intervention for virtual reality and physical exercise in elderly / La intervención de la realidad virtual y el ejercicio físico en los ancianos

Objetivo: Comparar nos idosos a evolução do equilíbrio, cognição e marcha durante a prática de exercício físico com a realidade virtual. Métodos: 31 participantes de ambos os sexos, foram divididos nos grupos: 1. Realidade Virtual (RV); 2. Exercício Físico (EF) e 3. Realidade Virtual e Exercício Físico (RVEF), realizaram procedimentos com um quebra-cabeça virtual (grupos RV) e/ou exercício físico de caminhada (grupos EF), durante 5 meses. Resultados: Na atenção todos os grupos aumentaram o escore médio após o período de intervenção. Na memória as diferenças estatisticamente significativas ocorreram nos grupos RV e RVEF. No equilíbrio todos os grupos aumentaram o escore após o período de intervenção. Na marcha o grupo RVEF obteve melhor resultado. Conclusões: As intervenções por RV e EF mostraram-se eficazes para a melhora do equilíbrio, marcha, atenção e memória. Portanto, conclui-se que a intervenção por RV associada ao EF melhora o desempenho físico funcional em idosos.

Objective: To compare in the elderly, the evolution of balance, cognition and walking during physical exercise with virtual reality. Methods: 31 participants of both sexes divided into groups: 1. Virtual Reality (VR); 2. Physical Exercise (PE) and 3. Virtual Reality and Physical Exercise (VRPE), performed procedures with a virtual puzzle (VR groups) or walking physical exercise (PE groups), during five months. Results: In the attention test, all groups increased the mean score after the intervention period; In the memory test, statistically significant differences occurred in the VR and VRPE groups; In the balance test, all groups increased the score after the intervention period, and in the gait test, the VRPE group obtained better results. Conclusions: The interventions by VR and PE were effective in improving balance, gait, attention and memory. Therefore, we conclude that VR intervention associated with PE improves functional physical performance in the elderly.

Objetivo: Comparar la evolución del equilibrio, la cognición y la marcha durante el ejercicio físico con la realidad virtual del ancianos. Métodos: 31 participantes de ambos sexos fueron divididos en grupos: 1. Realidad Virtual (RV) con un rompecabezas virtual; 2. Ejercicio Físico (EF) caminando; y 3. Realidad Virtual y Ejercicio Físico (RVEF). La intervención ha durado cinco meses. Resultados: En la atención todos aumentaron la puntuación media después del período de intervención. En la memoria, las diferencias estadísticamente significativas ocurrieron en los grupos RV y RVEF. En equilibrio, todos aumentaron la puntuación después del período de intervención. En la marcha el grupo RVEF obtuvo mejores resultados. Conclusiones: Las intervenciones de RV y EF fueron efectivas para mejorar el equilibrio, la marcha, la atención y la memoria. Se concluye que la intervención de la RV asociada a la EF mejora el rendimiento físico y funcional en los ancianos.

Histomorphometric analysis of rat alveolar wound healing with hydroxyapatite alone or associated to BMPs.

Several materials and techniques have been proposed to improve alveolar wound healing and decrease loss of bone height and thickness that normally follow dental extraction. The objective of this research was the histologic analysis of bone morphogenetic proteins implanted into dental alveoli of rats after extraction. A total of 45 adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 15 animals each: control (no treatment), implanted with pure hydroxyapatite (HA, 3 mg) and implanted with hydroxyapatite plus bone morphogenetic proteins (HA/BMPs, 3 mg). Five animals from each group were sacrificed at 7, 21 and 42 days after extraction for the histometric analyses of the osteoconductive potential of hydroxyapatite associated or not with BMPs. After dissection, fixation, decalcification and serial microtomy of 6-micron thick sections, the samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for histologic and histometric analyses. Both HA and HA/BMPs caused a delay in wound healing compared to control animals, evaluated by the percentage of bone tissue in the alveoli. The treatment with HA/BMPs had the greatest delay at 21 days, even though it produced values similar to the control group at 42 days. The materials did not improve alveolar repair in the normal period of wound healing and the association of HA/BMPs did not have osteoconductive properties with granulated hydroxyapatite as the vehicle.

Cateterização profilática de artérias uterinas com oclusão temporária do fluxo sanguíneo em pacientes de alto risco para hemorragia puerperal: é uma técnica segura? / Prophylactic catheterization of uterine arteries with temporary blood flow occlusion in patients at high risk of pospartum hemorrhage: is it a safe technique?

A placenta acreta é um importante causa de morbimortalidade materna, sendo responsável por aproximadamente 64% dos casos de histerectomia de urgência e em torno de 2/3 dos casos de sangramento puerperal. Objetivos Descrever uma série de casos de cateterização uterina profilática para evitar sangramento significativo no pós-parto ou durante parto cesárea em gestantes com diagnóstico prévio de acretismo. Métodos Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de prontuários dos casos de cateterização da artéria uterina durante cesarianas eletivas ou de urgência em pacientes com alto risco de sangramento puerperal. Resultados O procedimento foi realizado em 14 pacientes. O tempo médio do procedimento cirúrgico e da internação foi de 214,64 minutos (± 42,16) e 7 dias, respectivamente. Todas as pacientes foram submetidas a histerectomia por indicação obstétrica. Nenhuma paciente necessitou de embolização. Não houve sangramento ou necessidade de reabordagem em nenhuma paciente e nenhuma complicação relacionada à punção. Houve apenas um caso de morte fetal e nenhuma morte materna. Conclusões Neste estudo, a cateterização profilática de artérias uterinas com oclusão temporária do fluxo sanguíneo demonstrou ser uma técnica segura, pois apresentou baixa mortalidade fetal, baixa necessidade de hemotransfusão, e nenhuma morte materna. Portanto, pode ser considerada uma estratégia terapêutica importante e eficaz para a diminuição da morbimortalidade materna, especialmente em gestantes com implantação placentária anômala. Além disso, a possibilidade de preservação uterina com o uso do método traz excelente contribuição na terapêutica nesse grupo de pacientes. Entretanto, são necessários ensaios clínicos randomizados para avaliar a eficácia do uso rotineiro da técnica

Placenta accreta is an important factor in maternal morbidity and mortality and is responsible for approximately 64% of emergency hysterectomy cases and about 2/3 of cases of puerperal bleeding. Objectives To describe a series of cases of prophylactic uterine catheterization performed to prevent significant postpartum bleeding or during caesarean delivery in pregnant women with a previous diagnosis of accretion. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of medical records of cases of uterine artery catheterization performed during elective or emergency caesarean sections of patients at high risk of postpartum bleeding. Results The catheterization of uterine arteries procedure was performed in fourteen patients. Mean duration of surgery and hospital stay were 214.64 minutes (± 42.16) and 7 days, respectively. All patients underwent obstetric hysterectomy. No patient required embolization. There was no bleeding or need to revisit any patient and there were no complications related to puncture. There was one fetal death and no maternal deaths. Conclusions In this study, prophylactic uterine artery catheterization with temporary occlusion of blood flow proved to be a safe technique with low fetal mortality, no maternal mortality, and a low rate of blood transfusion and can be considered an important and effective therapeutic strategy for reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in pregnant women with anomalous placental attachment. Furthermore, the possibility of uterine preservation with the use of this method is an excellent contribution to therapeutic management of this group of patients. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of routine use of the technique

Influência da realidade virtual sobre a dor, fadiga, capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida na fibromialgia: estudo de caso / Influence of virtual reality on pain, fatigue, functional capacity and quality of life in fibromyalgia: a case study

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da Realidade Virtual (RV) associado a exercícios físicos na qualidade de vida, fadiga, níveis de dor e capacidade funcional em uma mulher com Fibromialgia (FM). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de caso que avaliou uma paciente com diagnóstico de FM, antes e após a intervenção com a RV associada a prática de exercícios físicos. Os instrumentos de avaliação utilizadas foram: Questionário de Impacto da Fibromialgia, Questionário de Capacidade Funcional, a Escala Visual analógica de Dor, Escala de Pensamento catastrófico sobre a dor, Escala de severidade da fadiga e avaliação do limiar de dor à pressão sobre os 18 tender points por meio de um algômetro de pressão digital. O tratamento ocorreu durante 6 semanas, com 2 sessões de tratamento por semana, totalizando 12 sessões. Resultados: O estudo proposto mostrou que o tratamento associado a RV promoveu uma melhora no impacto da FM na qualidade de vida da voluntária, uma diminuição na catastrofização da dor e uma diminuição da fadiga. Também foi possível notar uma melhora no limiar de dor a pressão em 16 tender points. Conclusão: Um programa de reabilitação para pessoas com FM que envolva a RV somado a prática de exercícios físicos contribuiu para melhora dos aspectos cognitivo e físico. A associação destas duas terapias foi benéfica, uma vez que estímulos cognitivos e a prática de uma atividade física foi capaz de promover melhora na função, na fadiga, na qualidade de vida e na percepção de dor desses

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Virtual Reality (VR) associated with physical exercises on quality of life, fatigue, pain levels, and functional capacity in a woman with Fibromyalgia. Methods: This is a case report that evaluated one patient diagnosed with FM before and after the intervention with RV associated with physical exercise. The evaluation scales used were: Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Health Assessment Questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale for Pain, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale and pressure pain threshold evaluation at the 18 tender points with a digital pressure algometer. Treatment was conducted for 6 weeks, with 2 sessions per week, totaling 12 treatment sessions. Results: The study showed that treatment with VR promoted an improvement in the impact of FM in the volunteer's quality life, a decrease in catastrophic sensation of pain and a decrease in fatigue. It was also possible to notice an improvement in the pressure pain threshold at 16 tender points. Conclusion: A rehabilitation program for people with FM that involves VR combined with the practice of physical exercises contributed to the improvement of cognitive and physical aspects. The association of these two therapies was beneficial, since cognitive stimuli and the practice of a physical activity could promote improvements in function, fatigue, quality of life, and pain perception of these individuals

Effects of prokinetic drugs on the abdominal wall wound healing of rats submitted to segmental colectomy and colonic anastomosis.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of prokinetic agents on abdominal wall wound healing in rats submitted to segmental colectomy and colonic anastomosis. METHODS: Sixty rats were randomly allocated into three groups according to the agents they would receive in the postoperative period: M (metoclopramide); B (bromopride); and C (control, saline 0.9%). Surgical procedures were performed identically in all animals, and consisted of a midline laparotomy followed by resection of a 1-cm segment of large bowel with end-to-end anastomosis. The abdominal wall was closed in two layers with running stitches. Abdominal wall samples were collected on the 3rd or 7th postoperative day for measurement of breaking (tensile) strength and histopathological assessment. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in tensile strength of the abdominal wall scar between groups M, B, and C, nor between the three and seven days after surgery subgroups. On histopathological assessment, there were no statistically significant between-group differences in collagen deposition or number of fibroblasts at the wound site CONCLUSION: Use of the prokinetic drugs metoclopramide or bromopride had no effect on abdominal wall healing in rats submitted to segmental colectomy and colonic anastomosis.

Study on adhesion formation and the healing of colon anastomosis in rats with induced peritoneal sepsis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of abdominal sepsis on adhesion formation and colon anastomosis healing in rats. METHODS: Forty rats were distributed in two groups containing 20 rats each for left colon anastomosis in the presence (Group S) or absence (Group N) of induced sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture. Each group was divided into subgroups for euthanasia on the third (N3 and S3) or seventh (N7 or S7) post-operative day. The amount of adhesions was evaluated and a segment of the colon was removed for histopathologic analysis, bursting strength assessment, hydroxyproline and the determination of tissue collagen. RESULTS: The subjects which underwent cecal ligation and puncture presented a higher amount of intra-abdominal adherences in both third (p=0,00) and seventh (p=0,00) post-operatory days. Smaller bursting strengths were found in the S3 subgroup, and greater bursting strengths were found in the S7 subgroup. There was no difference in the variations on the concentrations of hydroxyproline, tissue collagen and histopathology. CONCLUSIONS: The peritoneal infection which was developed by cecal ligation and puncture raised the amount of intra-cavitary adhesions. There was a decrease in the amount of colonic anastomosis on the third post-operatory day with a following raise on the seventh without any effects on other healing parameters.

Effects of bromopride on abdominal wall healing with induced peritoneal sepsis after segmental colectomy and colonic anastomosis in rats.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the effects of bromopride on abdominal wall healing of rats with induced peritoneal sepsis after segmental colectomy and colonic anastomosis. METHODS: Forty rats underwent sectioning of the left colon and end-to-end anastomosis and were divided into two groups of 20 animals for the administration of bromopride (bromopride group - B) or saline solution (control group - C). Each group was divided into subgroups of 10 animals each to be killed on the third (GB3 and GC3) or seventh postoperative day (GB7 and GC7). It was analyzed the following characteristics: breaking strength of the abdominal wall's wound; surgical and histopathological features of the abdominal wall; and clinical features of the rats. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in relation to the weight of the rats and the breaking strength of the abdominal wall's wound. The GB7 group presented less edema and less quantity of fibrin during histopathological evaluation compared to the GC7 group. CONCLUSION: Bromopride did not have harmful effects on the healing of abdominal wall in rats.

Effects of abdominal sepsis in the healing of abdominal wall: experimental study in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of sepsis in the process of wound healing in the abdominal wall. METHODS: 40 rats divided into two groups of twenty animals: group of study (E) - septic, and the control group (C) - not septic. The two groups were divided into subgroups of 10 to be killed on the third day (n = 10) or seventh (n = 10) postoperative. Sepsis was induced by ligation and puncture of the cecum. We performed also the section and anastomosis in left colon. The synthesis of the abdominal wall was made with 3-0 silk thread. On the day of re-laparotomy, the abdominal wall was removed for analysis of the breaking strength and histopathological analysis. RESULTS: The mean breaking strength was at third day: E group (1.44 ± 1.22) and C group (0.35 ± 0.46). At seventh day the mean breaking strength was: E group (13.01 ± 7.09) and C group (11.66 ± 7.38). There was statistical difference in tensile strength. E group at third day with control group (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The induction of peritoneal sepsis reduced the breaking strength of the abdominal wall on the third day after surgery.

Influence of metoclopramide on abdominal wall healing in rats subjected to colonic anastomosis in the presence of peritoneal sepsis induced.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of metoclopramide on abdominal wall healing in rats in the presence of sepsis. METHODS: 40 rats divided into two groups of twenty animals, subdivided into two subgroups of 10 animals each: group (E) - treated with metoclopramide, and saline-treated control group. The two groups were divided into subgroups of 10 to be killed on the 3rd day (n = 10) or day 7 (n = 10) after surgery. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture. We performed also the section and anastomosis in left colon. The synthesis of the abdominal wall was made with 3-0 silk thread. We measured the breaking strength of the abdominal wall and made the histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: on 3rd day postoperative, the average breaking strength in the E group was 0.83 ± 0.66 and in group C was 0.35 ± 0.46 (p = 0.010). On the seventh day, the breaking strength in group E was 11.44 ± 5.07, in group C 11.66 ± 7.38 (p = 1.000). The E7 group showed lower inflammatory infiltration, foreign body reaction, fibrin than control. CONCLUSION: animals treated with metoclopramide had a higher resistance of the abdominal wall on the 3rd postoperative day.

Effects of prokinetic drugs on the abdominal wall wound healing of rats submitted to segmental colectomy and colonic anastomosis / Efeitos de drogas procinéticas na cicatrização da parede abdominal de ratos submetidos à colectomia segmentar e anastomose no cólon esquerdo

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of prokinetic agents on abdominal wall wound healing in rats submitted to segmental colectomy and colonic anastomosis. METHODS: Sixty rats were randomly allocated into three groups according to the agents they would receive in the postoperative period: M (metoclopramide); B (bromopride); and C (control, saline 0.9%). Surgical procedures were performed identically in all animals, and consisted of a midline laparotomy followed by resection of a 1-cm segment of large bowel with end-to-end anastomosis. The abdominal wall was closed in two layers with running stitches. Abdominal wall samples were collected on the 3rd or 7th postoperative day for measurement of breaking (tensile) strength and histopathological assessment. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in tensile strength of the abdominal wall scar between groups M, B, and C, nor between the three and seven days after surgery subgroups. On histopathological assessment, there were no statistically significant between-group differences in collagen deposition or number of fibroblasts at the wound site CONCLUSION: Use of the prokinetic drugs metoclopramide or bromopride had no effect on abdominal wall healing in rats submitted to segmental colectomy and colonic anastomosis.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do uso de drogas prócinéticas na cicatrização da parede abdominal de ratos submetidos à colectomia segmentar e anastomose no cólon esquerdo. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 60 ratos, alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos para receberem as seguintes medicações no período pós-operatório: M (metoclopramida); B (bromoprida) e C (solução salina a 0,9%). Os procedimentos cirúrgicos foram idênticos em todos os animais. Foi realizada laparotomia mediana, seguida de colectomia segmentar de 1-cm e anastomose colônica. O fechamento da parede abdominal foi feito em dois planos de sutura contínua. No 3° ou no 7° dia pós-operatório foram coletadas amostras da parede abdominal para medida da força de ruptura e avaliação histopatológica. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos no que diz respeito à força de ruptura da parede abdominal, nem entre os subgrupos no 3º e 7º dia após a cirurgia. À análise histopatológica não houve alterações na deposição de colágeno ou na quantidade de fibroblastos no sítio da cicatriz. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de drogas prócinéticas, metoclopramida ou de bromoprida, não interferiu na cicatrização da parede abdominal de ratos submetidos à colectomia segmentar e anastomose no cólon esquerdo.

Effects of bromopride on abdominal wall healing with induced peritoneal sepsis after segmental colectomy and colonic anastomosis in rats / Efeitos da bromoprida na cicatrização da parede abdominal com sepse peritoneal induzida e submetidos à ressecção segmentar e anastomose do cólon esquerdo em ratos

PURPOSE: Evaluate the effects of bromopride on abdominal wall healing of rats with induced peritoneal sepsis after segmental colectomy and colonic anastomosis. METHODS: Forty rats underwent sectioning of the left colon and end-to-end anastomosis and were divided into two groups of 20 animals for the administration of bromopride (bromopride group - B) or saline solution (control group - C). Each group was divided into subgroups of 10 animals each to be killed on the third (GB3 and GC3) or seventh postoperative day (GB7 and GC7). It was analyzed the following characteristics: breaking strength of the abdominal wall's wound; surgical and histopathological features of the abdominal wall; and clinical features of the rats. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in relation to the weight of the rats and the breaking strength of the abdominal wall's wound. The GB7 group presented less edema and less quantity of fibrin during histopathological evaluation compared to the GC7 group. CONCLUSION: Bromopride did not have harmful effects on the healing of abdominal wall in rats.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da bromoprida, na cicatrização da ferida operatória da parede abdominal de ratos com sepse peritoneal experimentalmente induzida e submetidos a ressecção segmentar e anastomose de cólon esquerdo. MÉTODOS: 40 ratos distribuídos em dois grupos contendo 20 animais, para administração de bromoprida (grupo bromoprida- B) ou solução de NaCl 0,9 por cento (grupo controle - C). Cada grupo foi dividido em subgrupos contendo 10 animais, para eutanásia no terceiro (GB3 e GC3) ou sétimo dia (GB7 e GE7) de pós-operatório. Os ratos foram submetidos à secção do cólon esquerdo e anastomose término-terminal. No dia da eutanásia foram avaliadas as características cirúrgicas da cavidade abdominal e clínicas dos ratos. Foram coletados segmentos da parede para a avaliação histopatológica e de resistência tênsil da ferida operatória. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças entre os pesos dos ratos e resistência tênsil da ferida operatória nos dois grupos. Em relação a análise histopatológica, o grupo GB7 apresentou menos edema e menos fibrina que o grupo GC7. Não houve outras diferenças. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização de bromoprida não resultou em distúrbios ou retardo da cicatrização no grupo de ratos submetidos à laparotomia e anastomose término-terminal em condições de sepse peritoneal.

Effects of abdominal sepsis in the healing of abdominal wall: experimental study in rats / Efeitos da sepse abdominal na cicatrização de parede abdominal: estudo experimental em ratos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of sepsis in the process of wound healing in the abdominal wall. METHODS: 40 rats divided into two groups of twenty animals: group of study (E) - septic, and the control group (C) - not septic. The two groups were divided into subgroups of 10 to be killed on the third day (n = 10) or seventh (n = 10) postoperative. Sepsis was induced by ligation and puncture of the cecum. We performed also the section and anastomosis in left colon. The synthesis of the abdominal wall was made with 3-0 silk thread. On the day of re-laparotomy, the abdominal wall was removed for analysis of the breaking strength and histopathological analysis. RESULTS: The mean breaking strength was at third day: E group (1.44 ± 1.22) and C group (0.35 ± 0.46). At seventh day the mean breaking strength was: E group (13.01 ± 7.09) and C group (11.66 ± 7.38). There was statistical difference in tensile strength. E group at third day with control group (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The induction of peritoneal sepsis reduced the breaking strength of the abdominal wall on the third day after surgery.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da sepse no processo de cicatrização de feridas na parede abdominal. MÉTODOS: 40 ratos divididos em dois grupos de vinte animais: grupo de estudo (E) - séptico, e grupo controle (C) - não séptico. Os dois grupos foram divididos em subgrupos de 10 sendo os animais mortos no terceiro (n = 10) ou sétimo dia (n = 10) pós-operatório. A sepse foi induzida por ligadura e punção do ceco. Foi realizada também a secção e anastomose em cólon esquerdo. A síntese da parede abdominal foi feita com fio de seda 3-0. No dia da re-laparotomia, a parede abdominal foi retirado para análise da força de ruptura e análise histopatológica. RESULTADOS: A força média de ruptura foi: no terceiro dia, grupo E (1,44 ± 1,22) e grupo C (0,35 ± 0,46); no sétimo dia, grupo E (13,01 ± 7,09) e grupo C (11,66 ± 7,38). Houve diferença estatística na resistência à tração do grupo E do terceiro dia quando comparado ao grupo controle (p = 0,019). CONCLUSÃO: A indução de sepse peritoneal reduziu a resistência à ruptura da parede abdominal no terceiro dia após a cirurgia.