Do good things really come to those who wait? An analysis of the average time of acceptance in Brazilian surgery journals.

PURPOSE: To analyze the average time between submission and acceptance of national journals in seven Brazilian surgery journals from 2017 to 2022. METHODS: It consists of a cross-sectional and observational study with a quantitative approach to analyze the acceptance time of articles approved by Brazilian journals on general surgery and its subspecialties, including Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira, Jornal Vascular Brasileiro, Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia de Digestiva, Revista do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões, Journal of Coloproctology, Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica, and International Brazilian Journal of Urology. RESULTS: The journals with the lowest average waiting times were Revista do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões, Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira, and Journal of Coloproctology, respectively, and, with the lowest interquartile range there is Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira. There was no significant difference between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The study designs with the highest and lowest means were, respectively, ideas and innovations - also with the highest interquartile range - and expert opinion, while with the lowest interquartile range was technical skill. CONCLUSIONS: The acceptance time for articles in Brazilian surgery journals is extremely variable. Identifying these discrepancies highlights the importance of understanding editorial processes and seeking ways to improve consistency and efficiency in reviewing articles.

End-to-side neurorrhaphy in the reconstruction of peripheral segmental neural loss: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects on peripheral neural regeneration of the end-to-side embracing repair technique compared to the autograft repair technique in Wistar rats. METHODS: Fifteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups with five animals each: denervated group (GD), autograft group (GA), and embracing group (EG). For the evaluation, the grasping test, electroneuromyography (ENMG), and muscle weight assessment were used. RESULTS: Muscle weight assessment and ENMG did not show significant neural regeneration at the end of 12 weeks in the DG and GE groups, but only in GA. The grasping test showed an increase in strength between the surgery and the fourth week in all groups, and only the GA maintained this trend until the 12th week. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that the neural regeneration observed in the end-to-side embracing neurorrhaphy technique, in the repair of segmental neural loss, is inferior to autograft repair in Wistar rats.

The Metabolic and Analytical Changes of Healthy Volunteers upon Intake of Portuguese Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Comparison Study between Pre- and Post-Intervention.

(1) Background: Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is studied mostly for its health benefits in preventing non-communicable chronic diseases, particularly within a Mediterranean dietary pattern. However, few studies have addressed the effect of EVOO in healthy individuals, prior to an established disease. This study aims to evaluate the impact of Northern Portuguese polyphenol-rich EVOO (NPPR-EVOO) consumption on various important clinical parameters in healthy adult volunteers. (2) Methods: This quasi-experimental intervention study assessed the impact of NPPR-EVOO for a period of 100 days. Serum total cholesterol, HbA1c, HDL-c, LDL-c, and CRP, and anthropometric measures-waist and hip perimeters, hand grip strength, and body fat-were assessed and food logs were analyzed. (3) Results: Serum HbA1c (5.12 ± 0.32%; 4.93 ± 0.24, p = 0.000) and LDL-c (96.50 ± 28.57 mg/dL; 87.41 ± 31.38 mg/dL, p = 0.017) significantly decreased following NPPR-EVOO. Also, daily energy significantly increased, but no changes in other dietary parameters, or anthropometry, were seen. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet did not explain the differences found in individuals regarding serum lipid profile and HbA1c, reinforcing the role of EVOO's effect. (4) Conclusions: NPPR-EVOO lowered the serum levels of LDL cholesterol and HbA1c, providing clues on the effect of EVOO-putative health benefits. These results pave the way for a deeper exploration of EVOO as a functional food.

The Effects of Hydrolyzed Collagen and Collagen Peptide in the Treatment of Superficial Chondral Lesions: An Experimental Study.

Objective To evaluate the effects of hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptide in the treatment of superficial chondral lesions in rats. Method This research employed 18 Rattus norvegicus . A single intraarticular infiltration of sodium iodoacetate (2 mg solution) through the patellar ligament induced joint damage in previously anesthetized animals. We divided the animals into three groups: a control group, a collagen peptide group, and a hydrolyzed collagen group. Treatment consisted of oral administration of collagen peptide or hydrolyzed collagen for 30 days. Afterwards, we euthanized the animals and studied the joint chondral changes. We evaluated the results according to the chondrocyte clusters count and a histological evaluation, as per Pritzker et al. Results There was no statistical significance in injury stages between the control, hydrolyzed collagen, and collagen peptide groups ( p = 0.11). Regarding scores, there was a statistical significance between the groups treated with hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptide ( p < 0.05), but not in comparison with the control group. Conclusion The proposed treatments of the induced chondral lesion with the oral administration of hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides were effective, resulting in lesion stabilization or regression, and warranting further experimental research to understand and improve the primary outcome of this study.

Association between the rs820218 Variant within the SAP30BP Gene and Rotator Cuff Rupture in an Amazonian Population.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff disease is one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal pain and disability, and its etiology is most likely multifactorial but remains incompletely understood. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the relationship of the single-nucleotide rs820218 polymorphism of the SAP30-binding protein (SAP30BP) gene with rotator cuff tears in the Amazonian population. METHODS: The case group consisted of patients who were operated on due to rotator cuff tears in a hospital in the Amazon region between 2010 and 2021, and the control group was composed of individuals who were selected after negative physical examinations for rotator cuff tears. Genomic DNA was obtained from saliva samples. For the genotyping and allelic discrimination of the selected single nucleotide polymorphism (rs820218) in the SAP30BP gene, real-time PCR was performed. RESULTS: The frequency of the A allele in the control group was four times as high as that in the case group (AA homozygotes); an association of the genetic variant rs820218 of the SAP30BP gene with rotator cuff tears was not established (p = 0.28 and 0.20), as the A allelic frequency is ordinarily low in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the A allele indicates protection against rotator cuff tears.

The Effects of Hydrolyzed Collagen and Collagen Peptide in the Treatment of Superficial Chondral Lesions: An Experimental Study / Os efeitos do colágeno hidrolisado e do peptídeo de colágeno no tratamento de lesões condrais superficiais: Um estudo experimental

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptide in the treatment of superficial chondral lesions in rats. Method This research employed 18 Rattus norvegicus. A single intraarticular infiltration of sodium iodoacetate (2 mg solution) through the patellar ligament induced joint damage in previously anesthetized animals. We divided the animals into three groups: a control group, a collagen peptide group, and a hydrolyzed collagen group. Treatment consisted of oral administration of collagen peptide or hydrolyzed collagen for 30 days. Afterwards, we euthanized the animals and studied the joint chondral changes. We evaluated the results according to the chondrocyte clusters count and a histological evaluation, as per Pritzker et al. Results There was no statistical significance in injury stages between the control, hydrolyzed collagen, and collagen peptide groups (p= 0.11). Regarding scores, there was a statistical significance between the groups treated with hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptide (p< 0.05), but not in comparison with the control group. Conclusion The proposed treatments of the induced chondral lesion with the oral administration of hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides were effective, resulting in lesion stabilization or regression, and warranting further experimental research to understand and improve the primary outcome of this study.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos do colágeno hidrolisado e do peptídeo de colágeno no tratamento de lesões condrais superficiais de ratos. Método Foram utilizados 18 Rattus norvegicus nesta pesquisa. O dano articular foi induzido por uma única infiltração intra-articular de iodoacetato de sódio (solução 2 mg), injetada através do ligamento patelar da articulação dos animais previamente anestesiados. Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos: grupo controle, grupo peptídeo de colágeno e grupo colágeno hidrolisado. O tratamento foi realizado por 30 dias com a administração via oral do peptídeo de colágeno ou do colágeno hidrolisado. Posteriormente, foi realizada a eutanásia dos experimentos e seguiu-se para o estudo das alterações condrais articulares. Os resultados foram avaliados conforme contagem de condrócitos por cluster e através da avaliação histológica segundo Pritzker et al. Resultados Ao observar os estágios de lesão, não foi observada significância estatística entre os grupos controle, colágeno hidrolisado e peptídeo de colágeno (p= 0,11). Ao observar os escores, houve significância estatística na comparação do grupo tratado com colágeno hidrolisado e o grupo peptídeo colágeno (p< 0,05), porém sem diferença estatística em relação ao grupo controle. Conclusão Os tratamentos propostos da lesão condral induzida com uso de colágeno hidrolisado ou peptídeos de colágeno via oral mostraram-se eficazes, com estabilização ou regressão da lesão apresentada em ratos, merecendo novas pesquisas experimentais com o intuito de compreender e melhorar o desfecho primário deste trabalho.

Development and validation of a 3D laryngeal model in surgical skills training.

OBJECTIVE: To present and validate a new simulation model for endoscopic phonomicrosurgery training as an improved teaching method. METHODS: A low-cost artificial model was assembled using 3D printing, silicone, and gelatin. The study was designed to test the model's ability to carry out training and teaching of endoscopic phonomicrosurgery. The synthetic model was built to simulate normal and pathological vocal folds such as polyps, intracordal cysts and keratoses, made of silicone and gelatin and embedded in a larynx framework made by 3D printing. Simulations of endoscopic surgical procedures were performed and documented through photographs and videos and the images were submitted to the evaluation of a group of 17 otorhinolaryngologists who used a Likert scale questionnaire. The responses were submitted to an agreement analysis using the sum of the scores obtained for the responses as an appropriate level of validation. Cronbach's alpha index was calculated to measure the degree of the questionnaire internal consistency. RESULT: The evaluations indicated maximum approval for the model adequacy for use in practical classes and for the teaching of the procedures, as well as in the overall satisfaction with the model in the use of surgical training. CONCLUSION: The present proposal for training laryngeal endoscopic surgery in a 3D synthetic model is a viable option according to the validation methodology used in the present study.

O que os olhos não veem a microcirurgia ensina: modelo de treinamento oftalmológico com olho de boi / What the eye cannot see, microsurgery teaches: a model of ophthalmological training with a bull's eye

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever e validar um modelo oftalmológico para treinamento de transplante e microssutura de córnea utilizando globo ocular bovino. Métodos Para a montagem do modelo de treinamento, o globo ocular foi disposto sob o campo cirúrgico, apoiado sobre um recipiente plástico cilíndrico comum de 3,5cm de diâmetro, para a retirada da córnea. Foi realizada uma incisão circular superficial, e, posteriormente, uma tesoura Castroviejo curva de 9 cm foi utilizada para remoção completa da córnea, que foi recolocada em sua posição original, para que, em seguida, fossem confeccionados nove pontos equidistantes, usando fio de nylon 10-0. Por fim, foram avaliados os seguintes critérios: tempo de realização das suturas; evolução do tempo e da qualidade a cada teste; e destreza e aperfeiçoamento da realização das suturas. Resultados O modelo descrito demonstrou-se viável e adequado para o treinamento de microssuturas na córnea, possibilitando aperfeiçoamento e ganho de habilidades cirúrgicas. Conclusão O modelo de treinamento microcirúrgico apresentado possui alta viabilidade para a simulação de cirurgias oftalmológicas e textura semelhante à do olho humano real, o que o torna próximo à realidade.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe and validate an ophthalmic model for corneal transplantation and micro suture training using a bovine eyeball as a model. Methods For the training model, the eyeball was placed under the sanitary field placed on the ends of a common 3.5cm diameter cylindrical plastic container for corneal removal. A superficial circular incision was made, then 9cm curved Castroviejo scissors were used for complete corneal removal. The cornea was replaced in its original position, and 10-0 nylon thread was used to perform the sutures, with 9 equidistant stitches. Finally, the following criteria were evaluated: suturing time, time and quality progression in each attempt, dexterity and suturing improvement. Results The described model proved to be feasible and suitable for corneal micro suture training, allowing improvement and gain of dexterity in the sport. Conclusion The presented microsurgical training model has a high feasibility for the simulation of ophthalmic surgeries, in addition to a texture similar to the real human eye, which makes it close to reality.

Development and validation of a 3D laryngeal model in surgical skills training

Abstract Objective: To present and validate a new simulation model for endoscopic phonomicrosurgery training as an improved teaching method. Methods: A low-cost artificial model was assembled using 3D printing, silicone, and gelatin. The study was designed to test the model's ability to carry out training and teaching of endoscopic phonomicrosurgery. The synthetic model was built to simulate normal and pathological vocal folds such as polyps, intracordal cysts and keratoses, made of silicone and gelatin and embedded in a larynx framework made by 3D printing. Simulations of endoscopic surgical procedures were performed and documented through photographs and videos and the images were submitted to the evaluation of a group of 17 otorhinolaryngologists who used a Likert scale questionnaire. The responses were submitted to an agreement analysis using the sum of the scores obtained for the responses as an appropriate level of validation. Cronbach's alpha index was calculated to measure the degree of the questionnaire internal consistency. Result: The evaluations indicated maximum approval for the model adequacy for use in practical classes and for the teaching of the procedures, as well as in the overall satisfaction with the model in the use of surgical training. Conclusion: The present proposal for training laryngeal endoscopic surgery in a 3D synthetic model is a viable option according to the validation methodology used in the present study.

Anatomical description of the extratemporal facial nerve under high-definition system: a microsurgical study in rats.

PURPOSE: To describe the microsurgical anatomical aspects of the extratemporal facial nerve of Wistar rats under a high-definition video system. METHODS: Ten male Wistar rats (12-15 weeks old), without veterinary diseases, weighing 220-280 g, were used in this study. All animals in this study were submitted to the same protocol and by the same surgeon. A 10-mm incision was made below the bony prominence of the right or left ear, and extended towards the angle of the mandible. The dissection was performed and the main branches of the facial nerve were dissected. RESULTS: The main trunk of the facial nerve has a length of 0.88 ± 0.10 mm and a length of 3.81 ± 1.03 mm, measured from its emergence from the stylomastoid foramen to its bifurcation. Seven branches originating from the facial nerve were identified: posterior auricular, posterior cervical, cervical, mandibular, buccal, temporal, and zygomatic. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomy of the facial nerve is comparable to that of humans, with some variations. The most observed anatomical division was the distribution in posterior auricular, posterior cervical, cervical, mandibular, buccal, temporal, and zygomatic branches. There is no statistical difference between the thickness and distance of the structures compared to the contralateral side.

Do Brazilian medical journals reference Brazilian articles? A cross-sectional study.

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.

Anatomical description of the ventral and dorsal cervical rootlets in rats: A microsurgical study.

PURPOSE: To describe the anatomical aspects of the cervical rootlets and to quantify the number of rootlets that compose C1 to T1. METHODS: Twenty male rats were used in this study. The dorsal rootlets from C1 to T1 were analyzed. To study the ventral rootlets, the posterior root avulsion was performed using a microhook, allowing exposure of the ventral roots through manipulation of the denticulate ligament and arachnoid mater. The parameters analyzed were the number of ventral and dorsal rootlets by side and level. RESULTS: The formation of the respective spinal nerve was observed in the spinal roots the union of the ventral and dorsal roots. In four animals the C1 spinal root had no dorsal and/or ventral contribution. There is no normal pattern of numerical normality of the dorsal and ventral rootlets. The average number of fascicles per root was 4.08, with a slight superiority on the left side. There was a slight superiority of the dorsal rootlets compared to the ventral rootlets. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation was the first to study cervical rootlets in rats. In 20% of the sample studied, the dorsal root of C1 was absent mainly on the left side. There is a nonlinear numerical increase from C1 to T1 in the rootlets. There is a numerical predominance of cervical fascicles on the left side, confronting several studies related to the functional predominance of right laterality, requiring new studies that correlate these variables.

Anatomorphometry of the brachial plexus under high-definition system: an experimental study in rats.

PURPOSE: To study the anatomorphometry of the plexus brachialis (PB) of rats under a high-definition video system. METHODS: Ten male Wistar rats discarded from other research that did not interfere in the morphology of the animal, respecting the principle of reduction, were used. All animals were submitted to the same protocol. Initially, the cervical region was shaved. The animals were placed in a dorsal position. A single elbow-to-elbow incision was performed and dissection started at the deltopectoral sulcus. The procedures were performed under a video system. To measure the structures, the Image J software was used. RESULTS: All the PB evaluated originated from the C5-T1 spinal nerves. C5 and C6 converged to form the truncus superior, the root of C7 originated the truncus medius, and the confluence of C8 and T1 originated the truncus inferior. It was found the union of C7, C8, and T1 to form truncus inferomedialis instead of separate medial and inferior truncus. C8 (1.31 mm) was the thickest root, the truncus inferior (1.80 mm) and the nerve radialis (1.02 mm), were the thickest. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomy of the PB is comparable to humans, admitting variations. The videomagnification system is useful to perform microsurgical dissection.

Optimization of Raw Ewes' Milk High-Pressure Pre-Treatment for Improved Production of Raw Milk Cheese.

Serra da Estrela protected designation of origin (PDO) cheese is manufactured with raw milk from Bordaleira and/or Churra Mondegueira da Serra da Estrela sheep breeds. Several socio-environmental shortcomings have reduced production capacity; hence, treatments that may contribute to its efficient transformation into cheese are welcome. High-pressure processing (HPP) milk pre-treatment may contribute to a cheese yield increment, yet optimization of processing conditions is warranted. An initial wide-scope screening experiment allowed for pinpointing pressure intensity, holding time under pressure and time after HPP as the most important factors influencing curd yield. Based on this, a more targeted screening experiment allowed for selecting the range of experimental conditions to be used for an experimental design study that revealed an HPP treatment at 121 MPa for 30 min as the optimum for milk processing to improve curd yield (>9%) and effectively maintain the beneficial cheese microbiota; the optimum was validated in a final experimental framework.

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.

Anatomorphometry of the brachial plexus under high-definition system: an experimental study in rats

Purpose: To study the anatomorphometry of the plexus brachialis (PB) of rats under a high-definition video system. Methods: Ten male Wistar rats discarded from other research that did not interfere in the morphology of the animal, respecting the principle of reduction, were used. All animals were submitted to the same protocol. Initially, the cervical region was shaved. The animals were placed in a dorsal position. A single elbow-to-elbow incision was performed and dissection started at the deltopectoral sulcus. The procedures were performed under a video system. To measure the structures, the Image J software was used. Results: All the PB evaluated originated from the C5-T1 spinal nerves. C5 and C6 converged to form the truncus superior, the root of C7 originated the truncus medius, and the confluence of C8 and T1 originated the truncus inferior. It was found the union of C7, C8, and T1 to form truncus inferomedialis instead of separate medial and inferior truncus. C8 (1.31 mm) was the thickest root, the truncus inferior (1.80 mm) and the nerve radialis (1.02 mm), were the thickest. Conclusions: The anatomy of the PB is comparable to humans, admitting variations. The videomagnification system is useful to perform microsurgical dissection.