Low-cost suture simulator to gain basic surgical skills

ABSTRACT Purpose: To introduce a new low-cost simulation model for training basic surgical skills. Methods: The training model was made from a mixture of 20 g of acetic silicone with 11 g of maize starch. Validation consisted of serial training sessions, evaluating the mean pre- and post-training time and the mean final score according to the global rating scale. Results: A decrease in the time required to perform the sutures was observed, comparing the average post and pre-training time of each training day, with a significant correlation between the order of training and the time for performing the simulation. Conclusions: The presented model proved to be capable of simulating the basic suture training skills. It is easy to make, has low cost, and can be easily reproduced in educational institutions.

The relationship between academics' strategic research agendas and their preferences for basic research, applied research, or experimental development.

In this study, we assess the association between academics' research agendas and their preferences for basic research, applied research, or experimental development. Using a sample of Mexican academics working in some of the country's most research-oriented universities, we identify three clusters. The largest is composed of applied research-oriented academics, the second largest is composed of basic research-oriented academics, and the smallest is composed of academics who engage in both basic and applied research, and experimental development. The strategic research agendas of the three clusters are distinguished from each other along four main dimensions: Divergence, Discovery, Mentor Influence, and Social Orientation. These findings show that strategic research agendas are associated with preferences for basic research, applied research, or experimental development, but only to some extent. We also extend the Multi-Dimensional Research Agendas Inventory - Revised, a widely used instrument for measuring strategic research agendas, by adding a new dimension, "Government," and validating the instrument in a new context. We also make the scale available in Spanish for use by academics, practitioners, managers, and administrators in Spanish-speaking countries.

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.

ISC1, a new Leishmania donovani population emerging in the Indian sub-continent: Vector competence of Phlebotomus argentipes.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the most severe form of the disease, is caused by Leishmania donovani in the Indian sub-continent (ISC). Whole genome sequencing studies revealed that two parasite populations exist in the ISC: a main population named the Core Group (CG) found mostly in the lowlands, and a new, genetically different subpopulation called ISC1. Parasites belonging to the CG were shown to be responsible for the recent epidemics, while the ISC1 variant was originally identified in hilly districts of Nepal and was later on increasingly found in the lowlands. Importantly, the ISC1 and CG isolates differ in their drug susceptibility and virulence signatures, suggesting that ISC1 constitutes an emerging and functionally different variant of L. donovani. In present study we aimed to address the potential of ISC1 transmission by the natural vector of L. donovani in the lowlands, Phlebotomus argentipes. By experimental infection of sand flies with parasites of the different genotypes, we demonstrate that ISC1 and CG strains are developing similarly in P. argentipes, suggesting that P. argentipes is a fully competent vector for ISC1 parasites. Integration of previous and current findings shows thus that ISC1 is a new and different variant of L. donovani, fully adapted to spread in the ISC through the main vector. This information is directly useful for managers of the elimination program. Furthermore, integration of our successive studies (genotyping, phenotyping and vector competence) demonstrates the relevance of molecular surveillance and should be of interest for scientists working on vector borne diseases and control managers.

Does the type of electrode affect the electromyoneurographic parameters in rats?

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate if the type of electrode (needle vs. surface) affects the electromyoneurography parameters in rats. Methods: Twenty male rats were anesthetized, then compound muscle action potential were recorded using a Neuropack S1 MEB- 9400©. All animals were submitted to two electroneuromyography analysis: first with surface electrode and then by needle electrode. We evaluated the latency, amplitude, duration and area of the negative peak of the gastrocnemius and cranial tibial muscles. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in the mean of duration, latency, amplitude or area of the negative peak in gastrocnemius and cranial tibial muscles. Conclusion: The type of electrode does not affect the electroneuromyography parameters.

Modelo openEHR: avaliação da qualidade de Projeto Orientado a Objeto / OpenEHR Model: quality evaluation for Object-Oriented Design / Modelo openEHR: evaluación de la Calidad del Diseño Orientado a Objetos

Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de Projeto Orientado a Objeto (POO) do Modelo de Objetos da openEHR, utilizando métricas de orientação a objeto (OO). Método: Um estudo experimental foi conduzido com artefatos da implementação em Java do openEHR e com métricas OO do modelo de qualidade QMOOD. Resultados: Identificou-se que os atributos de qualidade Reusabilidade e Funcionalidade, satisfizeram as expectativas do modelo de qualidade. Já os atributos Extensabilidade e Flexibilidade, mostraram-se instáveis, enquanto Facilidade de Compreensão ficou em queda. Complementarmente, foram identificados seis problemas de POO em estratégias de detecção de problemas de POO. Conclusão: O Modelo de Objetos da openEHR tem ganho de novos recursos e tem a capacidade de reutilizar módulos já existentes para resolver um novo problema. Entretanto, novos requisitos em recursos já existentes podem ser mais trabalhosos, assim como a adaptação do projeto para novos recursos. Também apresenta dificuldade de ser aprendido e compreendido devido ao aumento da complexidade.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of Object Oriented Design (OOD) of the openEHR Object Model, using Object Oriented (OO) metrics. Methods: An experimental study was designed and conducted using the openEHR Java reference implementation artifacts and with OO metrics of QMOOD quality model. Results: The results identified that the quality attributes of Reusability and Functionality satisfied the expectations of the quality model. The quality attributes of Flexibility and Extensibility proved unstable, while the quality attribute Understandability decreased. In addition, were identified six problems of OOD in detection strategies of problems of OOD. Conclusion: The openEHR Object Model gained new features and can reuse existing modules to solve a new problem. However, new requirements on existing resources can be difficult, as well as the adaptation of the project to new features. It also present difficulties to be learned and understood because of increase in the complexity.

Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de Proyecto Orientado a Objeto (POO) del Modelo de Objetos del openEHR, utilizando métricas de orientación del objetos (OO). Método: Un estúdio experimental fue se llevó a cabo con artefactos de la implementación en Java del openEHR y con métricas OO del modelo de calidad QMOOD. Resultados: Ha identificado que los atributos de calidad Reusabilidad e Funcionalidad, han satisfecho las expectativas del modelo de calidad. Sin embargo los atributos Extensabilidad y Flexibilidad, han resultado ser inestables, mientras Facilidad de Comprensión ha establecido en baja. Además, se ha identificado seis problemas de POO en estrategias de detección de problemas de POO. Conclusión: El Modelo de Objetos del openEHR ha adquirido nuevas características y tiene la capacidad de reutilizar los módulos existentes para resolver un nuevo problema. Sin embargo, los nuevos requisitos sobre los recursos existentes puede ser engorroso, así como la adaptación del diseño para nuevos recursos. También presentan dificultades para aprender y comprender debido a la mayor complejidad.

Observations on sporulation of Eimeria bovis (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the European bison Bison bonasus: effect of temperature and potassium dichromate solution.

The present study was designed to determine the influence of temperature and the addition of potassium dichromate solution (K2Cr2O7) on the efficiency of sporulation of Eimeria bovis (Zublin, 1908), a coccidian species most commonly diagnosed in European bison Bison bonasus (Linnaeus). Sporulation under conventional conditions (2.5% dichromate solution, 23 °C) was completed on the fourth day of incubation (control), whereas the oocyst development took two days more at the temperature of 18 °C, and two days less at 28 °C. Additionally, experimental sporulation of E. bovis at the temperature of 23 °C in the environment of sterilised tap water (without any preservation) took 9 days more compared to control. Finally, oocyst development took 16 weeks when the faces were stored in the refrigerator (3-5 °C) without any special additives. Overall, our results indicate that K2Cr2O7, besides the temperature, plays a crucial role in the process of sporulation of oocysts under laboratory conditions, as the longest delay in sporogony was observed when the faeces were stored without any other additives in the temperature of the refrigerator.

Non heart beating organ donor: new experimental model in pigs / Doador de coração parado: novo modelo experimental em suínos

PURPOSE: To describe technical aspects of a new experimental model that simulates a non heart beating organ donor. METHODS: Landrace pigs were operated on and cardiac arrest was obtained by means of myocardial infarction and interruption of ventilator support. RESULTS: Mean cardiac frequency, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, central venous pressure, oxygen saturation and concentration of expired CO2 dropout occurred at seven minutes after cardiac arrest. CONCLUSION: The procedure was easily reproduced and a homogeneous circulatory failure could de obtained by the end of seven minutes. The model is suitable for further studies regarding abdominal organ transplantation.

OBJETIVO: Descrever os aspectos técnicos de um novo modelo experimental que simula um doador de órgãos após a parada cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Suínos da raça Landrace foram operados e a parada cardíaca foi obtida por meio de infarto do miocárdio e interrupção do suporte ventilatório. RESULTADOS: Freqüência cardíaca, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, pressão venosa central, saturação de oxigênio e concentração parcial de CO2 são consistentes com falência hemodinâmica ao final de sete minutos. CONCLUSÕES: O procedimento foi facilmente executado e uma falência circulatória pode ser obtida ao final de sete minutos. Este modelo é adequado para estudos posteriores com respeito a preservação e tranplantes de órgãos abdominais.

Aferição não-invasiva de úlcera por pressão simulada em modelo plano / Evaluación no invasiva de úlcera por presión simulada en modelo llano / Non-invasive measurement of pressure ulcer simulated in plain model

Estudo quase-experimental, com o qual objetivou aperfeiçoar o sistema de projeção dos pontos luminosos de um método já existente, tornando-o portátil, e verificar a acurácia desse novo sistema. O estudo foi realizado por meio do desenvolvimento de um sistema de fotografia digitalizada e processada pela visão computacional em um modelo de superfície plana. Os resultados mostraram erro de 1,51 por cento para a profundidade e de -10,42 por cento para o volume, concluindo ser um método adequado para aferição de profundidade e volume com erros de acurácia compatíveis com os descritos na literatura.

That is an quasi-experimental study that aims to improve and make portable an existing method for projecting light points to estimate geometrical properties of a cavity. A computer vision system was developed in order to process input images and calculate volume and depth of a cavity in a plain surface. An error of 1,51 percent for depth and -10,42 percent for volume occurred. So this is an adequate method for estimating geometrical properties of cavities with accuracy errors compatible with those errors described in the literature.

Estudio casi-Aferição não-invasiva de úlcera por pressão simulada em modelo planoexperimental, con el objetivo de perfeccionar el sistema de proyección de los puntos luminosos de un método ya existente, volviéndolo portátil, y verificar la acuracia de ese nuevo sistema. El estúdio realizado a través del desarrollo de um sistema de fotografia digitalizada y procesada por la visión computacional en un modelo de superfície llana. Los resultados mostraron um error de 1,51 por ciento para la profundidad y de -10,42 por ciento para el volumen, concluyendo ser método adecuado para la evaluación de los descriptos em la literatura.

Considerations that may influence the result of trials assessing tensile strength in experimental surgery

PURPOSE: To provide information gathered upon the execution of trials assessing tensile strength in experimental surgeries. METHODS: Descriptive study considering details on the execution of trials assessing tensile strength in experimental surgery. RESULTS: The analysis of the rupture force in a mechanical test machine is an adequate technique since it provides precise and quick results. It can, undoubtedly, be developed in this context of the eminently mechanical analysis of trials on experimental surgery. CONCLUSION: The utilization of a mechanical test machine is a useful tool in the assessment of materials' strength, providing accurate results. Nevertheless the trials must be well structured analyzing the multiple variables so as to attain a pattern of constant reproducibility and to provide the necessary reliability.

OBJETIVO: Fornecer informações advindas da experiência com a realização de trabalhos que avaliam a resistência tênsil em cirurgia experimental. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo considerando detalhes da execução de trabalhos que avaliam a resistência tênsil em cirurgia experimental. RESULTADOS: A análise da força de ruptura em máquina de ensaios mecânicos é uma técnica apropriada e que fornece resultados precisos e rápidos. Pode ser desenvolvida neste contexto da análise eminentemente mecânica de estudos em cirurgia experimental. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização da máquina de ensaios mecânicos é uma ferramenta útil na avaliação da resistência de materiais fornecendo resultados precisos. Entretanto os trabalhos devem ser estruturados analisando múltiplas variáveis para alcançar um padrão de reprodutibilidade constante e trazer a confiabilidade necessária ao estudo.