Abstract: Introduction: It was found that the good performance in conventional techniques was not transferable to minimally-invasive alternatives, and then simulators were created for improved learning. Objective: To assess whether robotic virtual reality simulation conditions ability for laparoscopy in medical students, associating the VARK tool and Mind Styles to determine whether there is a correlation between learning styles and the ability to develop these skills. Methods: Randomization of 3 groups of medical students was performed, where one of the groups performed a simulation of a surgical knot exercise in the laparoscopy box and another, the same exercise on the robot console. The third group did not simulate. All participants took a practical test in the laparoscopy box and their performances were evaluated. Moreover, a pre-test and a post-test were applied, in addition to the VARK and mind styles methods, to assess whether there was a difference in performance between the different learning styles. Results: The practical test scores were relatively homogeneous between the groups and between the Mind Styles and VARK categories, with no significant difference being found between the groups; therefore, it was not possible to demonstrate that learning styles interfered with the results of this study. There was only a significant difference between the pre-test scores of at least one pair of the groups and between the Laparoscopy and Robotics groups, with a p-value of 0.038. Conclusion: There was no statistical significance between learning styles and performance regarding the proposed tasks.

Resumo: Introdução: Constatou-se que o bom desempenho em técnicas convencionais não se transferia para as minimamente invasivas, e, com isso, foram criados os simuladores para melhor aprendizado. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se a simulação em realidade virtual robótica promove habilidade para laparoscopia em acadêmicos de Medicina, associando a ferramenta VARK e o mind styles (GSD) para determinar se há correlação dos estilos de aprendizagem com a capacidade de desenvolver essas habilidades. Método: Realizou-se randomização de três grupos de acadêmicos de Medicina, em que um dos grupos fez simulação de um exercício de nó cirúrgico na caixa de laparoscopia (CL), e outro, o mesmo exercício no console do robô. O terceiro grupo não participou da simulção. Todos os participantes fizeram um teste prático na CL, e as performances deles foram avaliadas. Ademais, foram aplicados um pré-teste e um pós-teste, além do formulário VARK e GSD, para avaliar se havia diferença de performance entre os diferentes estilos de aprendizagem. Resultado: As notas das provas práticas foram relativamente homogêneas entre grupos e entre as categorias de Mind Styles e do VARK. Como não se encontrou diferença significativa entre os grupos, não foi possível demonstrar que os estilos de aprendizagem interferiram nos resultados deste estudo. Houve apenas diferença significativa entre as notas do pré-teste de pelo menos um par de grupos e entre os grupos laparoscopia e robótica com p-valor 0,038. Conclusão: Não houve significância estatística entre os estilos de aprendizagem e o desempenho nas tarefas propostas.

Abstract A cyclone occurred off the southern Brazilian coast between 30/06/2020 and 01/07/2020, moving eastwards from land towards offshore. The system was registered in numerical models and in-situ observations (buoy and ship) from the day it started until dissipated. The goal of this work is to use the data collected during this extreme environmental condition in a statistical comparison with the atmospheric operational model Global Forecast System (GFS) and a local implementation of the WAVEWATCH III (WW3) wave model, which used the GFS as one of the inputs, to understand the limitations of these models. Initially, the results showed that the system near the southern Brazilian coast was a strong explosive cyclone according to the Sanders and Gyakum (1980) classification. We found that the GFS and WW3 models exhibited greater errors when compared with the buoy data during the 48 h period of explosive weather conditions, while for the GFS model, the greatest errors around the ship occurred after that period. The WW3 errors may be explained by the difference between the buoy and WW3 gridpoint depth and the GFS errors at this location.

Resumo Ocorreu um ciclone na costa sul do Brasil entre 30/06/2020 e 01/07/2020, movendo-se do continente em direção ao mar. O sistema foi registrado em modelos numéricos e observações in-situ (boia e navio) desde o dia em que se formou até se dissipar. O objetivo deste trabalho é utilizar os dados coletados durante essa condição ambiental extrema em uma comparação estatística com o modelo atmosférico operacional Global Forecast System (GFS) e uma implementação local do modelo de ondas WAVEWATCH III (WW3), que utiliza o GFS como um dos inputs, para entender as limitações desses modelos. Inicialmente, os resultados mostraram que o sistema próximo à costa sul do Brasil era um ciclone explosivo forte de acordo com a classificação de Sanders e Gyakum (1980). Descobrimos que os modelos GFS e WW3 apresentaram maiores erros em comparação com os dados da boia durante o período de 48 horas de condições meteorológicas explosivas, enquanto para o modelo GFS, os maiores erros ao redor do navio ocorreram após esse período. Os erros do WW3 podem ser explicados pela diferença entre a profundidade da boia e o ponto da grade do WW3, e os erros do GFS nessa localização.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a toxicidade renal causada pelo tacrolimus e micofenolato mofetil (MMF) em um modelo de isquemia e reperfusão de rim único. Método: estudo experimental utilizando ratos Wistar, submetidos á nefrectomia direita e isquemia renal esquerda por 20 minutos, separados em grupos no pós- operatório (PO): 1) Controle (não operados); 2) Sham (operados, sem droga PO); 3) TAC0.1, TAC1 e TAC10, administrado tacrolimus no PO nas doses 0,1mg/kg, 1mg/kg e 10mg/kg via gavagem, respectivamentae; 4) MMF, administrado micofenolato mofetil 20mg/kg; 5) MMF/TAC1 e MMF/TAC0.5, com associação de micofenolato mofetil 20mg/kg e tacrolimus 1mg/kg e 0,5mg/kg, respectivamente. Foram mortos no 14º PO e retirado rim para análise do estresse oxidativo tecidual, pela dosagem de glutationa reduzida (GSH), lipoperoxidação (LPO) e carbonilação de proteínas (PCO), e análise histológica por estereologia glomerular (Densidade de volume glomerular, Densidade numérica glomerular e Volume glomerular médio). Foi avaliada função renal pela dosagem de creatinina e uréia séricas. Resultados: ambas drogas provocaram alteração na função renal, sendo a toxicidade do tacrolimus dosedependente. A toxicidade subaguda não mostrou alterações histológicas glomerulares significativas, sendo que houve hipertrofia renal e glomerular compensatória em todos os grupos exceto em TAC10. Conclusão: Ambas drogas provocam alteração na função renal. A morfometria e a estereologia glomerular mostraram interferência negativa dos imunossupressores durante a hipertrofia glomerular compensatória..

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the renal toxicity caused by tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in a single kidney ischemia and reperfusion model. Method: experimental study using Wistar rats, submitted to right nephrectomy and left renal ischemia for 20 minutes, separated into groups in the postoperative period (PO): 1) Control (nonoperated); 2) Sham (operated, without PO drug); 3) TAC0.1, TAC1 and TAC10, tacrolimus administered PO at doses of 0.1mg/kg, 1mg/kg and 10mg/kg via gavage, respectively; 4) MMF, administered mycophenolate mofetil 20mg/kg; 5) MMF/TAC1 and MMF/TAC0.5, with an association of mycophenolate mofetil 20mg/kg and tacrolimus 1mg/kg and 0.5mg/kg, respectively. They were killed on the 14th PO and the kidney was removed for tissue oxidative stress analysis, by the dosage of reduced glutathione (GSH), lipoperoxidation (LPO) and protein carbonylation (PCO), and histological analysis by glomerular stereology (Glomerular volume density, Numerical density glomerular and mean glomerular volume). Renal function was evaluated by the measurement of serum creatinine and urea. Results: both drugs caused alterations in renal function, and the toxicity of tacrolimus was dose-dependent. Subacute toxicity did not show significant glomerular histological changes, and there was renal and compensatory glomerular hypertrophy in all groups except TAC10. Conclusion: Both drugs cause changes in renal function. Glomerular morphometry and stereology showed negative interference of immunosuppressants during compensatory glomerular hypertrophy.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Ureteral stents usually cause pain and lower urinary tract discomfort. This study aimed to compare the effect of mirabegron with oxybutynin in relieving ureteral stent-related symptoms over time. METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal, randomized, single-blinded study was conducted. Patients who had a ureteral stent inserted after urolithiasis treatment were classified into two groups and received either oxybutynin 5 mg/day (Group O) or mirabegron 50 mg/day (Group M). The Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) was applied on the 3rd, 6th, and 15th postoperative days. Group domain scores were compared, and a mixed linear model was used to better assess score differences. RESULTS: Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire scores were similar in both groups during all three postoperative days (p>0.05). A longitudinal analysis showed that global quality of life and general health improved over time, independently of the use of any of the medications (p<0.05), while urinary symptoms and body pain scores were lower over time in participants receiving oxybutynin. CONCLUSION: Both mirabegron and oxybutynin are equivalent in relieving ureteral stent symptoms. Moreover, some stent symptoms seem to decrease over time despite the use of medication.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate renal histological changes by stereology and morphometry and analyze the main markers of oxidative stress in rats undergoing natural aging. Methods Seventy two Wistar rats were divided into six groups of 12 rats each, which were euthanized at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. Right kidney was stereologically and morphometrically analyzed to calculate the volumetric density (Vv[glom]), numerical density (Nv[glom]) and glomerular volume (Vol[glom]). Left kidney was used to determine the levels of nonprotein thiols, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation, as well as the activities of superoxide-dismutase and catalase enzymes. Results Both Vv[glom] and Nv[glom] values showed gradual decreases between groups. Activity of superoxide-dismutase was elevated at 24 months of age, and the levels of nonprotein thiols were higher in older animals. Greater catalase activity and protein carbonylation were observed in animals between 6 and 12 months of age but lessened in older rats. Lipid peroxidation decreased in the older groups. Conclusions Morphometric and stereological analyses revealed a gradual decrease in the volume and density of renal glomeruli during aging, as well as kidney atrophy. These findings related to oxidative stress clarify many changes occurring in kidney tissues during senescence in rats.

Abstract Purpose: To quantify the age-dependent changes in the relative volume of elastic fibers, collagen fibers and the proportion of collagen types I/III in the corpus spongiosum of rats. Methods: Forty-eight rats, raised under similar conditions, were divided into four groups (G1 to G4) and underwent penectomy at the ages of 6, 9, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Histological sections from the middle segment of the penis were stained with Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin, Masson’s trichrome and Picrosirius red, the volumetric density of elastic fibers, collagen fibers and the proportion of collagen types I and III in the corpus spongiosum were determined by stereological analysis. Results: A reduction in the proportion of collagen I/III between the groups G3 and G4 (p < 0.048) was observed. In the volumetric analysis of elastic fiber, we observed a significant rise between the groups G2 and G3 (p < 0.03) and a reduction of the volume between the groups G3 and G4 (p < 0.01). However, there was no difference in the quantity of total collagen between the groups (p > 0.54). Conclusions: Aging in rats did not change the quantity of total collagen but reduced the proportion of collagen types I/III and the volume of elastic fibers.

Resumo: A falta de integração acadêmica e social tem sido considerada importante para explicar as razões institucionais que produzem evasão. Neste artigo, investigamos as relações entre a integração dos estudantes do Instituto de Física da Universidade de Brasília e sua origem social. Um instrumento baseado no modelo de Tinto foi elaborado e aplicado a uma amostra representativa do corpo discente (n = 160). A evidência indica que: (1) entre os ingressantes, a ocorrência de motivação para a docência é independente da motivação para pesquisa; (2) os estudantes intelectualmente mais confiantes são os mesmos que reportam um convívio mais regular e agradável com os colegas; (3) os estudantes de periferia tendem a ser menos integrados social e academicamente, ainda que não existam diferenças motivacionais significativas entre eles e os estudantes mais privilegiados ao ingressar no curso. Em conjunto, os resultados recomendam um olhar mais sensível aos desdobramentos das diferenças sociais sobre as relações humanas nos Institutos de Física.

Abstract: The lack of academic and social integration has been considered important to explain the institutional reasons for student dropout. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between the integration of students of the Institute of Physics of UnB and their social background. An instrument based on the Tinto model was elaborated and applied to a representative sample of the student body (n = 160). Evidence indicates that: (1) among the freshmen, the occurrence of motivation for teaching is independent of the motivation for research; (2) we should suspect the belief that enjoying social life competes with academic success, since intellectually confident students are also those who report more regular and enjoyable social life with peers; (3) outskirt students tend to be less socially and academically integrated. Taken together, the results recommend a sensitive look at the unfolding of social differences on human relations in the Physics Institutes.

RESUMO Nos últimos anos, Inteligências Múltiplas (IM – corporal-cinestésica, espacial, intrapessoal, interpessoal, linguística, lógico-matemática, musical e naturalista) e Preferências de Aprendizagem (PA – visual, auditiva, leitura/escrita, cinestésica, multimodal) vêm sendo intensamente estudadas em todo o mundo. Em tal contexto, diversas ferramentas que avaliassem tais parâmetros foram criadas e posteriormente aprimoradas ao longo das últimas décadas. Atualmente, a necessidade de se utilizar as melhores estratégias de aprendizado e a crescente necessidade de que o ensino seja individualizado reforçam a importância de que sejam mapeadas as habilidades e preferências cognitivas individuais. Objetivos analisar as distribuições de IM – e como elas se influenciam – e das PA em estudantes de medicina da Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Brasil. Espera-se que os resultados estimulem melhorias no contexto educacional. Materiais e Métodos estudo transversal e descritivo envolvendo estudantes de medicina da UFPR de todos os 12 semestres, sendo analisados através de questionários quanto às suas MI e (“Lista de verificação para avaliar inteligências múltiplas de alunos”) e PA (“Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic – VARK – Questionnaire”, previamente traduzido e validado para a língua Portuguesa). Resultados 1054 questionários foram coletados e processados. As IM intrapessoal (71±10,5), lógico-matemática (69,3±14) e linguística (68,4±11,8) atingiram as maiores médias gerais, enquanto a naturalista registrou a menor pontuação (47,3±19,5). Observou-se correlação positiva entre todas as IM. Quanto às PA, prevaleceu a multimodal (42,3%), seguida por visual (21,3%), auditiva (18,6%), cinestésica (11,2%) e leitura/escrita (6,6%). Quando correlacionadas ambas as teorias cognitivas, sobressaíram-se as seguintes associações: PA visual e IM intrapessoal; PA auditiva e IM interpessoal; PA leitura/escrita e IM lógico-matemática; PA cinestésica e IM lógico-matemática; e PA multimodal e IM intrapessoal. Conclusão A IM intrapessoal atingiu maiores médias, seguida por lógico-matemática e linguística. A IM naturalista, por outro lado, obteve menores pontuações em termos de semestres, ciclos e análise geral. Todas as inteligências apresentaram influência apresentaram interdependência positiva. A multimodalidade foi a PA mais prevalente, enquanto leitura/escrita foi a menos observada. Correlações inicialmente esperadas entre IM e PA foram confirmadas. Quanto às perspectivas futuras, espera-se que professores e gestores educacionais adaptem estratégias de ensino atuais de modo a melhor contemplar as preferências dos estudantes. Em conjunto, IM e PA preconizam que atualmente não mais se questione o quão inteligente alguém seja, e sim de que maneiras o seria.

ABSTRACT In recent years, Multiple Intelligences (MI – bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, intrapersonal, interpersonal, linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, and naturalist) and Learning Preferences (LP – visual, aural, read/write, kinesthetic, and multimodal) have been intensely studied throughout the world. In this context, plenty of tools that evaluate such parameters have been created and later improved over the past decades. Nowadays, the necessity for optimal learning strategies and more individualized teaching continues to rise, reinforcing the importance of identifying individual strengths and cognitive preferences. Objectives to analyze the distribution of MI – and how they influence one another – and LP in medical students at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Brazil. The results could lead to improvements in the educational setting. Methods a descriptive cross-sectional study involving UFPR medical students of all 12 semesters, who were analyzed through questionnaires with regard to both their MI (“Multiple Intelligences Checklist for Students”) and LP (“Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic – VARK – Questionnaire”). Results a total of 1054 questionnaires were processed (527 students). Intrapersonal (71 ± 10.5), logical-mathematical (69.3 ± 14), and linguistic (68.4 ± 11.8) intelligences predominated, whereas naturalist achieved the lowest mean score (47.3 ± 19.5). Positive correlations were identified between all of the MI. Regarding the LP, the multimodal (42.3%) was the most frequent, followed by visual (21.3%), aural (18.6%), kinesthetic (11.2%), and read/write (6.6%). When both cognitive theories were correlated, the following associations prevailed: visual LP and intrapersonal intelligence; aural LP and interpersonal intelligence; read/write LP and logical-mathematical intelligence; kinesthetic LP and logical-mathematical intelligence; and multimodal preference and intrapersonal intelligence. Conclusions intrapersonal intelligence achieved the highest overall scores, followed by logical-mathematical and linguistic. Naturalist intelligence achieved the lowest scores in terms of semester, cycle, and overall analysis. All MI were positively correlated. Multimodality was the most commonly observed LP, whereas the read/write preference was the least frequent. Correlations initially expected between MI and LP were confirmed. As for future perspectives, it is expected that teachers and education managers adapt current teaching strategies in order to meet the students’ preferences. Together, MI and LP indicate that the focus should not rely on how smart a given person is, but in which ways.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate changes in the quantity of elastic fibers in the corpora cavernosa of rats during the natural aging process, and to assess the degree of this change by determining volumetric density (Vv) at different ages via stereological analysis. Methods Forty-eight rats, raised under similar conditions, were subjected to the natural aging process and divided into four groups (G1 to G4), according to age at the time of penectomy (6, 9, 12, and 24 months, respectively). Histological sections of the middle segment of the penis were stained with Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin, and the volumetric density (Vv) of elastic fibers of the corpora cavernosa were determined via stereological analysis. Results There were no statistically significant differences in Vv among groups G1, G2, and G3. These three groups were therefore considered as a single group. The mean Vv of this group showed a statistically significant reduction compared to that of G4 (0.16 vs. 0.11, p<0.05). Conclusion Natural aging in rats was responsible for a reduction in volumetric density of elastic fibers of the corpora cavernosa (approximately 30% decrease in Vv) during senescence.

Abstract Purpose: To quantify, through stereological and morphometric analysis, spermatogenesis in rats undergoing the natural aging process. Methods: Seventy-two male Wistar rats were divided into 6 equal groups according to age at the time of killing: 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. All the rats were subjected orchiectomy and collection of testicular parenchymal fragments for histological and morphometric analysis. The numerical density of spermatids was calculated using a stereological study, and morphometric analysis was conducted to measure the height of the germinal epithelium and the area of the seminiferous tubules. Results: We found that the 18 and 24 months groups showed a significant reduction in the number of round spermatids. However, the height of the germinal epithelium was not significantly different between the groups. The area of seminiferous tubules was also significantly reduced in the elderly rats compared to that in the young ones. Conclusion: Aging of rats showed a significant reduction in the number of round spermatids and the area of the seminiferous tubules, more pronounced in the rats at 18 and 24 months of life.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar a eficácia da cirurgia torácica videoassistida no tratamento de derrame pleural parapneumônico complicado e determinar se há diferença no resultado da cirurgia torácica videoassistida realizada antes ou depois da drenagem torácica. Métodos Analisamos retrospectivamente prontuários médicos de 79 crianças (idade média de 35 meses) submetidas a cirurgia torácica videoassistida de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2011. O mesmo algoritmo de tratamento foi utilizado no manejo de todos os pacientes. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: o Grupo 1 foi submetido a cirurgia torácica videoassistida como procedimento inicial; o Grupo 2 foi submetido a cirurgia torácica videoassistida após drenagem torácica prévia. Resultados A cirurgia torácica videoassistida foi eficaz em 73 crianças (92,4%); as outras seis (7,6%) necessitaram outro procedimento. Sessenta pacientes (75,9%) foram diretamente submetidos a cirurgia torácica videoassistida (Grupo 1) e 19 (24%) foram primeiramente submetidos a drenagem torácica (Grupo 2). A cirurgia torácica videoassistida primária foi associada à redução do tempo de internação (p = 0,05), do tempo para resolução (p = 0,024) e do tempo com o tubo torácico (p < 0,001). Contudo, não houve diferença entre os grupos a respeito do tempo até que não tivessem mais febre, do tempo com o tubo torácico e do tempo de internação após a cirurgia torácica videoassistida. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos com relação à necessidade de cirurgia adicional e à presença de complicações. Conclusões A cirurgia torácica videoassistida é um procedimento altamente eficaz para tratar crianças com derrame pleural parapneumônico complicado. Quando a cirurgia torácica vídeoassistida é indicada na presença de loculações (fase II ou fibrinopurulenta) não há diferença no tempo de melhora clínica e no tempo de internação entre os pacientes com ou sem drenagem torácica antes da cirurgia torácica videoassistida.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of videothoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion and to determine whether there is a difference in the videothoracoscopic surgery outcome before or after the chest tube drainage. Methods The medical records of 79 children (mean age 35 months) undergoing videothoracoscopic surgery from January 2000 to December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The same treatment algorithm was used in the management of all patients. Patients were divided into two groups: in group 1, videothoracoscopic surgery was performed as the initial procedure; in group 2, videothoracoscopic surgery was performed after previous chest tube drainage. Results Videothoracoscopic surgery was effective in 73 children (92.4%); the other six (7.6%) needed another procedure. Sixty patients (75.9%) were submitted directly to videothoracoscopic surgery (group 1) and 19 (24%) primarily underwent chest tube drainage (group 2). Primary videothoracoscopic surgery was associated with a decrease of hospital stay (p = 0.05), time to resolution (p = 0.024), and time with a chest tube (p < 0.001). However, there was no difference between the groups regarding the time until fever resolution, time with a chest tube, and the hospital stay after videothoracoscopic surgery. No differences were observed between groups regarding the need for further surgery and the presence of complications. Conclusions Videothoracoscopic surgery is a highly effective procedure for treating children with complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion. When videothoracoscopic surgery is indicated in the presence of loculations (stage II or fibrinopurulent), no difference were observed in time of clinical improvement and hospital stay among the patients with or without chest tube drainage before videothoracoscopic surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a intra e interconfiabilidade, e a facilidade de medir a espessura muscular do quadríceps, usando ultrassom à beira do leito. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo, observacional. A avaliação da espessura muscular do quadríceps foi realizada em dois pontos de referência e quantificada com ultrassom portátil em modo B em dois voluntários saudáveis. Para padronização das medidas e validação das coletas das imagens, foi realizada capacitação da equipe por meio de treinamentos com aulas teóricas e práticas, com carga horária de 6 horas. Resultados: Foram examinadas 112 imagens pelo treinador e comparadas com os alunos. A correlação de Person encontrou excelente relação entre o treinador e todos os alunos (R2 > 0,90). A melhor associação foi entre o treinador e os nutricionistas (R2: 0,99; p < 0,001), e a pior, entre o treinador e alunos médicos (R2: 0,92; p < 0,001). Quanto à comparação de Bland-Altman, a maior porcentagem de erro encontrada entre treinador e alunos foi de 5,12% (IC95% 3,64 - 12,37) e a menor, 1,01% (IC95% 0,72 - 2,58); o maior viés dos valores descrito foi -0,12 ± 0,19, e o menor, -0,01 ± 0,04. Conclusão: Os dados analisados mostraram boa correlação entre as medidas feitas pelo instrutor e alunos, mostrando que o ultrassom de músculo quadríceps é uma ferramenta viável e de fácil aplicabilidade.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the intra- and inter-reliability and the ease of measuring the quadriceps muscle thickness using bedside ultrasound. Methods: This is a prospective, observational study. The assessment of quadriceps muscle thickness was performed at two reference points and was quantified using portable B-mode ultrasound in two healthy volunteers. For standardization of measurements and validation of image collections, the team was trained through theoretical and practical classes, with a 6-hour workload. Results: A total of 112 images were examined by the coach and compared with the trainees. Pearson's correlation analysis found an excellent relationship between the coach and all trainees (R2 > 0.90). The best association was between the coach and the dietitians (R2: 0.99; p < 0.001), and the worst association was between the coach and the medical trainees (R2: 0.92; p < 0.001). In the Bland-Altman comparison, the highest error rate found between coach and trainees was 5.12% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.64-12.37), and the lowest was 1.01% (95%CI 0.72 - 2.58); the highest bias of the values described was -0.12 ± 0.19, and the lowest was -0.01 ± 0.04. Conclusion: The data analyzed showed a good correlation between the measurements made by the coach and trainees, indicating that ultrasound of the quadriceps muscle is a viable and easily applicable tool.

Abstract Purpose: To analyze the effects of aging in rats on the nuclear volume, cytoplasmic volume, and total volume of Leydig cells, as well as their number. Methods: Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into six subgroups of 12 rats, which underwent right orchiectomy at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. The weight and volume of the resected testicles were assessed. A stereological study of Leydig cells was conducted, which included measurements of cell number and nuclear, cytoplasmic, and total cell volumes. Results: The weight and volume of the resected testicles showed reductions with age. Only the subgroup composed of 24-month old rats showed a decrease in the nuclear volume of Leydig cells. Significant reductions in the cytoplasmic volume and total volume of Leydig cells were observed in 18- and 24-month old rats. The number of Leydig cells did not vary significantly with age. Conclusions: Aging in rats resulted in reduction of the nuclear, cytoplasmic, and total cell volumes of Leydig cells. There was no change in the total number of these cells during aging.

RESUMO Introdução: Níveis plasmáticos elevados de lipídios são considerados como principal fator de risco modificável para a doença cardiovascular. A metodologia Point-of-care testing (POCT) fornece resultados rápidos e permite antecipar o diagnóstico e o tratamento. Objetivo: Comparar os resultados do perfil lipídico obtidos pelo POCT e pelo laboratório convencional. Métodos: Foram coletadas amostras em jejum de 111 pacientes que procuraram, por qualquer motivo, os consultórios médicos privados participantes desta pesquisa. As amostras de sangue total da punção capilar foram analisadas no equipamento CardioChek® PA (CCPA) e as de sangue da punção venosa, coletadas e analisadas em laboratórios clínicos (LAB) que apresentam controle de qualidade interno e externo, com certificação. Os valores médios de cada variável do perfil lipídico obtidos pelo CCPA e pelo LAB foram calculados. Regressão linear foi utilizada para determinar a existência de correlação entre os dois métodos. Resultados: Observamos correlação positiva entre os valores obtidos pelo CCPA e pelo LAB para todas as variáveis do perfil lipídico. Nossos dados, extraídos do uso rotineiro do CCPA em consultórios médicos privados, suporta substancial contribuição da metodologia POCT na detecção dos principais fatores de risco cardiovascular. Conclusão: O analisador POCT CCPA configura-se como uma ferramenta de fácil operação, com performance analítica adequada e excelente correlação com os resultados do método laboratorial convencional, portanto confiáveis.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Elevated plasma levels of lipids are considered the main modifiable risk factor for the cardiovascular disease. The Point-of-care testing (POCT) method provides quick results and allows anticipating diagnosis and treatment. Objective: To compare the lipid profile results obtained from both POCT and the traditional clinical laboratory. Methods: Fasting blood samples were collected from 111 patients who sought, for any reason, the private medical offices participating on this study. Capillary whole blood samples were analyzed in CardioChek® PA (CCPA) equipment, and the serum samples were analyzed in clinical laboratories (LAB) that have internal and external quality control, with certification. The mean values of each variable of the lipid profile obtained by CCPA and LAB were calculated. Linear regression was used to determine the existence of correlation between the two methods. Results: We observed a positive correlation between the values obtained by CCPA and LAB for all variables of the lipid profile. Our data, extracted from the routine use of CCPA in private medical offices, supports a substantial contribution of the POCT methodology in the detection of the main cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: The POCT CardioChek® PA Analyzer is an easy-to-operate tool, with adequate analytical performance and a good correlation with the results of the conventional laboratory method, therefore, considered a reliable method.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate the renal function and the renal histological alterations through the stereology and morphometrics in rats submitted to the natural process of aging. METHODS: Seventy two Wistar rats, divided in six groups. Each group was sacrificed in a different age: 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. It was performed right nephrectomy, stereological and morphometric analysis of the renal tissue (renal volume and weight, density of volume (Vv[glom]) and numerical density (Nv[glom]) of the renal glomeruli and average glomerular volume (Vol[glom])) and also it was evaluated the renal function for the dosage of serum creatinine and urea. RESULTS: There was significant decrease of the renal function in the oldest rats. The renal volume presented gradual increase during the development of the rats with the biggest values registered in the group of animals at 12 months of age and significant progressive decrease in older animals. Vv[glom] presented statistically significant gradual reduction between the groups and the Nv[glom] also decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The renal function proved to be inferior in senile rats when compared to the young rats. The morphometric and stereological analysis evidenced renal atrophy, gradual reduction of the volume density and numerical density of the renal glomeruli associated to the aging process.