ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With the necessity to assess musculoskeletal complaints caused by computer use, The Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) was created, which aims to assess musculoskeletal complaints of the upper limbs, shoulder complex and cervical spine in computer users. However, there is currently no comprehensive summary in the scientific literature on the psychometric properties of the MUEQ. The objective of this study was to conduct a synthesis of all available scientific evidence that has analyzed the psychometric properties of the MUEQ. CONTENTS: This study followed the PRISMA recommendations. The bibliographic search was carried out in the following databases: MEDLINE (via VHL), Embase, LILACS (via VHL), Pubmed, PsycINFO, Scielo, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, MEDLINE Complete, Web of Science CENTRAL, Scopus and SPORTDiscus. Studies that addressed the psychometric properties of the MUEQ were included, as long as they were original articles of research carried out with human beings and indexed in the databases used. The studies were selected in two phases, with two independent reviewers. A total of 6 articles were included in the analysis. The evidence based on internal structure showed acceptable results. The reliability indexes ranged from α=0.52 to α=0.84, and ICC/composite reliability > 0.70 in the analyzed studies, classified as “good” and “excellent,” respectively. CONCLUSION: In general, this research found a lack of detail on the process of content validity and evidence related to external variables and the description of the sample. These problems extended to the evidence based on the internal structure and reliability of the MUEQ, which did not reach levels considered acceptable to ensure its adequacy and accuracy.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Com a necessidade de avaliar as queixas musculoesqueléticas ocasionadas pelo uso de computadores, foi criado o The Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ), cujo objetivo foi avaliar as queixas musculoesqueléticas relativas aos membros superiores, ao complexo do ombro e à cervical em usuários de computadores. No entanto, atualmente não existe uma sumarização abrangente, na literatura científica, sobre as propriedades psicométricas do MUEQ. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma síntese de evidências científicas disponíveis que analisaram as propriedades psicométricas do MUEQ. CONTEÚDO: Este estudo seguiu as recomendações do PRISMA. A busca bibliográfica foi realizada nas bases de dados Medline (via BVS), Embase, LILACS (via BVS), Pubmed, PsycINFO, Scielo, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, MEDLINE Complete, Web of Science CENTRAL, Scopus e SPORTDiscus. Foram incluídos estudos que abordaram as propriedades psicométricas do MUEQ, desde que fossem artigos originais de pesquisas desenvolvidas com seres humanos e indexados nas bases utilizadas. A seleção dos estudos ocorreu em duas fases, com dois revisores independentes. Foram incluídos 6 artigos/publicações na análise. A evidência baseada na estrutura interna apresentou resultados aceitáveis. Os índices de fidedignidade variaram de α=0,52 a α=0,84 e ICC/confiabilidade composta foram maiores que 0,70 nos estudos selecionados, classificados como “bom” e “excelente”, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: De um modo geral, esta pesquisa constatou a falta de detalhamento sobre o processo de validade de conteúdo e de evidências relacionados a variáveis externas e à descrição da amostra. Esses problemas se estenderam à evidência baseada na estrutura interna e à confiabilidade do MUEQ, que não alcançaram níveis considerados aceitáveis para garantir sua adequação e precisão.

Resumo: Para espécies nativas do Brasil existe uma grande necessidade de informações científicas que permitam a produção e armazenamento eficiente de sementes. O presente trabalho avaliou as alterações fisiológicas e moleculares em sementes de Hancornia speciosa armazenadas em soluções conservativas. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com oito repetições. Nas parcelas, soluções conservativas (A, B, C e D) e nas subparcelas, períodos de armazenamento (50, 100, 150 e 200 dias). Foram analisadas as variáveis: teor de água, raios-X, germinação, comprimento da parte aérea, raiz e massa seca de plântulas, condutividade elétrica, concentração e qualidade do ácido ribonucleico, concentração de peroxidase e proteínas resistentes ao calor. O teor de água manteve-se acima de 50% e 88% das sementes estão cheias e bem formadas. Com o aumento dos períodos de armazenamento, ocorre redução na germinação, comprimento da parte aérea, raiz e massa seca de plântulas e aumento da condutividade elétrica. Proteínas resistentes ao calor não foram suficientes para proteger as sementes contra danos macromoleculares e as concentrações de RNA e peroxidase diminuíram ao longo do armazenamento. As sementes armazenadas nas soluções B e C são mais vigorosas, sendo tais soluções indicadas para conservação de H. speciosa.

Abstract: For native species in Brazil, there is a great need for scientific information that allows efficient production and storage of seeds. The present work evaluated the physiological and molecular changes in Hancornia speciosa seeds stored in conservative solutions. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a split-plot scheme, with eight replications. In the plots, the conservative solutions (A, B, C, and D) were allocated, and the subplots the storage periods (50, 100, 150, and 200 days). The following variables were analyzed: water content, X-ray, germination, shoot length, root, dry mass of seedlings, electrical conductivity, concentration and quality of ribonucleic acid, the concentration of peroxidase, and heat-resistant proteins. The water content remained above 50%, and 88% of the seeds are full and well-formed. There is a reduction in the germination, shoot length, root, and dry mass of seedlings; and an increase of electrical conductivity with the increase of the storage time. Heat-resistant proteins were not sufficient to protect seeds against macromolecular damage, and RNA and peroxidase concentrations decreased with the increase of the storage time. The seeds stored in solutions B and C are more vigorous, being such solutions indicated for the conservation of H. speciosa.

Abstract The family Pseudorhombilidae Alcock, 1900 is widely distributed in the tropical western Atlantic, occurring from shallow waters to the continental slope, inhabiting sandy, gravelly, or muddy substrates. Despite the broad distribution of this family in the Americas, the species Pseudorhombila octodentata Rathbun, 1906 and Pseudorhombila quadridentata (Latreille, 1828) have been observed only in a few localities, with disjunct records, and Robertsella meridionalis Tavares and Gouvêa, 2013 has been recorded only in one type locality (Santa Catarina, Brazil). The present work reports new occurrences of P. octodentata from the state of Sergipe and P. quadridentata from the state of Amapá, and the second occurrence of R. meridionalis from the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. These new records are an important contribution to the understanding of distributional patterns of pseudorhombilid crab species in Brazil and to the increase in biodiversity data of crustaceans from the North and Northeast regions of Brazil.

Resumo: O armazenamento de sementes sob condições controladas de temperatura e umidade mantém a viabilidade e o vigor das sementes por um longo tempo, preservando sua longevidade. Esse tipo de conservação ajuda a preservar a disponibilidade de sementes para a recuperação de áreas degradadas, ou para garantir o fornecimento de material propagador para diversas finalidades na produção silvicultural, ou como matérias-primas para uso biotecnológico. O presente trabalho avaliou a qualidade física e fisiológica de sementes de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) de uma coleção ex situ armazenada em câmara fria a 6 °C ± 3 °C e 60% ± 5% de UR em embalagem impermeável. O teor de água, a qualidade física por testes de raio-X, a germinação, a condutividade elétrica, a integridade e a qualidade do RNA extraído dos eixos embrionários foram todos determinados. Foi possível identificar sementes completas, danificadas, malformadas, translúcidas e vazias. As sementes armazenadas por 1, 5, 9 e 10 anos apresentaram 78, 82, 42 e 38% das plântulas normais, respectivamente, enquanto os lotes de 6 e 7 anos apresentaram 0 e 6%. As condições de armazenamento das sementes foram as mesmas para todos os lotes. O teor de água superior a 6% influenciou a qualidade das sementes. As sementes de E. contortisiliquum demonstraram alta longevidade e podem ser armazenadas por até 10 anos em condições controladas.

Abstract: Seed storage under controlled temperature and humidity maintains the viability and the vigor of seeds for a long time while preserving their longevity. Ex situ conservation in a seed storage chamber is perfect for simulating the cool dry conditions that are associated with long-term seed storage. This helps to preserve the availability of seeds for the recovery of degraded areas and to ensure a supply of propagating material for various purposes in silvicultural production, or as raw materials for biotechnological use. The present work evaluated the physical and physiological quality of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong seeds from an ex situ collection that was kept in a seed storage chamber at 6 °C ± 3 °C and with 60% ± 5% of RH in waterproof packaging. The water content, the physical quality by X-ray tests, germination, electrical conductivity, and the integrity and quality of RNA that was extracted from the embryonic axes were all determined. It was possible to identify full, damaged, malformed, translucent, and empty seeds. The seeds that had been stored for 1, 5, 9, and 10 years presented 78, 82, 42, and 38% of normal seedlings, respectively, while the lots of 6 and 7 years presented 0 and 6%. The seed storage conditions were the same for all of the lots. A water content higher than 6% influenced the quality of the seeds. The E. contortisiliquum seeds demonstrated high longevity. They could be stored for up to 10 years under controlled conditions.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE : To compare ileal anastomoses in the immediate postoperative healing period after meloxicam use. METHODS: Forty two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups of 21, COX and control group. To COX meloxicam in combination with morphine was given in 3 days period. Control group received only morphine during the same period. Each group was divided into three sub-groups of 7, which were euthanized at 5, 10, and 21 days postoperatively. Comparison was based in histological evaluation of collagen type I and III using sirius red, immunohistochemical through vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9. RESULTS: Healing process in scheduled periods did not show significant differences (p>0.05) between the COX and control groups during any of the periods. CONCLUSION: The use of meloxicam in the postoperative period following ileal anastomosis did not affect healing.

Stem cell-based regenerative medicine is one of the most intensively researched medical issues. Pre-clinical studies in a large-animal model, especially in swine or miniature pigs, are highly relevant to human applications. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been isolated and expanded from different sources. Objective: This study aimed at isolating and characterizing, for the first time, bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) from a Brazilian minipig (BR1). Also, this aimed to validate a new large-animal model for stem cell-based tissue engineering. Material and Methods: Bone marrow (BM) was aspirated from the posterior iliac crest of twelve adult male BR1 under general anesthesia. MSCs were selected by plastic-adherence as originally described by Friedenstein. Cell morphology, surface marker expression, and cellular differentiation were examined. The immunophenotypic profile was determined by flow cytometry. The differentiation potential was assessed by cytological staining and by RT-PCR. Results: MSCs were present in all minipig BM samples. These cells showed fibroblastic morphology and were positive for the surface markers CD90 (88.6%), CD29 (89.8%), CD44 (86.9%) and negative for CD34 (1.61%), CD45 (1.83%), CD14 (1.77%) and MHC-II (2.69%). MSCs were differentiated into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondroblasts as demonstrated by the presence of lipidic-rich vacuoles, the mineralized extracellular matrix, and the great presence of glycosaminoglycans, respectively. The higher gene expression of adipocyte fatty-acid binding protein (AP2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and collagen type 2 (COLII) also confirmed the trilineage differentiation (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.031; respectively). Conclusions: The isolation, cultivation, and differentiation of BM-MSCs from BR1 makes this animal eligible as a useful large-animal model for stem cell-based studies in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Radiotherapy (RT) of head and neck neoplasms often damages the salivary glands. AIM: To examine the pattern of morphologic changes resulting from RT of the head and neck region in minipig parotid glands in a clinical and experimental research setting. METHODS: Twelve 18-month-old male Brazilian minipigs weighing 30-40 kg were selected. Eight minipigs were assigned to the experimental group (group 1) and 4 to the control group (group 2). The RT was performed under general anesthesia at Erasto Gaertner Hospital, Curitiba, Brazil, using an á/â ratio of 2.5. The minipigs from group 1 underwent 3 sessions of irradiation with Cobalt 60 of the head and neck, bilaterally, with 3 exposures of 8 Gy each at 7-day intervals for a total dose of 24 Gy. The animals were sacrificed 12 weeks post-RT. RESULTS: The irradiated parotid glands displayed reductions in the size and number of acini as well as loss of secretory granules. The presence of fibrosis and loss of parenchyma relative to non-irradiated glands were observed, with an average reduction in volume of 54%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that this model for parotid gland damage resulting from an RT regimen appears to be useful for preclinical large animal studies of RT-induced damage and testing novel potential treatment options. Although recent advances in radiation therapy, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy, have reduced the dose and limited the field of radiation, considerable salivary gland injury still occurs and can greatly impact the patient's quality of life after cancer treatment.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A duração do efeito dos anestésicos locais (AL) pode ser ampliada pela sua incorporação aos sistemas de liberação prolongada como microesferas. No entanto, a possibilidade de que os sistemas de liberação prolongada de AL sejam neurotóxicos não tem recebido a devida atenção na literatura. Este estudo teve o objetivo de investigar os efeitos de microesferas de ácido poliláctico-co-glicólico puras, preenchidas com bupivacaína em excesso enantiomérico de 50% ou com bupivacaína (BP), assim como os efeitos da bupivacaína em excesso enantiomérico de 50% em nervo ciático de ratos Wistar. MÉTODO: Os ratos foram alocados em quatro grupos de acordo com o tempo de avaliação (dois, quatro, seis e oito dias) e denominados conforme a solução injetada sobre o nervo ciático: microsferas com bupivacaína em excesso enantiomérico de 50% (MBE), microesferas com bupivacaína (MB); microesferas puras (MP) e bupivacaína em excesso enantiomérico de 50% (BE). RESULTADOS: Nos cortes histológicos semifinos observou-se distribuição regular homogênea nas fibras de colágeno no endoneuro e nenhuma alteração degenerativa dos axônios ou das bainhas de mielina foi constatada. Nos cortes ultrafinos foram observados axônios mielinizados e fibras de Remak de aspecto normal com axoplasma apresentando distribuição homogênea de neurofilamentos e microtúbulos. A análise histomorfométrica dos axônios não revelou diferença significativa entre os diâmetros dos axônios dos grupos estudados.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The duration of Local Anesthetic (LA) effects can be expanded by its incorporation into systems of sustained release microspheres. However, the possibility that LA sustained release systems are neurotoxic has not received due attention in literature. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of pure microspheres of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), filled with 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine or bupivacaine (BP), as well as the effects of 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine in the sciatic nerve of Wistar rats. METHODS: The rats were allocated into four groups according to the evaluation time (two, four, six, and eight days) and nominated according to the injected solution on the sciatic nerve: Microspheres with 50% Enantiomeric excess Bupivacaine (MEB), Microspheres with Bupivacaine (MB), Pure Microspheres (PM), and 50% Enantiomeric excess Bupivacaine (EB). RESULTS: In semi-fine histologic sections, no regular homogeneous distribution of collagen fibers in the endoneurium or degenerative changes of axons and myelin sheaths were observed. In ultrathin sections, we found myelinated axons and normal Remak fibers with axoplasm showing homogeneous distribution of neurofilaments and microtubules. Histomorphometric analysis of axons revealed no significant difference between the axon diameters of the studied groups.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La duración del efecto de los anestésicos locales (AL), puede ser ampliada por su incorporación a los sistemas de liberación prolongada como microesferas. Sin embargo, la posibilidad de que los sistemas de liberación prolongada de AL sean neurotóxicos, no ha recibido la debida atención en la literatura. Este estudio tuvo el objetivo de investigar los efectos de microesferas de ácido poliláctico-co-glicólico puras, rellenados con bupivacaína en exceso enantiomérico de 50% o con bupivacaína (BP), como también los efectos de la bupivacaína en exceso enantiomérico de 50% en nervio ciático de ratones Wistar. MÉTODO: Los ratones se dividieron en cuatro grupos de acuerdo con el tiempo de evaluación (dos, cuatro, seis y ocho días), y fueron denominados conforme a la solución inyectada sobre el nervio ciático: microesferas con bupivacaína en exceso enantiomérico de 50% (MBE), microesferas con bupivacaína (MB); microesferas puras (MP) y bupivacaína en exceso enantiomérico de 50% (BE). RESULTADOS: En los cortes semifinos se observó la distribución regular homogénea en las fibras de colágeno en el endoneuro y no se comprobó ninguna alteración degenerativa de los axones o de las vainas de mielina. En los cortes ultrafinos fueron observados axones mielinizados y fibras de Remak de aspecto normal con axoplasma presentando una distribución homogénea de neurofilamentos y microtúbulos. El análisis histomorfométrico de los axones no reveló diferencias significativas entre los diámetros de los axones de los grupos estudiados.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto do NOTES, comparado à cirurgia laparoscópica, mediante análise de parâmetros fisiológicos além de complicações operatórias e evolução pós-operatória. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 12 suínos fêmeas, distribuídas em dois grupos: grupo laparoscopia (Glap) e grupo NOTES (GNotes). Os animais foram submetidos à biópsia hepática e peritoneal laparoscópica ou via endoscópica transvaginal. A cada 10 minutos foram anotadas a frequência respiratória, frequência cardíaca, saturação de O2 e concentração expiratória de CO2. No 7° PO, os animais foram submetidos à laparotomia para avaliação de complicações intra-abdominais. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos animais apresentou perda ponderal após o procedimento, entretanto em nenhum caso superior a 5%. Não houve diferença na variação percentual do peso entre os grupos (p=0,7535). Também não foram observadas diferenças ao se comparar as médias da ETCO2 (p=0,4762), e médias da FC (p=0,6035). Entretanto, o GLap apresentou médias de FR superiores ao GNotes (p=0,0043) assim como as médias da saturação de O2 (p=0,0080) foram superiores. Porém, nenhum animal apresentou satO2 inferior a 87% e esta diferença não foi considerada clinicamente significante. Apenas um animal do GNotes apresentou complicação operatória. CONCLUSÃO: NOTES está associado a parâmetros fisiológicos operatórios semelhantes aos encontrados na cirurgia laparoscópica A realização de peritonioscopia transvaginal não está associada a aumento das complicações operatórias comparado à laparoscopia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of NOTES compared to laparoscopic surgery, through the analysis of physiological parameters as well as surgical complications and postoperative outcome, for liver biopsy. METHODS: 12 female pigs were divided into two groups: laparoscopy group (GLap) and NOTES group (GNote). The animals underwent liver biopsy by peritoneal laparoscopy or transvaginal endoscopy. The respiratory rate, heart rate, O2 saturation and expiratory concentrations of CO2 were recorded every 10 minutes. In the seventh postoperative day, the animals underwent laparotomy for evaluation of intra-abdominal complications. RESULTS: Most of the animals showed weight loss after the procedure, however in no case more than 5%. There was no difference in percentage change in weight between the groups (p = 0.7535). Also, no differences were observed when comparing the averages of ETCO2 (p = 0.4762), and average heart rate (p = 0.6035). However, the GLap showed higher respiratory rate than the GNote (p = 0.0043), as well as the average O2 saturation (p = 0.0080). However, no animal showed SatO2 less than 87% and this difference was not considered clinically significant. Only one GNote animal presented with an operative complication. CONCLUSION: NOTES is associated with physiological parameters similar to those found in operative laparoscopy. Performing transvaginal peritonioscopy is not associated with increased postoperative complications when compared to laparoscopy.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As microesferas podem ser utilizadas como um sistema de liberação controlada para prolongar a ação de anestésicos locais. Esse estudo teve como objetivo a preparação, caracterização e análise da liberação in vitro de microesferas de bupivacaína em excesso enantiomérico de 50% (S75-R25). MÉTODO: As micropartículas foram preparadas utilizando o co-polímero de ácido poliláctico-co-glicólico contendo bupivacaína em excesso enantiomérico de 50% pelo método spray-dryed. RESULTADOS: A caracterização das microesferas em relação ao seu tamanho e conteúdo foram similares aos valores teóricos. A liberação in vitro apresentou um padrão bifásico. CONCLUSÕES: O processo de fabricação de microesferas contendo bupivacaína em excesso enantiomérico de 50% pelo método spray-dryed é factível de ser realizado, com resultados semelhantes aos encontrados com microesferas de bupivacaína.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microspheres can be used as a controlled delivery system to prolong the duration of action of local anesthetics. The objective of this study was the preparation, characterization and analysis of the in vitro release of 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine (S75-R25)-loaded microspheres. METHODS: Microspheres were prepared using the copolymer of polylactide-co-glycolic acid by the spray-dryed method. RESULTS: Characterization of microspheres regarding their size and content were similar to the theoretical values. The in vitro release demonstrated a biphasic pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Manufacturing of 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine-loaded microspheres by the spray-dryed method with results similar to bupivacaine-loaded microspheres can be done.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Las micro esferas pueden ser utilizadas como un sistema de liberación controlada para prolongar la acción de anestésicos locales. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo la preparación, caracterización y el análisis de la liberación in vitro de micro esferas de bupivacaina en exceso enantiomérico de 50% (S75-R25). MÉTODO: Las micro partículas fueron preparadas utilizando el copolímero de ácido poliláctico-co-glicólico con bupivacaina en exceso enantiomérico de un 50% por el método spray-dryed. RESULTADOS: La caracterización de las micro esferas con relación a su tamaño y contenido fueron similares a los valores teóricos. La liberación in vitro presentó un estándar bifásico. CONCLUSIONES: El proceso de fabricación de micro esferas con bupivacaina en exceso enantiomérico de 50% por el método spray-dryed se puede realizar con resultados semejantes a los encontrados con micro esferas de bupivacaina.

Proper site selection is fundamental in the success of any aquiculture enterprise. To identify suitable areas for freshwater prawn culture in Pernambuco, factors like elevation, relief, soil and climate were considered, in accordance with the species biology and pond construction. According to the established criteria, suitable, unsuitable and unfavorable areas, with some restrictions, were recognized. Suitable areas for freshwater prawn culture in Pernambuco are about 835 km², representing 0.85% of the total area of the State.