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Biomedical subjects

J M Medeiros

Publications and source records attributed to J M Medeiros.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on aggressive behavior in adult rat submitted to the neonatal malnutrition.

The effect of the malnutrition during suckling on the aggressiveness was investigated in adult rats treated or not with citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The animals were divided into two groups according to the diet used: nourished group - the rats received the control diet with 23% protein during the life; and malnourished group - the rats had its mothers submitted to diet with 7.8% protein during suckling. At 120 days of age, each group was sub-divided according to the treatment: acute - consisting a single i.p. injection of saline solution or 20-mg/Kg citalopram; chronic - consisting the single injections (1 per day during 14 days) of saline or 20 mg/Kg citalopram. The acute or chronic treatment with SSRI reduces aggressive response in nourished rats, but not in malnourished ones. Thus, the malnutrition during the critical period of brain development seems to induce durable alterations in the function of the serotoninergic neurotransmission

Aggression↗

The choice of the master cone: a comparative study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the choice of the gutta-percha master cone during root canal filling. A total of 258 root canals were instrumented according to standard techniques and master cones were selected. The root canals were divided into two groups: group I, in which the master cone was of the same number as the instrument used for apical preparation without any additional operative procedure, and group II in which the master cone did not correspond in number or if additional operative procedures were performed. Group I consisted of 162 root canals and group II consisted of only 96, a larger but not statistically significant result.

Dental Leakage↗

Recruitment of internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles during the eccentric phase of the curl-up exercise.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of a training method to increase voluntary recruitment of internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. Forty volunteers were assigned to either a Control or an Experimental Group. Training consisted of multisensory (auditory, tactile, visual, and kinesthetic) cuing focused on the lower abdominal muscles during the slow curl-back (eccentric) phase of curl-up exercises with the subjects' feet unsupported. We recorded integrated electromyographic (IEMG) values using surface electrodes from internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles during pretest and posttest exercises. Using an analysis of covariance, posttest IEMG values of the Experimental Group were significantly higher (p less than .001) than the Control Group. Our results reveal that multisensory cuing with the feet unsupported during the curl-back is an effective method of increasing combined recruitment of internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. Motor skills developed by this technique are discussed in relation to optimal trunk function and rehabilitation.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Energy cost index as an estimate of energy expenditure of cerebral-palsied children during assisted ambulation.

The energy expenditure of cerebral-palsied children ambulating with bilateral quad canes and wheeled walkers was estimated, using average heart rate and speed of walking. An energy cost index (average number of heart rates per unit distance walked) was derived to allow for varying speeds among patients. Children were then categorized into those who had a lower energy cost index when using quad canes and those who had a lower index when using walkers. This made it possible to offer treatment recommendations based on objective data.

Canes↗

Clinical assessment of trunk flexor muscle strength in healthy girls 3 to 7 years of age.

We developed a clinical method for assessing trunk flexor muscle strength in healthy children that can be applied to assist physical therapists in determining strength accurately in pediatric patients. In this study, we assessed trunk flexor muscle strength in 75 healthy girls 3 to 7 years of age. Muscle strength was graded on a scale of 0 to 5 using modified, manual muscle testing methods. These methods attempted to minimize the amount of hip flexor muscle activity during trunk flexion and allow more isolated action of the abdominal trunk flexor muscles. The frequency of Normal (Grade 5) strength first appeared to predominate at age 5 years with the majority of children demonstrating Normal (Grade 5) strength by age 7 years. Regression analysis illustrated a positive linear relationship (beta = .37, p less than .001) between mean muscle grade and age group. We discuss muscle cross-sectional area, muscle-fiber diameter, muscle-cell number, maturation of the central nervous system, and changes in body proportions with age as possible contributing factors to the results of this study.

Abdominal Muscles↗

EMG activity of the vastus medialis oblique and the vastus lateralis in their role in patellar alignment.

Using intramuscular electrodes the integrated electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis oblique and the vastus lateralis was examined in twenty normal females. The activity was recorded during the last thirty degrees of distal segment stabilized knee extension, when patellar subluxation commonly occurs. The electromyographic activity was normalized and expressed as a percentage of a maximal isometric contraction. Both muscles exhibited low levels of activity with no significant differences between the two. This study provides a quantitative method to assess whether muscular imbalance is present in patients with patellar subluxation.

Adult↗

The influence of isometric exercise and passive stretch on hip joint motion.

A method was designed to compare the effects of isometric contractions and passive stretch on modifying joint range of motion in 30 normal men. Subjects were randomly assigned into a control group, a passive stretch group, or an isometric contraction group. Each subject assumed a left sidelying position on the force table. Stabilization was applied to the pelvis and left lower extremity. The cuff, to which the force cable was attached, was applied to the right lower extremity. Force measurements produced by the isometric contractions or passive stretch procedures were stored on computer tape. The results of the mean differences in pelvifemoral angle measurements indicated that both treatment groups significantly increased their range of passive hip flexion with the knee extended when compared to the control group. Comparisons between the two treatment groups indicated that the isometric contraction and passive stretch procedures had significant and similar effects.

Adult↗

Assessment of quadriceps/hamstring strength, knee ligament stability, functional and sports activity levels five years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The purpose of this study was to examine individuals 5 years after ACL reconstruction and analyze changes involving strength, stability, function, and sports activities. Nineteen males and six females, mean age = 31.4 +/- 7.31 years, participated in this study. Fifteen subjects had received extraarticular and ten subjects had received intraarticular ACL reconstructions. Subjects completed a 100 point subjective functional activity questionnaire and a sports participation survey. Knee ligament stability was assessed during an objective knee examination. Isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength were tested at 240 and 120 deg/sec using the Cybex II dynamometer. Anterolateral rotatory instability and positive Lachman were elicited on the operated leg for 80% of the subjects. No significant relationship was found between objective instability and the functional activity score. For the intraarticular group, a significant correlation (P less than 0.05) was found between increased quadriceps and hamstring strength on the operated leg and return to functional activities. Subjects' functional activity score was positively correlated (P less than 0.001) with their ability to participate in sports. Subjects participating in sports involving cutting and twisting motions were less successful in returning to their preinjury participation levels and reported more subjective complaints of pain, swelling, and/or instability. These results indicate that long-term progressive rehabilitation emphasizing increased quadriceps and hamstring strength to approximate the nonoperated leg may enhance successful return to functional and sports activities after ACL reconstruction.

Adult↗