Effects of elbow flexor muscle resistance training on strength, endurance and perceived exertion

Purpose. To verify the effects of resistance training at the electromyographic fatigue threshold (EMGFT) based on one-repetition maximum strength (1RM), heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (PE) and endurance time (EndT). Methods. Nineteen subjects (training group [TG]: n = 10; control group [CG]: n = 9), performed 1-min bicep curl exercises sets at 25%, 30%, 35% and 40% 1RM. Electromyography (biceps brachii and brachiorradialis), HR and PE were registered. Biceps brachii EMGFT was used to create a load index for an eight-week resistance training programme (three sets until exhaustion/session, two sessions/week) for the TG. The CG only attended one session in the first week and another session in the last week of the eight-week training period for EndT measurement. EndT was determined from the number of repetitions of each of the three sets performed in the first and last training sessions. After training, 1RM, EMGFT, EndT, HR and PE at the different bicep curl load intensities were again measured for both groups. Results. Increases in 1RM (5.9%, p < 0.05) and EndT (> 60%, p < 0.001) after training were found. In addition, PE was reduced at all load intensities (p < 0.05), while no changes were found for HR and EMGFT after training. Conclusions. Strength-endurance training based on the EMGFT improved muscular endurance and also, to a lesser extent, muscular strength. Moreover, the reduced levels of physical exertion after training at the same intensity suggest that endurance training exercises may improve comfort while performing strength exercises.

Use of cone-beam tomography and digital subtraction radiography for diagnosis and evaluation of traumatized teeth treated with endodontic surgery and MTA. A case report

The aim of this paper was to report the diagnosis and evaluation of periradicular bone repair by using computed tomography and digital subtraction radiography in an endodontic surgery case treated with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). The patient had local swelling and fistula 7years after trauma in the upper jaw. Periapical lesion on tooth #12 and root resorption of tooth #11 were detected radiographically. Endodontic therapy and placement of intracanal medication were carried out. After 3months, with no improvement in the clinical signs and symptoms, computed tomography was performed, showing extensive apical bone resorption on tooth #12 and dental resorption promoting communication of the root canal with the periodontium of tooth #11. The patient was referred to endodontic surgery. After surgery and postoperative periods of 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120days, standardized radiographs were taken, digitized, and subjected to digital subtraction of the images using Adobe Photoshop CS software. Four years later, a cone-beam computed tomography was performed, showing bone repair and absence of root resorption at tooth #11. In this clinical case, digital subtraction radiography was effective for early detection of new bone formation and evolution of repair. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Avaliação radiográfica das articulações dos membros locomotores de cães naturalmente acometidos por leishmaniose visceral no município de Araçatuba-SP

Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal - FMVA

Severe secondary hyperparathyroidism and panoramic radiography parameters

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

conventional radiography and computed tomography to cervical spine study of adult horses - review

The imaging is essential to aid the diagnosis of horses that have performance decrease associated with any pain or clinical signs related to the vertebral column. Radiography is the first imaging examination performed in these cases, particularly for disorders affecting the cervical region. However, this technique has limitations when the study of subtle changes due to the overlapping of adjacent structures. Computed tomography is a new diagnostic method in Brazil for the study of bone disorders in horses, but it is of great diagnostic value associate with the radiographic examination in order to provide an accurate assessment of the study area, owing to superiority in image quality when compared to conventional radiography. The aim of this study is increase and update knowledge of diagnostic imaging available to investigate cervical disorders in horses.

Digital radiography for determination of primary tooth length: in vivo and ex vivo studies

Background. Methods for determining the root canal length of the primary tooth should yield accurate and reproducible results. In vitro studies show some limitations, which do not allow their findings to be directly transferred to a clinical situation. Aim. To compare the accuracy of radiographic tooth length obtained from in vivo digital radiograph with that obtained from ex vivo digital radiograph. Method. Direct digital radiographs of 20 upper primary incisors were performed in teeth (2/3 radicular resorption) that were radiographed by an intraoral sensor, according to the long-cone technique. Teeth were extracted, measured, and mounted in a resin block, and then radiographic template was used to standardise the sensor-target distance (30 cm). The apparent tooth length (APTL) was obtained from the computer screen by means of an electronic ruler accompanying the digital radiography software (CDR 2.0), whereas the actual tooth length (ACTL) was obtained by means of a digital calliper following extraction. Data were compared to the ACTL by variance analysis and Pearson’s correlation test. Results. The values for APTL obtained from in vivo radiography were slightly underestimated, whereas those values obtained from ex vivo were slightly overestimated. No significance was observed between APTL and ACTL. Conclusion. The length of primary teeth estimated by in vivo and ex vivo comparisons using digital radiography was found to be similar to the actual tooth length.

Quality and dose optimization in hand computed radiography

The objective of the present study was to optimize a radiographic technique for hand examinations using a computed radiography (CR) system and demonstrate the potential for dose reductions compared with clinically established technique. An exposure index was generated from the optimized technique to guide operators when imaging hands. Homogeneous and anthropomorphic phantoms that simulated a patient's hand were imaged using a CR system at various tube voltages and current settings (40-55 kVp, 1.25-2.8 mAs), including those used in clinical routines (50 kVp, 2.0 mAs) to obtain an optimized chart. The homogeneous phantom was used to assess objective parameters that are associated with image quality, including the signal difference-to-noise ratio (SdNR), which is used to define a figure of merit (FOM) in the optimization process. The anthropomorphic phantom was used to subjectively evaluate image quality using Visual Grading Analysis (VGA) that was performed by three experienced radiologists. The technique that had the best VGA score and highest FOM was considered the gold standard (GS) in the present study. Image quality, dose and the exposure index that are currently used in the clinical routine for hand examinations in our institution were compared with the GS technique. The effective dose reduction was 67.0%. Good image quality was obtained for both techniques, although the exposure indices were 1.60 and 2.39 for the GS and clinical routine, respectively.

Quantification of pulmonary inflammatory processes using chest radiography: tuberculosis as the motivating application

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Isokinetic analysis of the elbow joint in children with cerebral palsy

The joint torque is an important variable related to children with cerebral palsy. The present study analyzed kinetic parameters during elbow flexion and extension movements in healthy and cerebral palsy children. Ten healthy and 10 cerebral palsy children participated of the study. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the elbow mean peak torque, mean angle peak torque, coefficient of variation and acceleration during flexion and extension movements at different angular speeds. The mean peak torque on extension movement in healthy children group was significant higher compared to the cerebral palsy group. The coefficient of variation on both flexion and extension movements was significantly higher in cerebral palsy group. However there were significantly difference on both groups compared the lowest and highest velocities. Although the results showed no difference in flexor peak torque, the acceleration is significantly lower in lowest and highest angular velocity.

ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL STUDY OF THE MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT COMPLEX OF THE ELBOW

Objective: To carry out an anatomical study of the medial collateral ligament, an important elbow stabilizer in different degrees of elbow flexion-extension. Methods: Forty elbows were dissected in order to analyze the functional behavior of the anterior, posterior and transverse ligament bands during valgus stress maneuvers of the elbow in different degrees of flexion and extension. Two groups were determined; in the group GPA the posterior band of the ligament was sectioned initially, then the articular capsule and finally the anterior band; in group GAP this order was reversed. Results: Instability was observed in GPA only in the third stage, when there was a greater mean elbow's opening during the flexion (between 50 degrees and 70 degrees); in GAP the instability was present since the first stage; the degrees of flexion with greater instability were the same as in group GPA. Conclusion: The anterior band of the medial collateral ligament of the elbow is the most important stabilizer of the elbow valgus instability, and its principal action occurs between 50 degrees and 70 degrees of elbow flexion. Level of Evidence III, Diagnostic Studies Investigating a diagnostic test.

A systematic review with procedural assessments and meta-analysis of Low Level Laser Therapy in lateral elbow tendinopathy (tennis elbow)

Abstract Background Recent reviews have indicated that low level level laser therapy (LLLT) is ineffective in lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) without assessing validity of treatment procedures and doses or the influence of prior steroid injections. Methods Systematic review with meta-analysis, with primary outcome measures of pain relief and/or global improvement and subgroup analyses of methodological quality, wavelengths and treatment procedures. Results 18 randomised placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) were identified with 13 RCTs (730 patients) meeting the criteria for meta-analysis. 12 RCTs satisfied half or more of the methodological criteria. Publication bias was detected by Egger's graphical test, which showed a negative direction of bias. Ten of the trials included patients with poor prognosis caused by failed steroid injections or other treatment failures, or long symptom duration or severe baseline pain. The weighted mean difference (WMD) for pain relief was 10.2 mm [95% CI: 3.0 to 17.5] and the RR for global improvement was 1.36 [1.16 to 1.60]. Trials which targeted acupuncture points reported negative results, as did trials with wavelengths 820, 830 and 1064 nm. In a subgroup of five trials with 904 nm lasers and one trial with 632 nm wavelength where the lateral elbow tendon insertions were directly irradiated, WMD for pain relief was 17.2 mm [95% CI: 8.5 to 25.9] and 14.0 mm [95% CI: 7.4 to 20.6] respectively, while RR for global pain improvement was only reported for 904 nm at 1.53 [95% CI: 1.28 to 1.83]. LLLT doses in this subgroup ranged between 0.5 and 7.2 Joules. Secondary outcome measures of painfree grip strength, pain pressure threshold, sick leave and follow-up data from 3 to 8 weeks after the end of treatment, showed consistently significant results in favour of the same LLLT subgroup (p < 0.02). No serious side-effects were reported. Conclusion LLLT administered with optimal doses of 904 nm and possibly 632 nm wavelengths directly to the lateral elbow tendon insertions, seem to offer short-term pain relief and less disability in LET, both alone and in conjunction with an exercise regimen. This finding contradicts the conclusions of previous reviews which failed to assess treatment procedures, wavelengths and optimal doses.

Comparative study by computed radiography, histology, and scanning electron microscopy of the articular cartilage of normal goats and in chronic infection with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus

In the northeast of Brazil, caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is one of the key reasons for herd productivity decreasing that result in considerable economic losses. A comparative study was carried out using computed radiography (CR), histological analysis (HA), and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) of the joints of CAE infected and normal goats. Humerus head surface of positive animals presented reduced joint space, increased bone density, and signs of degenerative joint disease (DJD). The carpal joint presented no morphological alterations in CR in any of the animals studied. Tarsus joint was the most affected, characterized by severe DJD, absence of joint space, increased periarticular soft tissue density, edema, and bone sclerosis. Histological analysis showed chronic tissue lesions, complete loss of the surface zone, absence of proteoglycans in the transition and radial zones and destruction of the cartilage surface in the CAE positive animals. Analysis by SEM showed ulcerated lesions with irregular and folded patterns on the joint surface that distinguished the limits between areas of normal and affected cartilage. The morphological study of the joints of normal and CAE positive goats deepened understanding of the alteration in the tissue bioarchitecture of the most affected joints. The SEM finding sustained previous histological reports, similar to those found for rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting that the goat infected with CAE can be considered as a potential model for research in this area.

Performance evaluation of detectors for digital radiography

To date the hospital radiological workflow is completing a transition from analog to digital technology. Since the X-rays digital detection technologies have become mature, hospitals are trading on the natural devices turnover to replace the conventional screen film devices with digital ones. The transition process is complex and involves not just the equipment replacement but also new arrangements for image transmission, display (and reporting) and storage. This work is focused on 2D digital detector’s characterization with a concern to specific clinical application; the systems features linked to the image quality are analyzed to assess the clinical performances, the conversion efficiency, and the minimum dose necessary to get an acceptable image. The first section overviews the digital detector technologies focusing on the recent and promising technological developments. The second section contains a description of the characterization methods considered in this thesis categorized in physical, psychophysical and clinical; theory, models and procedures are described as well. The third section contains a set of characterizations performed on new equipments that appears to be some of the most advanced technologies available to date. The fourth section deals with some procedures and schemes employed for quality assurance programs.

Performance evaluation of detector for digital radiography

Lo scopo di questo lavoro è la caratterizzazione fisica del flat panel PaxScan4030CB Varian, rivelatore di raggi X impiegato in un ampio spettro di applicazioni cliniche, dalla radiografia generale alla radiologia interventistica. Nell’ambito clinico, al fine di una diagnosi accurata, è necessario avere una buona qualità dell’immagine radiologica mantenendo il più basso livello di dose rilasciata al paziente. Elemento fondamentale per ottenere questo risultato è la scelta del rivelatore di radiazione X, che deve garantire prestazioni fisiche (contrasto, risoluzione spaziale e rumore) adeguati alla specifica procedura. Le metriche oggettive che misurano queste caratteristiche sono SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio), MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) ed NPS (Noise Power Spectrum), che insieme contribuiscono alla misura della DQE (Detective Quantum Efficiency), il parametro più completo e adatto a stabilire le performance di un sistema di imaging. L’oggettività di queste misure consente anche di mettere a confronto tra loro diversi sistemi di rivelazione. La misura di questi parametri deve essere effettuata seguendo precisi protocolli di fisica medica, che sono stati applicati al rivelatore PaxScan4030CB presente nel laboratorio del Centro di Coordinamento di Fisica Medica, Policlinico S.Orsola. I risultati ottenuti, conformi a quelli dichiarati dal costruttore, sono stati confrontati con successo con alcuni lavori presenti in letteratura e costituiscono la base necessaria per la verifica di procedure di ottimizzazione dell’immagine radiologica attraverso interventi sul processo di emissione dei raggi X e sul trattamento informatico dell’immagine (Digital Subtraction Angiography).

Bone images from dual-energy subtraction chest radiography in the detection of rib fractures

To assess the sensitivity and image quality of chest radiography (CXR) with or without dual-energy subtracted (ES) bone images in the detection of rib fractures.