Differential Effects of 7 and 16 Groups of Muscle Relaxation Training Following Repeated Submaximal Intensity Exercise in Young Football Players.

This study compares two versions of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) training (7 and 16 muscle groups) on oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rates, rating of perceived exertion and choice reaction time. Football (soccer) players (N = 26; M age = 13.4 yr., SD = 0.5) were randomly assigned to either 7 muscle groups PMR, 16 muscle groups PMR, or a control group. PMR training requires the participants to tense a muscle, hold the muscle contraction, and then relax it. Measurement was conducted prior to and after the completion of 12 sessions of PMR. The dependent variables were measured following four bouts of intermittent exercise consisting of 12 min. of running at 60% VO2max for 10 min. followed by running at 90% VO2max for 2 min. with a 3-min. rest for each bout. Lower VO2, heart rate, perceived exertion, and quicker reaction time were expected in both relaxation groups compared to the control group. The results revealed a significant reduction in heart rates and choice reaction time for both relaxation groups, but the longer version produced significantly quicker choice reaction time.

Fuzzy Controller Design Using Evolutionary Techniques for Twin Rotor MIMO System: A Comparative Study.

This paper presents a comparative study of fuzzy controller design for the twin rotor multi-input multioutput (MIMO) system (TRMS) considering most promising evolutionary techniques. These are gravitational search algorithm (GSA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), artificial bee colony (ABC), and differential evolution (DE). In this study, the gains of four fuzzy proportional derivative (PD) controllers for TRMS have been optimized using the considered techniques. The optimization techniques are developed to identify the optimal control parameters for system stability enhancement, to cancel high nonlinearities in the model, to reduce the coupling effect, and to drive TRMS pitch and yaw angles into the desired tracking trajectory efficiently and accurately. The most effective technique in terms of system response due to different disturbances has been investigated. In this work, it is observed that GSA is the most effective technique in terms of solution quality and convergence speed.

Children's exercise behavior: the moderating role of habit processes within the theory of planned behavior.

PURPOSE: The moderating effect of exercise habit strength and specific habit processes within the theory of planned behavior (TPB) was tested in children. METHODS: Participants were primary school students (N = 380, mean age = 10.46 ± .52). The data were collected using self-report measures followed by one-mile run test performance. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. RESULTS: The findings revealed that 34, 57, and 9% of students could be classified as low, moderate, and high in PA, respectively. Path analysis for the overall model revealed significant path loadings (p = < .05), except for the attitude-intention path. Moderating effects results revealed that strong habit strength extinguished the effects of intention on PA. CONCLUSION: Habit strength has the potential to minimize the deliberate processes associated with intention to exercise, thereby increasing the probability of intention-behavior translation. For specific habit processes, only negative affect appears to moderate the relationships between the TPB variables.

Balloon compression of the intramaxillary sinus for intractable post-traumatic bleeding from the maxillary artery. Case report.

We present a case of severe intractable epistaxis after midfacial trauma in which the bleeding was identified as coming from the descending palatine artery, a branch of the maxillary artery. It could not be controlled by simple packing, and was stopped by inserting a balloon into the maxillary sinus, tamponading the injured vessel in the sphenopalatine fossa (pterigopalatine fossa). We describe an easy and practical emergency manoeuvre to control bleeding from inaccessible branches of the maxillary artery and to prevent rebleeding after embolisation.

Local recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) thrombolytic therapy in microvascular surgery.

Vascular thrombosis remains a dreaded complication of any microvascular procedure, be it composite tissue transfer or replantation of amputated limbs or parts. Despite the tremendous advances in microvascular-related technologies and the accumulated surgical skills, failures caused by occlusion of anastomosed vessels remain a continuous source of frustration to all microsurgeons alike. Several anticoagulation and antiplatelet protocols have been proposed to be used in conjunction with microvascular surgery. More recently, thrombolytic drugs such as urokinase, streptokinase, and thrombolysin have been introduced, yet their systemic effect on hemostasis remains an undesirable side effect. We present our experience with local intra-arterial, intravenous, and soft-tissue injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator rt-PA in replantation surgery in three consecutive patients. Arterial thrombi are managed by intra-arterial rt-PA infusion with the catheter placed proximal to the arterial anastomosis. Venous thrombi are best lysed by infusing rt-PA in an engorged vein of the replanted limb. In replanted digits, direct intravenous infusion is not possible. In such situations, injection of rt-PA in the pulp soft tissues may result in successful salvage. We believe this agent also has a role in microvascular composite tissue transfer in preventing free flap failures as well as in salvaging failing flaps.

Muscle transposition flap for salvage of exposed peripheral prosthetic vascular grafts.

Infection of prosthetic vascular grafts, although infrequent, is a dreadful complication in vascular surgery. It is a challenge for the surgeon and is life- and limb-threatening to the patient. Conventionally, infection involving a foreign body is eradicated by removing the foreign body. Despite its theoretical appeal, this solution is fraught with danger--a high mortality rate that ranges between 10% and 30%, a high rate of protracted postoperative morbidity, and a limb amputation rate as high as 70%. The salvage of infected prosthetic vascular grafts by prompt soft-tissue coverage with transposition muscle flaps in 3 consecutive patients treated during a period of 12 years is the subject of this report.

Necrotising infection of the orofacial tissues in neonates (noma neonatorum). Case report.

Noma neonatorum should be differentiated from noma, in that it is typically a disease of seriously ill premature infants whose birth weight was low, and is caused by Pseudomonas aerugenosa septicaemia. We know of only two case reports of noma neonatorum involving newborn infants born at full term, so we report here another case of noma neonatorum in a neonate born at full term. In addition we describe the differences between noma neonatorum and noma (cancrum oris), a clinically related entity.

Perinipple round-block technique for correction of tuberous/tubular breast deformity.

A one-stage surgical correction of tuberous and tubular breast deformities is described. An intraareolar donut of pigmented skin is deepithelialized to correct the associated mega areola, allowing, at the same time, a port of entry for insertion of a retroglandular breast implant. The exposed areolar dermis is then telescoped inward and stretch-anchored to an imaginary circular line situated beneath the breast skin areola junction, thus pushing the breast tissue against the implant and the chest wall and correcting the deformity. The round-block technique is then utilized to approximate the skin edges, resulting in a minimal scar, totally inconspicuous, confined to the immediate perinipple area.

Traumatic injuries of the alimentary tract in children.

Traumatic alimentary tract (AT) perforations in children secondary to instrumentation, though rare, can occur at any age, especially in neonates and young infants. Awareness of such a possibility is essential for prompt management to be initiated. Over a 10-year period (1986-1995), eight pediatric patients with AT perforations secondary to instrumentation were managed at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Five had upper AT injuries that included three hypopharyngeal, one esophageal, and one gastric lesion. The remaining three patients had lower AT injuries involving the transverse colon in one and the rectum in two. All the patients but two (one with a hypopharyngeal and one with an esophageal injury) were managed surgically and all survived. These rare injuries are discussed in addition to the preventive measures to be taken.

Vertical and horizontal linear growth of the maxillary and mandibular lips: a longitudinal study.

This study was designed to quantify linear changes in length and thickness for both maxillary and mandibular lips. Twenty-seven (27) untreated children were used in this study. Five serial lateral radiographs were taken from the age of 3-18 years old. Results of the study demonstrated that lips grow in length and thickness by age. Also, this growth in both dimensions is more marked in male subjects than in females.

Local intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for salvage of forearm replantation.

Microvascular anastomoses are at risk of thrombosis, especially when repairing avulsed or crushed tissues, or when ischemia time is prolonged. When all surgical techniques to avoid thrombosis of the microanastomoses fail, thrombolytic agents may play a role in dissolving the thrombus and preventing rethrombosis. The authors present a case in which recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) was locally infused to salvage thrombosed venous microanastomoses after replantation of an amputated forearm. They also review the effects of different thrombolytic agents, and emphasize the benefits of rt-PA and its promising role in microsurgery.

Vascularized fascial patch for repair of suboccipital dural defect.

Advanced knowledge about cutaneous vascularity has enabled the development of axial flaps such as fasciocutaneous, septocutaneous, and musculocutaneous flaps. It has also laid the foundation for microsurgical free flaps. The newly emerging concept of angiosomes sheds yet more light on the complexity and multiplicity of peripheral blood supply. We describe the use of an extended vertical trapezius flap carrying a segment of latissimus dorsi muscle with the underlying paraspinal fascia to close an infected and irradiated posterior fossa craniectomy and dural defect. This flap illustrates the elevation of an angiosomal block of tissues as an axial flap vascularized by the alternative major blood supply of one of its constituents. The potentials of this "angiosomal flap" are explored. A brief review of dural defect repair is also presented.

Periodontal findings in cases of posterior cross-bite.

The relationship between cross-bite and periodontal health in the posterior segment was investigated in 44 teenage subjects. The result did show a relationship between the cross-bite and periodontal health as assessed by Plaque Index, Gingival Index and pocket depth measurements. Pocket depth in all sites with the exception in the distal site for both sexes does not reach a significant difference between the cross-bite and the control teeth. The periodontal status of the teeth in cross-bite revealed a more unfavorable periodontal condition in males compared to the females but no statistical significant difference was reached.

Microvascular soft-tissue coverage and distraction osteosynthesis for lower-extremity salvage.

In our attempts to salvage massive lower-extremity injuries, even in the presence of severe peripheral vascular pathology, adequate soft-tissue coverage is no longer a limiting factor due to recent advances in microvascular composite tissue transfer. Restoration of tibial continuity without shortening has emerged as the last obstacle in the formidable task of salvaging lower extremities with grade III B and III C defects. Proposed solutions to this problem include conventional free cancellous bone-grafting applicable to small defects only, vascularized bone grafts, or shortening of the leg with subsequent elongation using the Ilizarov technique. We present our experience with 3 consecutive cases of lower-limb salvage, utilizing a new approach in which microsurgical soft-tissue reconstruction has been combined with bony reconstruction by distraction osteosynthesis. Bone transport by distraction osteosynthesis under a free flap performed while preserving the initial limb length throughout the treatment period proved to be superior to other methods in selected cases and is presented as a new technique for the management of problematic lower-limb injuries.

Dento-skeletal components of class II malocclusions for children with normal and retruded mandibles.

A random sample of 150 British school children aged 9 to 12 years was selected. Lateral skull radiographs were taken and traced. None of the subjects had any orthodontic treatment before. Out of the sample of 150 children, 41 children (18 boys and 23 girls) were selected on the basis of ANB angle > or = 4.5 degrees, as having class II skeletal relationship. Average age of the children was 10 years, 16 angular and 8 linear, skeletal and dental parameters were used. The 41 class II skeletal sample was divided according to the value of SNB angle into subjects with normal anteroposterior positioned mandibles (SNB > or = 76 degrees--19 children) and retruded mandibles (SNB < or = 75.5 degrees--22 children). Descriptive statistics for the skeletal class II sample was done, which confirmed earlier studies. In addition, descriptive statistic was done for each SNB group in order to characterize them. Student t test was done to identify significant differences between both groups of skeletal class II. The results revealed significant difference for SNA (P < 0.001); SN-Pog (P < 0.001); NS Gn (P < 0.001); SN-MP (P 0.001); ANS-PNS-Go-Me (P, 0.01); SN-occl (P < 0.001); 1-MP (P < 0.01); N-Me (P < 0.001); N-ANS (P < 0.05).

Dento-skeletal components of class III malocclusions for children with normal and protruded mandibles.

A random sample of 150 British school children was selected age range 9 to 12 years. Lateral skull radiographs were taken and traced. None of the subjects had any orthodontic treatment before. 27 children average age of 10 years were selected on the basis of ANB < or = 1 degree as having class III skeletal relation (15 boys and 12 girls). 16 angular and 8 linear skeletal and dental parameters were used. The sample of class III skeletal relation was divided according to the value of SNB angle into subjects with normal anteroposterior situated mandibles; (SNB < or = 79 degree 14 children) and others with protruded mandibles; (SNB > or = 79.5 13 children). Descriptive statistics for the class III skeletal sample was done and compared to the mean sample. Student t test was performed to identify significant differences between both groups of class III skeletal relation. Significant differences between both groups were found for SNA, P < 0.001; SNPog, P < 0.001; SN MP, P < 0.001; SN-occl, P < 0.001 and 1-APog, P < 0.05.

Mesiodistal tooth width. A comparison between Saudi males and females. Part 1.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a significant sex difference or not in the mesiodistal tooth width between Saudi males and females. 720 teeth were measured from a pre-treatment orthodontic study casts with equal distribution of the two sexes. The subjects were aged 13 to 20 years. An electronic digital caliper was used for the measurements. For the statistical analysis the Student's t-test was used. The result of this investigation showed that the canines in both jaws exhibited a significant sex differences while the other teeth did not. Hence, this study confirms results obtained by other investigators and emphasize the fact that mesiodistal tooth width is an important factor in the assessment of crowding, spacing and orthodontic treatment planning.

Mesiodistal tooth width in a Saudi population sample comparing right and left sides. Part 2.

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether there was a significant difference or not in mesiodistal tooth width between the right and left sides in a Saudi sample. The measurements were obtained from 720 teeth of pretreatment orthodontic study casts. The results showed no significant statistical difference between right and left sides, which in agreement with literature. Thus, measurement of one side could be regarded as truly representative when the corresponding measurement on the other side was unobtainable.

Analysis of activator treatment changes.

The effects of functional appliance treatment have been reported in numerous studies in the literature with great variability in the findings. It is generally agreed that they can be used successfully to treat Class II malocclusions in growing and cooperative patients. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the relative orthodontic and orthopedic correction obtained by functional appliances in Class II correction. Lateral cephalometric radiographs from a sample (n = 36) of patients who had undergone a phase of treatment with activator appliances were measured and analysed for changes using a modified version of the method described by Johnston (Hashim and Godfrey 1990). In this method, the treatment changes were broken down into: tooth movement relative to basal bone; and the translatory growth of the jaws, both with respect to the cranial base and to each other. The results show that the treatment effects were mainly dentoalveolar. There was a slight orthopedic effect on the maxilla, but no significant mandibular growth was observed, above that which can be expected from normal growth.