Effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on postural stability in subacute stroke: A randomized control trial.

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) promotes neuromodulation and neuroplasticity in the brain. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term effects of the anodal tDCS on postural and trunk stability, physical performance, anticipatory postural adjustment and quality of life in sub-acute stroke patients. Thirty-six participants with sub-acute stroke were divided into experimental and control groups using sealed envelope randomization. Outcome measures comprised the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, Trunk Impairment Scale, Time Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. Assessments were conducted at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. Within-group analysis revealed significant improvement in both the experimental (p-value < 0.05) and control groups (p-value < 0.005). Notably, significant effects were observed in postural stability after intervention, and during one of the detraining assessments, the experimental group showed superior results compared to the control group in subacute stroke. Anodal tDCS yield significant short- and long-term effects on postural stability, while short term effects on trunk stability. Additionally, long term effects were observed on the physical performance and anticipatory postural adjustments while no effects at quality of life either short or long term basis among the subacute stroke patients.

Translation and psychometric analysis of urdu version of modified polycystic ovary syndrome health related quality of life questionnaire (MPCOSQ-U).

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a metabolic disorder prevalent among females of reproductive age. The symptoms of PCOS profoundly affect the quality of life of these females. Outcome measures specific to PCOS are crucial to the management of these patients. The MCPOSQ is a validated tool to measure the health-related quality of life specific to PCOS. The purpose of this study was to translate the modified polycystic ovary syndrome quality of life questionnaire (MPCOSQ) and to determine the reliability and validity of the modified polycystic ovary syndrome quality of life questionnaire Urdu version (MPCOSQ-U). METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Islamabad/Rawalpindi. The MPCOSQ was translated to Urdu and validated by expert gynaecologists. The MPCOSQ-U and SF-36 were administered to one hundred eighty females with PCOS. The MPCOSQ-U was evaluated for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, factor analysis, face validity, content validity and construct validity. RESULTS: The average age (years) of the females was 25.27(1.83). The MPCOSQ-U showed excellent test-retest reliability and internal consistency (ICC2,1=0.95, Cronbach's α = 0.97). The content validity index (CVI) was 0.92. There was a statistically significant but weak positive correlation between MPCOSQ-U and SF-36 (r = .186, p = .012). CONCLUSION: The Urdu version of the modified version of the polycystic ovarian syndrome quality of life questionnaire is a validated and reliable tool to assess the quality of life of Pakistani females with PCOS. This is an important step to cover the language barrier, which influences the outcome assessment in PCOS.

Antioxidant and anti-gout effects of orally administered zinc oxide nanoparticles in gouty mice.

BACKGROUND: Zinc is an essential trace element which is involved in controlling oxidative stress, growth and immune system by regulating inflammatory cytokines. Gouty arthritis is the inflammation of joints and tissues caused by the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals. METHOD AND OBJECTIVE: This study involved the oral administration of zinc oxide nanoparticles at a various concentration (5 ppm, 10 ppm, and 20 ppm) and study their antioxidant and anti-gout effects on Balb/C mice. Various parameters such as ROS, superoxide, peroxide, catalase, TBARS, RFTs, LFTs, lipid profile and blood count were studied. RESULTS: ZnO nanoparticles at the concentrations of 10 and 20 ppm were significant (P < 0.001) in reducing serum uric acid concentration thus treating gouty arthritis. Reactive oxygen species and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly increased in comparison to zinc oxide nanoparticles treated groups. Furthermore, blood count and LFTs also showed the effectiveness of zinc oxide in the reduction of hyperuricemia. Histopathological analysis showed no apparent changes in liver, kidney and muscles tissues. CONCLUSION: Zinc oxide nanoparticles can be effective in reducing oxidative stress and the treatment of gouty arthritis.