Investigating Combined Balance Training and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Recovery of Postural Control Following Chronic Stroke: A Study Protocol.

Introduction: Stroke is one of the most debilitating diseases among adults worldwide and leads to persistent rehabilitation needs even at the chronic stage. Achieving good postural control is a critical requirement for daily activities which enhances quality of life (QoL) in patients with stroke. There is increasing evidence that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be considered a promising adjunct technique to improve motor recovery after stroke. Evidence of augmented neuroplasticity after tDCS suggests that paired rehabilitation followed by consecutive use of tDCS may optimize recovery outcomes. Although a few randomized controlled trials have been conducted on upper limb rehabilitation in chronic stroke using tDCS, no study focused on balance training in chronic stroke patients. The present randomized, sham-controlled, double-blinded clinical study addresses brain stimulation targeting postural control using tDCS in chronic stroke. Methods: The study participants included chronic ischemic stroke individuals with postural control impairments who passed the exclusion criteria. Active or sham anodal tDCS was delivered to the lesioned leg motor cortex combined with balance training. The experimental group received active anodal tDCS stimulation (2 mA) for 20 min, daily for 5 days paired with balance training. Linear and nonlinear approaches were used to analyze postural sway changes pre-and post-intervention. Postural sway fluctuation, functional balance assessment using the Berg balance scale, and timed up-and-go test were conducted to compare the active and sham groups. Conclusion: This trial could have significant implications for balance rehabilitation after stroke in the ambulatory setting. If effective, this novel approach may improve rehabilitation protocol in this population.

Comparison of the prevalence of major transfusion-transmitted infections among Iranian blood donors using confidential unit exclusion in an Iranian population: Transfusion-transmitted infections among Iranian blood donors.

BACKGROUND: Nucleic acid amplification testing is recommended for screening blood donations; however, they are not widely available in developing countries such as Iranian. Confidential unit exclusion (CUE) gives blood donors the opportunity to confidentially indicate whether their blood is or is not suitable for transfusion to others. Hoewever, its effectiveness in improving blood safety has recently been questioned by the blood banking community. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of CUE in Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data on transfusion-transmitted disease markers (HBs Ag, HCV Ab, HIV Ab, RPR) were extracted from a database of voluntary blood donations in 2006 at the Tehran Blood Transfusion Center. The prevalence of markers were compared between CUE-positive ("should not use") and CUE-negative ("can be used") donations. RESULTS: CUE-positive donations had significantly higher risk of HBV and HCV markers (odds ratio (95% confidence interval)7.5 (5.4-10.5) and 5.3 (2.5-11.3), respectively). No HIV or syphilis markers were detected in either group. CONCLUSIONS: CUE is an effective option for identifying donors with increased risk of HBV and HCV markers.

Predicting health-related quality of life by using a health promotion model among Iranian adolescent girls: a structural equation modeling approach.

Predicting the significant determinants of health-related quality of life through the application of structural equation modeling in adolescents has received little attention in the health education and health promotion literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between self-efficacy, barriers, social support, health-promoting lifestyle, and health-related quality of life among Iranian adolescent girls. Pender's health promotion model guided this study. This was a cross-sectional survey of 500 students who were recruited in Kashan, Iran. Their health-related quality of life was measured by using the Short Form Health Survey. A path analysis was conducted to predict the health-related quality of life determinants. The results indicated that 71% of the variance in health-related quality of life could be predicted by the variables. The results affirmed that self-efficacy was the most significant predictor of the students' health-related quality of life. It was concluded that interventions that are aimed at improving self-efficacy can lead to the enhancement of health-related quality of life among adolescent girls in the developing country of Iran.