An oral toxicity assessment of a mosquito larvicidal transgenic algae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) using adult Zebrafish and its embryos.

Mosquito-borne diseases pose a global health threat, with pathogens like Malaria, Dengue fever, and others transmitted by mosquitoes. Our study focuses on evaluating the toxicity of genetically engineered mosquito larvicidal algae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) to non-target organisms, specifically Zebrafish. We conducted a 90-day experiment, feeding Zebrafish different combinations of larvicidal algae and commercial fish feed. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in mortality, allergenicity, or moribundity among groups. Hematology, molecular analysis, and necropsy showed no physiological differences. Our findings indicate that the transgenic algae (TN72.cry11Ba) had no adverse effects on adult Zebrafish or their larvae. This study confirmed the safety of algae on non-target organisms, such as zebrafish.

Comparative effects of Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique on pain and functional disability in patients with thoracic myofascial pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic myofascial pain syndrome is a clinical problem arising from the muscles and soft tissues of thoracic region, which include the mid and upper back area. Risk factors associated with myofascial pain syndrome are muscle overuse and repetitive strain, poor posture, trauma or injury, emotional and psychological stresses. The management of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) typically involves a multidimensional approach that focuses on relieving pain, reducing muscle tension, and improving muscle function. Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique are also recommended for treating myofascial pain syndrome. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique on pain and functional disability in patients with thoracic myofascial pain syndrome. METHODS: It was a randomized clinical trial conducted on thirty patients. It was carried out in physiotherapy outpatient department of D.H.Q Hospital, Kasur. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Data collection was done from the patients of thoracic myofascial pain syndrome by using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain and Pain Disability Questionnaire (PDQ) for functional disability. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups using computer generated random number method. Group A received Bowen therapy, and group B received tennis ball technique. Outcome measures were measured at baseline, after second week treatment session and after fourth week with three sessions in a week on alternate days. Data analysis was done by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. RESULTS: There was significant difference between the mean values of NPRS and PDQ in both groups at baseline, second week and fourth week with p value < 0.05. The results indicated that both treatments were significant but Bowen therapy is more effective treatment than tennis ball technique. Within-group difference calculated with repeated-measure ANOVA indicated that there was significant difference from pre- to post-values of both groups. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that Bowen therapy produced statistically significant and clinically relavant results for all the outcome measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (IRCT20190717044238N7).

Translation and validation of urdu version short form-mcgill pain questionnaire-2.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is one of the most common complaints affecting many individuals. The McGill Pain Questionnaire is used in various clinical settings to assess different types of pain and one of the most extensively used outcomes measures for pain in the world. The purpose of this study was to translate and validate the original English version of the SF-MPQ-2 into Urdu (SF-MPQ-2-U). METHODS: For this study, Mapi Research Trust protocols were followed for the forward and backward translation. Test-retest reliability was used to assess the reliability. Cronbach's alpha and Omega was used to determine internal consistency. Pearson's correlation was used to evaluate convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was also conducted. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha for SF-MPQ-2-U was 0.73 to 0.79, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Omega score for the SF-MPQ-U were 0.918. The ICC varied from 0.799 to 0.878 for domains of SF-MPQ-2-U. The CFA of the SF-MPQ-2-U met model fit indices with GFI and NFI > 0.90. The inter-scale correlation between baseline and re-test data was from 0.63 to 0.71, indicating a positive and strong correlation. The SF-MPQ-2-U and ODI-U had a baseline correlation of 0.547. The correlation of SF-MPQ-2-U & VAS at baseline data was 0.558. Pearson's correlation between subscales was r = 0.253 with p 0.01, which was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The SF-MPQ-2-U is considered to have good convergent validity at inter scale and between two scale levels. Reliability was checked by test-retest reliability, Internal consistency was checked using Cronbach's alpha and Omega that showed good internal consistency for measuring different types of pain in patients with low back pain who speak Urdu. To make the questionnaire more valid and reliable, it is recommended for the researchers to do in-depth research on larger sample size.

Effect of physical therapy treatment in infants treated for congenital muscular torticollis - a narrative review.

Congenital muscular torticollis is a problem that arises at birth or immediately after birth in which the sternocleidomastoid muscle is shortened on the afflicted side, leading to an ipsilateral rotated of the head and a contralateral rotation of the face and jaw. To determine the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment in infants treated for congenital muscular torticollis, relevant articles published between 2011 and 2020 were located using electronic databases. A total of 9 studies out of 24 potentially relevant articles were reviewed. All studies were randomised controlled trials with 6-8 score on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (Pedro scale) which showed high quality of methodology. The studies typically found significant statistical effects in the management of congenital muscular torticollis. Additionally, most of the studies reported increased adherence to exercise as another essential advantage. Conservative physical therapy management showed positive outcomes, and early physiotherapy referral showed significant reduction in treatment duration.

Reliability of modified-modified Schober's test for the assessment of lumbar range of motion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the intra-rater reliability of modified-modified Schober's test for measuring lumbar flexion and extension in patients of lumbar radiculopathy. METHODS: The case-control reliability study was conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from March to September 2020, and comprised lumbar radiculopathy patients of either gender aged 35-60 years in group A and healthy controls in group B. Lumbar flexion and extension were measured by the same examiner on three different occasions. A non-stretching measuring tape was used in which the first two measurements were taken using the modified-modified Schober's test on the same day with a difference of 5 minutes, and the third measurement was taken three days later to assess reliability. To assess the test-retest reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated through two-way random analysis of variance. Standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were also calculated. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: Of the 40 subjects, 20(50%) were in group A with a mean age of 45.00±6.72 years, and 20(50%) were in group B with a mean age of 49.60±6.65 years. Overall, there were 16(40%) male and 24(60%) female subjects. Within-day lumbar flexion and extension measurements were highly reliable in controls (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.93 for flexion and 0.96 for extension) as well as in patients (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.94 for flexion and 0.95 for extension). The high values of intraclass correlation coefficient 0.91 for flexion and 0.94 for extension in the controls and 0.83 for flexion and 0.92 for extension in the patients showed high reliability also for between-days measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The modified-modified Schober's test appeared to be a highly reliable technique for the measurement of lumbar flexion and extension in patients of lumbar radiculopathy as well as in healthy controls.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric properties of the Urdu version of Rand Short Form 36-item survey (SF-36) among patients with lumbar radiculopathy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although Rand Short Form 36-item (SF-36) questionnaire is a frequently used tool for evaluating a patient's quality of life in both clinical and research settings, but its translation into Urdu language and its psychometric properties has not been tested before, in accordance to the pre-established guidelines. This study aimed to translate and assess the psychometric properties of Urdu version of SF-36 (SF-36-U) in lumbar radiculopathy patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, one hundred and eight patients of lumbar radiculopathy filled SF-36-U questionnaire, Urdu version of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI-U) and visual analogue scales for pain (VAS pain) at baseline and after 7 days. Two types of reliability i.e. internal consistency and test-retest reliability while three types of validity i.e. face, content, and construct validity were evaluated. Psychometric properties were assessed contrary to the a priori hypothesis and alpha level was kept at < 0.05. RESULTS: SF-36-U presented good to excellent test-retest reliability for all eight domains (ICC2,1 = 0.75-0.92). Internal consistency was also acceptable for all domains (Cronbach's alpha = 0.73-0.90). Face and content validity were found to be good. Pearson correlation revealed moderate to strong correlations of SF-36-U domains with ODI-U (r = 0.43-0.54), VAS pain (r = 0.32-0.49) and each of its own question (r = 0.37-0.88) which shows good construct validity. CONCLUSION: SF-36-U revealed acceptable psychometric properties and is considered as a reliable and valid questionnaire for assessing the health-related quality of life in Urdu-speaking patients having lumbar radiculopathy.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of Urdu version of upper limb functional index; a validity and reliability study.

BACKGROUND: The upper limb functional index is broadly used outcome measure for musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb. The main objective of the study was to translate and validate the upper limb functional index (ULFI) outcome measure in the Urdu language. METHODS: Upper limb functional index was translated into Urdu language using Beaton et al. guidelines through forward and backward translation along with the expert committee reviews. Two fifty (n = 250) Urdu-speaking patients with sub-acute or chronic conditions of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders were included in the study. The mean age was 32.33 ± 4.67 years. The data were collected from the physical therapy department of The University of Lahore Teaching hospital. All participants completed the upper limb functional index-Urdu (ULFI-U), Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Quick Disability of arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDash), and (health survey) SF-12 at baseline while only ULFI-U at day three. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability by intra-class correlation (ICC). Content validity was measured by Lynn and Lawshee method. Spearman's correlation has been used to measure criterion validity. The construct validity was measured through hypothesis testing. The structural validity has been explained through factor analysis by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using Maximum likelihood extraction (MLE) with Promax rotation. RESULTS: The English version of ULFI was translated into the Urdu language with minor alterations. The Urdu version ULFI has demonstrated high levels of reliability with intra-class correlation (ICC2,1= 0.91) and Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.94). The content validity index found as 0.808, the criterion validity for ULFI-U correlating with quick Dash was found excellent (r = 0.845) and ULFI-U established strong correlation with 6 domains of SF-12(r = 0.697 to 0.767) and weak correlation with its 2 domains and NPRS(r = 0.520). A two-factor structure was obtained using EFA. CONCLUSIONS: The ULFI-U is a valid and reliable patient-reported outcome (PRO) that can be used to assess upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in Urdu-speaking patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the U. S National Library on clinicaltrial.gov under registration no. NCT05088096 . (Date: 21/10/2021).

Novel Carboxylic Acid-Capped Silver Nanoparticles as Antimicrobial and Colorimetric Sensing Agents.

The present work reports the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activities of adipic acid-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs@AA) and their utilization for selective detection of Hg2+ ions in an aqueous solution. The AgNPs were synthesized by the reduction of Ag+ ions with NaBH4 followed by capping with adipic acid. Characterization of as-synthesized AgNPs@AA was carried out by different techniques, including UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and zeta potential (ZP). In the UV-Vis absorption spectrum, the characteristic absorption band for AgNPs was observed at 404 nm. The hydrodynamic size of as-synthesized AgNPs was found to be 30 ± 5.0 nm. ZP values (-35.5 ± 2.4 mV) showed that NPs possessed a negative charge due to carboxylate ions and were electrostatically stabilized. The AgNPs show potential antimicrobial activity against clinically isolated pathogens. These AgNPs were found to be selectively interacting with Hg2+ in an aqueous solution at various concentrations. A calibration curve was constructed by plotting concentration as abscissa and absorbance ratio (AControl - AHg/AControl) as ordinate. The linear range and limit of detection (LOD) of Hg2+ were 0.6-1.6 µM and 0.12 µM, respectively. A rapid response time of 4 min was found for the detection of Hg2+ by the nano-probe. The effect of pH and temperature on the detection of Hg2+ was also investigated. The nano-probe was successfully applied for the detection of Hg2+ from tap and river water.

Effects of non-surgical decompression therapy in addition to routine physical therapy on pain, range of motion, endurance, functional disability and quality of life versus routine physical therapy alone in patients with lumbar radiculopathy; a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar radiculopathy is an extensively common complaint reported by patients of low back pain (LBP), resulting in several impairments. A comparatively novel technique, non-surgical spinal decompression (NSD), is introduced, which uses a sensitive computerized feedback mechanism and decompresses the spinal nerve roots through segmental distraction. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of NSD therapy in addition to routine physical therapy on pain, lumbar range of motion (ROM), functional disability, back muscle endurance (BME), and quality of life (QOL) in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. METHODS: A total of sixty patients with lumbar radiculopathy were randomly allocated into two groups, an experimental (n = 30) and a control (n = 30) group, through a computer-generated random number table. Baseline values were recorded before providing any treatment by using a visual analogue scale (VAS), Urdu version of Oswestry disability index (ODI-U), modified-modified Schober's test (MMST), prone isometric chest raise test, and Short Form 36-Item Survey (SF-36) for measuring the pain at rest, functional disability, lumbar ROM, BME, and QOL, respectively. All patients received twelve treatment sessions over 4 weeks, and then all outcome measures were again recorded. RESULTS: By using the ANCOVA test, a statistically significant (p < 0.05) between-group improvement was observed in VAS, ODI-U, BME, lumbar ROM, role physical (RP), and bodily pain (BP) domains of SF-36, which was in favour of NSD therapy group. The between-group difference was 1.07 ± 0.32 cm (p < .001) for VAS, 5.65 ± 1.48 points (p < .001) for ODI-U, 13.93 ± 5.85 s (p = 0.002) for BME, 2.62 ± 0.27 cm (p < .001) for lumbar flexion, 0.96 ± 0.28 (p < .001) for lumbar extension, 5.77 ± 2.39 (p = 0.019) for RP and 6.33 ± 2.52 (p = 0.016) for BP domain of SF-36. For these outcomes, a medium to large effect size (d = 0.61-2.47, 95% CI: 0.09-3.14) was observed. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that a combination of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy with routine physical therapy is more effective, statistically and clinically, than routine physical therapy alone in terms of improving pain, lumbar range of motion, back muscle endurance, functional disability, and physical role domain of quality of life, in patients with lumbar radiculopathy, following 4 weeks of treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: WHO Iranian registry of clinical trials ( IRCT20190717044238N1 ) Dated: 23.12.2019.

Urdu version of Oswestry disability index; a reliability and validity study.

BACKGROUND: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is broadly used in clinical and research settings for assessing the disability level in patients with lumbar radiculopathy but it has not been translated into Urdu language according to the pre-established translation guidelines as well as the validity and reliability of ODI Urdu version has not been tested yet. The aim of this study was to translate ODI in native Urdu language (ODI-U) according to recommended guidelines and to measure its psychometric properties in Urdu speaking patients suffering from lumber radiculopathy. METHODS: Out of 108 participants, 54 were healthy (who filled ODI-U) and 54 were patients of lumber radiculopathy. The patients were administered through ODI-U, visual analogue scales for disability (VAS disability), pain intensity (VAS pain) and SF-36 at baseline and after 3 days. Reliability was investigated through test-retest method, internal consistency, standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC). ODI-U was assessed for exploratory factor analysis, construct (convergent and discriminative) validity and content validity. Alpha level < 0.05 was considered statistically significant and psychometric standards were evaluated contrary to priori hypothesis. RESULTS: ODI-U revealed excellent test-retest reliability for total score (ICC2,1 = 0.95) and for all item (ICC2,1 = 0.72-0.98). Cronbach's alpha of 0.89 showed excellent internal consistency and moderate correlation between ODI-U total score and each item through spearman's correlation coefficient (r = 0.51-0.76). One factor structure was created, explaining 52.5% variance. There was no floor and ceiling effect of total ODI-U score. Content validity was assessed through conducting interviews with patients and incorporating expert's opinions. The discriminative validity was measured by independent sample t-test, where significant difference between healthy and patients (P < 0.001) was observed. The convergent validity was evaluated through Pearson's correlation showing moderate positive correlation of ODI-U with VAS pain (r = 0.49) and VAS disability (r = 0.51) but moderate negative correlation with all SF-36 domains (r = - 0.43to - 0.63). CONCLUSION: ODI-U showed adequate psychometric properties. ODI-U was found to be a reliable and a valid tool to measure the level of disability in Urdu-speaking patients with lumber radiculopathy.

Novel genetic therapeutic approaches for modulating the severity of ß-thalassemia (Review).

Thalassemia is a genetic haematological disorder that arises due to defects in the α and ß-globin genes. Worldwide, 0.3-0.4 million children are born with haemoglobinopathies per year. Thalassemic patients, as well as their families, face various serious clinical, socio-economic, and psychosocial challenges throughout their life. Different therapies are available in clinical practice to minimize the suffering of thalassemic patients to some extent and potentially cure the disease. Predominantly, patients undergo transfusion therapy to maintain their haemoglobin levels. Due to multiple transfusions, the iron levels in their bodies are elevated. Iron overload results in damage to body organs, resulting in heart failure, liver function failure or endocrine failure, all of which are commonly observed. Certain drugs have been developed to enhance the expression of the γ-gene, which ultimately results in augmentation of fetal haemoglobin (HbF) levels and total haemoglobin levels in the body. However, its effectiveness is dependent on the genetic makeup of the individual patient. At present, allogeneic haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) is the only practically available option with a high curative rate. However, the outcome of HSCT is strongly influenced by factors such as age at transplantation, irregular iron chelation history before transplantation, histocompatibility, and source of stem cells. Gene therapy using the lentiglobin vector is the most recent method for cure without any mortality, graft rejection and clonal dominance issues. However, delayed platelet engraftment is being reported in some patients. Genome editing is a novel approach which may be used to treat patients with thalassemia; it makes use of targeted nucleases to correct the mutations in specific DNA sequences and modify the sequence to the normal wild-type sequence. To edit the genome at the required sites, CRISPR/Cas9 is an efficient and accurate tool that is used in various genetic engineering programs. Genome editing mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 has the ability to restore the normal ß-globin function with minimal side effects. Using CRISPR/Cas9, expression of BCL11A can be downregulated along with increased production of HbF. However, these genome editing tools are still under in-vitro trials. CRISPR/Cas9 has can be used for precise transcriptional regulation, genome modification and epigenetic editing. Additional research is required in this regard, as CRISPR/Cas9 may potentially exhibit off-target activity and there are legal and ethical considerations regarding its use.

To compare the effectiveness of constraint induced movement therapy versus motor relearning programme to improve motor function of hemiplegic upper extremity after stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of constraint induced movement therapy versus motor relearning programme to improve motor function of hemiplegic upper extremity after stroke. METHOD: A sample of 42 patients was recruited from the Physiotherapy Department of IPM&R and Neurology OPD of Civil Hospital Karachi through non probability purposive sampling technique. Twenty one patients were placed to each experimental and control groups. Experimental group was treated with Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and control group was treated with motor relearning programme (MRP) for three consecutive weeks. Pre and post treatment measurements were determined by upper arm section of Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) and Self Care item of Functional Independence Measure (FIM) Scale. RESULTS: Intra group analysis showed statistically significant results (p-value<0.05) in all items of MAS in both groups. However, advanced hand activities item of MAS in MRP group showed insignificant result (p-value=0.059). Self-care items of FIM Scale also showed significant result (p-value< 0.05) in both groups except dressing upper body item (p-value=0.059) in CIMT group and grooming and dressing upper body items (p-value=0.059 & 0.063) in MRP group showed insignificant p-values. CONCLUSION: CIMT group showed more significant improvement in motor function and self-care performance of hemiplegic upper extremity as compared to MRP group in patients with sub-acute stroke assessed by the MAS and FIM scales. Thus CIMT is proved to be more statistically significant and clinically effective intervention in comparison to motor relearning programme among the patients aged between 35-60 years. Further studies are needed to evaluate CIMT effects in acute and chronic post stroke population.