Effects of dry needling and exercise therapy on post-stroke spasticity and motor function- protocol of randomized clinical trial.

Background: Spasticity is one of the most common problems after the first stroke. Dry needling (DN) has been presented as a new therapeutic approach used by physiotherapists for the management of post-stroke spasticity. This study aimed to determine whether the addition of exercise therapy to the DN results in better outcomes in wrist flexors spasticity, motor neuron excitability, motor function and range of motion (ROM) in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: We will use a single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) in accordance with the CONSORT guidelines. A total of 24 patients with stroke will be included from the University Rehabilitation Clinics. The outcome measures will include Modified Modified Ashworth Scale, Hmax/Mmax ratio, H-reflex latency, Action Research Arm Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and wrist extension active and passive range of motion. Patients in the DN and exercise therapy group will undergo 4 sessions of deep DN in flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris muscles on the affected upper limb and exercise therapy. Participants in the DN group will only receive DN for target muscles. Clinical and neurophysiological tests will be performed at baseline, after four therapy sessions, and at three weeks’ follow-up. Discussion: This study will provide evidence for additional effects of exercise therapy to DN in comparison to DN alone on wrist flexors spasticity, motor neuron excitability, upper-limb motor function, and ROM in patients with chronic stroke

Evaluating the Magnolol Anticancer Potential in MKN-45 Gastric Cancer Cells

Background and Objectives: Combination therapy improves the effect of chemotherapy on tumor cells. Magnolol, used in treating gastrointestinal disorders, has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. We investigated the synergistic effect of cisplatin and magnolol on the viability and maintenance of MKN-45 gastric cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The toxicity of magnolol and/or cisplatin was determined using the MTT technique. The trypan blue method was used to test magnolol and/or cisplatin’s effect on MKN-45 cell growth. Crystal violet staining was used to assess the treated cells’ tendency for colony formation. The expression of genes linked to apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and cell migration was examined using the qPCR method. Results: According to MTT data, using magnolol and/or cisplatin significantly reduced cell viability. The ability of the treated cells to proliferate and form colonies was also reduced considerably. Magnolol and/or cisplatin treatment resulted in a considerable elevation in Bax expression. However, the level of Bcl2 expression was dramatically reduced. p21 and p53 expression levels were significantly increased in the treated cells, while MMP-9 expression was significantly reduced. Conclusions: These findings show that magnolol has a remarkable anti-tumor effect on MKN-45 cells. In combination with cisplatin, magnolol may be utilized to overcome cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells

Effects of Flaxseed oil supplementation on renal dysfunction due to ischemia/reperfusion in rat

Introduction: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of treatment with flaxseed oil (FSO) on renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR) injuries in rats. Materials and methods: In this study, 32 Wistar rats were randomly studied in four groups: Co+NS (Control group with normal saline administration), Sh+NS (sham group with normal saline administration), RIR+NS and RIR+FSO. FSO (0.2 ml) was administered orally (gavage) for 14 days (~ 800 mg/kg body weight).  Blood samples were collected for the detection of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels.  Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluated in the renal tissue. Tubular damages were examined using histopathological studies. Results: Significantly elevated MDA (P<0.05) and depressed SOD levels (P<0.05) Comparison between RIR+NS group and Control+NS and Sh+NS groups revealed in the condition of RIR. Treatment with FSO, however, significantly lowered the MDA (P<0.05) and enhanced SOD levels (P<0.05) after RIR injury. Histopathological results confirmed the biochemical studies and tubular necrosis score was reduced in the RIR+FSO group. Conclusion: This study therefore suggests that the aqueous flaxseed oil may be useful agents for the prevention of renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR)-induced oxidative injury in rats