Enhancing Cardiovascular Health and Functional Recovery in Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Stroke-Specific and Cardiac Rehabilitation Protocols for Optimized Rehabilitation

Background: Stroke is a major contributor to disability and mortality globally. It leads to physical impairments, including weakness and cardiovascular deconditioning, posing significant challenges to stroke survivors’ quality of life. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has shown promise as a rehabilitation strategy. This study aims to assess and compare the impacts of stroke-specific rehabilitation and individualized cardiac rehabilitation exercises on various health parameters in stroke patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 38 stroke patients aged 40–75 years. Group A received stroke-specific rehabilitation, which consisted of a combination of range of motion exercises, strength training for the paralyzed side, balance and coordination training, gait training, functional mobility exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, and breathing exercises. This program was conducted five days per week for 12 weeks. Group B received individually designed cardiac rehabilitation exercises, in addition to stroke-specific rehabilitation. They engaged in this exercise for at least 30–45 min per day, four days per week, and incorporated two days of resistive training over a 12-week period. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included measures of cardiac autonomic function, balance (Berg Balance Scale), mobility (Timed Up and Go Test), cardiovascular fitness indicators, respiratory parameters, exercise efficiency, and perceived exertion. Results: Group B receiving individualized cardio rehab showed significant improvements in balance and mobility compared to Group A receiving conventional stroke-specific rehab. Moreover, Group B exhibited enhanced cardiovascular fitness, respiratory performance, exercise efficiency, and autonomic function post-intervention. Notably, Group A displayed no significant improvements in these parameters. Conclusions: Individualized cardiac rehabilitation exercises demonstrated favorable outcomes in improving certain health parameters, highlighting the potential benefits of individualized rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients.The publication of this article is funded by College of Nursing, QU-Health, Qatar University

A Novel Non-invasive Technique of Measuring Bilirubin Levels Using BiliCapture

Objectives: In preterm infants, hyperbilirubinemia is common and can impair the central nervous system. The tests available for measuring bilirubin is to collect blood from heel pricking and occasionally taking blood samples from inserted cannulas, which is painful. Therefore, there is a need to develop a non-invasive device to detect bilirubin levels in newborns and interpret the severity of jaundice. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 100 neonates. Patient data was collected between June 2015 and December 2016 from King Khalid Hospital at Al-Majma’ah, Saudi Arabia, and Alpine Hospital, Gurgaon, India. The mean gestational age of neonates was 39.0 weeks. Total bilirubin was measured using a transcutaneous bilirubinometer on the forehead and obtaining optical imaging through scanning of conjunctiva of eyes, also referred to as BiliChek and BiliCapture, respectively. Later the blood samples were obtained from these patients and tested in the laboratory to determine total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels. Results: The concentration of bilirubin as measured from serum, BiliChek, and BiliCapture were 10.7±2.0, 11.6±2.7, and 13.1±2.3 mg/dL, respectively. Correlation was high between TSB and BiliChek (r2 = 0.88) and between TSB and BiliCapture (r2 = 0.73). The Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement when comparing bilirubin values for both BiliChek and BiliCapture devices. Bilirubin measurement was further checked for the sensitivity and specificity and was 88.0% and 76.0% using BiliChek and 92.0% and 75.6% using BiliCapture, respectively. Conclusions: The optical imaging of conjunctiva for bilirubin assay is a safe alternative to a laboratory bilirubin assay and transcutaneous bilirubinometer BiliChek

Lipid-Based Nano-Formulation Development to Enhance Oral Bioavailability of Weakly Aqueous-Soluble Drug for Obesity and Hypertension

The most practical method of drug delivery is oral administration because it has a high rate of patient compliance. However, there are significant obstacles to effective oral medication delivery, including low drug enzymatic/metabolic stability and poor water solubility. Especially in the development of drug formulations for the treatment of obesity and hypertension. This research article aims to formulate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) of Fucoxanthin and Ramipril by the emulsification and ultrasonication methods. The nanoparticles size, polydispersity index, and the zeta potential, among other parameters, were computed. In addition, FT-IR analysis of compatibility tests between the SLNs and the loaded drug and in vitro drug release experiments were carried out. Lipid-based nano preparations have drawn plenty of interest as efficient vehicles to increase the oral bioavailability of these kinds of medications. We observed that lipid nanoparticles, have enhanced the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs used for obesity and hypertension. Provided the above information, formulated SLNs should be further investigated using cutting-edge scientific methodologies to improve its bioavailability

Elevating athletic performance: Maximizing strength and power in long jumpers through combined low-intensity blood flow restriction and high-intensity resistance training

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low-intensity blood flow restriction (BFR) training and high-intensity resistance training (HI-RT) on the leaping performance of long- jumpers. Materials and methods: Long jump players were divided into two groups; one group (group A) receiving HI-RT (n = 8) and the other group (group B) receiving combined low-intensity BFR training plus HI-RT (n = 8). Muscle power and knee muscle strength was assessed at baseline, 3 weeks and 6 weeks of intervention. Results: 1-RM was found to be significantly different between Group A and Group B at 3 and 6 weeks. Further, IKDQR, IKDHR and IKDQL was significantly improved in group B as compared to group A both at 3 and 6 weeks. There was significant time effect, group effect and time-group interaction in the strength of quadriceps and hamstring of both left and right leg measured through isokinetic device. Post-hoc analysis for 1-RM in group B showed a significant improvement at baseline and 6 weeks and the broad jump was significant at baseline and 3 weeks and at baseline and 6 weeks. Conclusion: The combined effects of low-intensity BFR training and HI-RT is effective in improving the muscle strength and power of lower limbs in long jumpers

Elevating athletic performance : Maximizing strength and power in long jumpers through combined low-intensity blood flow restriction and high-intensity resistance training

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low-intensity blood flow restriction (BFR) training and high-intensity resistance training (HI-RT) on the leaping performance of long-jumpers. Materials and methods: Long jump players were divided into two groups; one group (group A) receiving HI-RT (n = 8) and the other group (group B) receiving combined low-intensity BFR training plus HI-RT (n = 8). Muscle power and knee muscle strength was assessed at baseline, 3 weeks and 6 weeks of intervention. Results: 1-RM was found to be significantly different between Group A and Group B at 3 and 6 weeks. Further, IKDQR, IKDHR and IKDQL was significantly improved in group B as compared to group A both at 3 and 6 weeks. There was significant time effect, group effect and time-group interaction in the strength of quadriceps and hamstring of both left and right leg measured through isokinetic device. Post-hoc analysis for 1-RM in group B showed a significant improvement at baseline and 6 weeks and the broad jump was significant at baseline and 3 weeks and at baseline and 6 weeks. Conclusion: The combined effects of low-intensity BFR training and HI-RT is effective in improving the muscle strength and power of lower limbs in long jumpers

Effect of traditional plant medicines (Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Syzygium cumini) on oxidative stress and insulin resistance in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Many traditional plants have been used to fight life-threatening diseases such as diabetes. These plants have been shown to possess antioxidant activities, improving the diabetes inconveniences. Wister albino rats became diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ) induction. The effect of 200 mg/kg ethanolic extracts of either Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark (CZ) or Syzygium cumini seeds (SC) was investigated on STZ-induced diabetic rats. The impact of CZ or SC administration was observed. Blood glucose, insulin level, hemoglobin content, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions, and antioxidant enzymes in plasma were evaluated. Diabetic rats exhibited an increase in the levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol). In contrast, the levels of insulin and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) were diminished. The oral administration of CZ and SC showed a decrease in glucose level, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol, whereas an increase in insulin level and HDL-cholesterol were recorded. What’s more, the antioxidant enzymes in diabetic control rats showed significantly abnormal activities of low superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxide (GPx) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) compared to treated diabetic rats. Also, in the extent of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Both CZ and SC possessed antioxidant activity as shown by elevated SOD and GPx activities and reduction in LPO. CZ and SC are functioning to improve the level of insulin, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and kidney and liver dysfunctions in STZ-induced diabetic rats

Menopausal obesity: A contributory negligence

This narrative review paper aims at highlighting the menopausal obesity-related health problems in women, their effects on physical and mental health, the mechanism of its development and its impact on the functionality of the female hormones. Furthermore, we also try to understand the lifestyle behaviour patterns that cause deleterious health consequences, thus disrupting the production of estrogen and increasing hyperandrogenaemia (high levels of androgens) in postmenopausal females. Also, we have addressed some healthier lifestyle alternatives and the use of hormonal substitution treatment, if applicable. Menopause is characterized by a change in the hormonal structure in women, wherein, there is a rapid decline in estrogen levels, which is a major contributor to the central abdominal fat accumulation, reduction in subcutaneous fat and increase in total adiposity. Women after menopause are thus thrice as likely as premenopausal women to develop obesity and metabolic syndrome. There is a stark difference in the way the eastern and western societies perceive menopause.&nbsp

Role of physiotherapy in dealing with mental health challenges as a consequence of COVID 19: A review

The wide spread flare-up of COVID-19 corona virus infection, started in Wuhan city, Hubei province, China, spreading around various countries of the world, has the great impact on the mental health. Strategies have been adopted for issues in mental health and physiotherapy plays a vital role in upgrading the mental balance of individuals. Various published articles related to outbreak of COVID-19 and mental health have been reviewed from the databases to study the role or character of physical therapy in improving the mental health of people during this critical situation. Various mental issues arrived because of the outbreak of COVID-19 like anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia, fear etc. Physiotherapy plays an imperative role in treating mental health issues by working on the physical attributes of individuals

Altered alpha adrenergic vasoresponsiveness in a non-cirrhotic portal hypertension model of E. coli injection

Background and Aim: Portal hypertension is associated with decreased vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictors, which may contribute to the hyperdynamic circulation in cirrhosis. Animal models of cirrhosis and portal vein ligation have helped in our understanding of portal hypertension. The etiopathogenesis of non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF), a common cause of portal hypertension, is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiology of NCPF in a rabbit model. Methods: An indwelling cannula was inserted into the gastrosplenic vein of rabbits. Animals were randomly injected with saline (Group I, n = 13) or lipopolysaccharide (Group II, n = 13) from heat killed Escherichia coli at 0, 1, 2, 7, 14 and 28 days. Portal pressure was measured at 3 months and vasoresponsiveness studied in isolated aortic rings in intact and in endothelium-denuded tissues from both groups. Results: In all group II compared with group I animals, the splenic weight (0.89 ± 0.16 vs 0.62 ± 0.1 g, P &lt; 0.05) and the portal pressure (14.99 ± 0.56 vs 7.04 ± 0.42 mmHg, P &lt; 0.05) were higher at 3 months. The group II animals showed reduced responsiveness to phenylephrine showing maximal contraction of 1.25 ± 0.08 at 10<SUP>-4</SUP> mol/L as compared to 2.85 ± 0.33 g tension in Group I (P &lt; 0.05). Endothelium denudation of aortic rings had no effect on reduced reactivity in Group II animals. Acetylcholine induced an increase in vasorelaxation at lower concentrations in preconstricted aortic rings in Group II compared to Group I animals, but this decreased in higher concentrations. Nifedipine produced comparable vasodilatation in preconstricted rings in both the groups of animals. Conclusions: Repeated injection of lipopolysaccharide into the gastrosplenic vein leads to the development of portal hypertension. This non-cirrhotic model of portal hypertension is characterized by generalized arterial hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictors akin to other models of portal hypertension

Effect of Manual Therapies on Parameters of Postconcussion Symptoms Recovery: A Systematic Review

Objectives: Postconcussion syndrome (PCS) results from an injury to the head, leading to loss of consciousness. It includes symptoms like fatigue, headache, dizziness, and difficult concentration. PCS is frequently seen among athletes, and its treatment is still controversial. This systematic review aims to study the impact of manual therapies on recovery from postconcussion syndrome. Methods: A systematic search was performed using three databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Gate) from 2011 to 2021. GRADE approach (grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation) was utilized to evaluate and appraise the quality of studies deemed eligible for this study. Results: A total of 5489 articles were identified. After undergoing the process of screening and review, only 7 articles were used in the systematic review. Data were extracted from these 7 articles (GRADE rating very low to low). Discussion: Manual therapy is an intervention for treating postconcussion symptoms. More studies especially controlled trials with randomization with greater sample sizes, are required to confirm the existing findings