Short-term effect of acupuncture dry needle in treatment of chronic mechanical low back pain: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Objective: In today's industrialized world, between sixty and ninety percent of the working-age population experiences low back discomfort. Chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP), the most common ailment among working-age people in contemporary industrial society, causes a major economic burden due to the widespread use of medical services and the absence of work. For those suffering from persistent mechanical low back pain, this experiment aimed to assess the efficacy of using acupuncture dry needles in the short term.

From injury to rehabilitation: How kinesiology taping helps patients with first metatarsophalangeal joint sprain (turf toe) in pain reduction, gait parameters and functional ability improvement. A randomized clinical trial.

Objective: Turf toe is a common sports injury that may affect mobility and functional ability. For complete recovery, rehabilitation modalities are required to overcome these issues. This study investigated whether kinesio taping (KT) would reduce pain, improve gait performance, and enhance the functional capacity of turf toe patients undergoing physical therapy.

Effect of melatonin on reproductive function in propylthiouracil induced hypothyroidism in adult male rats.

Objective: Thyroid hormones are essential for regulating metabolism, reproduction, and growth. Hypothyroidism is connected with lower sperm count and motility, leading to male infertility. Oxidative stress is likely to be linked to this interaction.

Using a shortened uncuffed endotracheal tube as a nasopharyngeal airway: a useful adjunct during fiberoptic intubation training among anesthesia residents.

Background: Fiberoptic intubation (FOI) is considered a beneficial modality used to intubate life-threatening airway patients. This study aims at assessing the effectiveness of shortened uncuffed endotracheal tube as a nasopharyngeal airway during FOI.

Methods: Between January 2019 and March 2021, this prospective randomized controlled trial has enrolled 62 adult patients (56 males and 6 females) with normal airways scheduled for elective oral FOI classified American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA I-III), their age ranged 20-60 years.

Validity and reliability of Squegg device in measuring isometric handgrip strength.

Objective: The quantitative measurement of handgrip strength is important in assessing and charting the progress of patients with neuromuscular diseases. The aim of this research was to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and the validity of the Squegg digital dynamometer.

Subjects And Methods: Twenty-one females and nine male participants with an age range between 18 and 40 years volunteered for the study.

The effect of conjugated linoleic acids on inflammation, oxidative stress, body composition and physical performance: a comprehensive review of putative molecular mechanisms.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are polyunsaturated fatty acids primarily found in dairy products and ruminant animal products such as beef, lamb, and butter. Supplementation of CLAs has recently become popular among athletes due to the variety of health-promoting effects, including improvements in physical performance. Preclinical and some clinical studies have shown that CLAs can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and favorably modulate body composition and physical performance; however, the results of previously published clinical trials are mixed.

Virtual reality-based exercises' effects on pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life in children with repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Objective: The long-term consequences of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), which include altered lung functions and compromised cardiopulmonary capacity, impact functional performance and quality of life. This study investigates the effects of virtual reality-based exercise programs on pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life in children with repaired CDH.

Patients And Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed.

Awareness and knowledge of breast cancer rehabilitation among Saudi Arabia physical therapists.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the physical therapists' knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, treatment modalities, contraindications, and clinical guidelines.

Subjects And Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2020 to May 2021 in Saudi Arabia. The sample size was determined using the Raosoft sample size calculator, which indicated the need for 67 participants.

Role of virtual reality distraction technique to improve chest burns with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following smoke inhalation in middle-aged adults - A randomized controlled study.

Background: Burns of the chest region constitute a common burn and develops skin contractures around the thorax region. Inhalation of toxic gases and chemical irritants during the fire leads to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Breathing exercises are painful but are needed to help counteract contractures and increase lung capacity.

Radiotherapy-associated Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Pediatric Oncology Patients.

During the radiotherapeutic treatment of pediatric oncology patients, they would be at a latent risk of developing ionizing radiation-induced ototoxicity when the cochlea or auditory nerve is located within the radiation field. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is an irreversible late complication of radiotherapy, and its incidence depends on various factors such as the patient's hearing sensitivity, total radiation dose to the cochlea, radiotherapy fractionation regimen, age and chemoradiation. Importantly, this complication exhibits serious challenges to adult survivors of childhood cancer, as it has been linked to impairments in academic achievement, psychosocial development, independent living skills, and employment in the survivor population.

Oral Candidiasis of Tobacco Smokers: A Literature Review.

The mouth is a vital point of entry into the human body, the health of the mouth entails mental, physical as well as social well-being. Studying diseases, microbiota and environmental conditions of the mouth is important to maintain oral health and all body. The smoke of tobacco cigarettes is one of the worst habits that affect the health of the mouth and the body.

Hand hygiene practices among Jordanian nurses in Amman.

Background: Hand hygiene is a simple and effective practice that helps to reduce the spread of hospital-acquired infections. However, health care professionals' adherence to hand hygiene guidelines is low. The purpose of this study is to evaluate hand hygiene practices among Jordanian nurses working in hospitals.

The Knowledge of Palliative Care among Geriatric Home Staff in Jordan.

Background: Palliative care in nursing homes (NHS) is a major challenge, because it gives the demands of the knowledge and skills of nursing staff to provide high-quality care.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of palliative care among nursing home staff.

Methods: A descriptive study design was used, 124 nurses, aged over 30 years and most of them were male working in the nursing home in Jordan.

Evaluation of shoulder pain, disability, mobility, and quality of life in patients with adhesive capsulitis following suprascapular nerve block combined with low-intensity laser therapy.

Objective: Adhesive capsulitis is a common health concern affecting shoulder mobility, which targets around 5% of populations worldwide, consequently affecting their quality of life. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of combining suprascapular nerve block and low-power laser therapy on pain intensity, mobility, disability, and quality of life in adhesive capsulitis.

Patients And Methods: Between December 2021 and June 2022, 60 patients with adhesive capsulitis were enrolled in the study.

Effect of ultrasound-enhanced bee venom on selected post inguinal hernioplasty complications: a single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Bee venom (BV) phonophoresis has been recommended as a non-invasive treatment for a variety of inflammatory conditions and for reducing post-operative pain. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of bee venom phonophoresis around incisions and on selected acupuncture points for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and mobility of the hip following inguinal hernioplasty.

Patients And Methods: Sixty-six male patients who had acute pain and decreased mobility of the hip after having an indirect unilateral inguinal hernioplasty with a mesh participated in this study.

Pathogenic role of 25-hydroxycholesterol in cancer development and progression.

Cholesterol is an essential lipid that serves several important functions, including maintaining the homeostasis of cells, acting as a precursor to bile acid and steroid hormones and preserving the stability of membrane lipid rafts. 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC) is a cholesterol derivative that may be formed from cholesterol. 25-HC is a crucial component in various biological activities, including cholesterol metabolism.

Analyzing the influence of the combination of monochromatic infrared energy and tai chi exercise improve balance in community-dwelling older adults with lower-extremity disease: a double-blinded randomized controlled study.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a combination of MIRE exposure and Tai Chi exercise on balance and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults with lower-extremity disease (LED).

Patients And Methods: In this double-blinded randomized controlled study, 49 older adults were randomly allocated into the MIRE group (n=25), in which the participants were exposed to 30 min of MIRE and performed 40-45 min of Tai Chi exercise, three sessions/week; and the sham group (n=24), in which the participants only performed the Tai Chi exercise. We measured the ankle/brachial index (ABI), as well as scores of the Berg balance scale (BBS), Tinetti clinical scale (TCS), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) before and after 3-months of intervention.

Correlation between hamstring muscle tightness and incidence of low back pain in female students at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia.

Objective: The current study aimed at determining the difference in hamstring tightness between dominant and non-dominant legs and to detect the correlation between LBP and hamstring tightness.

Patients And Methods: One hundred females with hamstring tightness of at least 15 degrees have been included in the study. Hamstring shortening was examined by the Active Knee Extension test (AKE) and Straight Leg Raising test (SLR), whilst the functional disability' degree was measured by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

A comparative study between transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in the management of post-herpetic neuralgia of the sciatic nerve.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) versus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia of the sciatic nerve.

Methods: A double-blinded randomized clinical study has included 56 patients (18 males and 38 females). Participants were randomly and equally assigned into 2 groups.

The Effect of Melatonin on Analgesia, Anxiety, and Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in Cataract Surgery Under Topical Anesthesia.

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of oral melatonin as a premedication before cataract surgery on pain score, anxiety, surgical conditions, and intraocular pressure (IOP) during cataract surgery with phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia.

Design: This randomized, double-blind prospective study was conducted among 120 patients aged 50 to 80.

Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either sublingual melatonin 3 mg or placebo 60 min before surgery.

Concanavalin A as a promising lectin-based anti-cancer agent: the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential.

Concanavalin A (ConA), the most studied plant lectin, has been known as a potent anti-neoplastic agent for a long time. Since initial reports on its capacity to kill cancer cells, much attention has been devoted to unveiling the lectin's exact molecular mechanism. It has been revealed that ConA can bind to several receptors on cancerous and normal cells and modulate the related signaling cascades.

Effects of intermittent aerobic training on exercise capacity, pulmonary functions, and gait parameters in asthmatic children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: There is no evidence that exercise training program is effective in improving aerobic capacity, musculoskeletal abnormalities, and quality of life in asthmatic children with cerebral palsy (CP). Therefore, the effects of intermittent aerobic training on exercise capacity, pulmonary function, and gait parameters in asthmatic CP children have been evaluated in the current study.

Patients And Methods: This clinical trial included thirty-six asthmatic CP children between January and December 2021.

Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Pioglitazone on Parkinson's Disease: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Clinical and Experimental Findings.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). The pathogenesis of PD is strongly related to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. This indicates that PD can be treated with anti-oxidative substitutes and anti-inflammatory compounds.