Conclusion The results support our hypothesis – that sensory innervation has an impact on the inorganic component of the mandibular bone.Objective To explore the expression of miR-204 in patients with Osteoarthritis (OA) and its effect on chondrocytes. Methods Cartilage tissues of patients with OA, and normal cartilage tissues of patients receiving emergent traumatic amputation were collected. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to quantify the expressions of miRNAs. Chondrocytes of patients with OA were isolated, cultured, and transfected with miR-204 mimics or miR-204 inhibitor, and cell models of over-expression and knockdown of miR-204 were constructed. MTT assay, clone formation test, trypan blue staining, and TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining were used to detect the effect of overexpression or knockdown of miR-204 on viability, proliferation, survival rate and apoptosis of chondrocytes. Results miR-204 expression increased significantly in cartilage tissue of patients with OA. Results of MTT assay, clone formation test, and trypan blue staining showed that the over-expression of miR-204 inhibited the viability, proliferation, and survival rate, as well as promoted the apoptosis of chondrocytes. Whereas the knockdown of miR-204 improved the viability, proliferation, and survival rate of chondrocytes. Conclusion The expression of miR-204 increased significantly in patients with OA and played a damaging role in chondrocytes. The knockdown of miR-204 may provide new approaches for clinical treatment of OA.Objective This study evaluated whether the use of kinesio taping (KT) would enhance the effect of physical therapy in relieving pain, improving muscle endurance, and boosting functional capacity in adolescents with hemophilia who experience low back pain. Methods Forty-five adolescents with hemophilia (age; 10-13 years) assigned randomly into three treatment arms; KT applied paraspinal alongside a physical exercise program conducted three times/week for three successive months (KT group; n=15), placebo taping plus physical exercise (Placebo group; n=15), or physical exercise only (Control group; n=15). selleck kinase inhibitor Lower back pain, back muscle endurance, and functional capacity assessed pre- and post-treatment. Results Lower back pain reduced significantly in the KT group as compared to the control group (P=.001), but not to the placebo group (P=.19). Back muscle endurance increased significantly in the KT group relative to either the placebo (P=.004) or the control group (P=.043). Additionally, functional capacity improved significantly in the KT group as compared to the control (P=.039) group but not to the placebo group (P=.58). Conclusion KT is an effective adjunctive therapy to reduce lower back pain, improve back muscle endurance, and enhance functional capacity in adolescents with hemophilia.Objectives Postural control and hand dexterity are significantly impaired in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Aquatic interventions may have additional benefits in the treatment of pwMS. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of two different aquatic exercises on postural control and hand function. Methods Thirty pwMS, relapsing-remitting type were randomly divided into a Halliwick (Hallw) and an Aquatic Plyometric Exercise (APE) group. The Limits of Stability test was used to evaluate postural control using the Biodex Balance System. The Nine-Hole Peg Test was used to evaluate hand dexterity. Both exercise interventions were performed twice a week for 8 weeks, in a pool with a depth of 120 cm and water temperature of 30-31°C. Results Limits of stability improved significantly in both groups (p less then 0.05) and Hallw group completed the test in a significantly shorter time (p less then 0.05). Hand dexterity improved significantly in both groups (p less then 0.01). Following intergroup analysis, Hallw group showed significantly higher improvement in hand dexterity and overall limits of stability test score (p less then 0.05). Conclusions This study provides evidence that both Halliwick and APE are effective to treat balance and hand dexterity. This paper is the first evidence on APE for pwMS and showed that it is safe and improved trunk control and hand dexterity.Objectives To examine the effect of sensorimotor and gait training on proprioception, nerve function, and muscle activation in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) patients. Methods Thirty-eight (25 male and 13 female) participants with DPN were selected and randomly allocated to intervention and control group. Participants in the intervention group were provided sensorimotor and gait training for eight weeks (3 days/week) along with diabetes and foot care education; participants in the control group received diabetes and foot care education only. Outcome measures involved proprioception, nerve conduction studies of peroneal and tibial nerve, and activation of lower limb muscles and multifidus while standing with eyes open and eyes closed, and treadmill walking. Results Mixed ANOVA revealed significant time effect and time×group interaction of proprioception in all four directions (p less then 0.05). The conduction velocity of peroneal nerve revealed significant time effect (p=0.007) and time×group interaction (p=0.022). Interaction effect was found to be significant for medial gastrocnemius and multifidus while standing with eyes open as well as with eyes closed (p≤0.004). Only multifidus showed significant group (p=0.002) and interaction effect (p=0.003) during walking. Conclusions Sensorimotor and gait training is an effective tool for improvement of proprioception and nerve function. It benefits muscle activation around ankle and multifidus during postural control and walking in DPN patients. Clinical Trials Registry – India, National Institute of Medical Statistics (Indian Council of Medical Research) Registration Number – CTRI/2017/08/009328.Objectives Stroke is a serious condition that leads to disability and death, which affects around 16 million people worldwide each year. The considerable loss of function after stroke is likely to impede walking ability. The current study was to understand the practices of physical therapists in Saudi Arabia and their perspectives on treatment to improve walking capacity after stroke. Methods This prospective cross-sectional survey was conducted using a 12-item, semistructured questionnaire, which included demographic characteristics and physical therapy practices. The questionnaires were distributed as hard copies to physical therapists working in Saudi Arabia and were asked to return the forms after completion. Totally 191 respondents from 18 institutions in Saudi Arabia completed the survey and were included in the analysis. Results There was comparable agreement from respondents regarding the use of ankle foot orthosis (84.8%). The use of walking aids was supported more by physical therapists with higher qualifications (post-graduates=40%, doctorates=55.