Objective: To compare the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on upper limb function recovery among patients who recently had stroke. Methods: Subjects with recent stroke (within 1 month) were randomized to rTMS (n=25) and tDCS (n=26) applied over the non-lesioned hemisphere for three sessions per week, followed by tailored upper limb rehabilitation training for a total of 2 weeks. The primary outcomes were changes in the Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), Fugl-Meyer arm score test, Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), hand grip strength, and modified Barthel Index at weeks 2 and 4. Both therapists responsible for training and assessment were blinded to the intervention allocated. Results: There was an improvement in all the motor performance scales among both groups (p<0.001). These improvements persisted at discharge. However, there was no significant difference in any of the assessment scales between the two groups. The rTMS group showed a statistically non-significant greater improvement in MAS, 9HPT, and handgrip strength than the tDCS group. Conclusion Both interventions produce a statistically significant improvement in upper limb function. There was no statistically significant difference between the two intervention methods with respect to motor performance. It is suggested that a larger study may help to clarify the superiority of either methods.

Adult ; Anticarcinogenic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Humans ; Interdisciplinary Communication ; Neoplasm Staging ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Treatment Outcome

No abstract available.
Aneurysm, False ; Carotid Artery Injuries*

Aims: Palm kernel cake (PKC) is a high-protein, high-energy food that is widely utilized in the animal feed business. However, the high fibre and limited amino acid content of untreated PKC were the main issues for it to be used as animal feed, particularly in non-ruminants. To improve the quality of PKC, this study combined the use of solid-state fermentation (SSF) and consortia of fungi and bacteria to treat the PKC. Methodology and results: Two fungi, Emericella nidulans (4DP5) and Cladosporium herbarum (7DF12) and three strains of bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, which were active mannanase producers, were used in different combinations to reduce the hemicellulose content and improve the crude protein content of PKC in a lab-scale solid-state fermentation. PKC inoculated separately with five types of mixed culture treatments were allowed to ferment. The fermentation conditions were 20% inoculum (w/v), 85-92% humidity, pH 7.0 and PKC particle size 0.8 mm. PKC treatments with two fungi, E. nidulans (4DP5) and C. herbarum (7DF12), as well as a fungus-bacterium combination, E. nidulans (4DP5) and B. subtilis, outperformed the other three treatments. The crude protein levels were increased by 3.34% and 1.86%, respectively, due to these treatments. Furthermore, the level of aflatoxins produced increased marginally but remained within the permissible limits. Conclusion, significance and impact of study The treated PKC has more sugar and crude protein and less than 20 parts per billion (ppb) of aflatoxin, making it appropriate for animal consumption. The SSF technique of combining fungi and Bacilli enhanced the nutritional and market value of PKC substantially, which can be upscaled.
Aspergillus nidulans ; Cladosporium ; Bacillus subtilis ; Palm Oil ; Fermentation

Introduction: Yakult contains Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS). It has several protective effects on our digestive system which include preventing diarrhoea and improving constipation. The objective of our study was to determine the effect of a single dose of Yakult on whole gut transit time (WGTT) among young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 73 students who did not have any gastrointestinal disorder was performed. Subjects were given 4 carbon pills as a visual indicator to measure their WGTT in the normal setting of their usual activities. They then repeated measurement while consuming one dose of commercially available Yakult and 4 carbon pills (visual indicator). In the 2 settings, subjects were instructed to consume carbon pills and carbon pills with Yakult within 1 hour after bowel motion. Results: The WGTT decreased in 48 of the 73 subjects (65.8%) after consuming Yakult. The mean WGTT was reduced by 4.4±14.6 hours. There was no significant effect of Yakult on the form of stools. Conclusion Yakult which contains Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) is well known for helping in digestion and preventing constipation. A single dose of Yakult produces a reduction in the WGTT.
Defecation ; Constipation