Nanosensors in the detection of antihypertension drugs, a golden step for medication adherence monitoring.

Hypertension is associated with structural and functional changes in blood vessels with increased arteriosclerosis, vascular inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Decreased adherence (compliance) to antihypertensive medications contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients. Antihypertensive drugs (AHTDs) and lifestyle changes are the main cornerstones for treating hypertension. Several approaches have been described in the literature for determining AHTDs based on different analytical techniques. Amongst biosensors are one of the most attractive tools due to their inherent advantages. Biosensors are used for the detection of wide range of biomarkers as well as different drugs in past two decades. The main focus of the present study is to review the latest biosensors developed for the detection of AHTDs. Readers of the present study will be able to familiarize themselves with biosensors as advanced and modern diagnostic tools while reviewing the most widely used AHTDs. In the present study, the routine methods are first reviewed and while examining their advantages and disadvantages, biosensors have been introduced as ideal alternative tools.

Effect of virtual reality-based balance training in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: Balance and mobility impairments are common life-altering complications in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of a short-term virtual reality (VR)-based balance training program on the balance ability of patients with MS. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 30 patients with relapsing-remitting or secondary-progressive MS were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. The intervention group performed a balance training program [postural stability training program (PST)] using the Biodex Balance System SD. Subjects in both groups were assessed using the manual muscle test (MMT), timed 'up and go' (TUG) test, the modified Ashworth scale, the Romberg test, the Berg balance scale (BBS), and the fall risk and postural stability tests, at baseline and after 12  weeks. RESULTS: The TUG, fall risk index (FRi), and overall stability index (OSI) were significantly improved in the intervention group after 24 sessions of balance training. The changes in TUG, Fri, and OSi indices in the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group. DISCUSSION: According to the fall risk and postural stability tests results, the VR-based balance training program could improve the balance ability of the patients with MS.